Johnston Canyon – Banff, Canada

After completing the Columbia Icefield Parkway, we returned to the outskirts of Banff. We still had a couple of hours before we could check into our room at Buffalo Mountain Lodge. The brief rainstorm ended, so we used this opportunity to hike Johnston Canyon.

Johnston Canyon is one of the most visited hiking trails in Banff National Park. Located just 14 miles northwest of the town of Banff, the flowing waters of Johnston Creek created the limestone canyon on its way to the Bow River.

(more…)

Part Two – Columbia Icefield Parkway

After a relaxing few days in Jasper, it was time to head back south to Banff. The great thing about staying overnight in Jasper is that you can catch all the sights you missed on the way up the Columbia Icefield Parkway. There are so many amazing sites on the Columbia Icefield Parkway that you can’t absorb it all in just one day!

(more…)

Jasper National Park Canada

So many people go to Banff, but don’t venture north to Jasper National Park. For this reason, Jasper offers a respite from all the crowds, a laid-back vibe, and more chances to see wildlife. We chose to spend three nights here.

That said, some visitors find Jasper too rustic. The town is about half the size of Banff, so there are fewer restaurants and hotels. Additionally, wildfires in 2024 burned about a third of the town, and some sites, such as Mt. Edith Cavell and Maligne Canyon, remain closed.

(more…)