Alberta, Canada Road Trip: Day 3 (Johnston Canyon)

Day 3 began with a Johnston Canyon hike. This again is something I was quite surprised to see in the itinerary. It's not a place that is well known to outsiders like me; good thing I have Canadians as travel mates here. Also I approached this day like I have zero clue about the spots today because for some reason I don't remember anymore the day-to-day spots we were to visit.

When we reached our destination, the parking lot was full. Luckily there is an overflow lot nearby. Anyway, judging by the number of cars in the lots, you can tell the path is going to be busy. And it was. But it didn't feel crowded, for the most part. Yet, I was keenly aware that I might contract the virus from any of the people on the path or viewpoints - especially since no one was wearing a mask. Yes, I know this is the great outdoors.

The hike itself was easy to moderate in difficulty level with gentle elevation gain, which is suitable to all fitness levels, and it has railing - which I appreciate very much since I get anxious looking down at the canyon below.

Driving to Johnston Canyon, it did not escape us how scenic everything/every place is here. My husband particularly got enamored with the yellow wildflowers lining the highway. He kept asking me to take photos while we drive by.

According to the internet, the Johnston Canyon hike up to the Upper Falls takes approximately 2-3 hours (there and back) and covers just under 6.0 km. We, however, went past the Upper Falls Canyon. We could have gone much farther, exccept that we were fearing the rain may come down even harder than it already has throughout the hike.

Ready for the photos? Here they are:

Around the Lower Falls area I believe, we found a line had formed to enter a cave. When we got there, we lined up even though we had no clue what we were lining for. In fact none of the people ahead of us knew either. Still, we kept our spot in line since we were already there, and besides we thought a little breather from all the climbing may do us good.

The mystery was solved. What was beyond the mouth of the cave was a closer look at the Lower Canyon Falls.

That was the spot we were in earlier for a closer look at the falls.

So many stops for photos.

Us gals wait for our menfolk :)

The Upper Canyon Falls?

One of the most exhilirating experience with incredible scenery and rugged landscape. I enjoyed this morning activity so much. As a matter of fact, I would love to go back there again, maybe in late summer or fall.