Rockies :: Banff-Louise :: Fairholme Benchlands

Fairholme Benchlands looking down Bow Valley towards Canmore.  South part extending down grassy ridge on photo accessed from Johnson Lake is closed seasonally from April 1 - July 15,  while north part, a.k.a "Water Tower Trail, to Cascade Ponds is open year round

April 26, 2021

Fairholme Benchlands is beautiful semi-open Montane ridge on north side of Trans-Canada Highway as one drives past BNP east gate towards Banff.  Conceivably one could hike this way all the way from Cascade Ponds on Lake Minnewanka road all the way to Harvie Heights in Canmore.  Ridge is sunny and often dry even in winter, offering spectacular views of Rundle Range as well as Cascade Mountain.  North end between Cascade Ponds and Johnson Lake, also known as "Water Tower Trail" is most frequently hiked and is also popular with mountain bikers.  South part past Johnson Lake has faint trail and is probably even more scenic, but there is no specific end -- one can hike as far as time and desire allows. However Parks Canada discourages use of this part, and officially close the area between April 1 - July 15.  This page presents "Water Tower Trail"; for bit more info about South part see Johnson Lake.

One can start either from Cascade Ponds or from Johnson Lake, but Cascade Ponds are preferred simply because there is less driving!  Return is the same way, so scenery will be the same.  From large picnic area parking at Lake Minnewanka road cross the wooden bridge, turn left then watch for wide and well used trail climbing forested bump to the right.  Initial part is the only steep bit and can be a bit tricky when icy.  There are several wood steps here (erosion prevention) - mountain bikers beware.  Trail then levels and next 1/2 hour or so are spend on delightful winding semi-open ridge with beautiful views.  Only distraction is inevitable noise from Trans-Canada highway below.  Within an hour trail reaches large meadow and Water Tower. Old weathered Parks sign, that might not even stand for long, informs "3.9km to Cascade Ponds, 1.7 km to Johnson Lake".  Remainder is walk on gravel road, used for Water Tower vehicle access.  Nearby sign indicates this might have been old burial site of Anthracite Mining Town. Finally road reaches Johnson Lake by outlet just below picnic area.  Return the same way, or if you wish to extend the day, you can loop hike around Johnson Lake or continue to South Benchlands.  Note that obvious trail by lake outlet simply descends to Trans-Canada and does not connect to Water Tower trail. It does pass by neat hidden waterfall just past wooden bridge that is worth checking out.

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