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Canmore Caves Adventure Tour

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Adventure Cave Tours: Go Spelunking in Canmore, near Banff, in Rat’s Nest Cave

Explore Canada like you never have before on a one-of-a-kind spelunking adventure that will have you crawling, wiggling, and sliding through the infamous Rat’s Nest Cave.

Canmore Cave Tour Adventure

Your adventure begins with a short drive from Canmore to the cave parking lot. From there, you’ll hike for 30 minutes up a mountain trail to the cave entrance. Along the way, your guide will share with you some of the incredible history of the Bow Valley. On our Canmore cave tours you’ll learn about how caves are formed, the geologic history of the area, and discover some of our local fossils. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and maybe even signs of a bear or a cougar.

Once you reach the cave entrance, your Canmore spelunking adventure will begin. You’ll rappel 18 metres (60ft) down a rope (with safety line backup) and then climb, crawl, and twist your way through water-worn passages . When spelunking near Banff with us, your guide will choose the most exciting path for your adventure! Your route through the cave may include “the Box”, the Five Way Chamber, the Laundry Chute, the Grand Gallery and finally the Grotto. This beautiful room is the lowest point on our Banff caving tours, but also one of the highlights with its crystal clear pool and walls covered in stalactites and stalagmites.

Book your adventure today and go spelunking in Canmore, near Banff, for an unforgettable experience that you’ll be able to share with friends and families forever.

* No experience is necessary for the Canmore cave tour as full instruction is given by the guide .

Sarah's Pick

"climbing, crawling, squeezing and rappelling - if that sounds like fun to you, then you're going to love it" - sarah , reservations supervisor, discover banff tours.

The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:

4 hours underground

18m (60ft) rappel inside the cave, laundry chute, grotto pool, how long is the tour, what does the tour include, where is the meeting point.

Please note that guests will then drive to the cave from the office. If do not have your own vehicle a taxi can be arranged to take you at an additional cost.

What should I wear/bring?

Do i need caving experience, is it hard what level of fitness is required, can i go on this tour if i am pregnant, are there rats or bats.

Bats are rarely seen at Rat’s Nest Cave. The cave is not a hibernaculum (a place where bats hibernate through the winter). The occasional bat is seen in the summer as they are passing through the area.

What is the cancellation policy?

Should i tip my guide.

• The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old.
• This tour is physically demanding and is directed at physically fit individuals.
• Fitness is more of a concern than size, however all participants must wear a safety harness which has a maximum waist size of 46″ (116 cm) and a maximum leg size of 33″ (84 cm).
• All participants will need to complete a liability waiver. Any minors must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian before participating on the tour.
• Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
• Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 2 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.

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Perfect for year-round expeditions, these tours treat guests to incredible views of natural limestone formations include stalagmites and more. Caving is a fantastic way to learn more about the natural history of the area while satisfying your inner adventurist. Follow our guides through 4km of underground wonder. Choose from the Explorer Tour (4.5 hours) or the Adventure Tour (6 hours) which also includes a rappel.

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Exploring Rat’s Nest Cave with Canmore Cave Tours

The Banff area has some of the most impressive scenery in Canada but did you know that there’s also incredible beauty to be found underground as well?

One of the largest cave systems in Canada is located in nearby Canmore, just 20 minutes drive east of Banff. This maze of chambers and passageways (over 4km!) is accessible with the help of Canmore Cave Tours , who have been exploring the Rat’s Nest Cave for decades.

Thrilling, fun and surprisingly educational , our 4.5 hour long Explorer tour featured intricate cave formations, thousand year old artifacts and a whole lot of hands-on rock action. Read on to discover our experience and everything you need to know to join a spelunking tour yourself!

Thank you to  Banff and Lake Louise Tourism  for hosting us during our two night stay in Banff. This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Canmore Cave Tours

To visit a cave and stare awestruck at the intricate formations is one thing, but crawling around in narrow passageways is quite another. Canmore Cave Tours is all about the latter, with the Rat’s Nest cave system being almost as wild as when it was first explored.

For example, there are no guardrails, stairs or viewing platforms to be found . Instead of walking around on pathways, you’ll be shimmying, sliding and climbing through small tunnels to reach spacious chambers. 

This is an exhilarating adventure for anyone who has ever been curious about what lies below. It’s also a distinctively different challenge (mentally and physically) like no other in the Banff and Canmore area.

2020 tours have been adapted to meet Covid19 protocols. Maximum groups sizes have been reduced and masks must be worn inside the cave. Physical distancing of 2m is enforced while hiking to the cave entrance. More information can be found on the Canmore Cave Tours website .

Rat’s Nest Cave

Our tour starts with an uphill hike to the Rat’s Nest Cave entrance. This is the first indication that this trip underground requires a little more adventurous spirit than others. 

The cave opening is a gash in the side of the rock face, accessible only via a polished ramp. A locked gate prevents entry to most – now a provincial historic site, Canmore Cave Tours are the gatekeepers to Rat’s Nest Cave. 

Though the cave system was ‘discovered’ by hikers in 1972, there’s plenty of evidence that it was known about for much longer than that.

Right above the entrance, there is an ancient pictograph on the rock. Other examples are found inside the cave itself. This gives the indication that the cave may have held cultural significance for First Nations for thousands of years. 

Just past the entry gate is a deep pit containing a myriad of animal bones, some of which are more than 7000 years old. Stone tools have also been found here. It is believed that the cave has long been used for shelter by humans as well as animals, such as the bushy-tailed wood rats that the cave is named after.

Crawling, squeezing and climbing underground

Moving away from the entrance of Rat’s Nest Cave requires sliding down a surprisingly steep section of smooth rock, with the ceiling dropping ever closer on the way.

For tricky sections like this, cave visitors are clipped onto a safety rope. This helps to make the whole experience a lot more fun than scary. 

This first section, however, is only the beginning. There’s plenty more to explore yet. Rat’s Nest Cave features the classic cave sequence of a large space then a narrow passageway, followed by another large space.

One of the first large chambers on the tour is nicknamed the ‘Bone Room,’ where you can examine some of the ancient bones found in the cave a little more closely. Our guide pointed out a few of her favourites, with one featuring a particularly large incisor.

Next, we climbed down a man-made hexagonal-shaped hole (nicknamed ‘the Box’), made a sharp turn to the right and crawled into another chamber. 

In addition to all the climbing and shimmying, we were also given the opportunity to try out a couple of different ‘squeezes’ along the way. These are narrow passages in which you need to contort your body to get through. It may only last a few seconds but offers a jolt of adrenaline. 

Alone in the darkness

Much as there are no fixed walkways in Rat’s Nest Cave, there is no fixed lighting either. Hands free headlamps offer the only source of light. This makes it harder to forget how deep in the earth you are. 

This limited lighting became more apparent whenever we crawled through the tighter passageways to arrive in a large chamber. Bouncing off the high ceiling and disappearing into an impossible number of crevices, our spotlights would reveal something new with every look. 

At one point on the tour, our guide asked us all to sit down and turn off our headlamps. The darkness was immediate and absolute. The silence, too, was deafeningly apparent. 

The final, and deepest, room on our tour definitely the most impressive. The crystal clear twin pools in the Grotto are surrounded by beautiful staircase-like calcite formations.

Delicate soda straw stalactites (which grow at a rate of 1 cm/100 years) hang from the ceiling and continually drip water into the pools.

To continue exploring from here, you’d need to bring scuba diving equipment through the cave. Obviously, this is only for experienced cave divers. It’s a dangerous feat, with the sediment on the bottom of the pools a threat to visibility. 

As curious as I may be, I am becoming familiar with my limits and I think cave diving is one of them. 

The Grotto was the perfect place to ‘end’ our underground tour, though we still had to adventure back the way we came before reaching fresh air again. Uphill most of the way, it was trickier in places but felt more straightforward overall. 

Sliding out of the cave entrance into the bright light was a shock to the senses, quickly overtaken by a sense of accomplishment and wonder. 

Canmore Cave Tours: What you need to know

If you’re considering booking with Canmore Cave Tours but still have a few questions or concerns about the experience, this is the section for you! Read on to find out everything you need to know about going on an underground adventure with Canmore Cave Tours.

Explore Rat’s Nest Cave in the comfort of your own home, with Canmore Cave Tours’ interactive, 360-degree virtual experience! Check it out here

Choose your adventure

Canmore Cave Tours run four different tours in and around Rat’s Nest Cave:

• Explorer Tour – 4.5 hour tour (2.5 hours underground) taking in the ‘Grand Gallery’ and ‘Grotto Pool.’ Optional squeezes through tighter passages
• Adventure Tour – 6 hour tour (4 hours underground) with all features of the Explorer tour plus longer route, 18m rappel and additional squeezes (some optional) and formations
• Solitude Tour – A customised private adventure, with up to 4 hours underground
• Discovery Hike – A family friendly interpretive tour that visits the entrance of the cave and includes a pass for the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre

With a constant underground temperature of 5 degrees Celsius, Canmore Cave Tours are able to run trips all year round in Rat’s Nest Cave. Unlike other seasonal activities in Canmore, this is one you can do in both winter and summer.

The Solitude Tour and Discovery Hike are currently available at the time of writing (August 2020).

Tour difficulty

The Adventure, Explorer and Solitude tours are all rated as ‘moderate.’ When considering your own fitness for these tours, you must be prepared to:

• Hike uphill for 30 minutes at the start of the tour (in all weather conditions)
• Crawl and climb for short periods of time in the cave
• Crouch, sit, walk and slide on uneven and slippery surfaces (attached to a safety rope)
• Be comfortable in a dusty, enclosed environment

I think moderate is an accurate rating as you do not need to be remarkably fit to take part in any of these tours but you need to be able to move with some agility.

The crawling and sliding sections are quite short, with plenty of places to get your breath back. Our guide stopped often on the hike and also while underground to ensure everyone was travelling at a comfortable pace.

The smallest space on the Explorer tour was about the size of a manhole. There was also an optional squeeze we could try.

The main difference between the Explorer and Adventure tours is that the latter includes a 18m rappel (or abeil) down an underground rock face and two additional cave routes to explore. The second section has a number of different squeezes, with the feet first ‘Laundry Chute’ being the biggest challenge.

If you’re unsure, have a look at the Rat’s Nest Cave virtual experience . It offers a walk-through of the cave system, so you can decide which tour is right for you.

What to bring

Most of the necessary equipment for this underground adventure is provided by Canmore Cave Tours. This includes kneepads, gloves, helmet, headlamp, harness and safety lanyard as well as coveralls.

I was pretty happy about this since JR and I once went caving on Vancouver Island and we had to wear our own clothes. Needless to say, they got really dirty. The coveralls have a couple of really deep pockets in which to store small items.

• A backpack is shared by pair of visitors, to carry all of these items to the cave entrance. This backpack has plenty of extra space available if you need to bring a few personal items (see below). Keep in mind though that is left outside (under shelter) while you’re in the cave
• It is a good idea to bring some snacks (e.g. a granola bar or two), especially if you know you may need a boost of energy. We brought ours into the cave but didn’t eat them until we left. We also had a bottle of water and left it in the backpack outside
• Another optional item is a camera . If you decide to bring one, it needs to be small – a smartphone or a point-and-shoot (no DSLRs). Using one is at your own risk, however, since the cave is very dusty and it would be easy enough to damage it while crawling or squeezing

What to wear

Being that this cave tour takes place underground and outside, it is important to wear clothing appropriate for both of these locations.

• The hiking trail up to the cave entrance is exposed at first (open to the elements) before becoming more forested. Canmore Cave Tours run trips in all weathers so there can be sun, rain or even snow
• The temperature in Rat’s Nest Cave, on the other hand, is a steady 5 degrees Celsius all year round. The Canmore Caves Tour website suggests to ‘imagine what you would wear if you had to spend a few hours in a refrigerator’

When considering what clothing to wear, remember that layers are key . There is a chance to take layers on or off before entering the cave. Wool and synthetic fabrics are much better than cotton as they provide more warmth when wet.

It is recommended to wear trousers and long sleeves in the cave, preferably with a warm sweater or additional layer. If you tend to run a little warm during physical activities, I’d be careful not too wear too much (I did and regretted it).

In terms of shoes, hiking boots are best but sturdy running shoes can also work. Canmore Cave Tours also suggests rubber or winter boots during the colder months.

At the current time, it is also necessary to wear a mask. Canmore Cave Tours will provide one but you can bring and use your own if preferred (we did).

Meeting the tour group

It is best to book a tour in advance to ensure a spot. Every participant needs to sign a liability waiver, which can be completed and submitted digitally before the tour. At the current time, there is also a Covid declaration to fill out.

Our Explorer tour group included two other couples and our guide (total of seven people).

The meeting point for Canmore Cave Tours is at #129 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore, T1W 2W8. Arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time.

After introducing themselves, our guide checked our temperature and provided everyone with all of the necessary safety equipment plus hand sanitizer and masks. We tried on our overalls there and then to ensure fit.

The next step was to travel in convoy, using our own vehicles, to the cave parking lot (10 minutes drive). There was one brief stop along the way at a rest area, offering a last opportunity to use a washroom.

The cave parking lot has space for about ten or so vehicles. After gathering all of our backpacks and ensuring everyone was there, we started to hike the trail to the cave entrance.

Hiking to the cave entrance

The hike to the cave entrance takes around 30 minutes. It is uphill most of the way, with a generally steady incline. There are a couple of steep sections but they don’t last long.

Our guide stopped a couple of times along the way to point out some interesting geological features along the way (including fossils). There are also some beautiful views of the Bow Valley.

The last part of the hiking trail goes through a canyon. We were asked to put your helmets on at this point. The walking surface is rocky and more uneven here, but there are fixed ropes to help with grip and balance.

Entering Rat’s Nest Cave

A canopy tent provides shelter outside the Rat’s Nest Cave entrance. It is here where you add or remove layers in preparation for entering the cave. Kneepads and harnesses are first to be put on with the overalls on top.

The entrance to Rat’s Nest Cave is sloped and very slippery from use. There is a rope to assist the short climb. Immediately after passing through the metal gate, cave visitors then clip onto the safety cable to wait for others to enter. It’s time to go caving!

• It’s a good idea to put sunscreen on prior to starting the hike as the first section does not have much shade
• Canmore Cave Tours does not offer transportation to the cave parking lot so you’ll need you own vehicle or they will organise a taxi for you (additional cost)
• Super cute bushy-tailed wood rats are very occasionally seen around the entrance to the cave, usually exploring solo. Bats do not hibernate in Rat’s Nest Cave and are rarely seen
• There are no washrooms available after the rest area stop on the way to the cave parking lot
• The tour ends back in the cave parking lot – you are free to head to your next destination from here

Where to stay in Canmore

Canmore is a great place to stay, not just when taking part in a Rat’s Nest Cave tour. It’s a beautiful laid back mountain town, just 20 minutes east of Banff. There are dozens of incredible hiking trails in the area and a bustling downtown area to explore in the evenings.

Located very close to the Canmore Cave Tours office, the Bear & Bison Inn is a luxurious option for couples. Ten uniquely styled rooms (each with four poster beds and jacuzzi tubs) overlook the stunning Three Sisters peaks. A three course breakfast is included with every stay.

Closer to downtown, the Georgetown Inn is another unique place to stay in Canmore. There are twenty guest rooms in this Tudor styled property, some with clawfoot tubs (perfect for a post cave tour soak!) The English theme continues throughout, with the wood paneled Miner’s Pub downstairs and pretty garden patio outside.

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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Bernie Hradec

Saturday 12th of September 2020

Dear Gemma I live in Penticton British Columbia, my family will be coming out at the end of September. The children are seven and 10 and my daughter will be bringing them for two weeks. As a guide do you do personal trips with families , So we get to see a lot of the Okanagan but with safety

Sunday 13th of September 2020

Thanks for the comment! I do not currently run Okanagan tours but you can email me ( [email protected] ) if there's something specific you have in mind.

Heighten your Banff, Alberta experience: Visit the world of caves

“This is a special world where few people venture” Jeff Adams, Calgary Herald

For those who are physically fit and looking for the ultimate Banff/Canmore area experience, well, cave touring is what you want to do.

Come visit a world few see. Canmore Caverns Ltd provides premium cave tours primarily to the adventure tourist market in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Alberta. Our happy client base includes many adventure enthusiasts from all over Canada, North America and Europe.

Localy owned, Camore Caverns is a family-run cave guiding business operating in the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

Banff Travel Cave Tours

Explore the depths of the Canadian Rockies by adventuring into the limestone cave on Grotto Mountain with tours offered by Banff Travel. Highly trained and experienced guides will lead you through thousands of years of history told by the carved limestone.

Discover deep caverns, ancient fossils, and mineral formations through the guided treks in the cave. The adventure tour offers a rappel experience from an 18m (60ft) drop that allows participants to traverse through narrow passageways. The explorer tour offers a similar itinerary without the rappel.

Banff Travel suggests that participants should be physically active and wear light shoes with moderately warm clothing. Make sure to bring a water bottle and a camera to document your adventure.

Website: Click Here!

K Gordon Schultz

K Gordon Schultz is a well-known figure in the golf community and currently serves as the President of the Canmore Golf & Curling Club in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having spent many years working in the golf industry. Schultz has been a member of the Canmore Golf & Curling Club for over 40 years and has been actively involved in the club’s operations since he joined. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2001, becoming Club President in 2005. In 2019, he was acclaimed as Club Vice-President, assuming the role of Club President again in 2022. In addition to his work at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Schultz is also an avid traveler. He has visited over 30 countries around the world, on all continents. But his most enjoyable travel experiences have come from within Canada, visiting many of Canada's National Parks including Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Grasslands National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park and Pacific Rim National Park. Along with golf, he enjoys scuba diving, biking, hiking and relaxing with a fine Pinot Noir.

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Caving, Cave Tours Kananaskis Country, Canmore & surrounding area

Visitors to Canmore & Kananaskis Country can enjoy guided cave tours near Canmore, Alberta. Exploring a wild, undeveloped cave is an exciting adventure that can be enjoyed year-round.

Banff Adventures Unlimited - Cave Tours

{ setTruncate($el) })"> Descend into the cave on Grotto Mountain. This 4km long limestone wonder was created by huge quantities of water from extinct glaciers. Our highly trained, internationally experienced guides lead you through twisting passageways - etched over hundreds of thousands of years - exploring diverse large caverns and chambers, mineral formations, and ancient animal bones and fossils. Choose from our Explorer or Adventure tour. Tours depart daily. Visit us at our store location, 211 Bear St, Bison Courtyard, Banff.

211 Bear Street, Bison Courtyard, Banff, Alberta

403.762.4554

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Wandering Canadians

Three canadians exploring the world, canmore – rat’s nest cave.

Length of stay : 1 day Visited : August 2016

We spent the last four days in Glacier National Park in Montana. We woke up bright and early this morning as we booked an Adventure Cave Tour with Canmore Cave Tours for 11:45a.m. From Glacier it’s about a 400km drive to Canmore, Alberta.

The day started off great. Sure, we had to wake up super early, but, as we were leaving the park, we spotted a grizzly bear. It was our ideal grizzler encounter – the bear near the side of the road; us in the safety of a vehicle.

We arrived at Canmore Cave Tours 10 minutes before the start of our tour. The caving tour company operates two types of cave tours year round: the explorer cave tour (4 hours in length) and the adventure cave tour (6 hours). The adventure cave tour encompasses all the elements from the explorer cave tour but includes an 18m rappel, additional slithering and squeezing through more tight spaces, and therefore more all around time spent underground. We opted for the adventure cave tour .

Here’s a map that shows the routes of both types of cave tours. The explore cave tour follows along the red line and the adventure cave tour encompasses the additional segments along the green line.

We were joined by an older couple and their thirteen-year old daughter for our cave tour. The five of us signed (our life away through) a waiver and got all our gear in order. All the gear, minus our hiking boots and a warmer layer of clothing to be worn inside the cave, were provided by Canmore Cave Tours. This includes overalls, gloves, kneepads, a harness and a helmet with a flashlight. They also provided a 500ml water bottle and your choice of a Clif energy bar.

We then piled back into our car and followed our guide, Brent (who is quite possibly one of the coolest dude’s we’ve ever met – he’s just really into caving and climbing) to a parking lot closer to the one and only entrance to the cave. We then hiked mostly uphill for about 30 minutes until we arrived at Rat’s Nest Cave .

You might be thinking that the name of the cave sounds terrifying. Rat’s Nest Cave is obviously named that way for a reason. As the name suggests, a bunch of rats nested near the cave entrance for years. It wasn’t until someone saw a rat disappear behind some nest that they decided to investigate further by removing those nests. And lo and behold: 4km of passageways were discovered! Or something like that.

When we made it to the entrance of the cave we took a moment to get all geared up and spray our boots to prevent the spread of white nose syndrome. This was also the last spot to go to the bathroom for four hours because there are no washrooms inside the cave. We then had a scramble up some rock face to get into the actual cave.

Once we made it to the mouth of the cave we lowered ourselves down to get to the base of the Bone Room. It involved a lot of slippin’ and a slidin’. We attached our carabiners to guidance ropes on the side for additional support. And if you’re wondering how/why all those bones are there. It’s from the rats. And some of those bones look pretty big. Which means those rats must have been pretty big.

Once we piled down into the Bone Room our guide went through more of the history about the cave and how the cave was discovered. We then prepped for an 18m rappel into complete darkness. We had two ropes attached to our harness – one that we used to control our descent and a backup rope that was attached to our guide in case we spun out of control. The first person down (which was K) had the responsibility of removing their rope and belay device so our guide could pull it back up to use for the next person.

After we all rappelled down to the base we continued onward with our adventure. We crawled and slithered through a number of tight spaces (referred to as “squeezes”). We first crawled through a practice squeeze. It was relatively easy and the tunnel was large enough to crawl on your hands and knees. This was just a warm up for two tighter squeezes – a 6 foot squeeze and a 20 foot squeeze. Anyone who struggled with the practice squeeze or felt uncomfortable being in a tight enclosed space had the option of staying behind at this point as the path eventually loops back here. Everyone continued.

The 6 foot squeeze was exhilarating . You are literally slithering around on your belly. The space was wider than it was in height. But you did have to position yourself a certain way to ensure that your shoulders could make it through.

The 20 foot squeeze was probably the most challenging section. This squeeze is named the Laundry Chute because it is L-shaped. The best way to approach it is to go down vertically feet first. There is some ledge at the bottom where you need to sit on to to position your body sideways to get through the horizontal part of the L-shape. This was the tightest space we had to navigate. Your back is pressed against the wall. Your face is nearly pressed up against a wall. Mind over matter.

We emerged into the Grand Gallery . From here it is a short distance to the Grotto . There were some pretty impressive speleothems (it’s just a fancy word we picked up from our guide that means cave formations. No big deal.). The cave continues onward. But the passageway is underwater for experienced cave divers only.

We turned around at the Grotto. Fortunately we didn’t need to slither back through the Laundry Chute. Instead we went up some “escape hatch” called The Box (which is also another tight space) that bypasses the squeezes and the section that we rappelled down. We then had to scramble back up into the Bone Room and then a final upward stretch to get back to the entrance of the cave.

Once we emerged from the darkness we took off our caving gear, drank some water and ate our energy bars. We then hiked back down to our car. By the time we returned to the shop to unload our gear it was 6:45p.m. Even though the tour is scheduled to take 6 hours we were gone for 7. That’s how awesome our guide Brent is. We were exhausted, but still buzzing from how amaaaazing that cave tour was.

From there we drove to a nearby grocery store to buy more supplies before heading over to Johnston Canyon Campground in  Banff National Park .

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10 thoughts on “ canmore – rat’s nest cave ”.

You are braver than me. Caves are fine, but no squeezing and slithering please. Thanks for sharing. Allan

This cave tour definitely tested my limits, probably more mentally than physically. It was a little nerve-racking, especially rappelling 18m down into complete darkness and squeezing through some really tight spaces. It also didn’t help that I read a story about a guy who got stuck in one of the tight spaces a few years ago and it took 50 people and 13 hours to rescue him. At the end of it all, I discovered that I’m stronger than I thought I was.

mmmm….not sure about this one!! Don’t think its for me but enjoyed reading about it …. Well done for opting for the longer trip.

I figured if I was going on this cave tour, I might as well go all the way and commit to the longer route. It was very challenging, but it was good to push myself out of my comfort zone. Canmore Cave Tours has fantastic reviews, and our guide was very knowledgeable, patient and attentive, so we felt safe the entire time.

Never in a million years could I do this. Glad you enjoyed it

I was pretty terrified the entire time. It was physically and mentally challenging, but I’m proud that I got over some fears and went on this adventure cave tour. It also helped that there was another couple with their teenage daughter with us, so I figured if they could do it, so could I!

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How I would love to try this! Sounds wonderful. 😊

It was definitely adventurous, that’s for sure. Even though you’re crawling around in a cave, we didn’t get very dirty. It helped that they give you coveralls, but it wasn’t very muddy inside. If you’re ever in Canmore, I would highly recommend it.

Added to my bucket list. 😉

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Canmore Cave Tours Are One Of The Region’s Most Unique Experiences

Canmore Cave Tours offers a thrilling adventure into the heart of the Rockies, making it one of Alberta’s most unique attractions. The tours explore the Rat’s Nest Cave, an undeveloped and wild cave that provides an authentic caving experience. With its natural formations and rich history, this attraction draws adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

What Makes Canmore Cave Tours a Must-Visit in Alberta?

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Canmore Cave Tours stands out due to its authentic spelunking experience. Unlike commercialized caves, the Rat’s Nest Cave remains in its natural state with no artificial lighting or walkways. This raw and unaltered environment allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the underground world, exploring fascinating geological formations and learning about the cave’s history and ecosystem.

The Experience of Exploring Canmore Caves

Exploring Canmore Caves is an adventure that combines physical challenge with educational insights. The tours cater to different skill levels, from beginner to advanced, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience. Participants will crawl, climb, and squeeze through passages, gaining a unique perspective on the underground landscape.

What to Expect During a Canmore Cave Tour

During a Canmore Cave Tour, expect to embark on a guided journey that lasts several hours. The tours begin with a hike up to the cave entrance, followed by an in-depth exploration of the cave’s interior. Guides provide safety equipment and detailed instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Inside the cave, you’ll navigate through various chambers and passages, marvel at stunning rock formations, and learn about the cave’s geology and history.

Highlights of the Rat’s Nest Cave

The Rat’s Nest Cave boasts several highlights, including ancient cave formations like stalactites and stalagmites. One of the cave’s most fascinating features is the Bone Bed, a section with fossilized remains of small mammals that lived in the area thousands of years ago. The Grotto, a serene underground pool, is another breathtaking spot within the cave.

Planning Your Visit to Canmore Caves

Proper planning is essential for a successful visit to Canmore Caves. The tours are available year-round, but booking in advance is recommended due to their popularity. Visitors should prepare for a physically demanding experience and dress appropriately for the cave’s cool and damp environment.

How to Prepare for a Cave Tour in Canmore

Preparation for a Canmore Cave Tour involves wearing suitable clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, and sturdy footwear. Participants should bring water and snacks, as the tour can be physically taxing. It’s also important to arrive with a sense of adventure and readiness for an unforgettable experience.

Best Times to Visit Canmore Caves

Canmore Cave Tours operate year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preference. Summer offers warmer weather and easier access to the cave entrance, while winter tours provide a unique experience with the potential for snow-covered landscapes. Each season brings its own charm to the caving adventure.

Safety Measures and Guidelines for Cave Tours

Safety is a top priority for Canmore Cave Tours. The tours are led by experienced guides who provide thorough safety briefings and equipment. Participants are given helmets, headlamps, and gloves to ensure a safe exploration of the cave’s challenging terrain.

Essential Safety Tips for Canmore Cave Explorers

For a safe and enjoyable cave tour, follow these essential tips:

• Listen carefully to the guide’s instructions.
• Use the provided safety equipment correctly.
• Stay with the group and avoid wandering off.
• Be mindful of the cave environment and avoid touching formations.
• Inform the guide of any health issues or concerns before the tour.

The Educational Value of Canmore Cave Tours

Canmore Cave Tours offer significant educational value, providing insights into geology, history, and ecology. The tours are not only adventurous but also informative, making them suitable for school groups, families, and anyone interested in learning more about the natural world.

Learning About Geology and History During Your Cave Tour

During the tour, guides share fascinating information about the cave’s geological features and the historical significance of the area. Participants learn about the formation of stalactites and stalagmites, the cave’s role in the local ecosystem, and the ancient history revealed through fossil findings.

Conclusion: Why Canmore Cave Tours Are a Unique Alberta Adventure

Canmore Cave Tours offer a distinctive and exhilarating way to explore Alberta’s natural beauty. The combination of adventure, education, and the raw beauty of the Rat’s Nest Cave makes this attraction a must-visit. Whether you’re an experienced spelunker or a first-time explorer, Canmore Cave Tours provides an unforgettable experience that highlights the wonders of Alberta’s underground landscape.

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THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

• Tour Details
• How Does it Work?
• Book a Tour

• Adult (16+): $199 + GST
• Youth (12-15): $169 + GST
• Available: Year-Round
• Group Size: 2 - 8
• Tour Length: ~ 6 Hours
• Time In-Cave: ~ 4 Hours
• Group Size: 2 - 8 Cavers

The Adventure Tour is our flagship tour and has been recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience. As the longest tour we offer in Rat’s Nest Cave, the Adventure Tour is the complete package.

Cavers will rappel 18m (that’s 6 Stories!) inside the cave, plus have the opportunity to push your limits in the warm-up squeeze, challenge squeeze, and the Laundry Chute – a section of the cave that adds a little extra challenge but a whole lot of extra fun. Visit the impressive Grand Gallery – the largest known room in the cave, then surround yourself with ancient cave formations in the Grotto.

You will spend approximately 4 hours underground on the Adventure Tour and we promise it will be an unforgettable 4 hours!

How Does a Tour Work?

Sample Itinerary

Jump to Booking Widget

1. Select a Date

Choose your preferred date on the calendar to view tour availability.

Explorer Tour Availability

Adventure Tour Availability

2. Enter Your Details

Complete the form with your personal contact information.

Your Privacy is Important to Us

During the booking process we will ask you for your Full Name, e-mail address, phone number, and postal/zip code. We use your contact details in case we need to update you on your reservation for some reason, and we find that occasionally some payments will not complete correctly due to a missing postal code.

We will never share any of your information with another organization, nor will you receive communication from us that does not pertain directly to your reservation. We don't like SPAM either. During the reservation process you may choose to opt in to receive our monthly newsletter, which contains stories from the cave, national and international caving news, offers and upcoming events. You can always unsubscribe at any time.

3. Make Payment

Add your payment details to make a reservation instantly.

Cancellation Policy

A Secure Booking Process

When you book your experience online with us you will be able to select the date and time of the experience while on our website and then you will be asked to enter your contact details and agree to our terms and conditions.

With all of this complete, the next step will be to make your payment, at which point you will be taken off of our website to a secure page hosted by our reservation system. You can tell that the website is secure by the green lock located in the address bar. Please do not send payment information via e-mail or any other digital messaging as we cannot gurantee its safety. If you'd prefer, we can take credit card payment over the phone.

Our Cancellation Policy

For bookings of 8 or fewer we require a minimum of 48 hours notice to cancel. Due to bank processes it may take a few days to a week to see the refund on your account. At the time of cancellation you will receive a confirmation that your reservation (or a portion of your reservation) has been cancelled.

For groups larger than 8 we require a minimum of 14 days notice for cancellation.

Cancellations are subject to a 3% credit card processing fee.

In the event of extreme weather, or due to the unforeseen lack of appropriate staff we may cancel a tour for your safety, at which point we will fully refund your reservation and do everyting in our power to help you find a suitable alternative activity.

4. Sign Waivers

Complete your waivers before your tour.

What's This?

View Our Waiver

Liability Waivers

Liability waivers are an unfortunate but necessary part of any adventure activity. We recommend that you take the time before your tour, or even before your reservation, to thoroughly review this legal document.

Anyone participating in a Canmore Cave Tours activity must complete a liability waiver, including minors. In the case of minors, it is very important that a parent or guardian also reads and signs the waiver.

Once you have completed your booking, you will receive a link that will allow you to sign your waiver online. We have included a handy video to explain all of the components of the waiver and to ensure the process goes smoothly. Again, it is recommended to review the waiver prior to making your reservation and if you have any questions please contact us.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

• WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ADVENTURE AND EXPLORER TOURS?
• IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?
• IS THERE A MAXIMUM SIZE?
• WHAT IS INCLUDED AND WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
• IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED?
• HOW HARD IS THE TOUR?
• ARE THERE RATS OR BATS?
• IS THIS TOUR SUITABLE FOR ME IF I'M PREGNANT?
• WILL I NEED TO SIGN A WAIVER?

The Adventure Tour is a total of 6 hours long, 4 hours of which are spent underground. The Explorer Tour spends 2.5 of its total 4.5 hours underground. The main difference between the two is that the Adventure Tour includes an 18m rappel (no experience necessary) and the extra time allows us to explore more of the cave. Both tours are similar in difficulty and require a moderate level of fitness.

We provide all of the necessary caving equipment including coveralls, kneepads, gloves, helmet & headlamp, harness & safety lanyard, and backpack. The backpack will be shared by two people and will not go into the cave.

You will need to bring good footwear, warm clothing, a water bottle and a durable snack to keep your energy up in the cave. Cave friendly snacks are pocket-sized, are edible even if squished (you will probably sit on your snack at least once!) and include energy bars, candy bars, fruit leathers etc. Please avoid snacks that will potentially leave a mess in the cave like nuts and fruit. Also, if you will require medication during the tour it is a good idea to bring 2x what you would expect to use, just in case.

Footwear must be closed-toe and should have a sturdy tread. Hiking boots or shoes are best, but a sturdy running shoe will also work. Other options include rubber boots or winter boots (in the winter).

The cave is 5 degrees celsius, so warm clothing is recommended. Imagine what you would wear if you had to spend a few hours in a refrigerator. We recommend long pants, long sleeves, a warm sweater, hoodie or jacket. Synthetic fabrics are best as they will keep you warm even if you get wet.

Any cameras going into the cave will need to fit into your pockets. We do not allow backpacks in the cave. Small point-and-shoot cameras or smart phones are welcome but please keep in mind that the cave environment is not particularly friendly towards electronics. High humidity and dust can damage equipment, and screens can break if you accidentally sit on it. Electronics are brought at your own risk.

The hike to the cave takes approximately 30-40 minutes and is uphill the whole way on a mountain trail. Most of our guests find this to be the hardest part of the day, but we do take lots of stops along the way to enjoy the scenery.

Once in the cave the pace is quite slow as we maneuver through the passages. This is not a flat walking tour. There are no handrails, walkways or fixed lighting. We climb, crawl, slide and wiggle our way around the cave so it is best to have a moderate level of fitness. Even more important though is your sense of adventure!

Rat's Nest Cave is named after the nests of Bushy-tailed Wood Rats found in the entrance. This species of super-cute rodents is native to the area and they use the cave as a home due to it's constantly warm temperatures and protection from predators. We rarely see the rats, and if we do there is usually just one.

Bat's are rarely seen at Rat's Nest Cave. The cave is not a hibernaculum (a place where bats hibernate through the winter). We usually only see the occasional bat in the summer as they are passing through the area.

Yes, but only up until the end of the first trimester (12 weeks).

It is always advisable to seek advice from your doctor when participating in activities like caving.

Yes, all participants will need to complete a liability waiver. We recommend you review the waiver before booking your tour. Once you have booked your tour you will receive a link to sign the waiver online . Any minors must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian before participating on the tour.

View the Waiver

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