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Wed, 12 Aug 2020

Experience Banff Above the Clouds

Where, oh where, do the summer days go? So wonderful, warm and sweet, always wishing there are more. Lucky for you, Mt. Norquay has a unique experience to celebrate our spectacular summers. Just minutes from the town of Banff, experience a peaceful chair ride up above the clouds where you can gaze across the vast and impressive Banff National Park landscape. Here at 6840 feet there is an adventure for all ages and abilities.

SIGHTSEEING

Mt. Norquay Chairlift

Mt. Norquay North American Chairlift

The famous North American Chairlift is your ride to panoramic views, wildlife and serene nature. This view of the valley below will take your breath away without breaking a sweat. Take your time and spend the afternoon in the new outdoor seating area. Perched high above the valley floor, it will make you feel a million miles away.

VIA FERRATA

Mt Norquay Sightseeing

Mt Norquay Sightseeing

If you’re looking for something a little more to get the adrenaline pumping, the views from Norquay’s Via Ferrata are intense. Not just because of the landscape but because you’re dangling off the side of a mountain or crossing a very tiny suspension bridge (all while harnessed in of course). No experience required! Italian for “the iron way”, Via Ferrata offers assisted climbing experiences on the cliffs above Mt. Norquay with an expert guide.

Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata Photo by Dan Evans

With the choice of three routes, you have the option to get a taste of the wild views or spend the day being in awe of the 360-degree grandeur of the Rockies.

Photo courtesy of Mt. Norquay.

Explorer Route

Time: 2 – 2.5 hour round trip

Distance: 1 km

Ridgewalker

Time: 3.5 – 4 hour round trip

Distance: 1.4 km

Skyline

Time: 4.5 hour round trip

Distance: 2.5 km

Summiteer

Time: 5 – 6 hour round trip

Distance: 3.2 km

Bonus! This tour includes a lunch on the East Summit of Mt. Norquay as well as a celebratory beverage and appetizers at the Cliffhouse Bistro.

 

DINING

Mt. Norquay Cliffhouse Bistro – Photo Courtesy of Mt. Norquay

Whether you are sightseeing or elevating your experience on a Via Ferrata tour, you should always include an unforgettable dining experience at the historic Cliffhouse Bistro. The retro 1950’s tearoom turned modern bistro is one of the best mountain gazing lunch venues in Banff National Park. Every table has the best view of Mt. Rundle and the surrounding peaks. The carefully crafted menu and local craft brews and sodas will leave you satisfied. Looking for something to share? The nachos and meat and cheese board are perfect for you and your cohort.

Mt. Norquay Cliffhouse Bistro at Mt. Norquay

Mt. Norquay is off the beaten path and definitely worth a visit. A day or an afternoon above the clouds is the perfect place to avoid any crowds and maybe even spot wildlife, including Black Bears and Grizzly Bears.

With so much to do in Banff National Park, you will need more than a day or a weekend to fit it all in. Try visiting midweek when it is quieter, and there are more deals and value-add offers.

Talk to our in-destination Reservations Team today to plan a personalized trip, or book your lodging, rentals and experiences online – including Norquay sightseeing and Via Ferrata experiences. With a flexible change policy and no risk cancellation options, this might be the coveted safe summer escape you crave.