“What is the best thing to do in Banff?” With apologies to every other Banff adventure, the Norquay via ferrata is the response we most often give adventure seeking visitors.
Gaping at the wondrous expanse of Canada’s Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park is a stop-the-car moment for any traveler. However, to be able to climb those mountains safely, secured on a via ferrata, those vistas become panoramic.
Suspension bridge on the Norquay via ferrata
The 360 degree views, not to mention the view often between or under your feet, is an adrenaline pumping thrill.
What is a via ferrata?
Italian for “iron road”, via ferratas are protected mountain routes equipped with fixed cables, rungs or ladders and bridges. Today more than one thousand exist worldwide, with the majority being in Europe.
The origin of the via ferrata rests in finding ways for inexperienced climbers to safely navigate a mountain. The assisted climbing routes are most commonly associated with the First World War.
Several via ferratas were built in the Italian Dolomites to aid in the safe movement of troops across mountain passes.
Safely attached to metal cable by two carabiners
Is climbing a via ferrata safe?
Are you reading this muttering “You people are crazy! That doesn’t look safe at all!”
The origin of via ferratas rests in finding ways for inexperienced climbers to safely navigate a mountain. By placing steel steps, handles, ladder rungs and the cable in the rock, one can securely traverse the mountain route.
Participants wear harnesses and helmets and are secured to the cable via safety leashes. At the Norquay via ferrata, all guides must be certified by the ACMG. (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides)
Wearing a harness at all times, that is secured to the steel cable pathway, a worry free climb awaits. The metal rungs and bars make navigating the via ferrata far easier than rock climbing.
Choosing a via ferrata route at Norquay
Explorer
The 2 – 2.5 hour 1 km Explorer route allows those who have little experience in the mountains or may be short on time, to get an introduction to via ferrata. Climbing a few pitches and going over the suspension bridge helps first time climbers step out of their comfort zone.
Suspension bridge Norquay via ferrata
Ridgewalker
The 3.5 – 4 hour 1.4 km Ridgewalker route includes the suspension bridge on the Explorer. The climb continues on the Memorial, Sunrise and Vista buttresses high on the Norquay cliffs. Here grand views of Banff and Mt. Rundle are the reward.
Walking a short plank to the suspension bridge
Alpinist
If you like to move, the 4 – 4.5 hour 1.9 km Alpinist route is a good choice. Following the Ridgewalker tour, the route continues along the ridge to the Norquay “Panoramadome”. The name sums up the jaw dropping views. Be ready for moderate to strenuous exertion throughout, with brief breaks.
Climbing the Alpinist route
Skyline
Crossing the “airy” 55 metre suspension bridge is high adventure. The 4.5 – 5 hour 2.5 km Skyline route is has climbers also traversing a sheer rock wall and climbing a metal ladder looking out to the valley below. At the top the 360 degree views a reward for the adrenaline inducing effort.
View from the via ferrata ladder
Summiteer
This 5.5 – 6 hour 3.2 km distance is our personal favourite. Continuing along the Skyline route, the Summiteer traverses an alpine ridge. Then a hand-sweating crossing of a three wire bridge, leading to the East Summit of Mount Norquay.
3 wire bridge Mount Norquay
Upon seeing it, the label ‘bridge’ seems rather generous in terminology. Climbers clip into the two upper wires while walking across the bottom wire.
After an included picnic lunch, circle back for a reverse walk on the wire bridge. Once at the bottom of the route, a beverage and appetizers are included at the Cliffhouse Bistro.
Mountaineer
Just cannot get enough via ferrata? This 8 hour 3.7 km route includes all of the Norquay via ferrata routes. Moving the entire length of the mountain crest between the SE and NE summits, climbers gain 500m of vertical elevation. A moderate exertion day with lunch and après snacks and beverage included.
Long “airy” suspension bridge
What do I need to bring?
Weather can be changeable in the mountains. Dress in layers for this Banff adventure and have rain gear in a small day pack. You will need to bring water, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera.
We used a small carabiner to clip our camera to our pack to ensure it didn’t take it’s own adventure. If you are using your phone to take photos keep it in a zippered pocket.
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are a must. This is no ordinary walk in the park.
Norquay has a selection of free rental equipment for the via ferrata. Back packs, hiking boots and rain gear are available on a first come first serve basis.
With the guide leading along the metal cable
Can anyone do the Mount Norquay via ferrata?
Looking at the photos you may think “There is no way I could ever do a via ferrata.”
In actuality it is not as hard as it looks. If you are fit enough to climb a series of ladders, which happen to be attached to a mountain, you can add the Norquay via ferrata to your Banff adventure wish list.
To climb the Explorer or Ridgewalker routes, individuals must be 12 years of age and minimum 40 kg (88 lbs). For the other longer routes the minimum age is 14 years and 40 kg (88 lbs).
Heading down from the ridge of this Banff adventure.
Special tips for a Norquay via ferrata experience
Water
Be sure to bring enough water, being especially mindful of warmer weather. We would suggest 1-2 two litres per person on a warm day.
Hiking poles
Hiking poles must be able to collapse and fold in your day pack. Primarily your hands will be busy climbing. We do not take poles, however we have seen others use at least one pole in some of the descent sections.
Fitness and adventure level
Have you been on a via ferrata? Have you ever rock climbed? Do you hike regularly? If the answer is no, consider choosing the Explorer or Ridgewalker routes to get a taste of the experience. For those who have a fear of heights, this advice also applies.
For those who can not get enough adventure and are moderately fit or more, the longer routes (Alpinist, Skyline, Summiteer, Mountaineer) may be best.
If you are lucky you may even see a mountain sheep.
Which via ferrata route at Mount Norquay would you choose?
With thanks to Banff Mount Norquay for hosting our fifth Norquay via ferrata experience. All opinions, and squeals of delight are my own. More information on the Norquay via ferrata can be found here.
Other Banff National Park articles
Quaint Cabins in Banff National Park – The Parkway Cabin Collection
Banff Juniper Hotel – A Meeting Place for Thousands of Years
3 Day Banff Itinerary – What To Do In Banff National Park
What an adventure! Impressive. We visited Banff a few years ago. I love to see the mountains again, not climbing though. 🙂
Amy I recall your trip here. It’s such a beautiful area no matter which way you choose to take it in. We feel very fortunate to live here.
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GP you made me laugh out loud. Isn’t it interesting that the origin of via ferrata is from WWI when troops needed to move safely through the Dolomites?
That looks like a real adventure, Sue. Impressive. I’ve never been a rock climber although I have my share of mountains with trails that lead to the top. 🙂 It’s something I might try after a couple of backpacking trips to get me ready for the physical part. –Curt
With all of your beyond extensive mountain experience Curt I have no doubt you would enjoy and excel on the via ferrata.
The fact that it takes 8 hours to go 3.7 km speaks to how hard this must be. Those views look spectacular. It is interesting that the origin came from WWI – there are so many things in the world that we got from wars and space exploration.
Jeff yes it’s really mountain climbing so it takes quite a bit of time. I find the history of it fascinating too.
Getting up there I might just manage, Sue, but not sure I’d make it down again. And I don’t fancy life at that altitude! Amazing views, hon.
Jo one thing we have noticed over the years that the hiking down has improved so much. Large slate rock steps have been built in many areas making the trek a lot easier. I have no doubt you could do it!
Hope all is well there Jo. Lovely to find you here.
You’re so cool and brave, Sue! There is a mountain — or rather a rocky outcrop — not too far from Jakarta well-known for its via ferrata. But I still haven’t got the gut to try it myself. That may change though, especially after seeing photos of you and Dave doing this seemingly crazy adventure. You never cease to amaze and inspire me!
Oh Bama I’d love to see the via ferrata there! You are so kind and we are humbled by your generous words. It has always been our goal to inspire others to get out and explore no matter their age.
Love this post Sue!! Looks awesome and so beautiful!! Good for you guys!! (I applaud you and Dave) My best to you and your family!
Kirt it’s a fabulous adventure. The views never cease to make me gawk about as if I’m seeing all the beauty for the first time.
Thanks for the good wishes and same back to you and yours. Congratulations on the new Grandbaby!
Just looking at the photos had my heart rate increasing. My brain keeps oscillating between “nope nope nope” and “ooh cool, put it on the bucket list!”
I’m thinking putting on the list! Cool indeed.
Fabulous post! I would so love to do this (imagining I’d start at about level 2, but being ever optimistic 😂 maybe level 3)
Alison I have no doubt you could do any you set your mind to! I hope you get the chance.
What an amazing experience, I’d love to give this go! I can imagine it’s quite a good workout, you must be using most muscle groups most of the time. It’s got to beat a boring gym session though!
Helen it is definitely a good workout! I sure felt it in the days following which only reminded me how amazing the experience was. I hope you get a chance to try it.
Oh! My! Goodness!
I’ll watch from afar!
You both amaze me!
Nancy having a mountain guide and being harnessed in and attached to the metal cable makes all the difference.
This is amazing, Sue. I had no idea there is a via ferrata in Banff. Although I have done serious climbing in the past, it seems like a lifetime ago. It is something I would very much want to do.
Each level is extremely well, described. I would go for the mountaineer. That 3 wire bridge looks incredible! 😀 🧗♂️ ⛰
Carl I did not realize you had been a climber. Then you would especially like the via ferrata. this one opened in 2014 and over time more and more routes have been added. The three wire bridge definitely is a mental challenge. No matter that one is connected to two metal cables the view below is exhilarating.
I certainly would love the via ferrata, Sue In 1984 I took a 3 month outdoor leadership training course specializing in mountaineering. The best 3 months of my life. It was led by Ross Cloutier, who ended up being the leader for the Canadian Everest climb in 1991. After I got married in 1988 I put the climbing behind me. and focus on marriage and then family.
Hi Sue, thanks for taking us up into the highlands for these fantastic views. I would never be up there otherwise, but it is fun to still get the expansive views and mountain landscapes. Wonderful to “see” you two.
Jet always happy to share our mountain views with you. For those not feeling up for the via ferrata, during the summer months, folks can take the chair lift and have lunch or a beverage at the Cliffhouse Bistro. Spectacular views without ever leaving the ground. Thanks for coming along for the virtual climb. Hoping you and Athena are both well.