How long is the hike in and how much elevation gain is there?

The in-and-out approach is about 2.8 kilometres with roughly 200 metres of elevation gain, typically 30–45 minutes to the canyon entrance.

Do I need prior canyoning or rappelling experience?

No. The tour is designed for beginners; guides teach rope techniques and supervise every rappel and anchor.

What are the age and size restrictions?

Minimum age is 12 (minors must be accompanied by a guardian). Minimum height is 4'6" and there is a maximum adult waist size of 42" for harness fitting.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring a bathing suit, towel, running or light hiking shoes that can get wet, a light waterproof jacket, at least 1 litre of water, and snacks.

Can I opt out of the final 18-metre rappel?

Yes. Participants who prefer not to descend the final rappel can walk around that section under guide supervision.

Where do we meet and when should I arrive?

Meet at the Heart Creek parking lot (about 15 minutes east of downtown Canmore) 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Heart Creek Canyoning: Private Canmore Waterfall Rappel | Private | Guided Tour

Heart Creek Canyoning Tour Private delivers a hands-on canyoning primer just east of Canmore, Alberta, Canada. In a single half-day you hike into an alpine gorge, learn guided rope techniques on short drops, and finish by lowering yourself beside an 18-meter waterfall. The route begins at the Heart Creek parking lot (about 15 minutes east of downtown Canmore) and is accessible to first-timers with moderate fitness.

The outing covers roughly 2.8 kilometres of in-and-out hiking and about 200 metres of elevation gain as the group moves up to the canyon entrance. The upper canyon is a mix of dry sections and seasonal flows where guides teach safe canyon rappelling on short abseils before the finale. The canyon itself cuts a narrow line through glacially scoured bedrock, with streaked cliffs, tight pools, and a carved channel that funnels snowmelt into dramatic drops. Your final challenge is an 18-metre rappel beside a living waterfall; participants who prefer not to descend can walk around the last pitch under guide direction.

Guides from the operator supervise every rope transition, anchor, and belay, making the tour a practical learning environment for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts new to technical rope work. Groups are capped at eight people, which keeps instruction focused and lines moving. Minimum age is 12 and guardians must accompany minors; there are simple size limits for harness fitting. Expect mixed conditions - wet in spring and early summer, drier later in the season - and wear footwear that can get wet and still grip on slick rock.

Why this trip stands out: Heart Creek offers canyoning within the Bow Valley corridor, minutes from Canmore and a short drive from Banff National Park. It blends accessible technical skills, a compact approach, and a waterfall finale that feels cinematic without requiring prior experience. For visitors who want a steep learning curve without committing to multi-day expeditions, this private tour compresses instruction, practice, and a memorable rappel into one coherent outing.

Practical notes: bring a bathing suit, towel, a light waterproof jacket, and one liter of water. The tour runs four to five hours; plan for a morning or afternoon window that leaves travel time back into Canmore. Read and sign the operator’s release form before arrival. Meet at the Heart Creek parking lot 15 minutes before the listed start time; note the minimum height limit is 4'6" and the maximum adult waist size is 42" for harness fitting, and groups are limited to eight people. Bring snacks and curiosity - guides will tailor the pace to your group and overall skill level.