8:30am, 10:00am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm
Departure Time
4 Hours
Duration
12+
Age
Physical
Activity
Jun-Oct
Season
To get a greater feel of heights, exposure and the full Via Ferrata experience, become a Ridgewalker on this half-day guided alpine climbing excursion!
A continuation of the Explorer Route, the four-hour Ridgewalker Route crosses the suspension bridge and heads up the Banff Mt Norquay cliffs to the Ridgewalker Summit, climbing Memorial, Sol and Vista buttresses.
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 four hour loop takes you up to 2,300 metres above sea level and is great for families. The Norquay Via Ferrata is conveniently located a ten minute drive from the Banff townsite on the cliffs above the Mt Norquay Ski Resort.
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Bailey's Pick
"A unique way to explore the Canadian Rockies - just like the original explorers did, by climbing!" - Bailey , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
Banff Via Ferrata Reviews
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
1
4 hour round trip
This route is a half day excursion that takes you high up on the Norquay cliffs, climbing Memorial, Sunrise and Vista buttresses and of course, traversing the suspension bridge.
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Everything is provided
This guided high-alpine climbing experience includes your chairlift ride, safety equipment, helmet and an equipment orientation. There’s even free rental equipment including backpacks, hiking boots, rain jackets and pants.
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Bailey's Pick
"A unique way to explore the Canadian Rockies - just like the original explorers did, by climbing!" - Bailey , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
Banff Via Ferrata Reviews
This is a 4 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 catch the free shuttle bus that runs from Banff with several pick-up locations.
* Stops at the Juniper Hotel only
Free Shuttle Bus Schedule (Valid from September 14 to October 12 2020)
| Location | Times | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juniper Hotel (to Banff) | 08:42 | 09:42 | 10:42 | 11:42 | 12:42 | 13:42 | 14:42 | 15:42 | 16:42 | 17:42 | 18:27 | 19:27 | |
| Train Station Info Centre | 08:15 | 08:50 | 09:50 | 10:50 | 11:50 | 12:50 | 13:50 | 14:50 | 15:50 | 16:50 | 17:50* | 18:35* | 19:35* |
| Banff Avenue – South Bound – At Elk St | 08:17 | 08:52 | 09:52 | 10:52 | 11:52 | 12:52 | 13:52 | 14:52 | 15:52 | 16:52 | |||
| Banff Park Lodge (Opposite) | 08:20 | 08:55 | 09:55 | 10:55 | 11:55 | 12:55 | 13:55 | 14:55 | 15:55 | 16:55 | |||
| ARRIVES AT NORQUAY | 08:30 | 09:10 | 10:10 | 11:10 | 12:10 | 13:10 | 14:10 | 15:10 | 16:10 | 17:10 | |||
| RETURN TO BANFF | 09:35 | 10:35 | 11:35 | 12:35 | 13:35 | 14:35 | 15:35 | 16:35 | 17:35 | 18:20 | 19:20 | ||
* Stops at the Juniper Hotel only
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.
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Bailey's Pick
"A unique way to explore the Canadian Rockies - just like the original explorers did, by climbing!" - Bailey , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
Banff Via Ferrata Reviews
- 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.
- Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 2 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
| Included |
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| DISTANCE |
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| Elevation Gain |
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| Transport Options |
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Bailey's Pick
"A unique way to explore the Canadian Rockies - just like the original explorers did, by climbing!" - Bailey , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
Banff Via Ferrata Reviews
| Included |
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| DISTANCE |
|
| Elevation Gain |
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| Transport Options |
|
Bailey's Pick
"A unique way to explore the Canadian Rockies - just like the original explorers did, by climbing!" - Bailey , Reservations Agent, Discover Banff Tours
Banff Via Ferrata Reviews
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