Just a short drive from the town of Banff sits Mt. Norquay, the ski hill that turns into a summer adventure playground once the snow melts. While winter is all about skiing and tubing, summer might be even better.
In summer, this is what you can do at Mt. Norquay:
- ride the sightseeing chairlift for amazing views of Banff and the Bow Valley
- hike the alpine trails
- have lunch or a drink at the Cliffhouse Bistro
- mountain bike or road bike
- climb the only via ferrata in Banff National Park
Via ferrata (“iron road” in Italian) is a protected climbing route, or as I like to call it, mountain climbing for everyone! You’re clipped into a steel cable the whole time and climb on iron rungs, ladders and suspension bridges bolted into the rock. No climbing experience is needed.
I did the Ridgewalker route as a birthday gift to myself in September, and I can confidently say it’s the best gift I’ve ever given myself (check out the insane view).
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In this blog post, I’m sharing my own via ferrata experience in Banff, how it compares to the via ferrata in Golden, and all the tips you need to book the right route.
My via ferrata experience at Mt. Norquay in Banff
I arrived at Mt. Norquay on a perfect bluebird September day, which is exactly what you want when your office for the day is a mountainside.
Everything starts at the North American Lodge, where you check in and meet your guide. Mine was Dan, who turned out to be not only a certified mountain guide but also a professional photographer. More on that in a second.
First, we got fitted with a harness, helmet, and gloves. The gloves are optional, but I’m glad I wore them since they protect your hands from rough metal and the rock (if you choose to use it instead of cables). Then we hopped on the chairlift, which is included in the tour price, and rode up with views of Banff already opening up.
At the top, Dan showed us how to clip onto the cable and let us practise on a small rock wall. Just like in Golden, this little practice session is mandatory and also essential for your stress-free climbing experience. Once you’ve clipped in and out a few times, it starts to feel like second nature.
Then we started climbing.
What I loved most about the Ridgewalker was the pace. Our guide never rushed us, and we took a couple of breaks to snack, chat, and soak up the scenery.
The climbing portion itself took only about 1.5 hours (plus those breaks), and then we hiked down the descent trail. All the hiking and climbing took 3 hours, and we covered 3 km.
The whole tour is officially 3.5 to 4 hours, since it includes gearing up, the chairlift, the hike, and the views.
Ah, the views! With the sun out, we could see all of Banff and the Bow Valley stretched out below us. I kept stopping just to look around.
The fun feature on this route is the suspension bridge, and it was surprisingly wobbly. Definitely wobblier than the one I crossed in Golden. Our group decided to cross the bridge one by one, so one person wouldn’t make it even more wobbly for the next person on the bridge.
Most of the climb is on iron rungs, which makes it feel more like climbing a very steep ladder than actual rock climbing. But there was one section where we could practise real rock climbing, hanging on to the rock wall and finding our own footholds (while still attached, of course). It was my favourite bit!
And Dan took photos the whole way. Since he’s a professional photographer, we ended up with amazing shots of us on the mountain.
Via ferrata in Banff vs. Golden: how do they compare?
Since I’ve now done both, here’s my quick comparison. Norquay was less exposed. Most of the time, ledges and rocks were right below us, so it never felt like we were dangling over nothing. The Ridgewalker was a continuous, leisurely climb with lots of room for breaks and photos.
The via ferrata in Golden at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort was much more exposed and adrenaline-inducing. There we were hanging on a vertical rock wall with nothing underneath us, just a huge drop into the valley. That’s when I leaned away from the wall and let go with my hands, and I’ve never felt more alive.
So if you want a scenic, relaxed intro to via ferrata with the most wobbly bridge, Norquay is perfect. If you want your heart pounding, Golden delivers. I’d say do both! You can read all about it in my post on the via ferrata climb at Kicking Horse Mountain in Golden.
Tips for via ferrata at Mt. Norquay
Via ferrata routes at Mt. Norquay
Norquay has five different routes, so you can pick the one that matches your time and comfort level. Here’s how they compare (prices and times at the time of writing, so double-check before booking):
| Route | Duration | Distance | Elevation gain | Min. age | Price | Best for |
| Explorer | 2–2.5 hrs | 1 km | 125 m | 12+ | 199 CAD | First-timers or short on time |
| Ridgewalker (my pick) | 3.5–4 hrs | 1.4 km | 265 m | 12+ | 259 CAD | The full experience at an easy pace |
| Alpinist | 4–4.5 hrs | 1.9 km | 305 m | 14+ | 289 CAD | More ridge walking, Panoramadome |
| Skyline | 4.5–5 hrs | 2.5 km | 310 m | 14+ | 319 CAD | High traverse and 55 m suspension bridge |
| Summiteer | 5.5–6 hrs | 3.2 km | 360 m | 14+ | 399 CAD | Highest point, lunch included |
A few details worth knowing:
- Explorer: gets you geared up, up a few pitches and across the suspension bridge. It’s a perfect intro if you’re short on time.
- Ridgewalker: takes you up the Memorial, Sunrise and Vista buttresses, plus the bridge. This is the one I did.
- Alpinist: builds on the Ridgewalker and continues along the ridge to the Norquay “Panoramadome.”
- Skyline: adds a high traverse on a sheer rock wall and a 55 m “airy” suspension bridge.
- Summiteer: continues to the highest point and an extra three-wire bridge. Lunch on the East Summit and an appetizer and drink at the Cliffhouse Bistro are included.
You can book on the Mt. Norquay via ferrata website.
Via ferrata weather conditions
Via ferrata runs in most weather, but routes can be shortened, delayed, or canceled for ice, snow, very wet conditions, and lightning.
The route starts at 2,000 m and climbs to 2,450 m, and it’s usually at least 4 degrees cooler than in Banff, with a fresh breeze up on the ridge. Layers are your friend!
Via ferrata timing
Tours run from mid-June to early October. Arrive about 30 minutes before your tour, especially if you need to rent gear.
If you’re coming from Banff, there’s a free shuttle to the hill that arrives 30 minutes before each tour. Group size is a minimum of 2 people, and you can cancel or change for free up to 48 hours before.
What to wear and pack for via ferrata
Norquay provides the harness, lanyards, and helmet, and you can borrow gloves, hiking boots, rain gear, and a backpack for free. Here’s what I’d bring:
- Quick-drying shirt (love my merino t-shirt for year-round adventures)
- Warm mid-layer
- Waterproof jacket
- Hiking pants or medium-length shorts
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with ankle support (running shoes, sneakers and climbing shoes aren’t recommended although I did wear my trail running shoes as they’re the best for my feet)
- Socks that come above the ankle
- 1–2 litres of water
- Snacks (you’ll have a couple breaks before the descent)
- Sunscreen (this is essential as you’re high up the mountain) and sunglasses
- Phone or small camera with a leash. I used my beloved Insta360 camera with a foldable selfie stick – I put the strap around my wrist and easily hid the camera inside my sleeve, so it was safe from rocks and ready to be used; and I also love the unique pictures I can create as you see below (read my Insta360 review on why it’s the best adventure camera right now).
What to do after via ferrata at Mt. Norquay
- Grab a drink or bite at the Cliffhouse Bistro, right at the top of the chairlift
- Take a short hike on the alpine trails near the top
- Enjoy the sightseeing chairlift views, a budget-friendly alternative to the Banff Gondola
- Head back to Banff for a celebratory dinner
- Go for a cold plunge in Bow River for some muscle relief
More fun things to do in Banff
- 100 BEST Things to Do in Banff National Park
- 14 Awesome Bike Trails Around Banff (For All Levels)
- 20 best hikes in Banff National Park
- Sulphur Mountain Hike vs. Banff Gondola: Which One Is Better?
- The Ultimate Guide for Visiting Moraine Lake (From a Local)
Via ferrata Banff FAQ
How hard is the via ferrata at Mt. Norquay?
It depends on the route. The Explorer and Ridgewalker are the most beginner-friendly, and the Skyline and Summiteer are longer and more strenuous. You should be comfortable hiking for two hours or more. I found the Ridgewalker leisurely and never exhausting.
Honestly, I underestimated myself and could have done a longer route, which I’ll definitely try the next season.
Is the Banff via ferrata scary?
It can be, especially if you’re afraid of heights. Most of the exposure on the Ridgewalker is mild since there are ledges and rocks below, but the suspension bridge is wobbly. Your guide helps with nerves, and you’re always clipped in.
Do I need climbing experience?
Nope! No previous experience is required. Your guide gives you a safety briefing and a practice session before you start.
How much does the Banff via ferrata cost?
Prices range from $199 for the Explorer to $399 for the Summiteer. The chairlift ride and equipment are included.
How long does the via ferrata in Banff take?
From 2 hours (Explorer) to 6 hours (Summiteer). My Ridgewalker had about 1.5 hours of climbing, within a 3.5–4 hour tour.
Is via ferrata safe? Can you fall?
It’s very safe, but yes, you can technically fall. Your fall would be stopped by the lanyards attached to the steel cable, which is rated to hold 40,000 kg. All guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
What are the age and weight limits?
Explorer and Ridgewalker: 12+. Alpinist, Skyline and Summiteer: 14+. All routes have a minimum weight of 40 kg (88 lbs) and a maximum of 120 kg (265 lbs).
Can I do the via ferrata without a guide?
No. You must go with a Norquay guide. While mountaineering, climbing, and hiking on the mountain is allowed for anyone, using cables, iron rungs, and ladders requires a guided tour.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours run in most conditions, but they can be shortened, delayed or cancelled for ice, snow, very wet weather or lightning. If the weather is too bad and they cancel the tour, you will be rescheduled or refunded.
Which route should I choose?
If it’s your first time and you want the full experience at an easy pace, I recommend the Ridgewalker. Short on time? Try the Explorer. Want more adventure? Go for the Skyline or Summiteer.
Is the via ferrata in Banff or Golden better?
Both are amazing but different. Norquay has great Banff views and is less exposed. Golden is more adrenaline-fuelling. Read my Golden review here.
