Raft + Via Ferrata Package
Starts atCA$ 294US$ 220€ 192£ 165A$ 318
Duration: 6 + Hours
Age: 12+
Departure: See tour details
Season: Jun-Sep
Guaranteed departure. This tour runs as scheduled with no minimum group size — book with confidence, it won’t be cancelled for low numbers.
Overview
- Toll Free: +1 825-360-0184
- 587-608-5680
Combo Package; raft along the family-friendly Kananaskis River, then take a guided high-alpine climb at Mt Norquay.
Included: Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting
This river offers the novice a thrilling and fun intro to whitewater rafting on a half-day afternoon tour. Winding through the picturesque landscape of Kananaskis Country, the class 2-3 Kananaskis River is a great whitewater experience for families or as a group outing. Conveniently located 45 minutes from Calgary and Banff in the front ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Included: Via Ferrata Explorer Route (various times available)
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. You’ll be introduced to the equipment, ascend a few pitches, and cross a suspension bridge. Rest assured, no experience is required as this is a guided experience designed to accommodate both beginners seeking a taste of the alpine and those who already have a little alpine experience. Located at Mt Norquay, just a 15 minute drive or shuttle from downtown Banff.
Tours in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.
Highlights
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
1.5 - 2 Hours on the Kananaskis River
Free Photos
Optional river swim
Everything is provided!
2.5 hour round trip
Everything is providedTour Details
Tour Duration
6 + Hours
Departure Time
See tour details
Age Required
12+
Season
Jun-Sep
Rafting
- Light refreshments
- Professional river guide on each raft
- Safety instruction and practice paddle
- River fee
- River time 1.5-2hrs
- Wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves
- Complimentary photos (online)
Via Ferrata
- All climbing equipment
- Banff Mt Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
- Free rental equipment including backpacks, hiking boots, rain jackets and pants
- Orientation session
- Free shuttle bus
- Professional certified guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour?+
The tour starts at the Chinook Rafting Base at 1:30pm (meet time 1:15pm) and finishes at 5:30pm, approximately 4 hours. This includes a short drive to the river and 1.5 to 2 hours on the water.
What does the Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour include?+
The tour includes 1.5 – 2 hours on the river (including a 20 minute river float to finish up), a professional river guide with each boat, an optional river swim and free professional photos. All safety equipment including clean and dry wetsuits, wetsuit booties, fleece, spray jacket, life jacket and a helmet is provided. The tour winds through scenic views of the front range of the Rocky Mountain Ranges and occasionally we see wildlife such as osprey, bald eagles, deer and bears.The Nakoda Lakeside Lodge has clean port-a-potties and ample free parking
Where is the meeting point for the rafting tour?+
The meeting point is at the Chinook Rafting Base, located on Highway 1A approximately 25 minutes from Canmore and 45 minutes from Banff and Calgary. Detailed driving directions are included in your booking confirmation. There is ample free parking at the riverbase and you will brought back to your vehicle at the end of the tour.
What should I wear/bring for the rafting tour?+
Please wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring warm clothes, a face mask, hand sanitizer and a towel in a bag for after the tour. We also suggest bringing a toque or hat for colder days, to wear under the helmet. Your belongings can be stored in the bus or your own car while you are on the river. 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.
What shouldn't I bring for the rafting tour?+
Anything else! It isn’t recommended to bring your camera and rafters aren’t permitted to wear their own wetsuit or to wear anything that could cause a hazard while on the tour.
I have some medical concerns for the rafting tour, what should I do?+
When you are making your reservation please let the agent know and they will check with the rafting team. On the day please bring any medication you may need and inform your guide of any medical conditions.
Do you need any rafting/swimming experience?+
No rafting experience is necessary, and we provide a Professional River Guide with each boat who will explain and demonstrate paddle, safety and emergency techniques. This includes dryland safety instructions and practicing paddling on the river before the waves. This tour is ideal for anyone that has never rafted before or does not know how to swim, as the rapids and river are not as strong as the other tours. On the day please inform your guide if you are a non or weak swimmer.
Is the rafting tour safe?+
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.
What is the cancellation policy for the rafting tour?+
There is a 24 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change, cancel, or refund your booking up to 24 hours prior to your tour (or up to 7 days prior for group bookings).
How long is the Via Ferrata Explorer Route Tour?+
This is a 2.5 hour round trip tour on the Via Ferrata.
What does the Via Ferrata Explorer Route include?+
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.
Where is the meeting point for the Via Ferrata? When does the bus run?+
The meeting point is at Mount Norquay at the end of Mt Norquay Road in Banff, located approximately five 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 30 to October 11 2021) 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
When should I arrive for the Via Ferrata tour?+
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour.
What is Via Ferrata?+
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.
Do I need experience for the Via Ferrata tour?+
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.
What should I wear/bring for the Via Ferrata tour?+
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.
Can I fall on the Via Ferrata tour?+
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.
What is the cancellation policy for the via ferrata?+
There is a 24 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change, cancel, or refund your booking up to 24 hours prior to your tour (or up to 7 days prior for group bookings).
Should I tip my guide?+
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.
Booking Terms
- 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 40kgs (88lbs). 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 Kananaskis River 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.
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