Banff Via Ferrata, Rock Climbing & Caving
From scenic scrambles around Lake Louise to challenging multi-pitch ascents up Mt. Louis, the Canadian Rockies are an alpine playground for rock climbers. But it’s not just seasoned mountaineers who get to have all the fun.
Overlooking the town of Banff, Mount Norquay’s Via Ferrata (Italian for iron road) lets you scale a mountain — with zero mountaineering experience needed. In fact, the only thing you need is a sense of adventure and a head for heights.
With a certified guide leading the way, and all your safety gear included, you can tackle the route along three separate trails.
Up for a tougher challenge? A guided climb following the “Summiteer” route crosses a 3-wire suspension bridges across a gaping chasm, continuing to 2,450 meters at the East Summit. Harder on the legs? Yeah, it is. But dazzling 360-degree views at the top more than make up for the extra effort.
Highlights
- No mountaineering experience needed
- Climbers are secured to the rock with a harness and use fixed anchors, cables and ladders
- Experienced alpine guides lead the way
- All tours includes your safety equipment and helmet
- Stop for lunch at the historic Cliff House Bistro (once visited by Marilyn Monroe)
- Caves remain at an even 5C year year, making it a year round activity.
Via Ferrata Explorer – 2.5 Hours
Step out of your comfort zone and join your guide up on the mountain on the Explorer Route up to 2,235 metres at the Banff Mt Norquay Via Ferrata. 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 2.5 hour loop takes you up to 2,235 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 Norquay Via Ferrata is conveniently located a five minute drive from the Banff townsite on the cliffs
Jun-Oct
9:00am, 10:00am, 3:30pm
2.5 Hours
Most Popular
Via Ferrata Ridgewalker – 4 Hours
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 five minute drive from the Banff townsite on the cliffs above the Mt Norquay Ski Resort.
Jun-Oct
8:30am, 10:00am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm
4 Hours
Via Ferrata Skyline – 5 Hours
The Skyline Route includes an exciting high traverse on a sheer rock wall, a scenic ridgecrest trail walk and an “airy” 55m suspension bridge. The effort is amply rewarded at the top with outstanding panoramic views of Canada's iconic Rocky Mountain peaks. With Banff as a backdrop over 1000 metres below, walk the uber-scenic ridgecrest trail as it leads you back to the Cliffhouse Bistro to celebrate your mountaineering accomplishments. This 5 hour loop takes you up to 2,450 metres above sea level. The Norquay Via Ferrata is conveniently located a five minute drive from the Banff townsite on the cliffs above the Mt Norquay Ski Resort.
Jun-Oct
9:30am, 10:30am
5 Hours
Limited Space
Via Ferrata Summiteer – 6 Hours
The “Summiteer” is the pinnacle Via Ferrata adventure and traverses an alpine ridge crossing a 3-wire suspension bridge over a gaping couloir. A continuation of the Skyline Route, this 6-hour route traverses the alpine ridge, crossing an impressive couloir on a 3-wire suspension bridge to reach the summit pitch. With Banff as a backdrop over 1000 metres below, walk the uber-scenic ridgecrest trail as it leads you back to the Cliffhouse Bistro to celebrate your mountaineering accomplishments. Experience 360-degree views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains as you enjoy lunch on the East Summit of Mt Norquay - an apres-climbing platter and beverage at Cliffhouse Bistro is also included. This 6 hour loop takes you up to 2,450 metres above sea level and is great for those seeking a challenge. The Norquay Via Ferrata is conveniently located a five minute drive
Jun-Oct
9:00am, 10:00am
6 Hours
Canmore Caves Explorer Tour
An introduction to the amazing world of caves, spending 2 hours climbing, crawling and squeezing through the infamous Rat's Nest Cave. After meeting your guide at the office in Canmore, you will then follow the guide in convoy for a 10 minute drive to the cave parking lot where you’ll pack up your caving gear then hike for 30 minutes up a mountain trail to the cave entrance. Along the trail to the cave, your guide will share with you some of the incredible history of the Bow Valley. You will discuss how caves are formed, the geologic history of the area, discover and examine some of our local fossils, and much more. Make sure to keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and maybe even signs of a bear or a cougar. Inside the cave, you’ll get to
Year Round
9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm
4.5 Hours
Canmore Caves Adventure Tour
Spend 4 hours underground as you climb, crawl, wiggle and slide your way through the water-worn passages of the infamous Rat's Nest Cave. After meeting your guide at the office in Canmore, you will then follow the guide in convoy for a 10 minute drive to the cave parking lot where you’ll pack up your caving gear then hike for 30 minutes up a mountain trail to the cave entrance. Along the trail to the cave, your guide will share with you some of the incredible history of the Bow Valley. You will discuss how caves are formed, the geologic history of the area, discover and examine some of our local fossils, and much more. Make sure to keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and maybe even signs of a bear or a cougar. Soon after entering the
Year Round
8:45am, 10:15am, 11:45am
6 Hours
Learn to Rock Climb
Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise provide some of the world's best climbing areas, and are a great opportunity to discover this exhilarating sport. The Canadian Rockies surrounding Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise are a rock climber’s paradise with climbs and areas suitable for every level of climber. Try this unbelievably exhilarating sport where you will learn basic safety and top rope techniques for climbing outdoors in addition to being coached on basic rock climbing movement skills. People of all ages and physical capabilities can try this fun sport and lessons cater to all abilities, so there is no need to worry if you are a first time climber. All climbing guides are trained and certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). This fun and relaxed day on the rock is designed for beginners and those who have
May-Sep
8:30am
Half Day, Full Day