Reach the otherwise impassable
What is a via ferrata?
Via ferratas bridge the gap between hiking and rock climbing. Professional guides lead the way along set routes that traverse across rock faces and over peaks. Wearing a harness and secured by safety lines built into the mountainside, you'll navigate special features like iron rungs and scenic suspension bridges. Explore the details of this adventure below, or jump straight to our most frequently asked questions.
How it works
You’ll be equipped with a helmet, harness, safety straps with carabiner clips, and receive instruction on how to use everything. You don’t need climbing experience to do a via ferrata.
An experience you’ll want to add to your list of all-time memories.
You’ll take a helicopter flight to the landing zone nearest the via ferrata. There is often a short walk before beginning your climb of a lifetime.
With guided instruction from our professional guides, you’ll spend either a half day or full day scaling rock walls, summiting towering peaks, and exploring otherwise impassable terrain.
Guided by professionals, always
Every moment of your via ferrata experience is led by highly qualified Mountain Guides who have undergone years of training and certification by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or its international equivalent.
Ie: your safety is not in the hands of a random summer student or unqualified climbing bum. CMH guides are dedicated, skilled professionals who do this for a living and who are well-versed in every aspect of mountain travel.
What to expect
Gradual ascents:
Many of our routes feature areas with a gentle incline, allowing you ample opportunity to soak up the breathtaking views.
Rock walls:
All our via ferratas have sections to climb sheer rock walls. This comes with an element of exposure, but rest assured, you’re always double-clipped into a wire safety line.
Bridges:
From suspension bridges to single cable walks, there are several different types of bridge crossings throughout our via ferratas, many of which take you over rushing water and steep drops.
Waterfalls:
Two of our via ferratas take you on a journey through glacial water-filled canyons and next to pounding waterfalls. It’s an awe-filled opportunity to get closer to a waterfall than you would by any other means.
Zip-line cables:
For an extra thrill, we include some short zip-line features to help navigate water features and canyon gaps. Secured via your harness, you’ll glide across with your feet off the ground and crisp mountain air whooshing across your face as you gain an entirely new perspective.
Mountain spines:
Via ferratas allow you access to some of the best terrain in Canada – including the opportunity to climb thin mountain spines to summit peaks.
Rappel:
Depending on the route, you may rappel. Rappelling is a climbing technique where you sit back in your harness to descend a rock feature in fluid, controlled increments instead of climbing down.
Peaks:
One thing is certain, every via ferrata leads you to the top of some of the most iconic summits in Canada. The view you’ll experience at the top will feel extra special after your climb.
Watch: Matador Network
Discover how to climb the ‘iron path’ as Matador Network demystifies and explains all that is awesome about via ferratas.
Our four via ferrata routes
These optional excursions during a heli-hiking trip are best suited for those looking to challenge themselves a little and amp up the adrenaline during their time with us.
Zillmer Canyon at Cariboos
Follow the path of an ancient slot canyon route carved by an immense, glacier-fed waterfall. Securely clipped into your harness, your guide will lead the way as you venture into the canyon, before emerging above to spectacular views and endless waterfalls. The Zillmer Canyon Via Ferrata is like nothing else you've ever experienced.
Activity level: Beginner to Advanced
Duration: 3 to 8 hrs (route dependant)
Elevation gain: 650 m / 2,132 ft
Mt. Nimbus at Bobbie Burns
Traverse rock walls, cross a 600-meter-high suspension bridge and summit towering granite peaks. As one of Destination Canada's Canadian Signature Experiences, a collection of once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences found only in Canada, this half or full-day adventure will redefine your perception of a ‘natural high’.
Activity level: Intermediate to Advanced
Duration: 5 to 8 hrs
Elevation gain: 600 m / 1,972 ft
Conrad Glacier at Bobbie Burns
You’ll follow an ancient path that was charted millennia ago by the rushing waters from the glacier above. You’ll spend the day winding your way through vast canyons, over roaring waterfalls, and culminate by topping out at a plateau overlooking the astounding mass of the ice.
Activity level: Intermediate to Advanced
Duration: 5 to 10 hrs
Elevation gain: 914 m / 3,000 ft
Skyladder at Bugaboos
Rise above the scenery with your guide as you scale the iron rungs to the best vantage point in the mountains. No mountaineering skills are needed on this breathtaking via ferrata, as you reach magnificent peaks with ease. You’ll cap off your day with either a stunning hike or a flight back to the lodge for a cold drink on a sunny deck.
Activity level: Intermediate to Advanced
Duration: 3 hrs
Elevation gain: 213 m / 700 ft
You should note that while we do everything we can to get you on the via ferrata, it's not guaranteed. It’s a bonus addition that’s weather dependent and is always at the guiding team’s discretion.
Frequently asked questions
If you're reasonably fit and strong, and comfortable with some degree of heights and exposure, then you can climb a via ferrata. You do not need prior climbing experience to enjoy the experience.
In addition to fitness, there are two other considerations:
- Age: The minimum age to participate on the via ferrata is 12 years old. A parent must also accompany any minor (ages 12-18) on the via ferrata. Ultimately, any minor’s participation is at the discretion of the guides.
- Weight: Guests must weigh a minimum of 100 lbs and a maximum of 250 lbs. This weight limit is based on the safety guidelines of the equipment used on the via ferrata.
Broadly speaking, expect to encounter more exposure to heights than you would on a typical hiking trail. However, the amount is different for each via ferrata.
Some, like Mt. Nimbus at CMH Bobbie Burns, have bridges and other features with higher exposure over notable heights, and include a rapel down from the peak.
Others, like Zillmer Canyon at CMH Cariboos, have several route options (green, blue, black), allowing you to choose a route with lower exposure while still ascending to a great viewpoint (minus the rapel down).
If you have questions about a specific route or would like a recommendation, ask us.
No. The via ferrata is an optional activity that’s included with standard trips and certain specialty trips. Even if it’s an available option on your trip, it’s not a guaranteed activity.
Although we do everything possible to get you out there, your participation is weather dependent and always at the guiding team’s discretion. For example, if it’s very windy or raining heavily, the via ferrata will be closed to everyone for safety reasons. Or, if after careful consideration your guide determines you aren’t a good match for the experience, you’ll be encouraged to enjoy the regular hiking program and skip the via ferrata.
No. The via ferrata experience has no additional cost.
Due to the type of terrain featured on a via ferrata route (akin to rock climbing), there are limited options to exit once started. If you are truly uncomfortable and wish to exit, let your guide know. If the opportunity to exit becomes available, your guide may be able to arrange it. However, this is never guaranteed and depends on the route, the timing, and a handful of other factors.
If you’re unsure if you can or should do the via ferrata, ask your guide when you're out hiking on day one and talk about it together – they will provide supportive, professional advice to help address your concerns and evaluate if you’re a good fit for the experience. If you’re interested, don’t be shy about asking!
No advance reservation is needed. The Via Ferrata is an optional activity included in your trip, typically on day two or day three. Giving early notice helps the guides plan, so we recommend letting your guide know during your first day that you're interested (it's OK if you change your mind later). Your guide will help decide if it's a good option for you.
BEYONDEXPECTATIONS
“This experience was so unbelievable and beyond expectations. Can't wait to do it again at another lodge. It was all fabulous!!”