Banff's historic cliffhanger
360 views that will leave you breathless
Banff might be the only Canadian destination where every direction unveils a masterpiece of nature. Looking north, you see Cascade Mountain. Other famous peaks appear as you turn clockwise to the south. Sundance Peak and Mount Bourgeau come into view as you swing south to west. Mount Norquay is to the northeast. This stunning scenery is complemented by the Bow River, the town’s Cascade Gardens, and historic chalet-style architecture.
Banff is located within the renowned Banff National Park, an access point to many spots with stunning views. Mount Norquay is one of them, offering a one-of-a-kind way to experience the sights at their Via Ferrata adventure. Via Ferrata, which is Italian for 'iron road,' or 'iron path,' essentially translates to a fully equipped road. It involves assisted mountain climbing, but not with a guide; instead, you help yourself across a rock face using secure iron rungs and steel cables. This setup permits you to safely navigate steep or vertical terrain with minimal climbing experience, all while remaining clipped into the system.
(Credit: The Weather Network)
The climbing system was first created in Italy’s Dolomites mountain range during the First World War. At that time, the mountain range was behind enemy lines when Italy entered the war. Troops struggled to control the peaks, facing harsh weather and challenging vertical terrain. After losing too many soldiers, the Italian army began installing permanent lines—the first via ferrata system—to move both troops and equipment through the mountains.
The Via Ferrata on Mount Norquay offers five different tours: Explorer, Ridgewalker, Alpinist, Skyline, and Summiteer. For those looking for a quick introduction, the Explorer is an excellent starting point. The longest and most challenging tour is the Summiteer. It includes suspension bridges and an exhilarating pass along a steep rock face. The summit provides 360-degree panoramic views.
Menu items at the the Cliffhouse Bistro. (Credit: The Weather Network)
To reach the top, one of Canada’s oldest ski lifts is still running, affectionately known by locals as the "Big Chair." Built in 1948, the lift bypassed rugged terrain and welcomed everyone to the summit, where the Cliffhouse Bistro now stands. Formerly the Tea Room, the Cliffhouse Bistro was a popular photo spot for visitors using the lift, and Marilyn Monroe was among its most famous guests. As skiing grew in popularity in the 1960s, the single chairlift was replaced with a two-seater to reduce queues, letting people enjoy skiing on Sundays without missing church.
Norquay is a vibrant symbol of Rocky Mountain culture. From atop the Big Chair and the Via Ferrata, visitors are treated to an unforgettable perspective of Banff’s majestic natural setting, celebrating a century of mountain adventure.
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