Sunset and Stargazing Tour at Moraine Lake

We’ve designed this evening experience for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and a peaceful, crowd-free visit to Moraine Lake at sunset and under the stars.

Comfort & Amenities

Complimentary Warm Beverages
Tea, hot chocolate, and water refills are provided. Please bring your own reusable water bottle.

Comfortable Chairs & Cozy Blankets
Settle in at the rockpile with provided chairs and warm blankets, allowing you to relax, stay comfortable, and fully enjoy the sunset and stargazing experience as temperatures cool.

Headlamps
Essential lighting for lakeshore walks and moving comfortably in low-light conditions.

Rain Protection
Ponchos are provided in case of unexpected weather.

Hiking Poles
Available upon request to provide added stability on uneven terrain.

Premium Stargazing Experience

Stargazing Equipment
Enhance your night-sky experience with high-quality stargazing equipment, including:

• Binoculars for closer views of planets and constellations

• A telescope for exploring deep-sky objects and planetary details

• An iPad loaded with a constellation-identification app to help you navigate and understand the night sky in real time

Knowledgeable Local Guide
Learn about the area’s wildlife, natural history, and night sky through engaging stories and insights from a passionate local guide.

Small Group Setting (Max 13 Guests)
A quieter, more intimate way to experience Moraine Lake at sunset and after dark.

Time at Moraine Lake

Leisure Time at Moraine Lake
Enjoy approximately 3 hours of guided exploration, peaceful wandering, sunset viewing, and stargazing in one of Banff National Park’s most iconic locations.

Transportation

Convenient Shuttle Service
Travel comfortably in a 15-passenger Ford Transit van with large windows, offering a smooth ride and scenic views along the way. Your belongings remain accessible in the vehicle throughout the tour for added comfort and convenience.

To ensure you experience Moraine Lake at the perfect moment—during the soft evening glow and the transition into starlight—we adjust departure times daily based on sunset. Our team handles the timing so you can simply enjoy the experience. This itinerary is just an example.

6:30pm – 6:45pm: Pick-up in Canmore

7:00pm – 7:15pm: Pick-up in Banff

7:15pm – 8:15pm: Travel from Banff to Morant’s Curve

8:15pm – 8:45pm: Morant’s Curve

8:45pm – 9:10pm: Travel from Morant’s Curve to Moraine Lake

9:10pm – 10:10pm: Guided Lakeshore Trail Walk

10:10pm – 10:55pm: Watch the Sunset at Moraine Lake Rockpile

10:55pm – 12:10am: Stargaze at Moraine Lake 

1:25am – Banff Drop-off

1:55am – Canmore Drop-off

Pick-Up

The tour begins in Canmore, with additional pickups in Banff. To ensure a smooth and timely departure, please be ready 10 minutes before your designated pickup time at your chosen location.

Pickup times vary by location — please refer to your specific pickup time for accurate details. Being ready early helps keep the tour on schedule for everyone!

Drop-Off

You’ll be comfortably returned to your original pickup location at the end of the evening.

Tour Timing & Duration

What time does the sunset tour start?
Start times vary throughout the season based on sunset. In June, pickups typically begin around 6:45 PM. By October, pickups can begin as early as 3:15 PM.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 7.5–8 hours from pickup to drop-off.

How late does the tour return?
Return times vary by season and sunset. In early summer, the tour can return as late as 2:00 AM. Please keep this in mind when booking and plan accordingly so you can fully enjoy the experience.

Sunset & Stargazing Experience

Will we see sunset and stars on the same tour?
Yes. This tour is designed to capture both sunset and stargazing conditions on the same evening whenever skies allow.

How much time do we spend at Moraine Lake?
You’ll spend approximately 3 hours at Moraine Lake, including guided lakeshore walks, sunset viewing, and stargazing.

What can we actually see in the night sky?
Depending on conditions, you may see:

• The Milky Way

• Constellations

• Meteors during active showers

• Satellites

Your guide uses binoculars, a telescope, and a star-identification app to enhance the experience.

Will we see the northern lights?
Northern lights are always a magical bonus, but they can never be promised. Clear skies and the right natural conditions are needed for them to appear. The best chances in Banff National Park are typically from late August through October, when nights are darker.

Wildlife & Safety

Will we really see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings are common but never guaranteed. The Bow Valley Parkway is one of the best evening wildlife corridors in Banff.

Is it safe to be at Moraine Lake at night because of wildlife?
Yes. Safety is our top priority. Your guide is fully wildlife-risk trained, carries appropriate safety equipment, and keeps the group together at all times. All nighttime movement is controlled and guided only.

Parks Canada recommends a minimum group size of four when traveling in wildlife-active areas. Our tours always meet or exceed this minimum, and guests are never left alone at any point during the experience.

What animals might we see?
Evening is an active time for wildlife. We often see:

• Elk

• Deer

• Bighorn sheep

• Bear sightings are possible but not guaranteed and always observed from a safe distance.

Walking, Accessibility & Physical Requirements

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
This tour is best suited for guests who are comfortable with moderate walking on uneven terrain in low-light conditions. The Moraine Lake Rockpile involves approximately 100 steps, and because this experience takes place in the evening and after dark, the descent can be more challenging for some guests.

For safety reasons, all participants must be able to walk up and down the Rockpile and remain with the group at all times. Guests are not permitted to stay behind, including inside the vehicle, during the Rockpile portion of the tour. If you believe you may not be able to complete the Rockpile walk safely, this tour would unfortunately not be the right fit.

Additional notes to help you decide:

• Minimum age is 6 years old

• This is a late-evening tour, with a return well after dark

• Hiking poles are available upon request for added stability

• Guests must be comfortable walking in cooler temperatures and low light

If you’re unsure whether this tour is suitable for your group, we’re always happy to help you decide before booking.

Is there a lot of walking on this tour?
Walking on this tour is moderate, relaxed, and unhurried. The most physically demanding part is the Moraine Lake Rockpile, which involves about 100 steps and approximately 35 m of elevation gain. Most guests complete it at a comfortable pace with plenty of time.

Other walking areas are very gentle:

• Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail: Mostly flat with minimal elevation gain, though there are some uneven natural spots such as rocks and exposed roots

• Morant’s Curve: Requires only a very short, easy walk from the parking area to the viewpoint

This tour is not strenuous or fast-paced, but guests should be comfortable with:

• Walking on uneven natural terrain

• Climbing the Rockpile with the group

Can I stay in the vehicle instead of climbing the Rockpile?
No. For wildlife safety and overall group safety, all guests must stay together with the guide at all times. If you cannot safely climb the Rockpile, this tour is not recommended. The sunset and stargazing take place from the top of the Rockpile, which is the main highlight of the experience—guests who do not climb would unfortunately miss the core part of the tour.

Weather & Conditions

Is it cold in the evening?
Yes—temperatures at Moraine Lake drop quickly after sunset, even in summer. Dressing warmly is essential.

What happens if it’s cloudy or rainy?
The tour still operates in cloudy or rainy conditions. While sunset colors and stargazing are weather-dependent, Moraine Lake itself is the main highlight of the experience—and it remains breathtaking in all kinds of weather.

In fact, many guests love the moody clouds, mist, and dramatic mountain atmosphere that come with changing conditions.

Even on cloudy nights:

• Sunset colors can still appear through breaks in the clouds

• Wildlife activity is often higher

• The lakes and surrounding peaks take on a peaceful, cinematic look

• The overall experience is quieter and less crowded than daytime visits

If sky conditions are better in another nearby area, your guide may adjust viewing locations to give you the best possible experience that evening.

Because mountain weather can change quickly, we strongly recommend dressing properly for the forecast and checking conditions before your tour. Our goal is always to deliver a safe, memorable experience—rain or shine—and for many guests, Moraine Lake is just as magical in stormy or overcast weather.

Food & Photography

Is food available at Moraine Lake in the evening?
No. We highly recommend eating dinner beforehand, as there is no food available at Moraine Lake at night. You’re also welcome to bring your own food on the tour, such as sandwiches or light snacks.

Can I bring a tripod for night photography?
Yes. Tripods are welcome and recommended for long-exposure night sky photography.

Will the guide help with phone or camera photos?
Yes. Guides are happy to help with framing, night settings, and group photos when time and conditions allow.

Waiver

In order to participate all adults must sign the electronic waiver form prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18. Failure to complete the waiver will result in the cancellation of your tour. For your reference, please see the waiver link at the bottom of the website.

Proper Clothing & Weather Preparedness

Mountain weather can change quickly, as our tours venture into the mountains from early sunrise through sunset and into the nighttime hours. Temperatures in the Rockies are often much cooler than in town, even in summer.

Guests must arrive dressed appropriately for cold, windy, and variable conditions. We strongly recommend:

• Warm layers (including a jacket or insulated outer layer)

• Long pants

• Closed-toe, sturdy footwear

• Gloves, hat, and additional layers for sunrise, sunset, and stargazing tours

Being properly dressed ensures your comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout the experience. For safety reasons, we reserve the right to refuse participation if a guest is not adequately dressed for the conditions.

Please visit our FAQs for more information or visit Banff Lake Louise page for some ideas on what to in Banff.