Via Ferreta is an italian word for „iron road“. It is a protected climbing route where a steel cable, fixed into the rock, runs all along the route. It allows people to get to more difficult peaks, which were normally only accessible by experienced mountaineer. You can climb ladders and cross suspension bidges.

Since 2014, the Via Ferreta is possible on Mount Norquay and it is the only one in Banff National Park.

You can chose between four (4) different routes, which all have another degree of difficulty. You can chose between those 4:

• Explorer: 2 – 2.5 hour round trip | 1km distance | 2235m above sea level | 145m elevation gain | $175
• Ridgewalker: 3.5 – 4 hour round trip | 1.4km distance | 2300m above sea level | 260m elevation gain | $225
• Skyline: 4.5 – 5 hour round trip | 2.5km distance | 2380m above sea level | 290m elevation gain | $290
• Summiteer: 5 – 6 hour round trip | 3.2km distance | 2450m above sea level |360m elevation gain | $365

For everyone who will try it, but is unsure about the route, I can recommend the Ridgewalker route, which is not that difficult but will give you the feeling of climbing up a mountain. Maybe you will regret your decision at some points, but afterwards, you’ll be happy that you did it.

Before you can start your hiking adventure, you have to sign a waiver which contains also to give up the right to claim compensation if there will be an accident. Without signing this waiver, you cannot participate in the Via Ferreta.

Once we were provided with all the necessary climbing material, like a helmet, harnesses, it didn’t last very long until you put your feet on the first iron rung. Slowly you climbe up on Mount Norquay. After almost one hour, you will reach your first stop. During the first part of climbing, I didn’t feel very comfortable because it was harder than I thought. I was so concentrated to fix myself on the wall. At some point, you really get used to it and I even enjoyed it!

I have to admit that the view from up there was breathtaking. The Town of Banff seemed to tiny with all those big mountains around it. I really enjoyed being there until the guide called us for the next climbing part. It seemed a bit more easier because at some point you get used to it and I even started to like it. The last part just before the summit was the most difficult part because you have to climb over a ledge. This was also the final part of the Via Ferreta but we continued hiking to a spot where we took a rest and a lot of pictures.

Once you managed the Via Ferreta, you’ll get rewarded by a breathtaking view over the town of Banff, which you will not get without the hike.

I have to admit that the way down was more difficult for me as the way up. It is very steep and you have to pay attention not to fall down the hill. At the end of the tour, you can have a drink or snack at the Cliffhouse Bistro, where you are sitting at an elevation of 6900 ft.

What about you? Have you ever done a Via Ferreta? If yes, did yo you like it?

Read next: Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Canada