Johnson Lake — Attraction in Alberta

Liquid Sapphire with a Hint of Social Media Frenzy

Johnson Lake, nestled in the heart of British Columbia, is a real stunner. Imagine a lake so clear it looks like a giant chunk of the sky was ripped out and plopped down on the earth. Crystal-clear water with a hint of Caribbean blue? Check. Towering pines reaching for the heavens? Check. Peace and quiet to recharge your soul? Well, that depends...

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media Fame: There's no denying Johnson Lake's beauty. But its internet fame cuts both ways. Once a serene secret, it's now become a bit of a hotspot, especially during peak season. Think families with enthusiastic inflatable toys, amateur photographers with tripods taller than your average teenager, and maybe even a drone or two buzzing overhead.

Finding Your Zen (or at Least a Decent Parking Spot): Don't let the crowds dissuade you entirely. The lake is still breathtaking, and with a little effort, you can find your own slice of tranquility. Head there early to snag a decent parking spot (especially on weekends) and explore the less-frequented areas. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, rent a kayak or paddleboard and venture further out onto the lake. Serenity awaits beyond the inflatable floaties.

Rustic Charm (with a Modern Twist): There's a small campground on the north side of the lake, offering basic amenities and a true back-to-nature experience. Think campfire stories and stargazing, not five-star glamping. However, there's also the Johnson Lake Resort on the other side, with cabins and amenities that cater to a slightly more comfort-oriented crowd. So, you can choose your own adventure – rustic simplicity or a touch of modern...

Johnson Lake is located about 15 minutes north of Banff along a scenic drive. The drive to this lake was beautiful as the narrow paved road wound through meadows and forests and offered gorgeous views of the mountain scenery. I even had the opportunity to see a large group of bighorn sheep along the road close to Lake Minnewanka which was really awesome!

Johnson Lake seemed to be a popular spot for the locals to go for a swim, picnic, relax on the beach, kayak or paddle board. It was quite busy during my visit and the small gravel parking lot was full but I managed to find a spot along the road. There is a 3 km loop trail that follows along the perimeter of the lake that I enjoyed hiking. It was an easy and flat trail that wound through a beautiful forest with some openings in the trees along the way to provide great views of Johnson Lake.

While you're in the area, make a stop at Lake Minnewanka as well. It was very pretty! They offered boat cruises at the lake and there were some picnic areas but other than that, there wasn’t too much to do there. It’s still a great place to stop and get some photos though!

I wouldn’t say that Lake Minnewanka and Johnson Lake are must-sees in Banff (compared to places like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise), but if you have some extra time, it’s definitely a worthwhile and rewarding excursion. These lakes are not as popular and touristy as other places in Banff, so it’s also a good place to get away from the crazy crowds elsewhere and enjoy some serenity. There is also a good chance that you will see wildlife in this area.

Review based on my visit in...

Beautiful lake! The water is so clear and the colors are stunning. We were lucky to have sunny and clear sky day. The trail around the lake is well maintained and never boring. There’s a beach as you enter from the parking lot. It was busy, we saw paddle board, small raft and other small floatables. The trail is a loop. We started from the left of parking lot and as we went along we saw many spots you can sit on blankets, good place to use your hammocks, and could enter into the lake as well with paddle boards or swim. We also saw a rope that you could swing and jump into the lake. This is easier to get to once you pass the beach and take the trail. If you take the trail closest to parking lot to reach the rope you would have to do the loop and it’s towards the end of the loop. There’s two ropes one is higher, you have to be in the tree trunk to catch it and swing, the other is lower rope good for you get kids. There has to be a group of people to help out each other. We saw that there were people with paddle boards in the lake and the jumpers on the tree trunk, and one person with a stick and hook in the end to bring the rope back. To climb back up from water looked a bit tricky but doable if planned well. There’s picnic tables too and pit toilet. I would recommend bringing beach umbrellas, towels, picnic snacks, hammocks, swim suits, beach chair, water floaties. Come early in the morning to get good spots. To use washroom with water we drove to lake minnewanka where there’s...