Via Ferrata

Thrill-seekers, listen up! Banff, one of the leading ski destinations in the world, now offers a new mountaineering experience on the cliffs of the Canadian Rockies: Via Ferrata (the Iron Road in Italian). Located in the Mount Norquay ski area, and thus offering splendid views, this exhilarating odyssey takes visitors on rarely-before-seen areas of Banff on a journey that could both be described as terrifying and demanding, but highly satisfying. Led by a certified mountain guide, visitors will make their way up the cliffs assisted by a fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge – and despite popular belief, previous experience is not required to participate in or enjoy Via Ferrata. Experts say that it’s like climbing up a ladder, except this time, the proverbial ladder is the cliffside of Canada’s highest mountain range. Rewards include a rock-your-socks kind of experience, potential encounters with local wildlife (like bighorn sheeps, foxes and elks) and unparalleled panoramas of Banff.
The Via Ferrata routes depart from the Cliffhouse Bistro, a historic and stunning restaurant built in 1950 as a tea house. It now serves scrumptious treats to visitors wishing to relax, unwind, enjoy the splendid view – or in this case, reward their climbing efforts!

Practical Info

Banff is located in the Canadian Rockies in southern Alberta. Explorer route lasts two hours, costs $139 per person and departs four times daily (8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm and at 2:30pm). The Ridgewalker route lasts four hours, costs $169 per person and departs three times daily (8:30am, 10:30am and 12:30pm). Via Ferrata routes are only open in the summertime.