Johnson Lake is a family-friendly spot for swimming, kayaking, and hiking. It is one of the magnificent non-glacial lakes in Alberta, which is usually warm with a temperature of about 65º Fahrenheit.
The presence of Lake Minnewanka and Jack Lake, which are more popular, often makes it overlooked. There are a lot of things to do in Johnson Lake, as it is very close to Downtown Banff, warm, and can be quite busy during the summer.
If you are visiting this beautiful lake either by yourself, your family, or even with friends, we hope this guide helps you discover engaging activities to make your stay memorable.
The History of Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake holds a unique slice of history tucked away in its forests. Hiking along its quiet shores, you’ll find the remains of a small, weathered cabin built over 115 years ago by Billy Carver, a man remembered as the “Hermit of Inglismaldie.”
Billy chose a life of solitude, building his modest home near the lake and relying on a local named Gee Moy to bring him supplies from the nearby mining town of Anthracite. For nearly three decades, he lived quietly in the wilderness until two boys discovered him in poor health, prompting authorities to step in.
Though the cabin has long since fallen into disrepair, it remains an enduring reminder of this solitary figure who once called Johnson Lake home. Local lore even whispers that Billy never truly left, as his ghost is said to linger near the cabin, adding a touch of mystery to the lake’s charm.
Getting to Johnson Lake
Driving to Johnson Lake
Of course, the fastest way to get to reach Johnson Lake is driving. If you live or lodge in any of the neighbourhoods in Calgary, it will take about 1 hour and 3o minutes using the map as a guide, but if you are already in Banff, going to the lake is just about 15 minutes using the map.
It is important to know that parking is free and spacious, but it can get filled up quickly, especially on weekends and during the holidays, so it is better to arrive early or visit during non-peak hours so as to secure a spot.
Taking a Bus to Johnson Lake
If you prefer not to drive, you can book a shared bus service at a discounted price going from Calgary to Canmore or Banff, and from Banff, take the Roam Route #6 bus provides an easy public transit option. This route travels directly from the town of Banff to the Johnson Lake parking lot, making it a convenient and eco-friendly way to get to the lake without worrying about parking.
Biking to Johnson Lake
For a more active adventure, cycling to Johnson Lake is a great choice. From the town of Banff, it’s an easy 3 km ride along the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail to Cascade Ponds. From there, it’s another 7 km ride to the Johnson Lake parking lot via the Lake Minnewanka Loop.
Cycling not only gets you to the lake but also lets you soak in more of Banff’s scenic beauty along the way. If you need to try something before going to the lake, you can check out some of the best restaurants in Banff can offer.
Things to do in Johnson Lake, Alberta
1. Hiking
Hiking is one of the fun things to do in Johnson Lake during the summer; it feels calm and refreshing. The estimated trail distance if you are taking a round trip is about 3km. It is an amazing experience as you will feel the winds along the shoreline and see the cascading view of the mountain.
Hiking is great if you are going with a group of friends or family. You can also bring your dog with you, but it must be on a leash. You will be surrounded by the still waters and forested paths; it’s the kind of walk where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy nature at its most peaceful.
If you want to get an amazing hiking experience, quickly reserve your spot with a small group of local hikers to experience the raw beauty of the lake and mountains.
2. Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding at Johnson Lake is one of the best ways to enjoy the lake’s calm, sheltered waters while soaking in the surrounding mountain scenery. When you get on the board, you can glide across the still surface, take in sweeping views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain, and enjoy a peaceful connection with nature.
Part of the fun also comes with the adventure of preparation, bringing your own board because there are no rental services directly at Johnson Lake. However, you can rent a board from a nearby town in Banff or Canmore and transport it yourself.
To rent a board in Banff, visit the Banff Canoe Club or SkiBig3, and if you want to rent from Canmore, check out the Bow Valley Stand Up Paddleboarding and Surf.
3. Swimming
Swimming at Johnson Lake is one of the best ways to enjoy this hidden gem in Banff National Park, especially during the summer time when the temperature could range between 15–18°C (59–64°F). The gentle shoreline and sandy bottom quickly make it a comfortable and inviting spot for swimmers of all ages.
If you are here with a group or with your family, setting up a picnic table could be an ideal way to make your day. Just have to swim, relax, and then enjoy a meal by the water.
While swimming here could be both adventurous and tranquil, surrounded by sweeping views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain, it is important to be careful, as there are no lifeguards.
4. Skating
Skating at Johnson Lake is one of the most fun winter activities you can experience in Banff National Park. Unlike crowded spots like Lake Minnewanka, Johnson Lake offers you a quieter, more rustic adventure where you can skate on natural “wild ice.”
Early in the season, the lake often freezes into a perfectly smooth, glassy surface, sometimes dotted with fascinating frozen bubbles beneath your skates. Its sheltered location among the trees makes it less windy than other lakes, and the gentle ramp onto the ice makes it family-friendly.
It is always important to be cautious while skating, especially if you are with kids. Always check the ice thickness, dress warmly, and bring a shovel to clear the snow. Johnson Lake is also a great place to introduce your kids to the joy of outdoor skating. The setting feels magical, with snowy forests and mountain peaks surrounding you.
5. Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is one of the most rewarding things to do in Johnson Lake because it allows visitors to experience Banff’s natural beauty beyond the landscapes.
The lake and its surrounding forests attract a wide range of species from graceful Canada geese and snow geese to tundra swans and other waterfowl that gather along the shoreline. In the winter months, you may spot white-tailed deer quietly moving through the trees, or catch sight of elk and bighorn sheep in nearby areas like the Fenland Trail and the Bow Valley Parkway.
Part of the fun comes from the unpredictability; every visit offers the possibility of a new encounter, especially if you go in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are more active. Even if wildlife remains hidden, the stillness of the forest, the call of birds overhead, and the chance of spotting tracks in the snow make the experience feel alive and immersive.
Johnson Lake’s wildlife viewing is more than sightseeing; it’s about slowing down, paying attention, and connecting with the park’s living ecosystem. For nature lovers, photographers, and families alike, it’s one of the most memorable ways to enjoy the lake.
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