Via Ferrata Banff | The Experience at Mt. Norquay

What to Expect From Your Day

Coming from Banff? Start your adventure stress-free — hop on our free shuttle to the hill. Shuttles arrive 30 minutes before each tour, so you’ll have plenty of time to check in and get ready to go.

Step 1

Arrival & Check-In

All tours begin at the North American Lodge. Check-in starts with our guest services team, where you’ll meet your guide and prepare for your adventure. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled tour, especially if you need to rent gear.

Meet the Guides

All our guides are ACMG-certified. What does that mean? An ACMG Guide is a professional member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) who has been trained, assessed, and certified to meet the highest standards of safety, risk management, and technical competence in mountain-related activities in Canada.

Our guides are local mountain experts who love sharing their knowledge and stories. Watch their eyes light up as they show you the routes, answer questions, and bring the mountains to life.

Step 2

Gear Up

Climbers are provided with a harness, lanyard, and helmet, and our guides will ensure everything fits properly. You’ll learn the basic safety features of each piece of equipment so you’re ready to climb with confidence.

Provided Gear

Harness: Key piece of gear that is worn above on your hips and legs.

Helmet: An essential piece of personal protection that’s mandatory for all climbers.

Lanyards: Two sewn nylon ropes that connect you safely to the route’s safety system.

Gloves: Optional, to protect your hands from the rougher textures of metals clips and steel cables.

What to Wear

Sturdy Hiking Boots: Proper, covered outdoor footwear with a good grip is required. Lowa boots are available to rent free of charge. Not sure what to wear? Check the shoe guide tab.

Layers: Quick-drying, breathable tops and mid-layers for variable mountain weather.

Hiking Pants or Shorts: Comfortable for harness use; medium or long-length shorts work best.

What to Pack

Waterproof gear (jacket & pants): Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly, so it’s best to be prepared with a rain jacket and pants.

Water: Just like a day of hiking, it’s wise to stay hydrated during your via ferrata climbing. We recommend taking 1-2 litres.

Snacks: Depending on tour length, you will be out from 2-6 hours. All tours take a brief break before descending to enjoy the views and snack. Please be mindful what you bring as we try to keep nature preserved and crumbs invite animals to acclimatize to human food.

Sunscreen: Depending on weather, you will be in direct sun for your entire tour. Sunscreen is a must!

Small camera or phone: We don’t recommend bringing a bulky camera on the via ferrata as the sharp rocks and iron rungs can damage your equipment, and it can be tricky to manoeuvre. We welcome you to capture your memories with your phone or a small camera. A leash for your phone may also be a good idea.

Small backpack: to store your extra items. If you are missing a backpack, no stress we rent out bags for the day free of charge.

Socks: We recommend wearing above ankle socks as they are much more comfortable with hiking boots!

Sunglasses

Note: Norquay provides free rentals for boots, rain gear and backpacks.

Step 3

Ride the Chairlift

Your adventure begins with a scenic ride on the North American chairlift, included in the tour price, to the base of the Via Ferrata.

Step 4

Climb Away!

Before heading out, your guide will run through a demo of the climb and show you how to clip in safely. You’ll then follow your guide along the route, moving across iron rungs, rock faces, and suspension bridges.

All tours descend through a well-established trail with steps, so you won’t be down-climbing.

Elements You’ll Experience

All Tours

Cables

Our steel cables hold up to 40,000 kg (about 80 moose or 200 grizzly bears) and are anchored securely into the mountain.

Views & Peaks

Expect constant, breathtaking vistas, your guide will be happy to point out the surrounding mountains.

Descent Trail

Return via a mix of stairs, gravel terrain, and assisted hiking.

Advanced Tours (Alpinist, Skyline, Summiteer)

Suspension Bridges

Each tour crosses at least one wooden bridge. Skyline and Summiteer climbers tackle the 55m bridge for an unforgettable challenge.

Wire Bridges

Wobbly, exposed steel-cable bridges span gaps between cliffs for an exhilarating highlight.

Ladders

Skyline and Summiteer routes feature a 15m ladder climb with stunning views of Mount Rundle and the town below.

Step 5

Après at the Cliffhouse

You will finish your tour at the top of the Chairlift. From there your guide will leave you and you can take in the views or enjoy some apres at the Cliffhouse Bistro.