Johnston Canyon Night Walk and Stargazing Experience

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

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.

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Johnston Canyon

Discover the breathtaking splendor of Banff National Park's premier winter walk at Johnston Canyon! Upon arrival, your expert local guide will regale you with fascinating tales and trivia as you journey along the gentle road towards the Johnston Canyon falls trail. They will provide you with ice cleats/crampons and (optional) hiking poles for your journey to the frozen falls. This trek takes about 30 minutes, covering a distance of 1.2 km with an elevation gain of 50m. Upon reaching the Lower Falls, you can either return to the trailhead where a complimentary hot drink by a toasty firepit awaits or venture further to the Upper Falls, which adds another 30 minutes and 1.3 km to the trek. There, you'll be spellbound by the most magnificent frozen waterfalls in the canyon and can watch intrepid ice climbers navigate the icy cliffs. The complete round trip to the Upper Falls spans 2 hours, 5.0 km, with an elevation gain of 120m, suitable for those of average fitness.

2 hours • Admission Included

Mount Norquay Lookout

We choose the best spot that night – either calm lakes reflecting the Milky Way or the high lookout above town – hot drinks and sweet treat in hand while the stars take over.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Water refills (please BYO water bottle)

Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee or tea)

Upscale, modern & spacious transportation with large panoramic windows

Pick up from Banff hotels

Local expert guides: Trained in winter driving & photography to capture your memories.

Essential gear: ice cleats/crampons and hiking poles

Lunch (BYO or contact Radventures BEFORE booking to purchase a picnic lunch for the end of tour)

Park Pass

Tips for our dedicated guides (not mandatory but greatly appreciated)

Options