Saying “Yes” to Mount Norquay’s thrilling new Via Ferrata!

Last week I got a mysterious package from Coors Light asking me if I was ready to ditch the ordinary and “Say Yes to Yes.”

I was definitely intrigued and followed up immediately. They asked me to come up with an exciting opportunity that would push my friends to do something thrilling and out of the ordinary.

I immediately thought of the Via Ferrata in on Banff’s Mount Norquay. Since opening a few months ago, I’ve been thinking about Banff’s newest attraction almost every day. And since my friends are the ones who push me to be more adventurous all the time, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity!  Plus, by accepting Coors Light’s challenge of Saying Yes to Adventure, that pretty much mean that I had to take my tiny body to new heights…and hopefully not fall from said heights.

In case you don’t know what the Via Ferrata is, in its most basic form, it’s like a ropes course, but instead of trees, you’re climbing Mount Norquay, one terrifying rock cliff at a time. And no, I’m not even being dramatic. But while it is scary, the entire time your lead by a certified guide and he helps you navigate the fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge.  Our guide’s name was Carl and he was great!  He extremely patient with us, me especially, as I filled the quiet mountain air with my countless questions about the safety of the structure and how iron-clad was the waiver we just signed.

What I really loved about the Via Ferrata is that basically no skill or a particular amount of strength is required. You basically just have to be a trusting and brave person. Seriously, that’s it.  It was never particularly hard, just really, really scary. But in a fun way. As are most things in the mountains.

There’s two types of excursions, one is two hours and the other is four hours. We chose the four hour one and our guide told us that the people that do the two hour climb, usually ask to keep going once they get the hang of it. The four hour climb puts you in every precarious position you never wanted to be in and yet, if you keep pushing yourself, the day is full of rewards and breathtaking views. I’ve been going to be Banff for almost ten years and as we scaled the side of Mount Norquay, I saw the beautiful little town in a way that I never have before.

Since the Via Ferrata is so new, not a lot of people know about it yet, but as word gets out about the thrilling adventure nestled right beside one of Canada’s most beautiful towns, I think it’s only a matter of time until it becomes one of Alberta’s most popular attractions. I know that I’m already planning on going back….just as soon as I catch my breath.

Thanks to the gang at Coors Light Canada for giving my friends an adventure we won’t soon forget! I’m very happy we all said Yes to Yes!

Check out more photos of the Via Ferrata below:

Our guide Carl watching over his flock.

I’ll never look at a ladder the same way again.

Plotting our next move.

One of the first obstacles you encounter is the suspension bridge.

Smiling through the fear.

Taking it all in.

Nearing the summit of Mount Norquay.

An amazing view of the town of Banff.

The Bow River’s blue water shines from atop the mountain.

A perfect summer day. Just one of the many views atop Mount Norquay.

The gang’s all here!  We did it!