Table Of Contents

1. About Johnston Canyon Hike
2. History
3. Land Acknowledgement
4. How To Access Johnston Canyon
   • By Car
   • By Bus
   • By Bike
5. Banff National Park Pass
6. Accessibility 
7. Safety
   • Being Bear Aware
   • A Note About Smoke in Banff
8. What to Wear
9. Lower Falls Trail
   • Flora and Fauna
   • Glacier Waters
   • Hidden Cave
10. Upper Falls Trail

About Johnston Canyon Hike

Johnston Canyon is located in the Banff National Park, arguably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Banff National Park is just an hour and 40 minutes outside of Calgary. So it makes for a perfect day trip or weekend away. Waterfalls, tunnels and pools of water have been carved into the limestone rocks over time, providing the most dramatic landscape for your eyes to dance around along the hike.

The trail is divided into two parts; the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. The first portion of the hike is a leisurely 30-minute walk from the parking lot. The further Upper Falls trail is a two-hour return hike with an elevation gain of 120 metres. The Lower falls trail guides you along an accessible pathway to a viewing platform with views over the lower falls. The Upper Falls trail takes you deeper into the forest, on a more rugged path towards the larger and more climactic Upper Falls. As you approach, you’ll be able to hear the pounding of the water as it batters down upon the stones. As it has for eons, creating the canyon we walk along today.

History

The name ‘Johnston Canyon‘ comes from an old 20th-century gold prospector who mapped the canyon upon discovering it. Years later, Walter Camp settled with his family in the area, as he had fallen in love with the falls. We have them to thank for the infrastructure and pathways around the canyon. They transformed the area from a wild forest into a part of the National Park. This way, everyone could experience the beauty of the falls for themselves. Today, Walter Camp’s descendants still run the nearby Johnston Canyon Canyon Lodge and Bungalows.

Land Acknowledgement

But we must remember, it was the Stoney First Nations Indigenous people who were the first to discover the beauty of the canyon. Indigenous people have been living and hunting in the Bow Valley for millennia. They would come here for their trapping and hunting expeditions as the waters and forests around the canyon were rich with animals and fish. All the Banff National Parklands are located on the traditional and ancestral territory of many peoples, including the Treaty 6, 7, and 8 territories. Namely: the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta, as well as the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc. It’s essential to make this acknowledgement an act of gratitude to those whose territory we are visiting as a step in the journey of reconciliation.

How To Access Johnston Canyon

By Car

Most people visiting Johnston Canyon arrive by car. There is a large parking area is located at the foot of the trail, just off the Bow Valley Parkway. Although there is a dedicated parking lot for the trail, it is super popular, especially in summer. Recently they even had to build a second parking lot (P2) to accommodate more visitors. Unlike elsewhere in Banff, parking here is free! If the parking lot is full, you might be able to park along the Bow Valley Parkway, you’ll no doubt see lots of cars dotted along the side of the road. Be very careful when entering and exiting your vehicle if you park along the busy road.

But parking along the road means you’ll add another 20-30 minutes to your hike, as you will have to walk along the road to the trailhead. To avoid the crowds, and get a parking spot, arrive early in the morning. Or arrive towards the end of the day, when many day-trippers have already headed home. If you can avoid the weekends, this will also mean fewer people on the trails.

By Bus

Banff is incredibly accessible by public transit. Something you’d never imagine when thinking of the rural mountainside! Roam buses run from May 21st till Oct 11th. You can get a bus from Banff Village High School Bus Terminal directly to Johnston Canyon (#9 Bus). The journey takes about 35 minutes and runs seven times a day. Be sure to check the schedule in advance, so you don’t miss your return bus. A 1-Day Pass costs $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children under 12 are free! 

To get to Banff via public transit you can take the On-It Regional Transit which offers weekend-only service to and from Calgary to Banff Village. This means you can easily spend a whole weekend in Banff without a car! Each one-way tickets only cost $10! Super affordable, and great for any budget. Be sure to book your spots in advance as there are only so many buses available.

By Bike

Many people love cycling along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. And avid cyclists who’ve brought their bikes to Banff can opt to bike over to Johnston Canyon Canyon, instead of dealing with the parking situation. From the nearby Castle Mountain Chalets, the ride is only 21 minutes! From Banff Village, the ride will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on where you are departing from. But it is such a beautiful journey, the time will fly by. Even if you don’t have your own bike many hotels and airbnbs rent them out as a part of your stay. There is ample bike parking at the trailhead, but bikes are not allowed on the trail itself. 

Banff National Park Pass

Entry into Banff National Park requires a valid Park Pass. The cost of the pass is necessary for maintaining the national park. A single adult pass costs $9.80 CAD, and children (6- 17) and seniors are $8.30 CAD. You can purchase a family pass for $19.60 CAD, which covers your entire vehicle’s party.

You can purchase your Park Pass at the gate when you enter the park’s boundaries. But better yet, purchase it online before your arrival. Buying the pass in advance means you can simply print it off and then drive right into the park. That saves a bunch of time when there is a lineup to buy passes at the gate. Be sure to keep your pass on the dashboard of your vehicle, where it is clearly visible. Park rangers periodically check cars for their passes, and you don’t want to get a ticket unduly!

Accessibility 

The trail to the lower falls is considered accessible by wheelchair and stroller. The first part of the trail is paved, and the rest is located along a raised catwalk. It’s mostly flat, with an estimated average grade of 4%. There are safety rails located along either side of the catwalk. The trail is fairly narrow along these catwalks and during the summer it can get pretty crowded so you want to take that into consideration. But usually people are very considerate if you need to get by.

Safety

Johnston Canyon is open year-round, but the trail can get very icy during the winter and early spring. During these months, be sure you are only heading out on the trail if you have the proper shoes for walking on ice. If you are interested in a guided tour of the icy walkway, you can take a tour with an experienced leader. They will also provide you with the proper gear, which includes ice cleats & hiking poles.

Proper walking shoes are recommended throughout the year. Even for the easy part of the trail, you want to ensure you always have good footing as the paths can be a bit slippery. There are no water fountains found at the trailhead, so be sure to bring a large water bottle to keep hydrated. A lovely heated washroom is available near the parking lot, so definitely take advantage of that before you head off on the trail.

Being Bear Aware

Although many people don’t seem to worry too much about bears on very popular and busy trails like this one, you ALWAYS need to be bear aware! While the noise of the busy trail is a deterrent for the bears, this doesn’t mean they aren’t around. And black bears have frequently been spotted right near the parking lot. Most visitors to the trail opt to simply hike to the easier lower falls viewing platform. 

The more difficult Upper Falls trek is much less crowded, and therefore there is even more of a need to be aware of the likelihood of bears. Something no hiker (or walker) should be without is bear spray. Bear spray can usually be purchased at campground stores or even in your hotel. Ask hotel staff if anyone left any bear spray behind. Since bear spray cannot be brought on the plane, people often check out and simply leave it behind. In addition to bear spray, being bear aware on your walks is of the utmost importance. Walk and hike in large groups. Talk loudly, so you don’t surprise any bears, especially when turning around corners. Watch out for fresh signs of bear activity, including droppings, torn-up logs, overturned rocks, and diggings. 

A Note About Smoke in Banff

During the summer months, Banff can suffer from the smoke brought in from forest fires. Sometimes these forest fires can be as far afield as British Columbia. Nevertheless, the effect of this smoke can really damper the views you’d expect in Banff. I was amazed when we visited to see how in just 24-hours, the smoke rolled in and completely obscured the mountains all around us. To the point where you’d never know they were there. But as quickly as the smoke can roll in, it can disappear.

Thankfully, Johnston Canyon is the perfect hike to do when it’s smokey, as the views inside the canyon aren’t affected at all by the smoke. So this hike is the ideal thing to do if you want an alternative activity for those smokey days. Just be sure to wear a mask to help avoid too much smoke inhalation. If the smoke is really dense, consider skipping any excessive exercise outdoors, especially with health conditions like asthma.

What to Wear

As the hike is located within the canyon, the humidity combined with the shade of the trees above, makes this trail feel much cooler than in other areas of Banff. Dress warmer than you might think, and always dress in layers. Once you warm up for a bit, you can simply shed a few layers as you go. It’s always best to be over prepared for the cold rather than be freezing along the way and ruin your experience. I would recommend a good hat and scarf as well to keep warm.

Lower Falls Trail

Once you pass under the large wooden archway which invites you into the Lower Fall trail, you are immediately flung into the depths of the forest. From the very start, as you cross over the first bridge, you will be able to see the deep blue creek below. The peaceful sound of rushing waters echoing beneath your feet.

Flora and Fauna

Along the lower trail, see if you can spot the endangered Black Swift bird. The area around the trail is a popular breeding ground for nesting pairs. During the springtime and early summer, the area is heavily protected from reproducing without intrusion.

Other animals you might spot along the water are Townsend’s Warblers, Dark-eyed Juncos, Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels and Red Squirrels. 

Because of the humid waters, the forest around the canyon has grown rich with lush pine trees. The forest floor is covered in a dense blanket of moss. The ancient trees are often covered in Old Man’s Beard lichen during the spring and summer. This pale grayish-green moss looks like tassels anchored onto the bark or small twigs of the tree. The long tendrils resembling the strands of hair on an old man’s beard, hence the name.

Glacier Waters

Throughout the walk, you’ll follow the turquoise waters of the creek, which flows from the waterfalls. Like most of the water around Banff, the blue colours is due to the glaciers found throughout the mountains. When the glaciers melt in the springtime, they carry glacier silt, or rock flour, into the water. This silt contains tiny particles which reflect the sunlight giving the waters that turquoise blue or green colour.

Hidden Cave

At the end of the Lower Trail, you will come to a short bridge that crosses over the falls. The bridge brings you to the mouth of a tunnel and leads you into a darkened cave. The cave serves as a defacto viewing platform, just a couple metres from the falls. Standing in here, you can really take in the power of the falling water as the sound is almost deafening. You will be doubt be misted by the crashing waters when you walk inside, but if it’s a scorching day, this might be a welcome surprise!

Upper Falls Trail

From here, you can choose to head back to the trailhead or continue on along the Upper Falls Trail. The trail immediately changes from the flat, paved pathways below to a steep climb into the rugged forest. You’ll notice the crowds from the lower trail disperse, as this part of the trail is much less busy. The echo of voices slowly disappears, and you are left with little more than the crack of the wind on the swaying trees and the sound of the water beside you.

Towards the end of the trail, another series of manmade catwalks is created to allow hikers to get up over the falls to see the giant waterfall. This dramatic 40-metres tall waterfall crashes down into a deep pool below. There is also a secondary viewing platform that can give you access to the bottom part of the falls.

Johnston Canyon Trail is truly the perfect place to come for newbie hikers looking for that iconic outdoors adventure in Banff without being too difficult to manage. I saw dozens of families, with young kids in tow, easily making their way along the Upper Falls Trails. I was so glad I decided to venture out onto this trail as it gave me a taste of the incredible things you can see and do on hikes. It got me all excited to try something even more difficult next time!

Let me know in the comments if you’re an experienced hiker or if you have never even thought about going on a hike during your travels. Take it from me; trying something new or out of your comfort zone is always worth it! 

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Easy & Essential Guide to Hiking Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Aoraki Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It soars 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) above the land around it. The mountain is infamous for climbing. It was even used by famed climber Edmund Hillary as a practice hike before he summitted Mount Everest. Surrounding the base of the mountain is the Tasman Glacier and the Hooker Glacier, two of the longest and largest remaining glaciers in the world. It truly is a place of incredible natural wonders and there are so many things to see and do here.

Table Of Contents

1. When to Visit
2. Maori History
3. Do I Need to Know how to Hike?
4. Where to Stay?
5. How to Access Aoraki Mount Cook by Car
6. Can you get there without renting a car?
7. What to See and Do While in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
8. #1. Lake Tekapo 
9. #2. Church of the Good Shepard
10. 3 Lake Pukaki
11. 4 Aoraki Mount Cook Road Photo
12. #5. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
13. #6. Governors Bush Walk 
14. #7. Dine under the Stars
15. #8. Star Gaze!
16. #9. The Hooker Valley Trail
17. #10. Scenic Helicopter Ride
18. #11. Tasman Glacier View Track
19. #12. Tasman Lake Boating or Kayaking Experience 
20. #13. Hike to the Mueller Hut (Expert only)
21. #14. Red Tarns Track
22. #15. The Sir Edmund Hillary Café & Bar

When to Visit

I think the best time to visit Aoraki Mount Cook is as Springtime arrives. This is from September to November in New Zealand. The temperatures in September to November range from highs of 20°C degrees and lows of 0°C . It can get especially chilly at night but you just need to pack on those layers!

Their peak season for tourism is from December to February when the weather is the warmest. Temperatures range from a high of 25°C and a low of 10°C. But warm weather also means you’ll see more tourists and need to book things well in advance.

March into May is when New Zealand sees autumnal weather and is another great time to visit since those fall colours are impressive across the park. The temperatures during these months are similar to those in the Spring.

March, May and October are the rainest months to visit. But since the mountains are located in a valley, they experience a bit of rain throughout the entire year.

Maori History

Although the Europeans named it Mount Cook the natives have long called it Aoraki. Aoraki, according to Maori legend, was a young boy who was the son of the Sky Father and Earth Mother. The name means “Cloud Piercer”. The word “Ao” means “cloud” and “Ranki” means “sky or weather”.

According to the legend, Aoraki and his brothers were visiting their mother on Earth when their canoe became stranded on a reef and capsized. The canoe became the land on which the south island of New Zealand was formed, and Aoraki, the tallest of all the brothers, turned into a mountain.

The Maori Ngāi Tahu tribe which inhabits this region considers Aoraki the most sacred ancestor of their tribe. It links the physical world and the spiritual word together. And when walking through the park it’s important to remember this and honour the land upon which you visiting. Today, it is respectful to call the mountain either Aoraki Mount Cook or simply Aoraki as it recognizes the indigenous inhabitants of this region.

Do I Need to Know how to Hike?

I am by NO means an athletic person! But even I found there were so many hiking trails here that appeal to every level of hiker. Some are not much more than a walk along some rough terrain into the gorgeous valleys surrounding the mountains. But if you are a more seasoned hiker you can set out on real adventures up the mountain. There really are trails for everyone, from beginner to expert.

Where to Stay?

Hermitage Hotel

I opted to stay at the acclaimed Hermitage Hotel right in the centre of Mount Cook National Park. This place books up very far in advance so the sooner you can make plans, the better. Their hotel has various room options from Chalets to Suites where you even have your kitchen. These are surprisingly affordable when considering the location and you CANNOT beat the views out their windows. Even if you just sat inside and looked out your window all day you’re bound to have an amazing time. Their prices range from $113 USD-$198 USD/night for the standard room depending on the season.

YHA Hostel Mount Cook

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option check out YHA Hostel. This hostel offers up dorm beds in a variety of combinations. If you’re a family you can get a private double room with bunk beds. There also are large dorm rooms if you’re travelling solo or with a group of friends. They have free parking, a fully equipped kitchen and they even have a sauna! Rooms cost anywhere between $22 USD-$117 USD depending on your choice of room (the private family rooms being the most expensive).

Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

The Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge is a great mid-range price option. Their rooms are simple but they still all have stunning views and communal cooking spaces. So even if you don’t opt for the room with a kitchenette, there are places to make your meals. Rooms start at $111 USD a night.

How to Access Aoraki Mount Cook by Car

The only road into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is via State Highway 80. This road starts near Twizel, and leads directly to Mount Cook Village, where the road ends. If you’re driving in from Christchurch, you’ll take Highway 79, to Highway 8 and then onto Highway 80. There are plenty of things to see on your drive into the park. Be sure to read this post before planning your route. Many of the sights below you can visit on your drive into the park! I’ve laid them all out in order below to make your trip as seamless as possible.

Can you get there without renting a car?

While most journeys in New Zealand are done by renting a car, if you have flown in Christchurch you can get an intercity bus to Mount Cook. The bus will drop you off at the Aoraki Hermitage Hotel. The return price is $229 so it’s a great option if you can’t drive yourself.

Another option is to take a day trip from Christchurch. Although these tours cover most of the big sights, you’ll only get to experience them for a few minutes outside the coach. And you’ll miss out on most of the hikes. But if you’re pressed for time and want to see this mountain before leaving, these tours are a great option.

What to See and Do While in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

#1. Lake Tekapo 

Whether you’re driving in from Twizel or Christchurch, be sure to make a short detour to Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo lies in the heart of the Mackenzie District. The word “Tekapo” is from the Maori word “taka” which means sleeping mat and “PO” which means night.

The lake is located inside a huge basin. Because of its location, protected from the rough coastal weather, it is surrounded by some incredible flora and fauna. The lake is encircled by lush golden tussock grass and sprawling flowers. One of the most popular times of the year to see the Lake is in the spring when the Lupin flowers bloom. Lupins are in actuality weeds so they spread like wildfire! But they are the most beautiful weeds in the entire world! The water which makes up the lake is drawn from melted glaciers. This glacier water contains finely ground rocks that give the lake that magical turquoise colouring.

#2. Church of the Good Shepard

Located on the edge of Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepard. This is the most famous church in New Zealand due to its scenic location. It was built in 1935 as a memorial to commemorate early settlers of the region.

3 Lake Pukaki

As you continue along Highway 80 towards Mount Cook make a stop at Lake Pukaki. Your eyes will be amazed looking at the almost neon blue waters of this natural wonder. Lake Pukaki was also formed by the melting glaciers which give the lake that distinctive blue colour. These glacier lakes are created by years of grinding on the bedrock, called glacial erosion. Silt-sized particles make the water appear cloudy and therefore reflect the colour of the sky differently from normal lakes.

4 Aoraki Mount Cook Road Photo

About 15 minutes before arriving into Aoraki Mount Cook village you’ll have one of the best opportunities for a photo! As you approach, you’ll see Mount Cook in all its glory appear in the centre of the road. The mountain is framed perfectly and often there isn’t another car in sight. This makes it truly such a spectacularly intimate photo.

#5. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Upon arriving at your accommodation, before setting right out on a hike it’s good to go and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Center. This little museum is located inside the Heritage Hotel and is dedicated to one the world’s greatest explorers; Sir Edmund Hillary.

Sir Edmund Hillary used Aoraki Mount Cook National Park as a training ground for his summit to Everest. The visitor centre has a theatre show which has a great documentary about Hillary. It also contains fantastic historical objects and documents about Aoraki Mount Cook Park. It details the history of hiking in the park over the years and is a great primer for new explorers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Limeng (@cuilimeng) on Jan 19, 2014 at 1:34am PST

#6. Governors Bush Walk 

If you’re an inexperienced hiker (like me!) or just looking for a short walk to get your bearings, take off on the Governors Bush Walk. This is the easiest hike in the park but also provides several lookout points near the village of Mount Cook. You’ll even get a chance to see some unimaginable mountain views and a surprise waterfall!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pip (@mrslemonpip) on Sep 28, 2017 at 12:57pm PDT

#7. Dine under the Stars

The Hermitage Hotel offers up one of the best locations to see Mount Cook under the veil of darkness. It’s pretty beautiful during the day as well but at night it’s honestly just spectacular. Their panorama restaurant has windows around the entire room. This means no matter where you sit you’ll have a gorgeous view while enjoying some fine dining.

If you can swing it, be sure to book your dinner around sunset as you’ll be able to enjoy both the mountains during the day and under the stars. Their menu is shockingly well priced. Meals start at only $60 for their ala cart menu and $84 for their ala cart menu with wine pairings (I’d recommend this as it adds to your experience).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gwangoamsinn (@gwangoamsinn) on Oct 17, 2017 at 11:10pm PDT

#8. Star Gaze!

As night falls, it’s time to pile on the layers and lie out under the stars. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is part of the Dark Sky Reserve. This is a 4,3oo sq/km area which is protected from artificial light pollution. The park is the only Dark Sky Reserve in the entire southern hemisphere. Located inside the park, Mount John Observatory uses this lack of light pollution, to properly be able to study the stars and beyond.

Being inside this Dark Sky Reserve at night means you have some of the best views of the night sky anywhere in the world. There are plenty of stargazing tours you can take part in or use the telescopes at the Hermitage Hotel to get an even better experience. I’d also recommend downloading a stargazing app. The SkyView app is free and one of the best out there. It uses augmented reality to show you various constellations as you move your phone across the sky. It will even show you what planets you might be able to spot as well!

#9. The Hooker Valley Trail

As early as you can manage it the next morning, get up and head out to the Hooker Valley Track. Hiking this trail as the sun rises across the valley is an unimaginable experience. This hike is about 3 hours there and back and is suitable for almost every fitness level. You still need good walking shoes but hiking boots aren’t requires. The hike is free and takes you through the Hooker Valley towards glacial Hooker Lake.

As you go you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning views of the New Zealand mountain ranges all around you. The first large lookout you’ll come to is the Mueller Lake Glacier lookout. You’ll cross over a famous suspension bridges and finally arrive at the Hooker Valley Boardwalk. Hooker Lake is still filled with icebergs so see how many you’re able to spot.

#10. Scenic Helicopter Ride

Ok, truthfully Helicopter Rides aren’t for me since I’m terrified to go in one. But so many of my fellow travel companions loved their experience I had to include this! Seeing this enter park from high up in the air would honestly be such an incredible experience. Most of these helicopter flights last around 25-55 minutes (depending on the helicopter company you go with and price you want to pay). They all provide views of the Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, the surrounding lakes and Mount Cook itself. Some of the tours also offer a soft landing in a snowfield with a photo opportunity in the middle of nowhere. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so while they cost a pretty penny they do give you a vantage point which you can’t find anywhere else.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marije Meulenbeek-Klink (@marijemklink) on Mar 4, 2020 at 12:48pm PST

#11. Tasman Glacier View Track

The Tasman Glacier Trail is a 1-hour return hike perfect for the whole family. A short drive away from the Aoraki Mount Cook Village, this trail leads you to the Tasman Glacier Lake. Upon arriving at the lake, you can see dozens and dozens of floating icebergs. These have all cracked off the huge nearby glacier. This is another great place to come early in the morning to view a gorgeous sunrise view across the valley with Aoraki Mount Cook in the distance

#12. Tasman Lake Boating or Kayaking Experience 

When coming to the Tasman Lake viewpoint you can also book a boat tour which will allow you to get on the water to see these glaciers up close. The kayaking option will take you even closer as you can paddle right up next to these ancient water features.

#13. Hike to the Mueller Hut (Expert only)

Be warned, this hike is only for experienced hikers and requires booking in advance! I didn’t do this trek but felt the need to mention it as there might be some among you who came all this way for a real adventure! The Mueller Hut Route takes 3–5 hr one way. Many people opt to do this hike and stay overnight in the hut. Then they return the next morning. This is the main reason that reservations for this hike are required. Summer is the best time to do this hike as during the winter months the trail is even more difficult. You’ll need experience in walking on ice and using ice axes and crampons. They also require practice with route finding and using an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.

The hut at the end of the trail lies over 1,800m above sea level. From this tiny hut, you have one of the most stunning views of the nearby Mueller Glacier. By staying the night in the Hueller Hut you can experience the night sky surrounded by nothing but snow-covered mountains. The hut costs $36 NZ per person per night. They also offer guided tours which will be of some help to climbers with experience who still require some assistance with the most difficult portions of the trail. If you are wondering if you will be able to do the hike or not, ask for advice! Park rangers at any information stations are more than welcome to provide advice and assistance.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cheelam (@cheelam1220) on Apr 17, 2020 at 6:40am PDT

#14. Red Tarns Track

One of the best hikes to spend your last night in Aoraki Mount Cook is the Red Tarns Track. This 2-hour return hike is relatively easy for anyone with a medium fitness level. The most difficult part of this hike is the steep steps which can be exhausting. But just take your time, that’s always my advice. After gaining over 300 m of elevation you’ll find yourself at this marvelous viewpoint. It looks out over the valleys below and is an optimal place to be at sunset. The area is called the Red Tarns because of the red pond weeds that grows in this area.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Angharad Williams (@wanderingwelshh) on Apr 19, 2019 at 4:20pm PDT

#15. The Sir Edmund Hillary Café & Bar

The Sir Edmund Hillary Café & Bar at the Hermitage Hotel is one of the best places to say goodbye to this wondrous place. The cafe has outdoor seating which is the perfect place to eat breakfast on your last day. The cafe specializes in classic Kiwi fare like salt and pepper squid, hot cheese toasties, smoked salmon pizza and my favourite, the breakfast bun! Sitting here, looking out at the mountains while sipping my coffee is a memory I’ll never forget. Probably the best breakfast view I’ll ever have

Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever visited Mount Cook before or what hike you’re most looking forward to visiting on your next trip to New Zealand!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post 15 Things to See & Do in Mount Cook New Zealand first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Admission and Hours

The fee seemed steep at 1,000 yen ($10 USD), but we decided to plop down a few yen and were inside. 1,000 yen might look like a lot for a self-guided walk through an old garden, but it was some of the best money we spent on the trip! The gardens are open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Access

From Kyoto Station, take the Japan Railways (JR) Saiin Line to Saga Arashiyama Station. It is a fifteen-minute walk from there.

History

The Ōkōchi Sansō was once the estate of a famous Japanese actor Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962). He became a star at a young age. But instead of blowing the money on cars, drugs or clothes as young stars do now – he decided to build this monument to Japanese architecture. He built this villa and the gardens as an escape, and it was opened to the public after his death. Now, it offers the public the sense of escape it once offered him.

The buildings within the garden have been recorded as cultural properties by the national government. Most of them were constructed in the 1930s and 40s except for the Jibutsudō, an original structure from the Meiji Era that was moved from its original location to this site after Okochi Denjiro purchased it to save it from destruction.

Chūmon Gate

To set off on the walking tour of the gardens, one only has to follow the signs along the pathway. The thing you’ll pass by is the Chūmon. A Chūmon, or “intermediate gate”, is built to divide the outer and inner tea gardens. It is where the host would meet his guests as he invited them inside for tea. Stepping through the gate is like being welcomed home.

Daijōkaku

After passing through this gate, you come upon the main building in the compound, the Daijōkaku. This is where Denjiro Okochi’s bedroom used to be and where he would spend most of his free time when he wasn’t entertaining in the tea house. The house is known for being one of the best examples of traditional Japanese residential architecture. It combines many styles of Japanese architecture, such as shoin-zukuri and sukiya-zukuri.

Architecture

These architectural styles seem in direct opposition, one for large, opulent houses and the other, meaning literally, “a small space, simple and austere.” The shinden-zukuri was a style of architecture that flourished in the Heian period. These buildings faced south, were comprised of a single story and were raised off the ground with wooden pillars. There was no tatami flooring, and the roof was made with cypress shingles. The sukiya-zukuri architecture uses slender wood elements and the simplicity of ornamentation.

From the front of the Daijōkaku, you have a lovely view of the forest and the mountain to the south. But this view pales compared to the one you get at the top of the garden path. After taking in the view here for a bit, we headed back off on the trail.

Flora and Fauna

The upper portion of the trail shows off the garden’s flora and fauna. The garden was designed to highlight all the different seasons. So no matter when you visit, there is always something stunning. Unlike some gardens where they only have one season of truly spectacular foliage or flowers, this garden can be enjoyed throughout the year. In the spring, we have cherry blossoms, azaleas in the summer, Japanese maple trees for the fall, and pine trees for the winter months. Until this point in the trip, we hadn’t seen many autumn colours since it was fairly early. But here, trees were starting to change colour, and the orange and gold leaves glowed against the crystal blue sky.

The grounds themselves take up about 20,000 square meters, and the guest pathway only shows you a small portion of the villa. One can only imagine what treasures are hidden in this estate. You’ll discover Buddha statues, water features, sculptures hidden in Cyprus trees and rose bushes throughout the stone path.

Hozu River Gorge

At the top of the path, you’ll come to a lookout point where you can see the slopes of Mount Hiei, Mount Arashi and Mount Ogura and the Hozu River gorge. Wandering in the Bamboo forest, you can’t see out to the landscape around you, but from up here, we saw things we never even would have known were there!

Senkaku Senkoji

Hidden in the mountains, you can see a tiny temple poking its head out of the trees. This is the Senkaku Senkoji temple. Its iconic coloured flags make it stand out amongst the green trees.

There is a term in landscape architecture called “borrowed scenery,” which means: “to incorporate the background landscape into the design.” Walking through the winding cobblestones and twisting pathways, you can understand this design as the garden and the forest seem intertwined.

Jibutsudō

The Jibutsudō, with its Irimoya-style roof, is a Buddhist shrine which was moved from its original location to the villa in Arashiyama. Jibutsudōs are buildings from the Meiji Era that were made for rich noblemen to practice Buddism in the comfort of their own homes. A private place of worship.

Chashitsu

Along this path, you’ll also find the original Chashitsu. This small tea room was designed for intimate gatherings with typical tea room features like soft, sliding doors made of wooden lattice covered in translucent Japanese paper, tatami mats and subdued colours.

Moon Light Pavilion

In my opinion, the piece-de-resistance of the whole estate is the Moon Light Pavilion. This open-air building is at the highest point in the garden and gives you the best view of Kyoto, the forest and the mountains. All are framed under a simplistic Japanese gazebo. Sitting here, you’ll feel on top of the world. The landscape below looked like a rainbow from here, orange and yellow trees, green mountains and a bright blue sky.

Tea Room

After the moon pavilion, we headed back down the trail to finish our tour with a cup of tea. Near the exit is a new tea room built to serve tea to all the guests who still visit this site, keeping Okochi Denjiro’s tradition alive. Inside this building, you are seated and served a hot cup of matcha tea and a little sweet treat.

We took a seat towards the back of the room with a view of the bamboo forest behind us. Here, surrounded only by a few other visitors, we had a private viewing of the famous bamboo forests where hundreds of tourists were crammed inside only hours earlier.

The tea itself was a welcome treat. The warm liquid hit the spot on a sunny but chilly, windy day. The matcha is slightly bitter and is purposefully served with the sweet candy cake to balance out the flavour of the tea.

Tea Room Experience

We sat quietly in the tea room for as long as we felt welcome (we honestly could have been forever). I read my guidebook and planned our next destination; Dan changed his phone and relaxed in the silent chatter of the tea room. We listened to other families talking about their travels. Taking a moment to step back and appreciate where we were, what we had done and what adventures were around the corner.

We said “arigato” and bowed deeply to the servers as we left. On the way out, many people approached the gate and turned away once reading the admission price. We shook our heads and smiled at each other as we had just uncovered a secret only we would take away with us. Don’t make the same mistake those people did. Come inside and soak it all in.

Your secret garden awaits.

The post Discovering the Hidden Gem in Arashiyama: A Guide to Kyoto’s Okochi Sanso Garden first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Access

The Iwatayama Monkey park is located right across from the Hozu River. It is marked with bright red torii gates sitting on the forest edge. The best way to access the park is from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. From here, it’s just a 5-minute walk up to the entrance. If arriving from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, the walk is only 15 minutes, and you get to see a lot of the village along the way.

Admission and Hours

The park is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from March to September and in the Fall and Winter from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The entrance fee for the park is 550 yen ($5 USD)

Ichitanimunakata Shrine

Before you approach the ticketing gate, stop at the Ichitanimunakata Shrine. This shrine is from the Taiho period (701-704) and may be one of the oldest shrines you see on your travels. There aren’t many signs or information about it, but it’s worth stopping to admire the ancient designs.

Tips for Interacting with the Monkeys

Next, you’ll turn and make your way to the ticketing booth. Here you pay the admission and hand over any bags the monkeys might be able to steal before heading up the mountain. Luckily our knapsacks were acceptable, and we could head right on up. After paying, you are handed cards with instructions on not interacting with the monkeys.

• Don’t stare the monkeys in the eye
• Don’t touch the monkeys
• Don’t feed the monkeys outside food
• Don’t take pictures on the way (we totally did this)

I have to say, these instructions freaked me out, but we’d already paid and seeing as I hadn’t read anything about people being mauled to death recently, we started to hike up the hill. The trek was harder than I had imagined it to be. But the weath

•  Don’t take pictures on the way (we totally did this)

I have to say, these instructions freaked me out. But we’d already paid, and seeing as I hadn’t read anything about people being mauled to death recently, we started to hike up the hill. The trek was harder than I had imagined it to be. But the weather was pleasant, and it was a nice way to get a little exercise and work off one of the many bowls of ramen we’d already consumed on this trip.

er was pleasant, and it was a nice way to get a little bit of exercise and work off one of the many bowls of ramen we’d consumed already on this trip.

The Hike

I think it took us about 35 minutes after stopping a few times for some water. We were glad to have good walking shoes and something to drink with us since there were no places to get beverages until there was, of course, a vending machine at the top of the hill. As we climbed higher and higher, the landscape changed, trees became more sparse, and soon we heard the first call of a monkey somewhere off in the distance, hidden amongst the trees.

Although it wasn’t too warm when we hiked, on sunny days in the summer, it must get so hot on your way up, so the air conditioning room would, I’m sure, be an oasis in the tropical forest. There were also several fans (if you can believe it) stuck in the middle of the woods where you could take a break and get some cold air.

The View at the Top

As soon as we reached the top, over 160 meters above sea level, we were rewarded with an incredible view that overlooked what felt like the entire world. But in reality, the city of Arashiyama, Kyoto, the Kyoto mountains and the Hozu River. There were several binoculars to look down on the city from up here, but we were here to see the monkeys!

Japanese Macaques

The monkeys running around the top of this mountain are Japanese Macaques or “Snow Monkeys.” They get their name because snow covers the ground up in the mountains during the winter. No other nonhuman primate lives in a colder climate.

They were much bigger than I had previously imagined and cruised around the tourists like it was nothing. I did my best to avoid eye contact with them, quickly looking away if one happened to glance up at me.

Caretakers and anthropologists

Caretakers and anthropologists were stationed up there to look after the monkeys and ensure no one disobeyed the rules. They also track their habits, breeding and life span to learn more about these creatures and how to help their population all over Japan. It was a little scary to see such wild animals so close. They were free, and a few would get into screaming matches with each other – displaying strength and aggression toward the females.

After a little while, you got more comfortable with the animals because they didn’t seem interested in biting your head off. I watched them play, sleep and pick bugs off each other for a snack. Some seemed to have their own groups, and some kept to themselves. Just like us!

Feeding the Monkeys

Inside the small building at the top of the mountain are refreshments for humans and treats for the monkeys. You’re only allowed to feed them inside this fenced shed to ensure they’re not eating unauthorized food. We bought a few bags of peanuts and bananas and fed the greedy little monkeys. Each one of them fought over a few nuts. Their little hands and faces were so human-like. Watching them meticulously peel the peanuts was fascinating. It was a gentle reminder of how close we really are to them. After feeding the monkeys and taking a water break inside the bottle-proof shed, we headed back outside. We explored the upper and lower levels of the monkey viewing area.

Once you started to look, monkeys seemed to be hiding everywhere. I overheard one of the employees saying that there were over 200 monkeys in this area alone!

We took a moment on the bench to enjoy both the monkeys around us and the views of the city and the forest. Although the view of the city is stunning, the view of the lush, undisturbed forest was even more interesting. It was so dense and bright green. With so many monkeys up here, I could only imagine how many monkeys made that enormous forest their home.

Bamboo Groves of Arashiyama

Seeing as thousands of people visit the Bamboo Groves of Arashiyama every day, it was shocking to see such a small turnout of travellers here at the top of everything. We didn’t mind at all, though. More monkeys for us. We walked around a little more. Pointing out our favourite monkeys and skittering away from the bigger, scarier ones. Finally, we gathered our strength to make the journey back down the hill. The way down wasn’t as hard as the way up but seeing as we only had walking shoes (not hiking boots), some of the slipperier parts of the hill proved a little difficult. Nonetheless, we made it back down in one piece!

Although the hike and the time it will take might seem steep (both literally and figuratively) – this trek is worth the time and effort. You’ll rarely have unique opportunities to see such creatures so close up in the wild and get the incredible views the top of this mountain offers. Souvenirs and ice cream cones can be found all over Japan; this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The post What you Need to Know Before Visiting the Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.