CANADA
This is the shortlist you would send a walking friend: 13 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!!!”
Join an ACMG-certified guide for a three-hour-45-minute via ferrata on Mount Norquay. Clip into fixed cables, climb the Memorial, Sunrise, and Vista buttresses, cross a suspension bridge, and ride the chairlift back with views across Banff National Park.
“What a fabulous experience. High on the mountains challenging oneself. Guides were very professional and really helping you get through any challenging sections. We did the skyline. Definitely worth the upgrade!”
Join IceWalks for a six-hour, small-group hike on the Athabasca Glacier. Guides such as Nick, Troy, Jason, and Mel lead you from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre to icefalls, crevasses, meltwater streams, and blue ice. Bring lunch and warm layers. Micro-spikes and some rain gear are provided.
“Absolutely amazing. We booked the night before because it was SO hot in Banff. We wanted to do the 3 hour tour but it was sold out so we did the 6. SO glad we did. If you are moderately fit, you should be okay. It’s a long walk but truly oRead more”
You’ll follow the Sea to Summit Trail, clip into a fixed cable, and climb granite, steel rungs, bridges, and a catwalk above Squamish. Guides such as Victor, Fraser, Emile, and Victoria help first-timers feel secure. Choose a group or private tour, with or without the gondola ticket.
“Such an incredible experience! Felt completely safe, Emile was a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable on the hike to the start of the climb. Was calming and fun to hang out with! Would definitely recommend for any ability (just need confidence) Thanks again Emile for a great first experience of a Via Ferrata, has encouraged us to do more!”
You’ll climb above Banff with an ACMG-certified guide on the Skyline Via Ferrata. Expect ladders, cables, a sheer-wall traverse, and a 55m suspension bridge, followed by panoramic Rocky Mountain views and a ridge-top descent to the chairlift.
“I don’t know what else to say except… this was by far the coolest thing I have ever done in my life. My wife and I did the Skyline route and I can’t describe how glad we are that we decided to splurge and do this! We were celebrating my wife’s 30th birthday. She wanted to do something challenging, but we hardly noticed we were working because of the incredible views, awesome guide (Brandon) and the route was just AMAZING! The ladder, the cable, the bridge, etc… it was something we’ll never forget.”
Ride the Banff Gondola to the trailhead, then follow an ACMG guide along Sulphur Mountain’s ridge for about six and a half hours. Expect subalpine forest, limestone slabs, loose scree, and views toward Banff, Lake Louise, Sundance, and Mount Assiniboine. Groups are limited to six.
“I had a fantastic experience on this tour! The views leading up to the summit were absolutely breathtaking, and the entire journey was well-organized. Our guide, Jacob, was outstanding and truly made the experience very enjoyable. This is definitely a must-do when visiting Banff!”
Join a certified English or French-speaking guide for a three-hour Via Ferrata at Tyroparc. Hike 450 meters to Cap Beauséjour, climb a 60-meter cliff using cables and metal holds, cross several bridges, then walk 700 meters back. Groups are limited to four.
Pick a range, a cone or a valley.
