Throughout the day
Departure Time
2.5 Hours
Duration
12+
Age
Physical
Activity
Jun-Oct
Season

Step out of your comfort zone and join your guide on the mountain on the Explorer Route climbing up to 2,235 metres at the Mt Norquay Via Ferrata.

YouTube video

On this guided high-alpine climbing experience you’ll be introduced to the equipment, ascend a few pitches, and cross the suspension bridge.

Rest assured, no experience is required as this is a guided experience and the Norquay Via Ferrata is designed to accommodate both beginners seeking a taste of the alpine and those who already have a little alpine experience.

This 2 – 2.5 hour loop takes you up to 2,215 metres above sea level and is great for those who are slightly limited on time, or are looking for an introduction to Via Ferrata. The Mt Norquay Via Ferrata is conveniently located a ten minute drive from the Banff townsite on the cliffs above the Mt Norquay Ski Resort.

Included
  • Free rental equipment including backpacks, hiking boots, rain jackets and pants
  • Professional certified guide
  • Orientation session
  • Banff Mt Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
  • All climbing equipment
DISTANCE
  • 1km (0.6 miles)
Elevation Gain
  • 135m (443 feet)
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Mt Norquay (North America Lodge)

Banff Via Ferrata Reviews


4.5
3894+
4.4
374+
4.5
786+

The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:

1

2 - 2.5 hour round trip

You’ll spend some time with your guide, get introduced to the equipment, head up a few pitches and cross the suspension bridge.
2

Everything is provided

This guided high-alpine climbing experience includes your chairlift, safety equipment, helmet and an equipment orientation. There’s even free rental equipment including backpacks, hiking boots, rain jackets and pants.
Included
  • Free rental equipment including backpacks, hiking boots, rain jackets and pants
  • Professional certified guide
  • Orientation session
  • Banff Mt Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
  • All climbing equipment
DISTANCE
  • 1km (0.6 miles)
Elevation Gain
  • 135m (443 feet)
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Mt Norquay (North America Lodge)

Banff Via Ferrata Reviews


4.5
3894+
4.4
374+
4.5
786+
This is a 2 – 2.5 hour round trip tour on the Via Ferrata.
This high-alpine climbing experience includes an ACMG-certified guide, equipment orientation, harnesses, helmets, Via Ferrata leashes and rental equipment such as backpacks, hiking boots and rain jackets (if necessary). The Norquay Via Ferrata is located on the cliffs above the Mt Norquay Ski Resort at the top of North American Chair, and so the tour also includes the 8 minute open-air chairlift to access the Via Ferrata.
The meeting point is at the North American Lodge at Mount Norquay at the end of Mt Norquay Road in Banff, located approximately ten minutes from downtown Banff. Full driving instructions will be provided in your booking confirmation. Guests can also take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs hourly from Banff.
The free shuttle bus runs throughout the day from Banff with several pick-up locations.

Free Shuttle Bus Schedule (Valid from June 11 to October 9 2022)

Location Times
Train Station Info Centre 07:55 08:50 09:50 10:50 11:50 12:50 13:50 14:50 15:50 16:50 17:50 18:35
Mt Royal Parking Lot 07:57 08:52 09:52 10:52 11:52 12:52 13:52 14:52 15:52 16:52 17:52
Banff Park Lodge (Opposite) 08:00 08:55 09:55 10:55 11:55 12:55 13:55 14:55 15:55 16:55 17:55
ARRIVES AT NORQUAY 08:10 09:10 10:10 11:10 12:10 13:10 14:10 15:10 16:10 17:10 18:10
RETURN TO BANFF 09:35 10:35 11:35 12:35 13:35 14:35 15:35 16:35 17:20 18:20 19:10
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour.
Via Ferrata is a trail or route‐making method used in the mountains to make passage easier and more secure. It’s done by a installing steel steps, handles, ladder rungs, and a steel cable in places where the trail steepens. Travellers are secured to the rock by wearing a harness that is always attached to the steel cable.
No experience is required, the Via Ferrata is designed to accommodate beginners seeking a taste of the alpine and those who live for the mountains alike. You can do it, no experience needed. It’s just like climbing a series of ladders, all of which are located on the side of a mountain. Guests should be aware that the routes are exposed.
Dress for the outdoors with an all-weather/waterproof outerwear (e.g. rain jacket and soft-shell pants suitable for outdoor activity involving moderate physical exertion), warm layers, sunglasses, and sturdy hiking footwear. You’ll be on a mountain, so be sure to pack some sunscreen, water and a snack in your small backpack. If you don’t have these items, you can access the extensive range of free rental equipment before your tour if needed, including backpacks, hiking boots, rain jackets and pants. Available on a first come first serve basis; can’t guarantee availability or sizes.
Yes, you can fall. Your fall will be arrested by your leashes, which are attached to the steel cable. The whole point of the Via Ferrata is to reduce the probability of falling, and minimize the consequences should a fall occur.
There is a 48 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 48 hours outside your booked tour (up to 7 days for group bookings).
Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.

Included
  • Free rental equipment including backpacks, hiking boots, rain jackets and pants
  • Professional certified guide
  • Orientation session
  • Banff Mt Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
  • All climbing equipment
DISTANCE
  • 1km (0.6 miles)
Elevation Gain
  • 135m (443 feet)
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Mt Norquay (North America Lodge)

Banff Via Ferrata Reviews


4.5
3894+
4.4
374+
4.5
786+

Via Ferrata Explorer Route Map at Banff Mt Norquay

Included
  • Free rental equipment including backpacks, hiking boots, rain jackets and pants
  • Professional certified guide
  • Orientation session
  • Banff Mt Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
  • All climbing equipment
DISTANCE
  • 1km (0.6 miles)
Elevation Gain
  • 135m (443 feet)
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Mt Norquay (North America Lodge)

Banff Via Ferrata Reviews


4.5
3894+
4.4
374+
4.5
786+
  • The minimum age is 12 years old, and a minimum weight of 40kgs (88lbs).
  • The maximum weight is 140kgs (308lbs).
  • The guide to guest ratio is 1:8 for each group. Groups larger than 8 will be split between two guides.
  • All adult participants are required to sign a waiver prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed and signed by a legal guardian for any participant under the age of 18 years.
  • Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
  • Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 2 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
Included
  • Free rental equipment including backpacks, hiking boots, rain jackets and pants
  • Professional certified guide
  • Orientation session
  • Banff Mt Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
  • All climbing equipment
DISTANCE
  • 1km (0.6 miles)
Elevation Gain
  • 135m (443 feet)
Transport Options
  • Meet at Banff Mt Norquay (North America Lodge)

Banff Via Ferrata Reviews


4.5
3894+
4.4
374+
4.5
786+
Get fitted with equipment for the Mount Norquay Via Ferrata in Banff in the Canadian Rockies
Take a ride up the open-air chairlift at Mount Norquay to the Via Ferrata in Banff in the Canadian Rockies
Experience guided alpine climbing on the Mount Norquay Via Ferrata Explorer Route at Banff Mt Norquay
Cross a suspension bridge on the Mount Norquay Via Ferrata Explorer Route
Banff Mt Norquay Explorer Route on the Via Ferrata with Discover Banff Tours
Admire the view after your ascent up the Mount Norquay Via Ferrata Explorer Route in Banff