“This narrow, dark gap cut by rushing crystal waters is probably the most visited canyon in the Canadian Rockies, yet relatively few venture beyond the first cascade–and that is a pity. The path features seven waterfalls, an optional walk through a wet tunnel and a close-up look a the Upper Falls, twice the size of the Lower Falls. For those with extra energy, the hike to the jade-green Inkpots is a pleasant half-day option.”
-Quotation from the “Canadian Rockies Guide” by John Dodd and Gail Helgason
Johnston Canyon is 25 kilometers north of Banff Townsite on the Bow Valley Parkway, about 50 kilometres from home in Canmore. It is a mecca for hikers and photographers, a very accessible place to experience the Rockies. I have visited the canyon several times, but yesterday was my first winter visit. Accompanied by neighbour Stu Hamilton, I took a variety of shots, but today I will concentrate on the Lower Falls, where we spent most of our time.
This picture shows the Lower Falls as they look at this time of the year:
The falls are covered by a mantle of snow and ice but the creek beneath continues to flow, as evidenced by the plume fanning out from the bottom of the ice. Where the ice comes into contact with the pool of water it forms a thin icy perimeter, the dividing line between where the water freezes and where it doesn’t due to the agitation.
To the right, I’ve inserted another picture of these same falls, photographed and posted on this site back in October 2011. Today’s picture, Lower Falls (Winter) is the upper cascade of the falls shown in the autumn scene, at right. It was taken from a ledge behind the rock wall on the right, accessible via a cave-like passage through the rock.
The next picture is a close-up, featuring an opening in the ice covering the falls, where you can see the moving water behind. It’s difficult to see on the first shot; it’s located about 1/3 of the way in from the left and about 1/2 of the way up from the bottom. Don’t strain your eyes, here’s the picture. I used a telephoto lens (70-200m) at a focal length of 185 mm to zoom in close enough for this view.
Referring again to the first shot, you’ll observe some pretty impressive icicles hanging from the rock wall on the right. Again, to alleviate strain on your eyes, I’m including a close-up, also taken with the telephoto lens.
I really like the sharp, crystalline texture of the icicles, the bluish tone and the highlights in the snow in the upper left hand corner.
There remains much to seen beyond the Lower Falls and I hope to return to Johnston Canyon later in the winter.
love the picture of the lower falls! I have never been there in winter, but perhaps I should.
These shots bring back memories Peter, although there was no ine when you took Gloria and I to visit Johnston Canyon. Keep up the good work . I would like to see more details of the shots properties in the hope that I can improve my photos