Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake
4.5
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6 within 3 miles
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54 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
93 reviews
Excellent
55
Very good
32
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
1
D C
Calgary74 contributions
Aug 2021
We were headed to Lake Minnewanka or Two Jack Lake, but the parking lots for both places were full. We stumbled upon Johnson Lake (on the same road in) and found ample parking, picnic areas, and an easy lovely walk around the lake with beautiful views. The lake was small and calm enough to easily paddleboard across but big enough that there was lots to look scenery to admire. Highly recommend as an alternative to Lake Minnewanka for paddleboard and picnic.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nikstravels123
Canada199 contributions
Jun 2021
This is the smaller of the lakes on the loop, but it's one of my favourites. The hike around the lake is very nice and family friendly. The lake is one of my favourites to paddleboard on (make sure you have your self-certification permit). It's a great size and the water is very clear. A very calm and peaceful paddle. There's picnic tables around and a small sandy beach area.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alvin C
Canada1,325 contributions
May 2021
This is a very small lake near Banff.
It is very serene and not many visitors come this way.
There are many picnic tables (first come first serve).
And the easy trek around the lake is very peaceful.
If you want to get away from the busy-ness of the popular lakes, then come to this one for a nice little picnic. You will find quite a few very scenic viewpoints for pictures.
We came on May 1st and there was still ice on the lake. And it is open all year round.
Enjoy.
It is very serene and not many visitors come this way.
There are many picnic tables (first come first serve).
And the easy trek around the lake is very peaceful.
If you want to get away from the busy-ness of the popular lakes, then come to this one for a nice little picnic. You will find quite a few very scenic viewpoints for pictures.
We came on May 1st and there was still ice on the lake. And it is open all year round.
Enjoy.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine W
Chippenham, UK271 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We visited this after Minnewanka lake and walked around it. The walk is easy with lovely views and reflections. We were interested in the Parks Canada protected cultural site in the woods on the forested side of the lake. This is a cabin built by the hermit of Inglismaldie, Billy Carver, an Englishman who worked in the mines and lived here in isolation for 27 years. His ghost may be here still! Look him up.
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LisaBW678
Saint Louis, MO28 contributions
Oct 2022
We did this on our last hike in Banff. WOW! Most amazing pics we took as the lake was like a mirror for the surrounding trees and mountains!! Easy hike through lots of pines and the pine smell was so soothing. Mountains all around and all reflected in the lake. Easy to park and not crowded. We had done the Lake Agnes Tea House hike, Moraine Lake hike, Upper Stoney hike, Bow Falls hike along Spray River, Johnston Canyon...and this was our favorite. Absolutely stunning!!
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joyce Hart
Fredonia, PA22 contributions
Sep 2022
This lake is outside of the busiest part of Banff. We went on a sunny afternoon and had a picnic and walked a round the lake. There were only a few people and the lake is clear and beautiful with mountains in the background. Look for the out of the way picnic tables.
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PBPG
Yorkshire, UK8,446 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
A short drive out of Banff gets you to this fabulous lake and views of the tree covered mountains. Plenty of parking it is hard to stop taking photos. We got fantastic weather, blue skies and sunshine, almost too warm!!
Written May 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nik B
Muskego, WI22 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
This is an easy relatively flat hike on a smooth trail. Its a beautiful, peaceful lake framed by the gorgeous mountains of Banff NP. There is one fork in the trail (if you are going counterclockwise around the lake) where you may take a wrong turn. If you do, it dead ends in about 100m, so not really a big deal. Highly recommended, especially for a first hike of your trip or those with some physical limitations.
Written July 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy G
10 contributions
Aug 2022
Probably my favorite swimming spot.
It was hot every day so we came here for a swim for three days straight.
Very clean water and small beach for children.
I enjoyed floating with pool noodle in middle.
Lots of people brought stand up paddle boards.
It was hot every day so we came here for a swim for three days straight.
Very clean water and small beach for children.
I enjoyed floating with pool noodle in middle.
Lots of people brought stand up paddle boards.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie D
Morestown NJ8 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The hike around the lake is easy. We looked for the swing and rope swing and do not see either. Because it is the warmest lake we hopped in for a minute. It’s still pretty chilly! It’s pretty but definitely not lake Louise or Moraine. I’d go only if you want to get on the water, not for the views. It was not crowded.
Written June 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, it is inside Banff National Park, therefore park pass is required.
Written August 23, 2021
I would like to take my kids ice skating this weekend and was hoping to visit gap lake, or Jonson lake, can you skate at this time of year there?
Written January 4, 2019
We were there not too long ago, mid-December, and there was a layer of snow on that hadn't blown away. Two Jack Lake, just a few kilometres down, the road was a lot better, and there were lots of people skating on it. For the natural lakes, so much depends on how much snow they get, how the winds blow, etc. A call to the Banff Park Info office might be in order before committing to drive too far just to be disappointed, as they recently got a big dump of snow...
Written January 6, 2019
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