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Via Ferrata Climbing Experience: Uncover Banff's Signature Scenic Views with our Small Group Tours
4.9
152 Ratings
Banff
Uncover Banff’s signature scenic views on a thrilling Via Ferrata climbing experience. Join our small group tours and climb the cliffs of Mt Norquay with highly qualified guides.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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Mount Norquay Scenic Drive - Step out of your comfort zone and try our Explorer route. Spend some time with your guide, get introduced to the equipment, head up a few pitches and cross the suspension bridge. This is a great choice for those who are slightly limited on time or looking for an introduction to Via Ferrata.
Get access to incredible views of Banff National Park.
A true climbing/mountaineering but no experience is required!
What's Included
- Safety equipment provided (helmet, harness, lanyards)
- ACMG-certified mountain guide
- Banff Sightseeing Chairlift access included
- Complimentary rainwear, backpacks, and hiking boots (subject to size availability)
- Free shuttle service to and from Banff
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Food and drink
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
Additional Information
Being a distinctive Canadian Signature Experience, interacting with the Norquay’s Via Ferrata is an essential activity while visiting the Banff National Park. Our extensively trained ACMG-accredited instructors will guide you through the steep cliffs of Mt Norquay, which are perched above the Bow Valley, offering a stunning view of the town of Banff.
Rock walls are equipped with steel grips, ladders, and stepping platforms, including a steel safety cord for support and safety. During climbing, climbers remain safely attached to this safety cable.
The Explorer Route, a introductory experience of Via Ferrata of 2.5 hours, is a perfect way to acclimate yourself to this heart-pounding mountaineering activity. It includes climbing pitches and traversing the course’s scenic suspension bridge.
Though no former climbing knowledge is required, participants are expected to have enough physical fitness to climb a ladder.
- PARTICIPANTS MUST CHECK IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME
- A liability Waiver must be signed by all via ferrata participants
- Minimum 12 years of age and minimum 40 kg (88 lbs)
- Maximum participant weight is 120 kgs (265 lbs)
Location
Mount Norquay Scenic Drive
CHECK IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO TOUR TIME at Norquay's North American Lodge, 6km (3.7 miles) from Banff, via Mt Norquay Scenic Drive. When arriving, go past the first two lots. Park in lot posted as 'P3', follow short walking path to Lodge. Free shuttle available from Banff, visit banffnorquay.com.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(152 Ratings)
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H5821bhmattr
Sep 28, 2024
Great morning at the top - Our guide was excellent and kept everyone safe throughout despite varying levels of fitness and expertise. A wonderful location with well maintained route hardware.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_c
Sep 28, 2024
BANFF BOUND - This was a must do! Our group for the most part were beginners but with the help of our guide and big push from our friends we powered through and enjoyed every minute. The beginning is the hardest part but the entire climb is challenging but worth it even if you’re a beginner.
Review provided by Viator
Eric_m
Sep 26, 2024
Great Banff Adventure - Great experience! We had a lot of fun on this Via Ferrata, it was a great way to spend time on the mountains rather than just looking at them. Our guide Matt was knowledgeable, fun, kept everyone safe, and really made sure everyone had a good time. If you are in Banff this is a must.
Review provided by Viator
Angie_b
Sep 26, 2024
Fantastic Experience - The via Ferrata climbing was a fantastic experience! More challenging than expected which made it all the better. Lucy our guide was great and made everyone feel comfortable and safe. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Abby_f
Sep 25, 2024
Excellent experience! - Great guide (Matt) great experience, a must do! Perfect views with exhilarating activity. Felt safe and fun the entire time!
Review provided by Viator
Karissa_c
Sep 25, 2024
Do it! - Great time hiking/climbing via Ferrata. Not as scary as it looks. Great guide- very knowledgeable. Strongly recommend this experience
Review provided by Viator
22stuarts
Sep 17, 2024
The Skyline with family - The family (16yr + 14yr old) had our first experience at Via Ferreta. We had a crack at the Skyline route. The route was challenging (exercising any fears or heights), but rewarded with great views over Banff.
Our guide, Juan, was awesome and kept it positive all the way. Well Done!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christopherhi1839oa
Sep 16, 2024
Do it!!! - A must-do activity in Banff!!! You won't regret it. There were 2 of us on this tour and the tour guide Eli was great. The view was breathtaking at the top!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adam
Sep 9, 2024
Mostly wonderful! Sometimes scary.. always, beautiful. - Our group of 7 did the Ridgewalker via ferrata route and had a great time. The entire concept of hanging off the side of a mountain is absolutely insane to me, but we committed to doing it, and all had a great time. Our guide, Carmanah, was an absolute pleasure. She gave us tips and directions when we needed it and kept our minds distracted when the heights were about to cause panic. She created a safe, positive, and supportive atmosphere for the group, and we all really enjoyed her.
As for the climb, initially, i thought the suspension bridge would be the death of us all, but it really wasn't as bad as i had made it out to be in my mind. The very end of the climbing portion was probably the hardest for me. The heights exposure goes up a few notches, and i almost panicked. But, insert Carmanah stage right, and she managed me / us very well.
My only advice to anyone that may be uneasy in the moment is to simply focus on the next step. The next hold. The next grip. Etc. Take it one step at a time and you WILL make it to the end.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anitah796
Sep 7, 2024
Great experience. - This was a highlight of our trip to Banff. We did the Explorer route which was plenty for me. I would definitely start here unless you are in pretty great shape. Our guide Katsu was fantastic. The chair lift was fun. The equipment is good and the trail and hardware are in great condition. You should be in fairly decent shape. There is a lot of climbing that requires some leg strength. I always felt safe although there are some areas where you are not hooked in. Great experience... highly recommended. Oh... Cliffhouse was great for a nice lunch after the climb.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
