The Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay in Banff National Park welcomed its 10,000th visitor on Friday and summer staff say the tour is really taking off.
Via Ferrata is popular in Europe and is a route making method that uses a series of cables, ladder rungs and hand and foot holds to help hikers navigate the mountainous trails.
The guide-assisted climb at Mount Norquay was first proposed in 2006 as part of the mountain's long-term plans and was approved in 2013.
Visitors can choose from three routes that offer breathtaking views of the valley below and range from two to six hours.
The concept saw opposition from a number of sources prior to its construction, but visitors are embracing it.
“I think that some folks that maybe were a little apprehensive at the beginning have realized how small a footprint it has, when you can't even see it from here, and even when you're on it, you can't see all of it and things like that, so I think that assuaged some concerns that people had at the beginning without really understanding the concept,” said John Thornton, Via Ferrata Manager.
Staff welcomed the 10,000th visitor on Friday and say the person is from Calgary and part of a pre-booked tour with seven others.
Thornton says maintenance inspections are conducted on the routes constantly and that the Via Ferrata is a work in progress.
This fall, crews will begin work on phase two of the six hour tour by installing more cable and hand holds to make the trip that much more exciting.
For more information on Mount Norquay’s Via Ferrata, click HERE.
(With files from Kevin Fleming)
