Summer at Mt. Norquay – Via Ferrata & Chairlift

51.203563, -115.59817

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Mid June to Thanksgiving weekend

 
North American Chairlift & Sightseeing, Mt. Norquay

North American Chairlift & Sightseeing, Mt. Norquay

About Mt. Norquay – Via Ferrata & Chairlift, Banff, Alberta, Canada

Mt Norquay, one of the three famous Ski Resorts in Banff National Park, has reopened the North American Chairlift, 1950’s Tea house, along with a new mountaineering/ hiking activity – Via Ferrata from June 19, 2014. Via Ferrata is Italian for ‘Iron Path’. The Via Ferrata at Mt. Norquay is Banff National Park’s first and only Via Ferrata. The North American chairlift takes one, 8040 ft above sea level.

Want to experience winter at Mt. Norquay – Check Mt. Norquay Ski Resort

What to do at Mt Norquay in Summer?

Summer Attractions & Activities at Mt. Norquay

1. Chairlift & Sightseeing

Ride up the North American chairlift: 2 person open air chair lift, to enjoy the stunning scenery and view of the mountain vistas. Once on top, stroll the viewing pathway to the lookout point, and take in the amazing view of Bow Valley, Sundance Range, Mount Rundle, Tunnel Mountain, and Banff.

Watch wildlife like Mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk and grizzly bears. Mt. Norquay is along an important part of the Yellow Stone – Yukon wildlife corridor.

View from Mt. Norquay

Mt. Norquay – Via Ferrata

2. Via Ferrata

Lead by a certified guide, make your way up the cliffs above the ski area assisted by a fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge. Enjoy the spectacular views and Big Horn Sheep grazing the sweet greenery enroute!

There are 4 options available

1. Explorer route : Cross the suspension bridge,and enjoy Via Ferrata activity for 2.5 hours.

2. Ridgewalker route: Enjoy the complete Via Ferrata including the suspension bridge, Sunrise and Vista buttresses. Duration 4 hours,

3. Summiteer Route:6 hour routes.

4. Skyline Route: 5 hours

5. Mountaineer: up to 8 hr round trip and 3.7 km distance

6. Alpinist: 4.5 hrs and 1.9 km distance

 

 

 
3. Cliff House Bistro & North American Lodge

Dine at the historic 1950’s Teahouse or at the North American view taking in the magnificent Canadian Rockies.

4. Venue Rentals & Weddings

Want to get married this summer or hold a meeting/ function at this picture postcard location? You can do that too – See here for more details.

Who all can enjoy the magnificent views?

Chairlift & Sightseeing- Everybody above the age of 2 years can have a wonderful time riding the Mt. Norquay Chairlift.

Via Ferrata – Anybody above the age of 12 with the physical ability to climb a ladder. Minimum weight – 35 kgs & Maximum weight – 110Kgs

When to Visit Via Ferratta & Other Summer Activities at Mt. Norquay?

Opens on June 10th, 2023

Operating Season: June Mid – Canadian Thanksgiving in October

1. Chairlift & Sightseeing

Mid June to Canadian Thanksgiving.

Operating Hours – June 10 to Sept 9, 9 am to 7 pm & Sept 10 to Oct 8, 10 am to 6 pm

2. Via Ferrata

June Mid to October | 7 Days a Week @ Various Start times

3. Cliff House Bistro & North American Lodge

Open Daily: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm

How long will it take to enjoy Via Ferrata & Chairlift?

One hour to a whole Day.

Chairlift takes about 14 minutes one way.

The via ferrata’s : 2 hrs to 6 hrs return from The Cliffhouse Bistro.

How much will it cost to enjoy Mt Norquay Summer Activities?

Summer in Mt. Norquay

Summer in Mt. Norquay

1. Chairlift & Sightseeing Admission Rates / Tickets

Adults (16+): $45.15

Child (6-15): $28.35

Infant (2-5): $0.00

Buy tickets in person at the location & Online

2. Via Ferrata Admission Rates / Tickets

Includes – Chairlift, Equipment, orientation & excursion.

The Explorer – $194.25

The Ridgewalker – $252.00

The Alpinist – $283.50

The Skyline – $309.75

The Summiteer – $388.50

Book tickets – Online

Rates do not include GST.

How to get to Mt Norquay?

Via Ferrata / Chairlift Location & Directions

 
Located on Mt Norquay, Mt Norquay Via Ferrata is 134 kms from downtown Calgary & 7 kms from Banff town. For detailed directions, see the map tab.

GPS: 51.203563,-115.59817

From Calgary,

Head west on AB-1W and take Banff exit. Then turn to Mt Norquay road onto Mt. Norquay Scenic drive to reach the resort.

From Banff town,

Travel on Mt Norquay road onto Mt. Norquay Scenic drive to reach the chairlift.

Free shuttle – Free shuttle is available from select Banff hotels. Return to Banff from Norquay hourly starting at 9:35am. Last bus at 6:05pm.

What about amenities and accessibility?

Washrooms.

Dining at Cliff House Bistro & North American Lodge.

Accessibility: Unfortunately the North American Chair is not wheelchair accessible due to it’s design and conception hailing from the 1950’s.

Parking available on site.

For other FAQ’s, see here.

Mt. Norquay View

Mt. Norquay View

All images © Mt. Norquay.

Posted in Activities, Attractions, Cruises, Hikes & Scenic Drives, Gondolas & Tramways and Sports

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