eBike and Hike to Johnston Canyon

This tour is a good answer to the question of how to reach Johnston Canyon without joining a crowded car park. A guide leads a small group from Banff by electric-assist bicycle, riding past the Vermilion Lakes and along the Legacy Trail before turning onto the Bow Valley Parkway and cycling to the canyon. At Johnston Canyon the group leaves the bikes and walks to the Lower Falls bridge, then returns the way they came. The booking page describes the outing as a moderate small-group program lasting about four hours, and its high rating from a few hundred travellers makes it one of the best-regarded active tours in the town. The electric assist takes the sting out of the climbs, so riders of modest fitness can enjoy a ride that would otherwise be long, and the guide handles route choice and timing. The booking page does not state a season, and a bicycle route on the Bow Valley Parkway is naturally a warm-season activity, so it is not a winter option. Check dates, the meeting point and what is included when you book, since the page does not list them clearly. In winter, the better way to see the canyon is the guided icewalk, and in early November the season is between the two, so plan this outing for late spring through early autumn.

Riding rather than driving changes how the day feels. You pass the Vermilion Lakes at a speed that lets you notice the reeds and the birds, then follow the Legacy Trail, a paved path beside the highway, before turning onto the quieter Bow Valley Parkway, where traffic slows and the forest closes in.

The Parkway is known for wildlife, so keep your eyes open, and your guide will manage the group if animals are near the road. Arriving at the canyon on a bike also means you skip the parking queue, which is a real advantage in summer.

The hike itself is short, along the catwalks to the Lower Falls bridge, and the canyon's cold air is a relief after the ride. Footwear matters: wear comfortable shoes that work for both cycling and walking, bring layers and a rain jacket, and carry water. Confirm what equipment is provided, including bikes and helmets, and the fitness requirements on the booking page. Those who have never ridden an electric bicycle should know that the assist makes the ride easier but does not eliminate the effort, and the hike requires normal walking fitness.

This outing suits couples and active friends more than families with small children, and it pairs well with an afternoon soak at the Upper Hot Springs. If you prefer a car-based trip, the Johnston Canyon entry elsewhere in this guide has the details for visiting independently, and the winter icewalk covers the same canyon in its frozen form. For a longer day, combine the ride with lunch in town and a stroll on Banff Avenue. Book early in July and August, and keep an eye on weather and wildlife closures along the Parkway.

Prepare for the saddle as much as the trail. Padded cycling shorts or a thin layer under trousers make a four-hour outing far more comfortable, and sunscreen, sunglasses and a light rain jacket are all worth packing. Tell the guide if you have not ridden an electric bicycle before, and take the first few minutes slowly to find the assist levels. Eat a proper breakfast, carry water and keep a phone charged for photographs at the canyon.