CANADA
This is the shortlist you would send a walking friend: 7 treks worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Meet IceWalks at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for a three-hour, five-kilometre glacier walk. Your guide, such as Mike, Stu, Nick, or Tyler, provides micro-spikes and leads you across the Athabasca Glacier, explaining crevasses, meltwater streams, and icefalls.
“Our guide Larry was great - informative and funny! We had a great time and learned a lot. Would definitely recommend.”
At Mount Norquay, you’ll learn via ferrata basics, clip into a steel safety cable, and climb above Banff with a professional guide. Choose the 2.5-hour Explorer Route or the 4-hour Ridgewalker Route, with small groups, chairlift access, and gear provided.
“Would highly recommend for someone looking for a fun, adventurous activity. The guides, Ben and Jack, were very knowledgeable and helpful with walking everyone through the safety lessons and entertained us the whole way. Well worth it for the money.”
You’ll ride the Mount Norquay chairlift, learn the via ferrata system, climb several pitches, and cross a suspension bridge with an ACMG-certified guide. The two-and-a-half-hour Explorer route suits fit beginners, though steep rock, heights, and changing weather require real comfort with outdoor exertion.
“Tour guide Zach was amazing! He was great at making everyone feel safe and comfortable. I accidentally arrived at the neighboring lodge because of maps. Luckily I was early enough and I recommend being over 30 minutes before scheduled time. They provide boots, raincoat, and backpacks for water and snacks. I was a nervous first timer but soon wanted to stay up on the mountain longer. The views were amazing and we even saw a mountain sheep. I shared the experience with strangers and we all had a fun great time. I would recommend getting a group of friends together and take this adventure! Have a blast!!”
Walk onto the Athabasca Glacier with an ACMG-certified guide from Rockaboo Mountain Adventures. Expect a small group of up to 10, a roughly four-hour outing, glacier gear, mountain views, and practical lessons about ice, meltwater, crevasses, and glacier change. Transport and lunch are not included.
“We loved our experience! Favorite activity on our trip through Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. Our teens thought it was a great day!”
Join Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures for a four-hour Via Ferrata on Whistler Mountain. Guides such as Maya, Jeremy, Victor, and Rob lead you across snow and glacier terrain, then up fixed cables and metal rungs. It is beginner-friendly, but still a real physical challenge.
“An incredible experience that is a must try for all outdoor enthusiasts. First time visiting Whistler and found this gem of an experience. Never tried Via Ferrata before so it was all new for us. Victor, our tour guide, was very friendly and patient with everyone in our group. Explaining each step along the course, and filling us in on interesting facts about the area and pointing out geographic features of the area. We generally felt safe the entire trip and didn’t feel rushed. The lift requires a tickets so best to purchase it ahead of time to avoid delays. You first go up the Whistler gondola to the via…”
You’ll ride the Sea to Sky Gondola, hike through old-growth forest, then clip into a fixed cable for a guided climb above Howe Sound. Guides such as Victor, Emile, Dan, and Nick keep the pace calm and supportive. The route lasts about 90 minutes and suits ages 8 and up.
“Definitely NOT a beginner’s hike or climb!- (especially if you have any recent sports injuries!) - however - EMIL WAS AN EXCELLENT INSTRUCTOR AND TOUR GUIDE! He was patient and very knowledgeable. We could not ask for a better teacher and guide! Thank you for a wonderful experience, Emil!”
Walk 5 km onto the Athabasca Glacier with an ACMG-certified English-speaking guide. Crampons, boots, poles, gloves, hats, and rain gear are available, while the 2000m elevation and 200m climb make this a moderate outing for active hikers.
“Our guide Pete was phenomenal! He was so informative, taught our group about the history of the Athabasca Glacier and was FUN! Excellent personality and care provided to all of the hikers in our group! Highly recommend this tour!!!”
Pick a range, a cone or a valley.
