Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level)
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 143 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) worth booking?
Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) is a 4-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $142 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 143 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (143)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $142 per person
Looking to try Canyoning for the first time? Then this is the trip for you! An easy approach, an ideal location to learn rappelling, and amazing scenery all make this trip the perfect choice for your first canyoning trip. Heart Creek Canyon is also our closest trip to the townsites of Banff & Canmore (10 minute drive from Canmore, 30 min drive from Banff). Upper Heart Canyon provides a perfect location to learn and develop your rope rappelling skills. Introductory short rappels allow you to ease into rappelling and increase in length as you progress down the canyon, finally culminating with an exciting 70-80ft+ wet waterfall rappel and slide (optional: it is possible to hike around the lower falls).
What you get
About this experience
Looking to try Canyoning for the first time? Then this is the trip for you! An easy approach, an ideal location to learn rappelling, and amazing scenery all make this trip the perfect choice for your first canyoning trip. Heart Creek Canyon is also our closest trip to the townsites of Banff & Canmore (10 minute drive from Canmore, 30 min drive from Banff). Upper Heart Canyon provides a perfect location to learn and develop your rope rappelling skills. Introductory short rappels allow you to ease into rappelling and increase in length as you progress down the canyon, finally culminating with an exciting 70-80ft+ wet waterfall rappel and slide (optional: it is possible to hike around the lower falls).
What's included
Included
- Wetsuits
- Rappelling Equipment
- Professional guide
- Helmet
- Neoprene socks/booties
- Harness
- Rappelling Instruction/clinic
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
After meeting your guides and other participants at the staging area in the Heart Creek Trail parking lot, a 30 - 45 min hike will bring you to the top of both the Canyon sections, and the start of your canyon adventure. Everyone suits up and in order to ensure safety your guides will go thru a mandatory rappel and rope safety clinic. There are a total of 5 rappels, interspersed with some scrambling and hiking. The upper canyon is the easier section and can be dry later on in the summer. This gives everyone the opportunity to ease into the rappelling. The last rappel on the lower canyon section is always wet (it can be considered optional it is not required to exit the canyon, a hike around is available).
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Banff
Meeting Point is at the Heart Creek Trail Parking Lot, at the exit to Lac Des Arcs approximately 17km east of Canmore AB. Please keep an eye our for our marked: "Bow Valley Canyon Tours " shuttle van.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Meeting Point is at the Heart Creek Trail Parking Lot, at the exit to Lac Des Arcs approximately 17km east of Canmore AB. Please keep an eye our for our marked: "Bow Valley Canyon Tours " shuttle van.
Options you can book
Heart Creek Canyon 1:30pm
Duration: 4 hours: Normal duration is approximately 4 - 5 hours
Heart Creek Canyon 10:30am
Duration: 4 hours: Normal tour takes approximately 4-5 hours
Heart Creek Canyon 12:00pm
Duration: 4 hours: Normal trip duration is approximately 4 - 5 hours
Heart Creek Canyon 9:00am
Duration: 5 hours: Trip Car to car
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bow Valley Canyon Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- You must bring a good pair of outdoor shoes with a good tread! Trail running shoes or light hiking shoes work best. you will be required to hike for about one hour to get to the top of the canyon and the same shoes you hike up in will go into the canyon and they will get wet. Tennis shoes, water shoes, Crocs, urban footwear, and sandals are not permitted due to safety concerns. We also recommend bringing a second pair of dry shoes or sandals to change into after the trip. These can be left in your vehicle
- Due to the active nature of this trip we require all participants to be at least 12 years of age. Participants do not require any previous rope or rappelling experience, they must though be relatively comfortable with heights
- The hike to the top of the canyon takes about an hour potentially a bit longer including stops and breaks. The majority of the hike is very beginner and family friendly and straight forward with only very minimal incline. Towards the end there are two short but very steep sections. We take our time for both of these.
- Please note that we go rain or sunshine, so please prepare accordingly. Unless on the very rare occasion due to potential safety concerns we may cancel or postpone, we do go when it is raining. This specific canyon is not prone to floods and our thick wetsuits will keep you warm even on cold wet days, so please dress accordingly!
- The meeting locations is at Heart Creek Trail just off the main highway located 17km east of the town site of Canmore (an approximately 10 min drive from Canmore) and 41km east of Banff (an approximately 25 minute drive from Banff). Look for the Heart Creek Trail exit on the right. There is ample parking available including space for large RV’s and or motorhomes.
- All Alberta Parks in the Kananaksis area now require everyone to purchase a day pass when parked or entering any of their parks. This includes the Heart Creek trail parking area. A conservation pass (one per vehicle) for the Heart creek trail parking lot can be purchased online at: https://conservationpass.alberta.ca/kcp
- All participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability prior to the activity. Unfortunately due to the legal requirements in Canada a liability waiver is required from every participant. Anyone who refuses to sign the waiver will not be permitted to participate.
- It is a good idea to already change into your bathing suit before arriving at the meeting point. Rudimentary pit toilets do exist at the heart Creek Trailhead. We will “suit up” and change into the wet suits only at the end of the approximate 60 min hike top of the canyon right before we start the canyon. Please also keep in mind that there are no services such as food or drink at the staging area.
- Meeting time is at 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, and starting in July 1:30pm as well (Depending on the time of your booking) at the Heart Creek Trail Parking lot. (Please check the directions and map outlined below). Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UiG3x3kLHAAruwu89
- We provide all the necessary technical equipment including: High quality canyoning specific wetsuits Neoprene socks Helmet Rappelling Harness Dry bags to keep your cloths and possessions dry
- Participants should bring the following items for this experience: Bathing-suit, towel, and potentially extra cloths to change into after the trip (which will remain in the vehicle) During summer months a t-shirt and shorts/pants are usually good enough to hike up in And extra pair of dry shoes or sandals to change into after the trip. Optional gear sometimes recommend in the early or late season (May & September) Rain jacket or windbreaker Marino or fleece under-layers, some under-layers for extra insulation (optional is not required).
- After meeting your guides and other participants at the staging area at the Heart Creek Trail parking lot, a 60 min hike will bring you to the top of both the Canyon sections, and the start of your canyon adventure. Everyone suits up and in order to ensure safety your guides will go thru a mandatory rappel and rope safety clinic. There are a total of 5 rappels, interspersed with some slides, scrambling and hiking. The upper canyon is the easier section and can be dry in later summer months. This gives everyone the opportunity to ease into the rappelling. The last rappel and slides on the lower canyon section are always wet (a hike around is available).
- Please note that due to high demand in the height of the summer (July & August) our pick up availability may be very limited, and if you have a vehicle we recommend that you meet us at the meeting location at Heart Creek. If you are traveling to the mountains without a vehicle we can usually provide pickup from Canmore. Please contact our office and we can arrange pick up from Blondies Cafe in Canmore the Travel Alberta visitor info Center in Canmore or the legacy Trail bus stop for the Banff/Canmore roam transit line three which provides public bus transport from Banff to Canmore approximately every 30 min
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 143 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
143 verified traveler reviews for Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Go Canyoning!
What a great experience! My whole group thought canyoning was on the top of the list of favorite things we did on vacation. It was a challenge and out of our comfort zones. We walked away with our heads held high! Matteo was absolutely fabulous. He was kind, patient and supportive! I only wish they had tshirts for sale!
via Viator
Freezing but fun
It was freezing cold and we were not offered neoprene gloves would have helped a lot. Also our guide, Laura, recommended we not bring cameras bc she would take pictures and email them to us. She never did this and that was very disappointing.
via Viator
Heart creek fun
Canyoning in Heart creek was wonderful! My boyfriend and I were met by a smiling Lorna underneath a tent and pouring rain - it's great when your guide is all smiles and positivity despite the weather (I was convinced it was going to be canceled). Happy to say it was not and glad that it wasn't, as we had a blast. (She did mention safety and if lighting started, we would assess - but it didn't and we ended with the sun shining!) As a newbie to canyoning, I appreciated Lorna's teaching style - deliberate; thoughtful, slow - she explained everything really well. You cover quite a bit of area in the 4 hours - one big drop. I imagine when there is more water you would be able to jump into some pools of water. The entire Heart creek canyon is just gorgeous and was interesting to learn about the flooding from 2013. Thank you for a great day Lorna!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Amazing experience from beginning to end! Our guide Valentijn was knowledgeable and fantastic teaching us the rappels through the canyon and preparing us for the last big rappel. The last rappel is so cool! The whole day was an adventurous unforgettable experience!
via Tripadvisor
Fun adventure for whole family
Really fun experience, Matteo was great!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $142 to $195
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 50
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.
How much does Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) cost?
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Prices start at $142 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Banff usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Banff is not rushed.
Is Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 143 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Banff, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level)?
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Around 50 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Banff can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Banff and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Banff within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Banff?
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On Outty we rank every Banff experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour, Lake Louise Emerald Lake Natural Bridge Half Day Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Banff?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Banff?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level)?
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Included: Wetsuits; Rappelling Equipment; Professional guide; Helmet; and Neoprene socks/booties. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 27 listed pickup locations in and around Banff. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level) if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level)?
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Across 143 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Canyoning half day - Heart Creek Canyon (beginner level)?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Heart Creek Canyon 1:30pm, Heart Creek Canyon 10:30am, Heart Creek Canyon 12:00pm, Heart Creek Canyon 9:00am. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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