Johnson Lake Snowshoe – Banff – Hiking Alberta

The Johnson Lake hike or snowshoe is an easily accessible, short 2.8 KM (1 3/4 mile) loop around a popular lake, and picnic area, south of the west end of Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.  The trail is relatively flat and scenic with a few dips to negotiate along the trail, but elevation differential is marginal at about 20 metres (66 ft).  The Johnson Lake parking area is accessed via the Lake Minnewanka exit from the TransCanada Hwy, in Banff National Park, on a clearly signed road to the east and past the Overflow Campground  for the very popular Two Jack Lake Campgrounds.

Shallow running water at the bridge on the west end of Johnson Lake

The trail can be travelled in either direction.  I choose counterclockwise with a short walk from the parking area downhill to the little bridge over a picturesque creek which continues down a wide canyon to the water tower.  There are three, bilingual, interpretive plaques at the bridge which briefly discuss the unique nature of this fragile wetland area.

Scenery is spectacular as the forest trail, along the south side of Johnson Lake, occasionally flirts with adjacent clear-cut beneath power lines.  At the far end of the lake a trail map identifies optional routes around Johnson Lake.  I follow the majority and stick close to the scenery near lakeshore.

A snow-covered berm at the east end of the lake leads past a trail junction into a restricted wetland area.  I continue to snowshoe the largest dip on the trail which is the demarcation point to trail along the north side of Johnson Lake.  Warm sunshine balances a gentle, cool breeze.

Trail quality deteriorates where snowpack is diminished by sunny warmth currently leading the race to Spring against winter snowfall, but sheltered path has adequate snow cover.  It is obvious that many people choose to return on the surface of the frozen lake.

Mount Rundle across Johnson Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

The trail is very popular and weekend traffic has obscured established trail.  By sticking close to the scenic lakeshore, I miss a major trail junction which strands me on a peninsula above the impassable watercourse which feeds Johnson Lake.  A backtrack through forest locates the short, slippery and steep decline to the small bridge over the stream.  From here the trail options are clear to return to the Johnson Lake Parking Area.

Johnson Lake is a brief winter interlude within amazing scenery.  Mount Rundle, hovering over Canmore, is prominent from the north shoreline.  Tunnel Mountain and Cascade Mountain to the west are prevalent as well.  It is a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic lunch and get a bit of exercise in clean fresh air surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery.