Explorer Caving Tour
Starts atCA$ 149US$ 111€ 99£ 84A$ 159
Duration: 2 Hours
Age: 10+
Departure: 09:30am & 11:00am
Season: Winter
Overview
Looking for a taste of adventure without going too extreme? The Explorer Tour is the perfect introduction to caving — ideal for first-timers, families, and curious explorers ready to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the Canadian Rockies.
Spend around 2 hours underground in the legendary Rat’s Nest Cave near Canmore , where you’ll crawl past prehistoric bones , marvel at ancient rock formations , and navigate twisting limestone passageways shaped over thousands of years.
Led by expert guides, this unforgettable Canmore cave tour blends discovery, excitement, and natural history — all at a pace that’s accessible and fun.
No experience needed — just bring your sense of adventure and get ready to explore one of Canmore’s most unique underground experiences !
Highlights
The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:
Full climbing equipment included
See fossils and formations millions of years in the making.
We climb, crawl, slide and wiggle!Why Choose Us
Book with the local team that lives and works in the Bow Valley.
- ONLINE2SAVE discounts when you book online
- A real commitment to sustainability
- Our store right on Banff Avenue
- Customer support based here in Banff
- Guide tracking app
- Trained, certified guides who live in the Bow Valley
- Locally owned family business
- Easy-to-spot buses
- Professional, accredited guides
Tour Details
Tour Duration
2 Hours
Departure Time
09:30am & 11:00am
Age Required
10+
Season
Winter
Included
- All necessary caving equipment including coveralls, kneepads, gloves, helmet & headlamp, harness & safety lanyard, and backpack.
- Professional guide
- A mask if you don’t have one
- Small group size (maximum of 8 guests per guide)
What will disqualify me?
- transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancelation policy?+
We require 48 hours notice prior to departure to cancel or change a tour without penalty. Group bookings of 9 or more guests, as well as custom and private bookings, have a 7 day cancellation period.
What is included?+
All 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. Professional guide A mask if you don’t have one Small group size (maximum of 8 guests per guide)
Transport is not included.
What should I wear/bring?+
Remember to wear/bring: - Masks are not required to be worn in the cave, but guests are welcome to wear a mask if they so choose. - Suitable 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. 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. - Old clothes - you will get dirty. - A bottle of water and energy/granola bars to eat whilst caving. - Extra water for before and after the caving. 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. - Backpacks are not permitted in the cave
Can I bring my camera?+
Any cameras going into the cave will need to fit into your pockets. 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.
Where is a meeting point?+
- Meeting Point Information: Please meet at the parking lot of [Canmore Cave Tours](https://goo.gl/maps/Z3Y5YdjJXNZVce9T6) at 129 Bow Meadows Crescent in Canmore. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your tour time. - There is parking in front of the office or on the street - larger vehicles are best parked on the street. - You will meet your guide here and then follow the guide in your car to the cave only 5 minutes away.
How hard is the tour?+
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!
Booking Terms
- The minimum age is 10 years.
- 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).
- Only one cohort or household is allowed on a tour per guide.
- Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Real, verified reviews from guests who explored the Canadian Rockies with us.