2025-06-30 Bow Parkway to Banff

30.6.25 Lake Louise-> Johnston Canyon, 35km, 230hm. I start today with a warm shower. Then it takes me a long time to pack. When I leave at 9 AM, my hosts are still in the car, so I can't say goodbye. I head to the tourist information and first use the good Wi-Fi, because at the campsite the reception was so poor that I couldn't upload any pictures. I also reach Johanna and Linda with a video call at Beul. After consulting with the park staff, I book two nights at the Camp Lost Horse Creek, which is accessible by bike. I have breakfast at a picnic table by the river. Then I shop for the third time at the same stores for three days. At 12:30 it is so warm that I can travel in shorts. I drive again towards the ski resort and then turn onto the old HW 1a. It's quite quiet here. Most traffic uses the new highway. There are many road cyclists out, but also a group with e-bikes from VBT. When many cars with hazard lights stop, I actually see a black bear for a second disappearing into the woods. The Moose Lodge at Baker Creek looks cozy, but I take a break later at the Storm Mountain Outlook. The corn porridge hasn’t set yet, so I eat bread again. With a view of the railroad and river towards the mountains, I finally do the sun salutation, which I have forgotten to do often over the past few days. I also pass a memorial for an internment camp from the First World War. On the left, the Castle Cliffs can be seen. The highest is called Eisenhower Mountain. In front of the Johnston Canyon, cars are lined up at the entrance to the parking lot. I first drive to the campsite across the street. They actually still have a spot for me. I am allowed to use it for free because the card reader cannot be found. I set up the tent, and when I come back from the toilet, I see that I have set it up in the wrong spot. So, I have to set it up again. I take a nap and then drive to the canyon. Hundreds of people move across the narrow footbridge through the canyon. There is a huge line at the lower waterfall. I first go to the upper one. There are only half as many people here. I have to wait until I can get on the platform where you have the best view of the waterfall. Very few people go to the outlook above the waterfall. After a short break, I leisurely walk back and stand for 20 minutes to go through the tunnel to the lower waterfall. Here you are very close to the waterfall and get wet from the spray. A few rays of sunshine actually fall on my picnic table at the tent while I cook. Since there is electricity and reception here, I am busy with my phone until 11 PM.