Via Ferrata Climbing Experience: Uncover Banff's Signature Scenic Views with our Small Group Tours
4.9
98 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 learn more
Highlights
  • 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)
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
(98 Ratings)
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Emanuelr566
Nov 3, 2023
Worth IT 6hrs - Phenomenal views & very Adventurous. Katsu was a legend of a guide. Did the 6hr trek & FULLY worth. Unless you've done multi-pitch climbing you've never done anything like this. Totally totally worth it. I've traveled to Iceland, Africa, Colombia, Hawaii & this provided one of the top 3 views in my life. Super solid.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reviewsreviews1
Oct 11, 2023
The best guides and an AWESOME experience all around - I loved this! I originally booked the ridgewalker! I’m from Florida and never been to Canada, yet alone to the beautiful Canadian Rockies! We barely have hills in Florida so when I ran across this experience I was ALL IN! Normally heights don’t bother me, but when I got there and saw how high we actually were, I started to get alittle nervous as I had had a scary experience the day before flipping over in my canoe on lake Louise. I met My guide Ryan and from the second I met him I knew I was in great hands. I told him my situation from the day prior and I was starting to sikę myself out lol, he went above and beyond to try to make the experience the most enjoyable and least scary as possible for me, and honestly he did an amazing job! I however did end up deciding to finish with the explorer course after we got to our first rest point on the ridgewalker. I had over estimated my ability I think and felt more comfortable finishing the slightly easier course. Ryan was awesome enough to call another guide to come up and take over with me while he completed the ridgewalker with the others in my group. He was never pressuring, just very encouraging and I don’t think I would have even made it that far had it not been for his uplifting spirit. Paul was my guide for the rest of my mountain climbing adventure and he was great as well! We enjoyed great conversation and completely the explorer course together. I would absolutely go back and try this again another time. I feel more comfortable and confident now. I do think this is for everyone but I would say if you’ve never been mountain climbing or you aren’t super physically active to maybe start with the explorer course and see how that goes first haha. Thank you mount Norquay, Ryan, and Paul! Oh! And the nice girl working inside who checked me in and got a picture for me in front of the mountain since I had lost my phone. Hope to see you guys again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Greg_t
Oct 6, 2023
Great day - Our guide was terrific. We had great weather and enjoyed the day immensely. Definitely recommend doing this day trip.
Review provided by Viator
Kate_f
Oct 5, 2023
Epic - This was such an amazing experience 🙌🏻 great bunch of people to climb with and our guide Eli was great. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
285whitneyb
Oct 2, 2023
Skyline Via Ferrata Climb - We completed the Skyline Via Ferrata climb as part of our Banff adventure. It was without a doubt the best part of our 6-day trip. We had Eli as our guide and he made the experience amazing. We felt very safe the entire climb and were able to see some jaw-dropping views throughout our time. Highly recommended if you are visiting the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hollyse5372zl
Sep 30, 2023
10/10, even if you have no climbing experience! - My relative booked this for me as a surprise, looking at the photos I was sure I wouldn’t be able to do it, but I was wrong! I did the explorer route which is perfect for beginners, our guide Eli was excellent, calm patient and encouraging, the views were fantastic and the feeling you get while doing it and after doing it is excellent, am now looking at Via Ferratas in Europe as I miss the feeling! Thanks Eli!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Supremeleeerica
Sep 27, 2023
Alpinist 4 - 5 hour Tour was incredible. Wish I did the 6 hour one instead! - During our first Via Ferrata experience, our guide made it extremely enjoyable, resulting in us capturing numerous breathtaking photos. The views were absolutely stunning, and I believe it's worth visiting Banff just to experience the thrill of being suspended in the air. We brought along two liters of water, wore layers of clothing, and had a camera securely strapped to my shoulders. If given the opportunity, I would definitely do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
268louisew
Sep 26, 2023
First timer on via ferrata, awesome experience with guide Ben - We really enjoyed our first time doing via ferrata. The views were incredible and the course is well maintained but challenging enough that you feel it has been an adventure. Our guide Ben constantly checked our gear, checked in on us and provided endless enthusiasm. The views are also insane. Good tip is to bring a phone that you can attach to yourself so there is no chance of dropping it. I managed to take some epic photos of my friend but only when i was in a spot where i felt confident enough to take it out my pocket and go hands free from the metal hand holds.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lawrence
Sep 22, 2023
50% of us loved it! - This has been on my bucket list for 10 or 15 years and I kind of talked my wife into the 2-3 hour tour. At 65, with two fake hips, it was really fun...for me. The wife was not so happy but she crushed it! The guide Paul was awesome in his coaching and encouragement of all of us. The views were just amazing but make no mistake, it's pretty physical. So glad I chose the 3 hour tour as opposed to the 4 or 6 hour tour, or I would still be in the doghouse. I would totally do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jpnoyes
Sep 19, 2023
So Much FUN!!!!! - Our guide, Irene was wonderful. My husband and I are in our sixties. We chose the middle level tour. We have done a lot of hiking and some rock climbing. It was so much fun!!! I was scared at first that I would hold the group back but it was easier than I expected. This is NOT something for someone with a fear of heights, but if you're okay with being up high, it really is fun. Just enough risk to be exciting, but not so much that you would feel afraid. Do wear good boots, bring layers and snacks and listen to your guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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