Johnson Lake in Banff National Park, is a perfect short hike if you don’t have much time for one. It’s relatively flat all the way around, and the trail hugs the shoreline of the lake.

You can go either clockwise or anticlockwise around the lake – either way you’ll end up back at the parking lot! There’s also a secret cabin in the woods if you are looking closely enough.

Crossing a creek entering the lake

Another view of the creek

Through wooded patches beside the lake

The hidden cabin

High up on the bluffs beside the lake

Back down to the lakeshore

At the furthest point from the parking lot

Parks Canada’s ‘Red Chairs’ by the lake

In all the total return distance for the hike is about 2.8 km (1.7 miles), with very little elevation gain or loss.

© RockiesOutdoors 2015.