Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The Lower Falls of Johnston Canyon

I  was already admiring the natural beauty of Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park in Alberta before even approaching the lower falls — and then I turned off onto the short trail towards the lower falls and saw…

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The Lower Falls of Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…an overview of the lower falls and its pedestrian bridge prior to the short descent into the canyon.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The force of the water in the lower falls were powerful enough to create a mist.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Curiously, the pedestrian bridge leads to a tunnel in the rock…

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…and I even admired the sculpted designs of the rock itself.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The footbridge crosses the rushing waters of Johnston Creek.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

This is the platform upon which visitors who arrive through the tunnel find themselves…

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…and the constant spray of the lower falls is more than adequate enough to quickly and significantly drench visitors who dare venture upon that platform.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

This closer look at the lower falls shows how the water continues to carve through the rock.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I eventually left the lower falls to head towards the upper falls using the catwalk — but I will return on my way back out.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I enjoyed the shape of the rock walls and how they seem to match each other should they be pushed together.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

After passing through that area of the rock walls, I had to look back and take a photograph.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Following the snaking of Johnston Creek through the canyon was truly enjoyable to me…

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…as well as listening to the constant roar of the water…

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…which never seems to end.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I first thought to myself, “Did I already reach the upper falls?”

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I then immediately thought that this could not be the upper falls; for as nice as it was, it did not remotely match the splendor of the lower falls.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Several fallen trees only added to the beauty which is Johnston Canyon.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I could spend hours here — perhaps days.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Soon after I took this photograph, I arrived at the upper falls about which I will write in a future article — but after visiting the upper falls…

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…I once again visited the lower falls on my way back out — and the ambient lighting was significantly different this time, as the sky became overcast.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I descended into the canyon and decided to cross the footbridge…

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…and crouch my way through the wet and narrow tunnel to get onto the platform on the other side and view the lower falls. Upon approaching the tunnel, the wind blowing through it seemed to immediately lower the ambient temperature by at least 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Watch your step when going through the tunnel, as the uneven wet rock floor can be quite slippery and the wind can be rather strong when it is compressed through the tunnel.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

This photograph was shot quickly, as the spray was bombarding me to the point where I was drenched.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

A small crowd of people approaching this otherwise tranquil spot gave me the indication that the time had come for me to leave the lower falls area.

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls Banff Canada
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I looked back one more time on the footbridge I just crossed before I left Johnston Canyon.

Summary

At least one additional future article will feature photographs of the upper falls of Johnston Canyon.

Please stay tuned…

All photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

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