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- English
The late night winter rush.
Under headlamps, crunch through Johnston Canyon’s frozen cathedrals of ice, then step out into the dark where the Milky Way explodes overhead. One quiet, mind-blowing night that turns Banff’s winter into pure magic.
For anyone who wants the Rockies to feel bigger than the daytime ever allows.
Highlights:
✦ Headlamp-lit Lower Falls
Crunch through frozen ice formations and glowing blue walls to the waterfall up close.
✦ Canyon by night
Steel catwalks, massive icicles, total darkness – winter canyon magic like nowhere else.
✦ Vermilion Lakes stargazing
Milky Way reflecting on calm water, Mount Rundle silhouetted.
✦ Mt Norquay viewpoint
Higher elevation, panoramic sky – perfect for aurora spotting.
✦ Hot drinks & sweet treat under the stars
Hot drinks and a sweet treat while the cosmos steals the show.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon in winter is one of the best walks in Banff National Park. Your local guide fits you with ice cleats and optional hiking poles at the trailhead, then leads the way along a gentle path toward the frozen falls, sharing stories and canyon trivia as you go. The walk to the Lower Falls takes about 30 minutes, covering 1.2 km with 50m of elevation gain. From there you can turn back to the trailhead, where a hot drink waits by the firepit, or continue on to the Upper Falls. The extension adds another 30 minutes and 1.3 km. At the top, ice climbers work their way up frozen cliffs beside some of the most impressive ice formations in the canyon. Round trip to the Upper Falls: 2 hours, 5.0 km, 120m elevation gain. Suitable for guests with average fitness.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
2Mount Norquay Lookout
Where we set up depends on the night. Your guide reads the sky, the cloud cover, and the moon phase, then picks the spot that will give you the clearest view: sometimes a calm lake where the Milky Way doubles on the water's surface, other times the high lookout above town where the valley opens up in every direction. Once we're settled in, it's hot drinks and a sweet treat while your eyes adjust to the dark. No rush. No itinerary to chase. Just time to let the stars take over, with your guide pointing out constellations, satellites, and the odd shooting star along the way. Banff's low light pollution means the sky here does most of the work. Your guide brings the rest: the stories behind the constellations, a bit of astronomy, and an eye for exactly when and where to look.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children 5 and under are unable to join our small group adventures
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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