Banff Evening Explorer: Johnston Canyon Catwalks, Mount Norquay Sunset & Lake Reflections
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; brief standing and short walks on paved/boardwalk sections are required.
Overview
As daylight drains behind the Rockies, this small-group evening tour threads catwalks through Johnston Canyon, pauses beneath Castle Mountain and climbs to Mount Norquay for sunset — finishing with a lakeside twilight photo stop. Expect easy walks, wildlife sightings at dusk, and a compact, cinematic view of Banff’s geology.
Banff Evening Explorer: Johnston Canyon Catwalks, Mount Norquay Sunset & Lake Reflections
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The light thins and the mountains sharpen: on this small-group evening circuit, Banff shifts into a different mood — the limestone gorge cools, cliffs take on a copper edge, and the first elk begin to loaf at the roadside. The tour starts along the elevated catwalks of Johnston Canyon, where the river keeps insisting forward and spray knits silver into the air. Walks here are short but cinematic: the Lower Falls hangs like a theater curtain, the canyon walls forcing the sound of water up and through you.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Time it for sunset
Arrive 45–75 minutes before sunset for the best light on the canyon walls and to catch wildlife activity along the drive.
Pack a headlamp
Evening returns can mean dim paths and parking-lot crossings — a low-profile headlamp keeps your hands free for cameras.
Layer for temperature swings
Mountain evenings cool fast; a warm mid-layer and wind shell are useful even in summer.
Keep a safe distance from wildlife
Dusk is prime for elk and bighorn sheep — use binoculars or telephoto lenses and stay with your guide’s instructions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Bighorn sheep
History
Banff developed after hot springs were discovered in the 1880s and was among the first national park areas in Canada; local Indigenous nations, including the Stoney Nakoda, have long histories on these lands.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace and maintain recommended wildlife distances at dusk; Banff National Park manages human-wildlife interactions to protect both animals and visitors.
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Adventure Hotspots in Banff
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Headlamp or compact flashlight
Useful for the walk back after sunset and for navigating dim parking areas.
fall specific
Water bottle (1L+)
Even short walks and evening drives require hydration at altitude.
summer specific
Waterproof/traction shoes
Catwalks can be wet and slippery; shoes with good tread improve safety.
spring specific
Camera with stabilized lens or tripod
Low-light scenes and lake reflections benefit from stabilization for sharp images.
summer specific