Banff Adventures - Via Ferrata

The Via Ferrata tour is a one-of-a-kind adventurous activity not found in many places around the world. With a blend of hiking, bouldering, traversing, and rock climbing, the Via Ferrata will be an experience you won’t forget. These mountaintop tours are a highly rewarding experience for those that want to see the vistas of Banff National Park – no previous rocking climbing experience required!

The Via Ferrata on Mt Norquay is located in Banff and has four different tours available: the Explorer, the Ridgewalker, the Skyline, and the Summiteer. For those who want a short intro to Via Ferrata, the Explorer is the perfect start. The longest and most intensive of the tours, the Summiteer features suspension bridges, an exhilarating traverse along a sheer rock wall and 360 degrees of sweeping views at the summit. The views are wild, but you’re safe and secure throughout your journey. Led by a highly experienced ACMG-certified guide, you wear a harness that is always attached to the mountain’s steel cable pathway, securing you to the rock at all times.

Get vertical at one of the most exhilarating Via Ferratas in Western Canada at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort! Confirmed and apprentice climbers alike will tackle Terminator Peak’s north face & venture through 2 custom courses and 1 suspension bridge.

VIA FERRATA

Banff's “Via Ferrata” (Italian for the Iron Road), is a must do experience for thrill seekers. It’s a different kind of mountaineering – led by a certified guide, you’ll climb your way up the cliffs above the Banff Mt Norquay ski area. Or for the more adventurous, tackle the Via Ferrata routes at Kicking Horse Mountain. Both tours are guided by a series of cables, fixed anchors, ladders and a suspension bridge. The thrill is there, but so are safety procedures. No climbing experience necessary. We recommend that you are physically fit enough to climb a ladder and bring a spirit for adventure.

 

VIA FERRATA ACTIVITIES

VIA FERRATA - MOUNT NORQUAY

6 Routes to choose from

From

$185

Get a feel for heights and experience spectacular panoramic views of Banff. Located 10 minutes from Banff.

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VIA FERRATA - KICKING HORSE

Tackle Terminator Peak

From

$150

Get vertical at one of the most exhilarating Via Ferratas in Western Canada! Tours at Kicking Horse Resort, Golden, BC

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Via Ferrata Tours in Banff

Banff has some impressive climbing spots, and the Via Ferrata is perfect for those who want a unique blend of rock climbing and hiking but might not have the experience to go it on their own. Mt Norquay in Banff National Park is a winter destination for skiers and snowboarders, transforming into a playground for hiking and climbing enthusiasts during the summer months.

 

What to expect

Test your resolve and endurance with one of our four routes – the Explorer, the Ridgewalker, the Skyline, and the Summiteer – ranging from 2.5 hours to 6 hours in duration. You’ll end your tour with lunch at the summit while soaking in awe-inspiring vistas of neighbouring peaks and the nearby townsite of Banff. Cap off your tour with a refreshing beverage at the bistro cafe at the trail's end.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What kind of physical shape do I need to be in to complete the Via Ferrata?
    We typically recommend people be able to climb a ladder or several flights of stairs at one time with no issues before attempting to complete the Via Ferrata.
  2. What equipment will I need?
    We provide all the necessary safety and climbing equipment you will need for the tour, such as helmets, harnesses, and ropes/carabiners.
  3. Should we bring food and water on the Via Ferrata tour?
    We recommend bringing a small packed lunch, power bars, and trail snacks along with plenty of water for the duration of your Via Ferrata tour, to ensure you stay fuelled and hydrated. There is a canteen at the foot of the hill, as well as a bistro at the top of the chairlift.
  4. What type of shoes will I need?
    You won’t require special climbing shoes for this excursion; comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or boots will do the trick.

 

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