Johnston Canyon Evening

JOHNSTON CANYON EVENING TOUR

If you're looking for one of the most rewarding things to do in Banff, our Johnston Canyon Evening Tour offers the perfect mix of scenery, adventure, and tranquillity. As the sun sets over the Canadian Rockies, this guided hiking tour takes you along one of Banff's most iconic trails at a quieter time of day. You'll walk beneath towering limestone cliffs, alongside glacier-fed streams, and past cascading waterfalls, all while enjoying a calmer and more peaceful experience away from the daytime crowds.

This tour also includes a scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway, a stunning stretch of road known for its mountain views and frequent wildlife sightings. It’s a great way to combine sightseeing and hiking in a single experience, and a standout choice for anyone exploring Banff National Park.

SHARED & PRIVATE TOUR EXPERIENCES

We offer both shared and private versions of this tour as part of our customizable Banff tour packages. Choose our Popular Shared Tour to join a small group of fellow travellers, or upgrade to a Signature Private Experience with your own dedicated guide and vehicle. No matter which option you choose, you’ll enjoy a professionally guided experience that adds depth, insight, and convenience to your time in Banff.

DESCRIPTION

The evening begins with a comfortable pick-up from Banff, Canmore, or Harvie Heights. From June 26 to August 27, your route to Johnston Canyon includes the Bow Valley Parkway, a quiet and scenic corridor known for being a prime area for spotting elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. While sightings can't be guaranteed, your guide will keep an eye out along the way and share tips for spotting animals in their natural habitat.

At Johnston Canyon, you’ll set out on a guided hike along the lower portion of the trail, leading to the Lower Falls. This well-maintained path winds through forested terrain and narrow canyon walls, with catwalks that bring you close to the turquoise creek below. At the Lower Falls, step through a small tunnel to a viewpoint where the water thunders down just a few feet away.

From there, guests have the option to continue on a self-guided hike to the Upper Falls, which drops more than 30 meters into a deep pool at the end of the canyon. The trail offers beautiful forest views and elevated walkways with several excellent photo opportunities. Your guide will accompany any guests returning early, while others can enjoy the quiet, scenic climb to the upper viewpoint at their own pace.

This evening experience is one of the most popular Banff guided tours for good reason. Whether you're visiting for the scenery, the wildlife, the photo opportunities, or the peaceful setting, it offers a memorable way to explore Johnston Canyon and take in a different side of Banff National Park. It’s also a great choice for travellers looking to include accessible hiking tours in Banff as part of their trip.

INCLUSIONS

• Round-trip transport from Banff, Canmore or Harvie Heights.

• Explore the stunning beauty of Johnston Canyon (guided to Lower Falls, self-guided to Upper Falls).

• National Park entry fees

• Knowledgeable and friendly expert guide.

• Water refills (BYO reusable water bottle).

• Onboard USB-A charging stations for your phones and other devices (just bring your own cable).

EXCLUSIONS

• Gratuities/tips for your guide/driver are not included but are greatly appreciated.

• Meals and snacks are not included.

WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes

• Refillable water bottle and snacks

• Camera

• Weather-appropriate clothing

WHAT TO EXPECT

Hiking at Johnston Canyon is an incredible experience that combines stunning natural beauty with an adventurous hike along a maintained trail. As you make your way along the path, you can expect beautiful waterfalls, lush forests and a chance to see wildlife.

Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you’re properly prepared for the hike and lead you to the Lower Falls, giving you valuable insights along the way. You will then have the opportunity to continue on a self-guided hike to the Upper Falls, while your guide returns to the tour vehicle with any guests not wanting to hike to the Upper Falls. 

Hiking stats:

Parking lot to Lower Falls
Distance: 2.2km (1.4 miles) round-trip
Elevation: 115m (377 ft)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour to the Lower Falls round-trip

Parking lot to Upper Falls
Distance: 5.2km (3.25 miles) round-trip
Elevation: 274m (898 ft)
Duration: Approximately 2 hours to the Upper Falls round-trip