You’d be forgiven for thinking Mt. Norquay slowed right down after the ski season wrapped up. But this resort, located just 6 km from the town of Banff, doesn’t skip a beat, with hiking and via ferrata season in full swing come June. Translating to “iron road” in Italian, via ferrata is a guided climbing experience that sees you suit up in a harness that connects you to a steel cable pathway running along a mountain route. Mt. Norquay now offers six routes, from the Explorer, which takes up to 2.5 hours to complete, to the new-last-year Mountaineer, which connects all the routes in one eight-hour climb spanning 3 km and 500 m of vertical gain.
Why you should go even if you’re not an adrenaline seeker: While no climbing experience is required for the via ferrata tours, you may simply want the epic view without the epic mountain traverse. If that’s the case, ride the North American Chairlift nearly 7,000 m up the mountain to the Cliffhouse Bistro. Inside, you’ll be treated to an unbeatable vista while dining on all-day brunch options such as shakshuka, or lunch dishes like the burger topped with double-smoked bacon and an onion ring.
2 Mt Norquay Rd., Banff, 403-762-4421, banffnorquay.com