Combo Package; raft through exciting whitewater rapids through Horseshoe Canyon, then take a guided climb up Mt Norquay’s cliffs.
Included: Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater Rafting (8:15am – 12:00pm)
Kick off your day with exciting whitewater thrills on class 3-4 whitewater rapids through the spectacular Horseshoe Canyon on the Bow River, and try a scenic cliff jump if you dare! During the quiet stretches, lift your eyes skyward and see large birds of prey soaring above.
Included: 2.5 Hour Via Ferrata Explorer Route (various times available)
On this guided introductory high-alpine climbing experience you’ll be introduced to the equipment, ascend a few pitches, and cross the suspension bridge at Mt Norquay. This 2.5 hour loop takes you up 235 metres to 2,235 metres above sea level and is great for anyone who is limited on time, or who looking for an introduction to Via Ferrata.
Tours in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.
The best parts of the Horseshoe Canyon Whitewater Rafting Tour for most people include the following:
1.5 - 2 Hours on the Bow River
Optional cliff jump and swim
Everything is provided!
The best parts of the Via Ferrata Explorer Route for most people include the following:
2.5 hour round trip
Everything is provided
The Nakoda Lakeside Lodge has clean port-a-potties, male and female change tents and ample free parking.
You can wear sunglasses/glasses as long as these are secured with a strap or piece of string, and contact lenses are usually okay if you are comfortable swimming with them and tell your guide. Sunscreen is great on a hot day for any areas not covered by the wetsuit, but avoid putting it above or near your eyes. You can bring your own waterproof camera or GoPro which can be secured with your own chest harness or on a helmet with a GoPro mount, but we are not responsible for loss or damage of your equipment.
Guests should be physically fit and have a reasonable swimming ability. If you have never rafted before or do not know how to swim, we recommend the Kananaskis Whitewater Rafting Tour, as the rapids and river are not as strong as the other tours.
The tour is run by Chinook Rafting who have been operating whitewater rafting tours as a licensed company in the province of Alberta since 1983 and all of the rafting guides are trained in Swiftwater Rescue and First Aid & CPR. What this means for you is that they are confident that they can manage, not eliminate, the risks today to offer you an exciting and fun day on the river, creating as safe a framework as they can, given what we are doing. However, it is important to remember that we are not on a track, this isn’t Disneyland! The fact that we’re not on a track adds excitement to what we’re doing, but it also adds inherent risks.
Guests can also take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs from Banff. The free shuttle bus runs throughout the day from Banff with several pick-up locations.
- Tours in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.
- The minimum age is 12 years and the minimum weight per person is 90lbs. If the guest is unaccompanied by an adult then the minimum age is 16 years old.
- The maximum weight per person is 140kg (308lbs).
- A waiver must be completed for both tours and is a condition of participation, this will be sent through upon booking. In addition, a Parental Consent form must be completed by the parent or legal guardian of any child under the age of 18 years prior to arrival. This is especially important if you are bringing someone else’s child (under 18 years old).
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
- The guide to guest ratio is 1:8 for each group on the Via Ferrata. Groups larger than 8 will be split between two guides.
- Please note that the Horsehoe Canyon Whitewater Rafting Tour requires a minimum of 8 participants and the Via Ferrata Explorer Tour requires a minimum of 2 participants. Please call the day prior to confirm the tours.