Rat's Nest Cave Canmore
Explore the ancient depths of Rat's Nest Cave near Canmore, an unforgettable subterranean adventure with guided tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Consistent cave temperature
Rat's Nest Cave Canmore
Best Time
Consistent cave temperature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient depths of Rat's Nest Cave near Canmore, an unforgettable subterranean adventure with guided tours.
"An incredible experience, pushing limits and discovering a hidden world beneath the mountains."
Wear Layers! 🧥
Cave temps are around 5°C (41°F) year-round. Bring warm layers, as you'll warm up with activity but cool down quickly.
Book Guided Tours 🎟️
Access to Rat's Nest Cave is only permitted with a certified guide. Book your 'canmore cave tour' well in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rat's Nest Cave Exploration
Near Canmore, Alberta
Venture into a subterranean world of ancient passages, massive caverns, and stunning calcite formations.
The 55m Plunge
Inside Rat's Nest Cave
Experience a thrilling descent into the cave's depths, a unique challenge for the adventurous.
Underground Grotto
Rat's Nest Cave
Discover hidden chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, showcasing nature's artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Canmore Cave Tour in Advance
Prepare for an Active Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Layers! 🧥
Cave temps are around 5°C (41°F) year-round. Bring warm layers, as you'll warm up with activity but cool down quickly.
Book Guided Tours 🎟️
Access to Rat's Nest Cave is only permitted with a certified guide. Book your 'canmore cave tour' well in advance.
Embrace the Squeeze! 💪
Be prepared for tight passages and physical challenges. It's part of the adventure!
Sturdy Footwear Essential 👟
You'll be hiking, climbing, and crawling. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Layers! 🧥
Cave temps are around 5°C (41°F) year-round. Bring warm layers, as you'll warm up with activity but cool down quickly.
Book Guided Tours 🎟️
Access to Rat's Nest Cave is only permitted with a certified guide. Book your 'canmore cave tour' well in advance.
Embrace the Squeeze! 💪
Be prepared for tight passages and physical challenges. It's part of the adventure!
Sturdy Footwear Essential 👟
You'll be hiking, climbing, and crawling. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip.
Hydrate and Fuel Up 💧
The hike to the cave and the tour itself are physically demanding. Bring water and snacks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rat's Nest Cave tours for their unique and thrilling nature, with guides like Brent and Annie receiving special commendation for their knowledge, humor, and encouragement. While physically demanding, the experience is described as incredible and highly recommended, even for those initially hesitant about caving.
"Awesome experience at Canmore Cave Tour. We went with our three teenage children and they are still talking about it. The hike to the top is a moderate hike. I would suggest to dress in layers. It was 23 degrees at 9:30am outside and about 5 degrees in the caves. Our Tour guide was Brent and he was amazing, funny and knowledgeable. He made the 4.5 hours even better. This is not a walk in the park and even though we are a physical fit family, there were some parts in the cave that required good upper body strength and perseverance. This is a unique 55m plunge to another world. Great fun and a good challenge."
Mary-Ann Fragale
"What an incredible experience this adventure with Canmore cave tours was. My sister, my son and I went on an epic cave tour of the rats nest cave by Canmore. Holy moly!! I can’t say enough good words! Our cave guide Annie was super amazing!! She was very friendly, knowledgeable, and very encouraging! She definitely helped us push our limits today. It was just an all around super day!! Thanks so much!! 20/10 experience. 10 stars, five isn’t enough!!!!"
Hill Billy
"We did the adventure tour with Brent. It was our first time in a cave, and it was the best outdoor (indoor?) experience of my life. Brent was an amazing, highly knowledgeable, and friendly guide. He was attentive to everyone’s safety without ever being overbearing. He motivated us to push our limits and offered encouragement when needed. The cave itself was stunning, and I only wish we could have stayed longer and explored more. I’m deeply grateful for the experience and can’t wait to one day be back in a cave!"
Evangeline Zak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rat's Nest Cave is located near Canmore, Alberta. Most visitors access it via a guided tour with companies like Canmore Cave Tours. The tour typically includes a 30-40 minute hike up to the cave entrance.
Parking is available at designated tour starting points. Your tour operator will provide specific meeting and parking instructions.
No, Rat's Nest Cave is not accessible by private vehicle. Access is strictly controlled and requires a guided tour.
The hike to the entrance of Rat's Nest Cave is generally described as moderate and takes about 30-40 minutes.
The hike is considered moderate. While not overly strenuous, it does involve an uphill climb.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary, but expect to pay around $155 CAD for an 'Adventure' tour, which typically lasts about six hours. It's recommended to book in advance.
Yes, absolutely. Rat's Nest Cave is a protected natural area and is only accessible with a certified guide from an authorized tour operator.
Tour packages usually include a guide, safety equipment (helmet, headlamp, harness), and the guided caving experience.
While specific age limits can vary by tour operator, many tours are suitable for older teens and adults. Some tours cater to younger participants, like cadet groups.
Tours operate year-round, but specific times vary. It's best to check the tour operator's website for current schedules and availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wear comfortable, sturdy clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Layers are key due to the consistent cool temperature inside the cave (around 5°C/41°F). Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential.
Expect to crawl, climb, squeeze through narrow passages, and potentially rappel. It requires moderate fitness, good balance, and upper body strength.
With certified guides and proper safety equipment, caving is a safe adventure. Guides prioritize safety while ensuring an exciting experience.
You'll explore massive caverns, unique rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites, and ancient passages. It's described as entering 'another world.' 
Tours can range from a few hours to a full day, with the 'Adventure' tour lasting around six hours, including the hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of your surroundings and your guide's instructions. Ensure your camera is protected from moisture and dust.
A headlamp is essential for navigating, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod for longer exposures can be helpful. Ensure your gear is durable.
Look for unique formations, the scale of the caverns, and the challenging passages. The 'underground grotto' and calcite crystals are particularly photogenic.
Phone cameras can capture images, but low light conditions might be challenging. Ensure your phone is protected and has enough battery.
Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the vastness of the caverns and close-ups of intricate formations. Your guide might point out ideal spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Teens
+1Ensure your teens are comfortable with enclosed spaces and have a moderate level of fitness. The hike to the cave is also a good way to get some exercise and enjoy the mountain scenery. The guides are experienced in managing groups and ensuring everyone's safety and enjoyment, making it a memorable family outing.
💪 Physically Active Adventurers
Be prepared for a demanding but rewarding journey. The guides are skilled at encouraging participants to overcome obstacles and discover their capabilities. This is an opportunity to truly test your mettle in a stunning natural environment.
🧐 Curious Explorers & History Buffs
Even if you're not an extreme athlete, the 'Explorer Tour' offers a chance to witness incredible natural wonders and learn about the subterranean world. It's a chance to see a side of the Canadian Rockies few get to experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rat's Nest Cave Experience
+1The adventure tour involves significant physical activity. Participants will crawl through tight squeezes, climb over rocks, and navigate challenging passages. This hands-on approach makes the experience incredibly engaging and memorable. Guides are crucial, not only for safety but also for sharing the geological history and fascinating details of the cave system. They ensure everyone feels motivated and supported, even when facing daunting sections.
Temperatures inside the cave remain consistently cool, around 5°C (41°F), year-round. This means dressing in layers is essential, even on warm summer days. The combination of physical exertion and the cool environment creates a unique sensory experience. Many visitors describe it as an 'epic' and 'incredible' adventure, with some even rating it a '20/10 experience.'
Choosing Your Canmore Cave Tour
For those seeking a more intense challenge, the 'Adventure Tour' delves deeper into the cave system. This tour includes more physically demanding sections, such as the 55-meter plunge, and requires a higher level of fitness and a greater willingness to push personal boundaries. It's this tour that often leads to descriptions of the experience as 'exhausted and exhilarated.'
When booking, consider your group's fitness levels and comfort with confined spaces. The guides are adept at assessing participants and ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable time, regardless of the tour chosen. Reading reviews and understanding the physical requirements beforehand will help you select the best tour for your adventure.
Social
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