Under headlamps, crunch through Johnston Canyon, 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.

PRICE: $83
per person

 

Step into a world most visitors never see. Long after the daytime crowds have gone, we meet in Banff under the early winter night and drive to Johnston Canyon with headlamps in hand. Equipped with ice cleats for safe footing, we follow the snow-lined catwalks as our lights bounce off towering limestone walls and frozen waterfalls that glow an eerie blue. The only sounds are the crunching snow, distant ice cracking, and your own breath in the crisp mountain air. Each bend in the canyon reveals another curtain of ice, sculpted by winter into natural works of art – a private gallery lit only by our small circle of light.

After the canyon, we leave the trees behind and drive just minutes to one of two spectacular stargazing locations (chosen nightly for the clearest sky):

✦ Vermilion Lakes – the Milky Way mirrors perfectly on glass-calm water with Mount Rundle standing in dramatic silhouette.

✦ Mt Norquay Viewpoint – higher elevation, 360° horizon, and one of the best spots in Banff for bright stars and potential northern lights.

There we turn off the lights, wrap up in blankets, sip hot chocolate, and let the universe steal the show. Small groups, expert guides, ice cleats, headlamps, hot drinks, and round-trip transport from Banff included. Just bring warm layers and prepare to have your mind blown by winter darkness done right.

Crunch through ice formations and glowing blue walls to the waterfall up close.
Steel catwalks, massive icicles, total darkness – pure winter canyon magic.
Milky Way reflecting on calm water, Mount Rundle silhouetted.
Higher elevation, panoramic sky – perfect for aurora spotting.
Hot drinks and a sweet treat while the cosmos steals the show.

Expert local guides
Upscale, modern & spacious transportation with large panoramic windows
Pickup and drop-off in Banff
Water refills (BYO water bottle)
Hot beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
Local specialty treat
Essential gear (ice cleats/crampons, and hiking poles)
Small group guarantee (Max 10 guests)
Guide gratuities (not mandatory but greatly appreciated)
Children 6 and under are unable to join our small group tours (please contact Radventures for options with children)
Park Pass

 

 

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