When we were last in the Canadian Rockies in late summer 2014, we did a hike up Johnston Canyon.  For a different perspective, we decided to check out the same area in the winter.

Between the snow and freezing spray, we were told to expect the area to be slippery, and considering much of the hike is not flat, we purchased traction devices to attach to our boots, and also carried our ski poles with us. Both of those items would prove to be wise choices!

As we headed into the canyon, much of the ice had a beautiful blue colour to it, where waterfalls appeared frozen in time behind a thin blanket of snow.

We continued up the canyon toward the lower falls.

After wandering around the creek near the lower falls, we continued along the trail toward the upper falls.

Arriving at the upper falls, there were a few groups of ice climbers ascending the cliffs behind the canyon.

We explored the area around the upper falls for a while, able to get a very different perspective of this magnificent area in the winter than on our summer visit.

Here we are on the ice at the base of the upper falls.

Nadine made this short video of what it’s like standing at the base of the falls.

On our way back, Nadine decided to capture another video, of the one tricky crossing in accessing the upper falls. Here I am, very glad to have boot traction devices and poles, trying not to test the capabilities of my waterproof hiking boots.

We headed back down the canyon, returned to the van, and headed back to Banff for the evening.