Johnson Lake Recreation Area

Johnson Lake is a popular recreation and beach destination located east of the community of Banff Alberta, Canada. The lake neighbours Fairholme Mountain Range and falls within the montane zone (grasslands and forests) of the Banff National Park.

Johnson Lake is a popular activity destination in the summer months for walking, canoeing, birdwatching, swimming, sightseeing and picnicking.

The Johnson Lake recreation area includes a day use area with a sandy beach, a canoe launch, picnic tables, sitting benches, grass lawns, swimming area, life guards and an interpretive walking trail.

The Johnson Lake Trail, in Banff National Park is a 3 kilometre loop hiking route, with little elevation gain, following the shores of Johnson Lake. Most of the trail follows a wide, level dirt path under the cover of a forest. Great for casual hikes in the shade.

It is an interpretive trail decorated with information boards discussing the local parkland. There are sitting benches located along the trail for resting and sightseeing. And at one end of the lake is a viewpoint and small boardwalk section.

Along the main Johnson Lake Trail are side trails connecting to gravel access roads. During the winter months, after the snow has fallen and the lakes freeze, Johnson Lake Trail and surrounding roads become a cross country ski circuit with over 11 kilometres of ski trails to explore.