On a recent trip to the Canadian Rockies, I managed to book and find a great experience for a via Ferrata just outside of Banff, and check out the views. I had to do this short entry for the Mt Norquay via Ferrata in Banff, Alberta, Canada. You also have an option to hike an alternative trail in this area if you don’t fancy clipping in. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission should you chose to purchase via a link from this article at no extra cost to you. I only recommend experiences, companies or products I trust and have used.

Mt Norquay is a ski field in winter but in summer it makes for amazing hiking with beautiful views and a via Ferrata. Via Ferrata stands for Iron way or Iron road and utilises a range of steel anchors, bolts, ladders or wooden walkways (like that found on the Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia).

I should probably add that we drove into and through Banff a few times and were very glad we avoided it. Whilst the location is central, the time of year we ended up on our trip (summer first few weeks in July) was just too busy for our liking.

Mt Norquay has amazing views over Banff towards Tunnel Mountain (above) and the restaurant and reception building at the bottom of the chair lift had no one there. We arrived about 1 hour early to get something to eat and there wasn’t anyone but our small group in there. I imagine it still gets busy but it was just nice to get away from the ‘Rocky Crowds’ at the lakes.

It still had its challenges in this longer route for the whole group when the sun was out. They had multiple routes to chose from based on ability, experience or confidence. You will be provided with the kit but if you have your own hiking boots I’d recommend this to avoid having to rent theirs. Check ahead as they are also quite strict about what they class as acceptable footwear for the trip. A via Ferrata ticket includes the chair lift in the price.

The guides were brilliant in the reception and on the route and I would really recommend this trip.

• The price of the via Ferrata ranges from $180 – $370 (CAD) depending on the route.
• There is an option to go on the chair lift up to the beginning of the via Ferrata route and links on to a trail (this is around $40.00).
• There is also an option to hike up a lower trail, which will allow you to see some of these views (Check them out below).

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