Banff to Johnston Canyon: eBike & Hike Small Group Tour

Summary

Cycle Bow Valley then hike Johnston Canyon with a guide

You’ll cruise from Banff by e-bike past lakes and forests before hiking into Johnston Canyon’s cool shadows—all with a local guide who knows every turn. Feel the mist at Lower Falls Bridge, swap stories on forest paths, then catch your shuttle back feeling lighter somehow.

What’s the experience like?

We started rolling out of Banff before my coffee had even settled, following our guide—Sarah, who grew up just outside Canmore—onto these smooth paths by Vermilion Lakes. The air smelled like pine needles and wet earth, which I guess is classic for early summer here. The e-bike felt lighter than I expected (I’m not exactly Tour de France material), and Sarah kept checking in, making sure everyone was good with the pace. We passed a couple of locals out walking their dogs; one waved, probably amused at our little convoy of helmets and nervous laughter.

Once we hit the Bow Valley Parkway, it got quieter—no cars for June, so you could actually hear the river somewhere off to the left and birds fussing overhead. The ride wasn’t hard with the e-bike’s boost, but my legs still noticed those longer stretches. Sarah pointed out a spot where she’d seen elk last week (none today), and told us how Parks Canada closes this road for wildlife in spring and fall. I didn’t expect to feel so far from town so quickly. It was just us, the trees, and that faint smell of wildflowers mixed with sunscreen.

The bikes got parked at Johnston Canyon’s trailhead—my hands still buzzing a bit from the handlebars—and we switched gears for the hike. The canyon itself is loud in a way photos don’t show: water crashing below, people’s voices echoing off the rock walls. Our group stopped at the Lower Falls Bridge; I leaned over and caught spray on my face (cold enough to make me blink). Sarah explained how the canyon formed—something about glaciers ages ago—but honestly I was more focused on watching sunlight flicker through all that green moss.

I think what stuck with me most was how everyone loosened up by the end—someone shared trail mix, Sarah told us about her favorite winter hikes here, and nobody seemed in a rush to get back to Banff even when our shuttle pulled up. There’s something about moving through these places together that makes strangers feel less strange. Anyway, I still think about that quiet stretch of road sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — eBike ride and hike Johnston Canyon

• Ride e-bike along Vermilion Lakes
• Cycle shaded Legacy Trail bike path
• Travel Bow Valley Parkway by e-bike
• Hike to Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
• Return by shuttle to Banff

Top questions

How long is the eBike & Hike tour from Banff to Johnston Canyon?

The tour lasts about 4 hours round trip.

What distance do you bike and hike on this tour?

You’ll bike approximately 26km and walk 3km during the day trip.

Is there a vehicle shuttle back to Banff after hiking?

Yes, your return to Banff is by vehicle shuttle included in the tour.

Are e-bikes provided or do I need my own?

E-bikes and helmets are provided as part of your booking.

Is this guided tour suitable for beginners?

The activity level is moderate; you should be comfortable riding a bike for 26km.

What is the minimum age or height required?

The minimum age is 16 years old and minimum rider height is 5'0" (152cm).

Do I need special clothing or shoes?

You’ll need close-toed shoes (no sandals) and weather-appropriate clothing.

When is Bow Valley Parkway closed to vehicles?

The parkway is closed to vehicles in June and September; open with limited traffic other months.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an e-bike and helmet, guidance from a professional interpretive guide who leads both cycling and hiking portions, plus a one-way vehicle shuttle back to Banff after your walk through Johnston Canyon.