Banff · BANFF STARGAZING & NIGHT TOURS
13 reviewed
The whole park is a dark-sky preserve, and once the day-trippers leave the Milky Way takes over. These night tours make the most of it: guided stargazing with telescopes, planetarium visits, sunset drives to a dark lookout. Compare what gear each provides, the timing by season, and the price.
A guided 2-hour Banff sunset-to-stars hike with headlamps, bear-spray safety, and constellation spotting. Northern lights possible.
“Jacob was very knowledgeable and friendly. Took time to answer any question asked.”
Banff stargazing on a 2-hour small-group night walk from Cave and Basin with guides, headlamps, and easy dark-sky views.
“Beautiful views on a clear, cold night! Trail was easy, if a little muddy, and the stars were amazing! We were lucky enough to have an almost completely clear night, so there were so many stars in the sky. Kale, the guide, was entertaining and knowledgeable, he was great!”
A 90-minute Jasper combo tour with a dark-sky planetarium show, guided telescope time, aurora photography tips, parking, and a 2-year rain check.
“The experience is a scaled down version of what you would get at Griffith Park Observatory in Hollywood California, which is actually a big compliment. Seeing the northern lights is a long shot as its largely weather dependent, which rarely ever works out the one time you attend.”
90 minutes in Jasper with a planetarium show, North America’s biggest telescope, meteorite touch time, and 4K backup views if skies are cloudy.
“Although we saw limited stars because of the cloud coverage the guides were all so enthusiastic and knowledgable, thoroughly enjoyed the experience! And will be back with our free rain check ticket with better weather!”
Sunset at Moraine Lake and stargazing with telescopes, small-group guides, and cold-weather gear from Canmore or Banff.
“Loved the Sunset/Stargazing experience with our tour guide, Laura! It was amazing to be up there all by ourselves (11 other tour participants) as Moraine Lake can be incredibly crowded during the day. Unfortunately, the weather/clouds did not cooperate and it never cleared up. However, Laura was wonderful and shared SO much information and tips with us for the duration of our visit and future hikes. She gave us information on visiting Kananakis which we did the next day and LOVED!! Visited a store she recommended and took some notes about places to visit and stay for our next trip. Our only regret is not booking the tour earlier in…”
Night-sky tour from Banff or Moraine Lake with telescope views, hot chocolate, and a dark-sky spot; possible aurora in clear weather.
“Yanik and Sebastian was very friendly and well prepared! Even the severe cold weather was bearable and we were able to take cool pictures as well! definitely worth it for sure!”
Small-group sunrise or sunset stargazing at Moraine Lake with a local guide, headlamps, warm drinks, and cozy comfort for big skies.
“Moraine Lake was the top destination of our Fall road trip across the top of the US and into the Canadian Rockies. Tobias was a wonderful guide from the minute he arrived early until he dropped us off at the end of the evening. We chose a small group tour of Moraine Lake for sunset and stargazing. The lake was absolutely beautiful as we knew it would be. Tobias did an excellent job of taking care of everyone and making sure they knew where to get the best photos. He also led us up the "Rockpile Trail" to an upper viewing area which is extra special. I was not aware…”
Canmore 2-hour night walk for stargazing with a pro guide, dark-sky trails, and photo tips away from city light pollution.
“An amazing experience with a great guide!! Beautiful night, stars were out, weather was perfect. Can’t wait to book another adventure :)”
Night stargazing in Banff with guided dark-sky stops, telescope views, warm drinks, and easy pickup from Banff or Canmore.
“The guides were wonderful! Very courteous and upbeat. Tried every way possible to make us comfortable and entertained. Took us to one of the best spots for night sky viewing. Gave lots of info about the area. Provided blankets, chairs, and hot drinks. Unfortunately nature did not cooperate so we saw very few stars and no aurora.”
Jasper Planetarium Dark Sky Experience in Alberta: planetarium dome, telescopes, laser-guided constellations, and Indigenous sky stories.
“Set up in a tent in parking lot of Jasper Park Lodge does not qualify this as a Planetarium. While the staff was nice and knew their subject it was best suited to school kids not two adults at 11pm . We only booked so we could look thru a huge telescope at the stars. Was only able to look through a small one that barely highlighted stars in the skies without any definition at all. Seems like false advertising, even though they did advise that due to whether it may not be able to look at STARs on a cloudy night. They should have canceled the tour. Unfortunately, due…”
Step into a 42-seat planetarium dome in Jasper for an interactive 35-minute night-sky journey with aurora, constellations, and Q&A.
“The planetarium was amazing. Definitely worth it. Parking not ideal. Had to park really far away and was almost late.”
Two-hour Canmore night walk with stargazing and possible Northern Lights, guided with headlamps and seasonal gear. $62.
Jasper combo tour pairs wildlife spotting in Jasper National Park with an interactive planetarium show and possible live telescope viewing.
“Great combo! Love the Wildlife tour. Guide was very knowledgeable with tons of stories and he was very accommodating to the crowd on what they wanted to see and how long they were able to be out on the tour. There were some complaints about the AC and wanting water. Perhaps a note that this is a 5 hour for people come prepare with water and snacks. The Planetarium was informative, entertaining and interactive. The Star and planet gazing was lovely. Come prepare to be out doors, it can become pretty chilly, There are tons mosquitoes out! Luckily We were offered some bug spray. Overall, awesome combo! Just come prepare…”
