Canmore Cave Tours
Canmore Cave Tours
5
About
Canmore Cave Tours operates year-round tours in Rat's Nest Cave, near Canmore, Alberta, Canada. For those seeking as much excitement as possible, including squeezes, rappels, and other adrenaline-inducing activities we offer a 6-hour "Adventure Tour". For those just looking to sample what the cave has to offer, or those with less time, we offer a 4.5 hour "Explorer Tour". We can offer these tours year-round, in any weather because the cave is a constant 5 degrees Celsius, a comfortable temperature any time of the year.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- AlecCalgaryCalgary, Canada15 contributionsAwesome, tiring, fun adventureWe did the four hours adventure tour with our fabulous tour guide Anne. On the half hour hike she talked knowledgeable about the forest and showed us fossils. In the cave she was super supportive and relaxed, showing us how to best get down or up without making us feel inadequate. The tour itself was amazing, difficult at times but doable. We were tired afterwards but happy. Our 13 year old remarked that this tour was better than video gamingVisited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 August 2024
- Jane P1 contributionAwesome Adventure!I have been wanting to do a tour of the Rat's Nest Cave since I moved to Alberta over two decades ago. I should not have waited so long! This was a fantastic day of adventure from the hike up and down from the cave entrance to the cave adventure itself. Not a dull moment and our guide Annie was fantastic! We were a small group and got to experience rappelling down into the cave, several squeezes as well as total darkness! I highly recommend this adventure to anyone that it appeals too!Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 25 August 2024
- Joey W5 contributionsA fun and unique experience not to be missed!A fun and unique experience not to be missed! Our guide, John, was patient, knowledgeable, and encouraged us to push past our comfort zones in a safe and empowering way. We learned so much about the history of the area and the cave and had a blast while doing so!Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
1,440 reviews
Excellent
1,383
Very good
49
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4
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2
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2
Liz M
6 contributions
Nov 2020
This is a must do activity. Our guide was excellent. It is about a half hour hike up the mountain to get to the cave entrance; however, our guide was very accommodating in stopping for less active people to get their breath. These caves are quite deep and what I really enjoyed was the creativity employed by our guide to make this experience more than just hiking in and around the caves. At one point, he had all of us turn off our lights and crawl in the dark. I liked the way he assessed our groups physical abilities to see what we could handle. Going through the chute and crawling through some small places was a memorable experience. If a person couldn't do this, there were alternatives making this experience possible for most people. I enjoyed the longer cave experience because we were able to do some rope repelling. It was worth the money we spent on this adventure. I will be returning with other family members when they come to visit.
Written 11 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GXEJoe
Brampton, Canada2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
This was a once in a lifetime experience, with our guide Hyun Ho making it truly special!
Admittedly, this was no cakewalk, but all the effort put into this caving experience was really satisfying, especially when you were made to feel safe and confident with nothing but positive encouragement from your guide (thanks Hyun Ho!!!).
I would not hesitate to recommend Canmore Cave Tours.
Fantastic job!
Admittedly, this was no cakewalk, but all the effort put into this caving experience was really satisfying, especially when you were made to feel safe and confident with nothing but positive encouragement from your guide (thanks Hyun Ho!!!).
I would not hesitate to recommend Canmore Cave Tours.
Fantastic job!
Written 22 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DANIELLE L
Canada3 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
I usually like the tops of the mountains but I discovered the beauty underneath!
This tour was so much fun. They provided all the physical equipment and provided the positive energy for an amazing experience. They were aware of everyone's tolerance for closed spaces and gave us options accordingly!!! They challenged us just enough and Max was an interesting and thoughtful guide. Sharing his knowledge and his amazing stories!!! Everyone needs to discover the earth from the inside!
This tour was so much fun. They provided all the physical equipment and provided the positive energy for an amazing experience. They were aware of everyone's tolerance for closed spaces and gave us options accordingly!!! They challenged us just enough and Max was an interesting and thoughtful guide. Sharing his knowledge and his amazing stories!!! Everyone needs to discover the earth from the inside!
Written 1 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SZN
Mississauga, Canada25 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We had absolutely the most amazing experience at Rats Nest Caves. We opted for the longer your. During the experience, we hiked up 20 mins, rappelled a 20-30m opening deep into the caves, slid, squeezed, and roped our way through various openings and crevices, and a lot more. All of us, including my wife, 20 year old daughter and 14 yo twin boys, had the most amazing experience of our lives. There was no time at which we felt scared etc. The guide was absolutely fantastic, and 100% knew what he was doing. Safety was above and beyond. There are ropes tied at all the steeper parts of the cave to help you with the ups and downs.
Unless you're claustrophobic, this is an activity not to be missed. Be ready to use all your muscles and joints to their fullest. And come back out with lots of bragging rights. Def do the longer tour if you can, not the shorter one.
Unless you're claustrophobic, this is an activity not to be missed. Be ready to use all your muscles and joints to their fullest. And come back out with lots of bragging rights. Def do the longer tour if you can, not the shorter one.
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlecCalgary
Calgary, Canada15 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We did the four hours adventure tour with our fabulous tour guide Anne. On the half hour hike she talked knowledgeable about the forest and showed us fossils. In the cave she was super supportive and relaxed, showing us how to best get down or up without making us feel inadequate.
The tour itself was amazing, difficult at times but doable. We were tired afterwards but happy. Our 13 year old remarked that this tour was better than video gaming
The tour itself was amazing, difficult at times but doable. We were tired afterwards but happy. Our 13 year old remarked that this tour was better than video gaming
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joey W
5 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
A fun and unique experience not to be missed! Our guide, John, was patient, knowledgeable, and encouraged us to push past our comfort zones in a safe and empowering way. We learned so much about the history of the area and the cave and had a blast while doing so!
Written 16 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelHalfling
Canada33 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We did a 10:15 adventure tour and it was so much fun. Our guide Annie was very nice and very knowledgeable. Our hike up to the cave was a little harder than normal due to a lot of ice. I was a little worried we would be too tired before we even started but once you are in the cave it is more about strength than cardio so it was a good mix. They are not kidding though about getting proper shoes. A gentleman from another family on our tour had insufficient runners and he struggled on the ice on the trail and in the cave at times. My partner and I are not in the best shape but we were able to do the whole thing. That being said the last part of the tour when we were climbing back out was starting to push the limit of the strength in our arms and legs. Overall, we were thrilled with the day and would say it is absolutely worth the cost.
Written 20 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt F
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We had a wonderful time with John on the adventure tour. John's calm and friendly demeanor was perfect for putting nerves at ease and his cool confidence and experience was evident all the the tour as we squeezed, crawled and rappelled in the cave. It was a once in a lifetime experience and we would recommend to any of our friends and family who want to add some adventure to their lives.
Written 24 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark K
Edmonton, Canada7 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We took my three teenaged boys, aged 13-17 on this adventure and all 5 of us loved it. We were a bit uncertain of some of the squeezes before the trip, but once inside the cave we were up for anything. Turns out we handled them just fine with some encouragement from our awesome guide Max. He definitely helped make the adventure as great as it was. The hardest part turned out to be the hike up to the cave entrance. But Max read our group and took rest breaks whenever he noticed we need one.
I like to take my kids to do things that are memorable. Activities they’ll talk about their whole lives. This is surely one of those adventures. Highly recommend!
I like to take my kids to do things that are memorable. Activities they’ll talk about their whole lives. This is surely one of those adventures. Highly recommend!
Written 10 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike M
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
My wife and I went along with my daughter (early 20s) and her boyfriend. We weren't sure what to expect but it turned out to be a lot of fun and something truly unique when visiting Canmore. Be prepared to do some twisting and turning. Our guide, John, was both knowledgeable and relaxed. He also placed a lot emphasis on safety. All is all, well worth the trip and highly recommended!
Written 3 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Before the hike up to the cave entrance, do you "suit up" with the cover-all gear for added warmth. Do you carry your helmet, knee pads, etc. In late July, do you need a jacket for the hike?
Written 25 July 2024
Thanks for your question. There are two different tours. The shorter tour is 4.5 hours in length (2.5 hours underground) and the price is $135+gst. The longer tour is 6 hours long (4 hours underground) and the price is $175+gst.
Written 15 November 2019
Does this attraction only happen during Summer? Or can you still go in winter?
Thanks,
Claudia.
Written 28 December 2017
Adam W
Canmore, Canada
Hi Claudia, thank you for the question. Our cave tours are available year-round thanks to the constant temperature inside the cave. There is a 30-40 minute hike to access the cave so it is important to dress appropriately for the weather while on the hike, but once inside the cave the temperature is a consistent 5 degrees Celsius. The cave tours are a great option when the weather is too cold to do other outdoor activities and we are able to do evening tours so you can make the most of your daylight hours.
We do offer an interpretive hike called the Diacovery Tour that only goes to the cave entrance and this tour is only available May - October.
If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact us.
Written 29 December 2017
Hi Tracey, My husband is over 200 lbs. Can we still do this tour of the cave or will he get stuck in a hole? HeeHee...Ty very much! :)
Written 3 December 2017
At 220lb I managed to make it everywhere within the cave system that our guide took us. Yes some of the squeezes were tight, but I made it through. We were on the short tour (2 hours in cave) and there were 2 optional squeezes. The rest of the cave was not difficult to get through as the passages are larger.
Written 30 April 2018
Adam W
Canmore, Canada
Thank you for your question! We have three different tour options, all with different age limitations. The Adventure Tour has a minimum age of 12, the Explorer Tour minimum age is 10, and the Discovery Hike (because it is a hike and does not go beyond the entrance of the cave) is open to all ages. Please visit our website or give us a call if you'd like more information about our tours.
Written 7 August 2017
marina202017
Canmore, Canada
Are kids ages 13,15,17 allowed to go without parents
Written 30 March 2017
Adam W
Canmore, Canada
Hi marina202017, thanks for the great question! It is difficult to offer a simple yes or no because, as you can imagine, there are a lot of variables to consider. We prefer to have discussions with parents beforehand and make decisions on a case-by-case basis, with our ultimate concern being that everyone on the tour has the best possible experience. That being said, the cave tour is a fantastic adventure for children and we make every effort to make our tours as accessible as possible.
Some of the factors we have to consider are the age, fitness and experience of the children, and adult to child ratios (the minimum for which is set as a requirement for our permit). Parents should also know that they will need to be present at the start of the tour to sign our liability waiver for their children and to provide transportation to and from the cave. It is very important to us that every parent clearly understands the nature of our tour before signing their children up. We are happy to have a conversation with you to answer all of your questions and to determine the best scenario.
Written 31 March 2017
Adam W
Canmore, Canada
Thanks so much for the great question! We provide all of the necessary caving equipment including helmets with lights, kneepads, gloves, coveralls, safety harnesses, plus a backpack to share with a friend. We will also supply a reusable 500ml bottle of water (yours to keep) and a snack bar.
We ask you to bring the following:
- Sturdy Footwear
- Suitable clothing
- Small (pocket-sized) camera - optional
- Snacks if you have any dietary restrictions
Footwear is probably the most important piece of equipment that you will need to provide. The cave itself is generally quite dry so most closed-toe shoes will be just fine. We do recommend hiking boots or shoes as they provide the best grip but any other closed-toe shoe with a reasonable sole will be fine. In the winter time you will want to choose your footwear based on the weather. If there is a lot of snow, for example, winter boots are best and they will work fine in the cave (again, as long as they have good soles). We also have rubber boots available for rent if you happen to not have suitable footwear for the tour.
Clothing is a little tricky because you have to dress for both the hike to the cave and the cave itself. The hike to the cave is approximately 30-40 minutes uphill on a mountain trail and our tours go year-round, rain or shine, so it's important that you dress according to the weather on the day of your tour. (Hint: if it's raining an umbrella is not a bad way to stay dry but also stay cool while hiking). Once you arrive at the cave, you can adjust your layers to go underground. The cave is 5 degrees (Celsius) every day of the year, and there is no rain, no snow, no sun! We recommend long sleeved shirts and long pants (preferably non-cotton) and a sweater/hoody/jacket is a good idea if you get cold easily. Imagine spending a few hours in a refrigerator to get an idea of the temperature.
Cameras are more than welcome in the cave, however please keep in mind that they must fit into a pocket - we don't take any bags into the cave and you must have your hands free to maneuver through the cave AND caves and cameras do not get along well. The cave is very humid and dusty, which are not conditions generally liked by most electronics. Smartphones do quite well (although the screens do crack on occasion) as do small point-and-shoot cameras and go pros. If you do plan to bring a camera or any other electronics into the cave please keep in mind that you do so at your own risk.
As mentioned above, we do offer snack bars to all of our guests. We use Clif Bars, which are great for the cave but may not meet all dietary restrictions (or personal preference). If you have any special dietary needs we recommend bringing something that you know works for you. Again, anything that goes into the cave must fit into pockets, and only food that does not make a big mess will be allowed.
You can visit the FAQ section of our website for more information or contact us at any time during business hours and we would be happy to answer your questions!
Written 13 March 2017
I already sort of know the answer to this. Do you do tours of gargantua cave?? If so when are they done, what do they cost? What would be required of me to get a tour of gargantua??
Written 14 January 2017
Adam W
Canmore, Canada
Currently access to the Gargantua area is in question due to a proposal to establish new provincial parks that will encompass that region. We are still waiting to see what will be required to obtain permission to guide tours to Gargantua once these new parks are in place, but until then we unfortunately will not be offering tours there. If you have any further questions about this subject, or to discuss other options, please don't hesitate to give us a call.
Written 3 February 2017
Adam W
Canmore, Canada
Désolé, mais nous n'avons pas de guides francophones en ce moment.
Written 10 December 2016
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