One of the few via ferratas in the Rocky Mountains is the one up on Mount Norquay in Banff, Canada
You can choose between five different difficulties:
5 difficulty levels: Explorer, Ridgewalker, Alpinist, Skyline, Summiteer
which last between 2 and 6 hours. The via ferrata can only be climbed with a guided tour. The equipment is provided. Depending on the tour, you climb up a steel ladder, cross a wobbly suspension bridge and balance on a steel cable. The via ferrata on Mount Norquay in Banff, Canada is an adventure that is fun, can be managed by anyone who is reasonably fit and has a head for heights and is well secured.
My tip: With the Summiteer you climb the full tour with all bridges, steel cables etc. up to Mount Norquay East Peak.
Key facts about the via ferrata "SUMMITEER" on Mount Norquay in Banff, Canada
♡ -Factor: ♡♡♡♡ ♡
Walking time : 5:30 h
Altitude : 325 m up and 1,325 m down
Length : 3.2 km
Accessible by public transport? No
Directions: Norquay Lodge is 7.5 km away via the Norquay Scenic Drive.
GPS data: I have uploaded the GPS data for the hike to the Outdoor Active website
Starting point: Norquay Lodge near Banff
Provider:
The tours can be booked from June to September on the Banff Norquay website. Here you can also find all the information about prices and the different routes.
Equipment: The organizer wants you to wear hiking boots or walking shoes.
Description:
All participants meet at the Norquay Lodge at 1,700 m. This is where the via ferrata operators' shop is located. After the equipment has been issued and a short briefing is given, the gondola takes you up to 2,100 m. All routes are also suitable for beginners. A head for heights and surefootedness are required. A mountain guide accompanies you on the via ferrata and explains step by step what to do. Depending on the tour booked, different routes are climbed.
Click on the first picture to start the photo gallery:
INFO
Further information and links: On the Parcs Canada website you will find all the information you need about Banff and Lake Louise National Park.
In my blog post: Plan your adventure in Canada: Tips on reservations, camping and packing list you will find all the information on how to best reserve campsites and what you should definitely take with you.
ENTRANCE NATIONAL PARK
The national parks in Canada charge admission . Each day costs $10.50. If you want to stay longer or visit several national parks, the Parcs Canada Discovery Pass is worth it for $72.25, which is valid for one year in all Parcs Canada facilities.
GETTING THERE
There are several scheduled flights from Germany to Vancouver or Calgary every day. An electronic travel document (eTa) is required to enter Canada.
The easiest way to continue your journey is by rental car , e.g. via www.billiger-mietwagen.de
BEST TIME
The best time to hike in the Rocky Mountains is from early July to September. Depending on the altitude, however, you can expect snow even in summer.
LITERATURE
Canadian Rocky Mountains by Rother Verlag, edition 2023
ACCOMMODATION
We slept at Two Jack Main campground in Banff . I think Two Jack Lakeside is nicer because it's right on the lake.
CARDS
If you would like a detailed hiking map in addition to the Parks Canada maps, you can order a waterproof and tear-resistant hiking map for the region from Gem Trek or buy one locally.