Johnston Canyon and hot springs

Today we took a day trip to Johnston Canyon, about a 40-minute drive from our campground 🏔️🌲 Johnston Canyon is one of the most visited attractions in Banff National Park, known for its beautiful waterfalls and the catwalks built directly into the canyon walls. 💦 We got up already at 06.00 and set off just before 07.00. It’s really worth it! 👍 When we arrived a little before 07.45, there was luckily still a spot for our motorhome. 🚐 Already between 09 and 10 the parking lots were completely full. We’re in the middle of high season, and you could really feel it. Our roughly 2.5-hour hike was packed with people, especially on the first part of the route. In several places there was literally a queue to get to take the same photo. 📸😅 We just chose to keep walking and enjoy the hike. Johnston Canyon is certainly a beautiful spot, but if we’re completely honest, we also think it’s a bit overrated. When you’ve travelled a lot around the world and seen fantastic nature, it wasn’t a place that truly took our breath away. Beautiful, yes, but not a must in our opinion. 🌍 But a hike is always a cosy family activity with plenty of chatting 😀 After the hike it was lovely to relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. ♨️ The water is around 40 degrees, which the kids thought was almost too hot 😅 But with a view of the Rocky Mountains it was perfect after a good hike 🇨🇦❤️ Are there any spots in ‘the Rockies’ completely without mass tourism…? We’ll at least give it a try 👌 We’re staying at some of the best campgrounds in the national parks we visit, like Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. 🏕️🇨🇦 But despite that, the facilities are actually quite limited. There’s typically a service building with toilets and showers, picnic tables and fire pits, and that’s pretty much it. No swimming pool, water park, big playgrounds, common rooms with lots of activities or entertainment. It’s actually quite a contrast to Australia, where we were used to campgrounds with swimming pools, water parks, bouncy pillows, big common rooms, playgrounds and lots of activities for both kids and adults. 🏊🌞 The explanation is actually pretty simple. In the Canadian national parks, nature is the attraction. 🏔️🌲 The aim is to keep the campgrounds as simple as possible, to protect nature and preserve the wild experience. We can definitely see the charm of the Canadian way, but if we had to choose ourselves, we probably lean more towards the Australian way. 😄🇦🇺 A bit more life, more activities and more options for both kids and adults when you get back after a day of adventures. What do you prefer? 🤔 ❤️ The Canadian style, where nature is at the centre. 👍 The Australian way, with lots of facilities and activities.