While most visitors to Banff look up at the mountains, one of the area's most thrilling adventures takes you underground. Rat's Nest Cave, located near Canmore about 20 minutes from Banff, is a wild, undeveloped cave system that offers guided caving experiences ranging from beginner-friendly explorations to advanced rappelling adventures deep into the earth.
About Rat's Nest Cave
Rat's Nest Cave is one of the longest caves in the Canadian Rockies, with over 4 kilometres of mapped passages. The cave was formed millions of years ago by water dissolving through the limestone of Grotto Mountain. It contains remarkable geological formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, cave pearls, and an underground river. The cave maintains a constant temperature of about 5°C year-round.
Tour Options
Explorer Tour (4–4.5 hours)
The signature experience and the most popular choice. You'll hike 20 minutes uphill to the cave entrance, then spend about 2.5 hours underground. The tour includes scrambling through tight passages, crawling through narrow gaps, climbing over underground formations, and emerging into vast chambers with cathedral ceilings.
- Difficulty: Moderate — requires reasonable fitness and comfort in tight spaces
- Minimum age: 12 years old
- Price: Around $130–160 per person
- Highlights: The Bone Bed (ancient animal bones), the Grotto chamber, underground formations
Adventure Tour (5–6 hours)
The advanced option adds a stunning 18-metre rappel into a massive underground chamber, more challenging passages, and extended exploration of deeper cave sections. This tour is for those who want the full caving experience.
- Difficulty: Challenging — requires good fitness and comfort with heights and tight spaces
- Minimum age: 14 years old
- Price: Around $200–250 per person
- Highlights: 18-metre rappel, deeper chambers, more technical scrambling
What's Provided
All necessary caving equipment is included in the tour price:
- Helmet with headlamp
- Coveralls (over your clothes)
- Gloves
- Rappelling harness and equipment (Adventure Tour)
- Expert guide
What to Wear & Bring
- Clothing: Warm layers that can get dirty (the cave is 5°C and damp). Synthetic fabrics, not cotton
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and good grip. They will get muddy
- No jewellery: Remove rings, watches, and anything that could catch on rock
- Water: Bring a small water bottle
- Camera: A GoPro or phone with a lanyard works. The guides take photos too
Is It Claustrophobic?
This is the most common question. The cave alternates between large chambers where you can stand upright and narrow passages where you crawl or squeeze through gaps. If you have severe claustrophobia, this may not be comfortable. However, many people with mild claustrophobia find the experience exhilarating rather than frightening — the guides are experienced and move at a pace that keeps everyone comfortable.
Year-Round Activity
One of the best things about caving is that weather doesn't matter. The cave is a constant 5°C whether it's -25°C or +30°C outside. This makes it an excellent activity for rainy days, smoky summer days, or the shoulder seasons when other outdoor activities are limited.
Book your Banff accommodation on Expedia and add caving and adventure experiences for a unique Rocky Mountain activity.