EN ⌄
Stargazing Experience
Four stops, warm hands and a little more time to look up.
Private CAD $1,125 / group
Here’s how your day feels.
Bow Falls → Mt. Norquay viewpoint → Lake Minnewanka → Two Jack Lake. Settle into your heated chair for an evening of stargazing, prepared chairs and warm drinks.
Illustration above: an artist’s concept of the experience. Stars, Milky Way and northern lights depend on the season, weather and sky conditions.
Why this tour is special
Warmth: heated camping chairs, blankets, hand warmers and hiking poles.
Discover: telescope, binoculars, star-identification apps, a self-directed star-finding activity and red night lights.
Capture: smartphone stands and guidance for photographing the stars.
Refresh: coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a chocolate or biscuit. Shared tours include one bottle of water per guest; private tours include water and soft drinks. Hiking poles, blankets, headlamps and umbrellas are available for both, as appropriate for the route and weather.
The highlights
- Bow Falls
- Norquay
- Minnewanka
- Two Jack
Your journey, stop by stop
This is the sample route. Stop order and time outside may change with daylight, weather and road access.
Bow Falls & Norquay viewpoint
Pickup begins in Canmore, then Banff. Start with a daylight pause at Bow Falls, followed by the mountain view from Norquay around sunset. Departure time follows the season.
A walk at Lake Minnewanka
At Lake Minnewanka, join your host for a short evening walk to a photography spot, approximately 15 minutes each way when conditions allow. Take in the lakeside scenery before continuing to Two Jack Lake.
Settle in at Two Jack Lake
At Two Jack Lake, we prepare the heated chairs, blankets and listed shared viewing equipment. Enjoy approximately 2–2½ hours of relaxed stargazing, depending on conditions, with warm drinks and a light snack before the return to Banff and Canmore. Your host shares general information and helps you get settled with the listed equipment.
A glimpse of the experience
Inclusions & practical details
Warmth: heated camping chairs, blankets, hand warmers and hiking poles.
Discover: telescope, binoculars, star-identification apps, a self-directed star-finding activity and red night lights.
Capture: smartphone stands and guidance for photographing the stars.
Refresh: coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a chocolate or biscuit. Shared tours include one bottle of water per guest; private tours include water and soft drinks. Hiking poles, blankets, headlamps and umbrellas are available for both, as appropriate for the route and weather.
Pickup & drop-off
Pickup planning should feel simple, even before the trip begins.
Tell us where you’re staying in Banff or Canmore. We’ll arrange a suitable pickup point and confirm the address and time with your departure details.
At an Airbnb or private residence? Share the accommodation address so we can discuss a nearby meeting point. Pickup depends on the route and available stopping locations.
Where are you staying?
Banff hotel, Canmore hotel or a private residence? Share your accommodation when you enquire and we’ll help with the meeting point.
Pickup locations are confirmed with your route.
Good to know
Bring warm layers, a weatherproof jacket, sturdy footwear and a charged phone or camera. Add gloves and a warm hat for early mornings, evenings and winter. Pack a meal and extra water for your own needs.
Download your preferred sky app before leaving town and bring a power bank if you have one.
Families are welcome on suitable departures. Children are welcome on suitable departures. Please include each child’s age and any child-seat requirements with your request so we can confirm the appropriate arrangement before travel.
Walking is expected to be light, but dark and uneven ground may be present. Accessibility depends on the selected viewpoint and will be confirmed in advance.
Cloud, smoke, wind and precipitation affect visibility. We may adjust the viewpoint, stop order or timing for safety and the best available conditions. Stars, aurora and specific celestial objects cannot be guaranteed.
The order of stops may change because of weather, wildlife activity, traffic, road closures or Parks Canada conditions. Any change will aim to protect safety and preserve the best available experience.
A few more questions
No natural-sky feature can be guaranteed. Visibility depends on season, moonlight, cloud, smoke and timing.
Shared binoculars and a compact telescope are included for viewing when conditions allow. Bring your own phone with a sky app downloaded before departure.
Tell us each child's age so we can confirm a suitable trip and seating arrangement.
Time at each stop is planned around the route, pickup area and seasonal light. We’ll confirm the schedule before you book.
Meals, canoe rentals, attraction tickets, personal purchases and driver-host gratuities are not included unless expressly listed.
Third-party activities follow their own hours, availability, pricing and safety rules.
Shared tours include one bottle of water per guest; private tours include water and soft drinks. Both include a small snack, such as a biscuit or chocolate. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are included too.
Please bring a meal for longer outings and any extra water or food you need. Tell us about dietary requirements when planning; the snack is a little extra, not a meal.
Mobile service can be weak or unavailable on mountain roads and at remote viewpoints. Washroom access varies by destination, season and opening hours.
Wildlife may be seen, but sightings are never guaranteed. Follow the driver-host’s pickup and safety instructions, keep a respectful distance and never approach or feed animals.
Transport and stop arrangements are confirmed for your route and conditions. Bring the footwear and personal equipment you need for independent exploration.
Before confirming, check your tour, travel date, group details and pickup location. The final booking summary should show the full price, itinerary and policies together.
Plan your departure
Shared: CAD $135 per person · Private: CAD $1,125 per group. Prices before applicable tax.
Duration: approximately 5 hours, including transport, scenic stops and independent free time. Actual time may vary with pickup location and conditions.
Pickup time and meeting point are confirmed with you for your date and route. Share your preferred date to request availability.
Shared tours: cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure for a full refund. Private tours: cancel at least 6 days (144 hours) before your scheduled departure for a full refund.
Cancellations received less than 24 hours before a shared tour, or less than 144 hours before a private tour, and no-shows, are non-refundable. The deadline is based on the local departure time in Banff / Canmore.
To cancel, email info@lordofthelakestours.ca with your booking reference. If we cancel your tour, you may choose an alternative date or a full refund.
Meet the quieter side of the Rockies.
A question about the route or your group? We’re happy to help you work it out.