Canmore Stargazing Tour: Spot Constellations & Wildlife

Walk forest trails at night and learn the constellations overhead

A two-hour guided stargazing walk in Canmore that combines night hiking through uneven forest trails with astronomy instruction and wildlife watching. The guide provides head lamps, hiking poles and ice cleats. You'll cover 3.5 miles total and may see the northern lights. Children must be at least 8 years old, and proper outdoor footwear is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening stargazing and nature walk

• Arrive 10 minutes before departure
• Walk 3.5 miles on forest trails
• Observe wildlife emerging at dusk
• Learn about local wildlife and culture
• Stop frequently to enjoy scenery
• Stargaze at remote location
• Photograph stars and constellations
• Possibly see northern lights

The experience

This tour runs as dusk settles into full darkness, so the timing shifts with the season. You'll be contacted 12 to 24 hours before departure with the exact start time. The walk covers 3.5 miles on uneven forest paths, moving at a pace that allows frequent stops to observe the night sky and listen for animals as they emerge. A professional guide leads the group and points out visible constellations while you photograph the stars. Depending on cloud cover and season, there's a chance to see the northern lights.

Head lamps, hiking poles and ice cleats are all supplied, so you arrive with just proper outdoor footwear and a camera. The guide makes the weather call on the night itself. If heavy cloud cover or rain blocks the stars, you can get a full refund within 24 hours. Arrive 10 minutes before departure, and note that the uneven terrain and 3.5-mile distance mean this walk is not suitable for children under 8, people with mobility issues, or those with recent back surgery or serious cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• head lamps.
• hiking poles.
• ice cleats or micro spikes for traction on uneven terrain.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 18:00Last departure this season: 29 Jan 2027

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “All tours meet and depart from: Canmore Recreation Centre - 1900 8 Ave, Canmore, AB T1W 1Y2, Canada There is free parking. It is a short taxi from most Canmore Hotels. Your guide will have a clipboard and bear spray.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Banff & Canmore Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared group tour with a set two-hour window and a fixed route, so it suits anyone with a free evening in Canmore who wants expert guidance on what to look for in the night sky. The uneven forest terrain and 3.5-mile walk mean you need to be comfortable on rough ground. Children must be at least 8, and the tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues, recent back surgery or serious heart or lung concerns.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What wildlife might I see on a Canmore stargazing walk at night?

The tour is timed as dusk settles and animals begin to emerge, so you may spot nocturnal wildlife typical to the Canmore forest trails. The guide will point out what appears and explain local species, though sightings depend on the night and conditions.

Will I definitely see the northern lights on this tour?

The northern lights are not guaranteed. Visibility depends on cloud cover, season and solar activity. The guide will explain what to look for and may point them out if conditions allow, but the tour focuses equally on constellations and stargazing whether or not the aurora appears.

How uneven are the forest paths, and do I need special footwear?

The trails are uneven forest paths, and proper outdoor footwear is required: sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip. Ice cleats and hiking poles are supplied, so you're equipped for the terrain, but worn sneakers or street shoes won't work.

What happens if the weather is bad on the night of my tour?

The guide assesses conditions at the meeting location on the night itself and decides whether heavy cloud cover or rain makes stargazing impossible. If weather blocks the stars, you receive a full refund within 24 hours. The tour also offers 24-hour free cancellation if your plans change.

Do I need to bring my own camera, or is one provided?

Bring your own camera if you want to photograph the stars. The tour does not supply one. The guide will advise on camera settings and positioning for night sky shots, and frequent stops give you time to capture images.