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Via Ferrata Climbing Experience: Uncover Banff's Signature Scenic Views with our Small Group Tours
4.9
146 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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6C22+M4 Banff - 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
6C22+M6 Banff
CHECK IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO TOUR TIME Meet at Norquay's North American Lodge, 6km (3.7 miles) from Banff, via Mt Norquay Road. When arriving, go past the first two parking lots. Park in the lot posted as 'P3', follow the short walking path up to the Lodge. Free shuttle available from central Banff.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(146 Ratings)
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638reaganl
Jul 22, 2024
Loved it!! - Awesome experience!! So so fun, and it was made even better by our guide. Nathan was a super fun and engaging guide, loved making jokes, and just made the overall trip awesome. My dad and I went on the Summiteer. It was a bit scary at times but totally safe and the views were awesome. Totally would recommend both the trip and the guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dukemd66
Jul 21, 2024
A great introduction to Via Ferrata - This was an absolutely fun afternoon. Even the people in our party who were a little timid about heights did fine. It was a great introduction to Via Ferrata. Nathan was great
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vikingschick80
Jul 18, 2024
Great way to get out of town and away from crowds...oh, and those views! - My friend, husband, and I just did the Explorer's (beginner's) route today and had so much fun!
Our guide (Isima, apologies that the spelling has to be wrong) was so friendly and reassuring when needed. She kept a close eye on everyone in the group, encouraging those who were a little scared and keeping a careful pace for someone who needed to go a little slower on the downhills.
The route itself was so fun, it had some feeling of exposure, but was also great for a first time. It took about 2 hrs and 15min and we got some exercise, but overall it was easy and would be great for most folks.
I would definitely come back and try the other routes, thanks for such a memorable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michellepi8190jo
Jul 16, 2024
Amazing views and experience!!! - Awesome. Totally worth it and stunning views!! Safe and adventurous. If you have a fear of heights or climbing, this is not for you. But some climbing experience is helpful but not necessary to do the trip. You need to be in some type of athletic shape, as some sections did not have footholds, and you don’t want to hold the group up.
I would go back in a heartbeat. I did the explorer route. Didn’t realize there were other options. It was the easiest and shortest, but others went longer and higher up the mountain. Next time I will do the longer routes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D6248kd
Jul 16, 2024
Doing the Via Ferrata -Banff - Had a great time hiking & climbing the Alpinist Route Via Ferrata high above Banff. Our guide was Greg and he did an amazing job coaching us along the way keeping us safe & making sure we felt comfortable. Would highly recommend & they have an activity level for any age group or skill level. Thanks for the memorable photos Greg
Review provided by Tripadvisor
61staciee
Jul 12, 2024
So much fun with amazing views! - We did the Ridgewalker tour with Nat and had a fantastic time. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and made us feel safe at all times. She had a lot of great stories and let us figure things out but stepped in to give advice when we needed it. We had a great time and would recommend this to anyone looking for an adventure in Banff!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B476zznancyb
Jul 11, 2024
Climbing Via Ferrara Banff - We wanted to challenge ourselves and Via Ferrara Banff was quite a challenge! We did the explorer route (beginner experience). A promo video I watched on YouTube said anyone from 12-90 years old could do the activity and you would be clipped into the cable all of the time. This is misleading. I am a fit 73 year old woman and the Explorer Via Ferrara Banff was the hardest and scariest thing I have done. We were not always attached (although not for too long) to the cable which provided moments of danger. I completed the climb without incident but the older person needs to be very fit or not attempt this activity.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cswim7
Jul 10, 2024
Amazing! - Highly recommend doing this while in Banff. You will not be disappointed. Our group of 8 had a blast & felt safe the whole time. Some climbs were harder than others, but everyone made it. We had one who was a little afraid & Kevin our guide was super helpful the whole time with her. He was a great guide to have.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Miyer73
Jul 6, 2024
Thriller experience - First off, this is not for the faint of heart and not for beginners as they suggest on Tripadvisor. Make sure you know and understand that before you embark on this. if you have a fear of heights, this will be a really scary experience. That being said, the harnesses provide the safety and protection required as long as you learn how to keep yourself clipped on and have the ability to scramble rocks and don't have fear.
The group provides hiking boots, gear etc all for free. You can just go and do it. The chairlift ride is also included. The views from top of the chairlift are amazing. So, are the views from up top the hike.We did Explorer and its about 1.4 miles of hiking with about 600ft elevation gain(per my watch). it feels really long though. Took us a good 3 hrs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ali_t
Jul 1, 2024
Amazing experience! - What a great way to start the Banff journey! Thanks to David, our guide who was very enthusiastic and skillful. He gave us great directions and was very encouraging. It was exactly what we needed as we are beginners and had no idea what we got ourselves into. Definitely worth the experience and not to forget the views - Just wow!
Review provided by Viator
