Banff 
This summer, experience one of Banff National Park’s hidden gems: Mount Norquay and its summer offerings.
Credit: Mount Norquay
Mt. Norquay Ski Resort is a popular family destination in the winter, and the resort has extended that into the summer months with feature experiences, a host of dining options, and plenty of outdoor fun.
You can find the resort by taking the Mount Norquay scenic drive north, instead of heading south into the town of Banff. The drive is a slow and winding journey up the base of Mount Norquay and offers a glimpse of the valley throughout the drive. You can stop at a halfway point and look out on your way while also keeping your eyes open for wildlife. Bighorn sheep are a common sight around this road.
But the drive is only half the fun of visiting Norquay. At the resort, you can take part in their feature Via Ferrata clip n’ climb tours, watch for even more wildlife, see the valley from above, or take your pick from a few dining options.
Experience the Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata is the true Mt. Norquay experience, possibly the coolest new attraction in the National Park, and translates from Italian to English as “iron road.” The clip n’ climb adventures take you up to near the top of Norquay to start your iron road through climbing up the cliffs and ladders. You’ll then traverse different suspension bridges high above the valley in order to cross between the cliffs. Packages come as a few hours to a full day.
How much: $180-$460 per person
Ride the Sightseeing Chairlift
The view from Mount Norquay’s chairlift is a whole lot different in the summer than in the winter. From up here, you can see green hills forever, the forests that cover them, Mount Rundle, and the entire townsite of Banff. Once at the top, you can explore trails, or dine in their authentic 1950s-style café: the Cliffhouse Bistro. The Bistro looks out over the valley, and gives you an unbeatable lunch atmosphere after your ride up the mountain.
How much: $41-$120
Set off on the Trails
There are two major trailheads that start at the Mount Norquay parking lot: Upper Stoney, and Cascade Amphitheatre. The Upper Stoney Trail is a shorter hike better for families and kids, with a 190m elevation gain; the trail brings you to views of Banff, Vermillion Lakes, and mountain peaks. The Cascade hike is a bit more difficult at 15km long, and 640m elevation gain, but is worth it for more experienced hikers.
Watch for Wildlife
What kind of wildlife should you look out for around the mountain? Animals big and small! Keep your cameras at the ready for deer, elk, bighorn sheep, squirrels, chipmunks, pikas, or even bears. The least commonly spotted wildlife include the grizzlies, cougars, lynx, and wolves, but you never know! Stay safe by keeping all food and garbage sealed and secure, being loud (hiking with a Bluetooth speaker), and carrying a bear spray if you can.
Choose from four Restaurants
Bring your appetite to Mount Norquay this summer, as the area is home to four different restaurants.
The Cliffhouse Bistro is where to go for the best views to accompany your meal and can be accessed with the Sightseeing Chairlift.
The North American Lodge, or ‘basecamp,’ is a perfect place for a quick snack or cup of coffee with a patio overlooking the ski hill.
Above the Lodge is Norquay’s Lone Pine Pub where you’ll find a selection of larger snacks and full bar service.
Lastly is the Cascade Lodge and Norquay Bakery with deli, cafeteria, and fresh-baked sweets.
Stop for Photos
Even if you don’t have time to take in all the Mount Norquay experiences this summer, you can still take a quick drive up the scenic mountain road to an exceptional Banff viewpoint.
The Mount Norquay lookout is about halfway up to the ski resort, and extends a bit onto the hills, where Parks Canada placed a pair of red Adirondack chairs; these, the wildlife around here, the park views, and the fresh air, make this location worth the 5-10 minute drive from the main road.
Plus, there are plenty of views you can enjoy from the mountain top!
Summer at Mt. Norquay
Mt Norquay first offered the North American Chairlift, 1950’s Tea house, and Via Ferrata for summer sightseeing on 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.
When: June 11 to October 11, 2022
How Much: Free for hikes, chairlift: Adult (16+) $43.05; Child (6-15) $27.30
Via Ferrata Admission: $189 & up
