“Some of the best views come after you’ve stepped beyond your comfort zone.”
What if this summer was the one where you tried something new?
At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, adventure begins the moment you step into the gondola. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on Canada’s highest-rated Via Ferrata or simply wander through alpine terrain surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the Rockies from a different perspective.
The Via Ferrata offers a unique opportunity to venture into steep alpine terrain in a safe and accessible environment. Translating to “iron path,” a Via Ferrata is a protected climbing route that follows the mountainside using a fixed steel cable system. Climbers are connected to the cable at all times using specialized harnesses and safety equipment, allowing them to experience the thrill of alpine exposure with the guidance and support of experienced guides.
Along the way, you’ll navigate suspension bridges, metal rungs, ladders, carved steps, and cliffside traverses—all while taking in unforgettable views of the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges.
Never tried a Via Ferrata before? No problem. There are three route options designed for different comfort and experience levels.
The Pioneer Route is the perfect introduction. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll cross the Hanging Glory Suspension Bridge and explore the first section of the mountain. It’s a great way to experience the excitement of the Via Ferrata—and fair warning, you’ll probably want to keep going.
Looking for a little more? The Discovery Route delivers a taste of everything. Suspension bridges, exposure, iron rungs, technical sections, and plenty of mountain views combine to create an unforgettable alpine adventure. It’s the ideal next step for those ready to push a little further.
For the ultimate challenge, the Ascension Route takes climbers all the way to the summit of Terminator Peak. Covering 465 vertical meters, this route follows the ridgeline between the Rocky Mountain Trench and the Purcell Mountains before reaching one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region. Home to the famous “Guts Bridge,” the Ascension Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and technical Via Ferrata experiences in North America.
If clipping into a mountainside isn’t quite your style, the alpine still has plenty to offer.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort features eight hiking trails that wind through ridgelines, alpine bowls, and wildflower-filled meadows. Each trail offers its own unique perspective of the surrounding peaks, giving hikers endless opportunities to slow down, explore, and soak in the beauty of the Rockies and Purcells.
Whether you’re chasing a summit, crossing a suspension bridge, or enjoying a leisurely alpine hike, there’s an adventure waiting for you at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Book your Via Ferrata tour on our website.
Words by Daniel Soto. Photos by Devin Featherstone
