Between leaving Johnston Canyon and arriving at Silverton Falls, I drove along Alberta Provincial Highway 1A — which is more popularly known in Banff National Park as Bow Valley Parkway — past Castle Mountain.
Bow Valley Parkway Past Castle Mountain to Silverton Falls
Castle Mountain looms in the distance while driving northwest on Bow Valley Parkway.
Although rather distinctive, Castle Mountain is not the only part of the scenic view along Bow Valley Parkway.
Look south across the parkway to see more mountains — many covered with snow.
Near the Johnston Canyon and Castle Mountain exit of Trans-Canada Highway 1 is Castle Mountain Chalets, which has a parking lot that arguably offers the best view of Castle Mountain — and picnic tables if you want to enjoy a nice lunch with a scenic view.
I did not stay at Castle Mountain Chalets; but I did like the retro gasoline pump. The car did not need fuel; but I believe that the pump actually works.
Initially named in 1858 by James Hector for its castellated appearance, the mountain was temporarily known as Mount Eisenhower from 1946 to 1979; but pressure from the public forced the original name of Castle Mountain to be restored — although a pinnacle on the southeastern side of the mountain was named Eisenhower Tower.
This colorful wooden sign greets motorists who exited from Trans-Canada Highway 1 onto the Bow Valley Parkway.
Click on the photograph above for an enlarged view of the sign so that you can read more details and information pertaining to Bow Valley Parkway.
After stopping at Castle Mountain to view and admire it, I continued on to Silverton Falls — not realizing that I already had a view of it from the road, as demonstrated by the two photographs above and below.
Summary
The drive from Johnston Canyon to the parking area for Silverton Falls at the Rockbound Lake trail is only 6.8 kilometers, which takes only eight minutes to drive — and Castle Mountain is on the way.
I did not attempt to ascend Castle Mountain; but it is possible to do so from the Rockbound Lake trail; and you can set up camp at Tower Lake for a shorter route. Give yourself most of the day for the return trip, as part of the trail itself is not easily discernible.
All photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.
