The Rocky Mountains - Information on Banff, Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon was named after a prospector who discovered gold in the creek. Walter Camp pioneered the sightseeing trail from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls. Centrally located in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon is the ideal spot to stay while visiting the many attractions in the Banff/Lake Louise area from your cozy cabin or cottage.
Rocky Mountains Sightseeing
We are located on the Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic, relaxing drive, and home to a variety of wildlife that offers you a chance to view elk, deer, sheep, coyote, blackbear, and occasionally grizzly bears and wolves. Other species that live in the area, though rarely seen, are moose, cougar, and fox. Bird species include owl, osprey, eagle, and while on the canyon trail watch for the dipper, or water ouzel, a bird that loves fast moving water and will swim, dive, and even walk on the bottom of a stream when feeding. Also watch for the black swift that nests in the canyon walls. Johnston Canyon is one of only two known nesting sites for the bird species, in Alberta.
A short 25 minute drive east to Banff or west to Lake Louise takes you to a variety of activities such as swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, a ride in a gondola, or a short scenic hike. A visit to our neighboring parks of Kootenay, Yoho and Jasper is a must, to view and experience many more attractions. A drive up to the Columbia Icefields where you can actually go out on a glacier is a breathtaking experience.
\We recommend that you drop into the visitor centers of the mountain parks to gain more appreciation for the area you are in, and to obtain expert advice on specific interests.
Whatever your choice for the day, you will look forward to returning to your cabin, perhaps for dinner in our dining room, or an evening stroll up the trail, or maybe just sitting out on your cabin porch taking in your surroundings and planning the next day's adventure.
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Typical Banff Weather Conditions - Banff/Rocky Mountains Area
Johnston Canyon (Elevation 1449m/4710ft)
| Spring | mid-March to mid-May |
| Summer | mid May to mid-September |
| Autumn | mid-September to mid-November |
| Winter | mid-November to mid-March |
MAY Greater range of temperatures. Mid-Day can be pleasantly warm. Cooler evenings (Bring a sweater). One of the better opportunities to see wildlife.
JUNE Warming up with potential for t-shirt weather. Days starting to offer up to 17 hours of daylight. Wind proof outer wear is still recommended.
JULY & AUGUST Generally good solid warm days and nights. Busier time of year in the National Parks. Most if not all hiking trails open during this time of year.
SEPTEMBER Usually very pleasant climate, mornings are known to be refreshing. Can offer terrific photo opportunities as autumn colours are beginning to appear.
OCTOBER Cooling down a fair bit. Can be invigorating. Chances of light snow but is usually short term until the end of October.