It takes a very special person to work here at Canmore Cave Tours. We are all very passionate people and we love what we do. We eat, sleep and breathe all things caving. But, more importantly, what makes each and every one of our team members so incredible is their commitment to offering you only the best possible experiences. From the moment you first speak with our customer service team to the final wave goodbye, we want you to feel like you were in the best of hands.
We understand that spending hours underground might seem weird, if not a little crazy. We're okay with crazy. We work hard though to make sure you are well prepared for your cave experience and never feel unsafe. All of our guiding staff are proficient in Wilderness First Aid, advanced caving techinques and cave rescue (and despite what they might tell you, they know the cave like the back of their hand).
When you join us in the cave or on a hike, you do so as friend and fellow explorer. We will show you the way and how to do it safely, but as far as we're concerned, you're part of the team.
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Want to become a partner? Get in touch.
If you're interested in exploring partnership opportunities with us, we welcome you to get in touch. Our partners, ranging from industry leaders to local businesses and affiliates, play a crucial role in our success and growth. Whether you're looking to collaborate on special experiences, co-promote, or want to share our experiences with your customers, we're open to discussing how we can work together. Reach out today to start the conversation.
Caving is a very rewarding sport, pass-time or hobby. Whether you are passionate about exploration, driven to understand the Earth and its processes, or looking for a fun activity away from the crowds, caving can provide a lifetime of excitement.
The Canmore Cave Tours Introduction to Caving Course introduces those with little or no experience to the world of caves, teaching the basic skills required to safely enjoy and appreciate the truly special places that caves are.
A cave is an amazing place to visit with so much opportunity for exploration, inspiration and personal growth. Visiting a cave, however, requires a specific skills unique to the sport of caving which ensure the safety of both the caver and the cave.
Your instructor will introduce you to the various aspects of planning a caving trip, including choosing the appropriate terrain, equipment and caving partners. Learn how to safely move through a cave and how to navigate using cave-specific maps so as to best meet your team’s goals while protecting the delicate cave environment. In this course you will gain the skills and confidence that you need to join other more experienced cavers on non-technical caving trips and to be an effective member of the team.
You will meet your instructor at the Canmore Cave Tours office in Canmore where you will get a brief overview of the day, sign the waiver, collect your caving equipment and then drive in convoy to the cave parking lot (approximately 7 minutes away). All of your caving equipment is provided. Please see the FAQ section for more information on what is provided and what to bring. The hike to the cave will take approximately 30-40 minutes up a moderately steep mountain trail at a leisurely pace. Once you reach the cave, you will don your equipment and head underground. Mini lectures will occur throughout the day with plenty of time for asking questions.
You will spend approximately 4-5 hours underground, after which you will return to the Cave Tours office to review the day and dive into some of the theory of caving. Total length of the course is approximately 8 hours and the course requires a moderate level of fitness. You will be required to climb, crawl, wiggle and slide your way through the cave, with some time to practice some (optional) squeezes.
Single Rope Technique, or SRT, is the means by which cavers access the more technical areas within caves, using ropes and specialized techniques and equipment to progress through a multitude of obstacles.
This two-part course will prepare participants to join technical caving trips under the guidance of more experienced cavers. We recommend having at least some experience underground before undertaking this course.
Part 1: Primer, will be an entirely indoor day and we will cover SRT theory, equipment and best practices and then introduce SRT techniques in a warm, dry, comfortable setting.
Part 2: Ignition, we take our new SRT skills underground to hone and polish them in real-world scenarios.
The first part of this program will be spent at the Canmore Cave Tours office where we will learn some of the theory of SRT and practice our vertical skills in a nice warm, dry space before taking them out into the real world. Repetition is the key to success for technical skills like SRT so prepare to spend a lot of time on rope. You will learn how to use all of the necessary equipment, how to recognize and prevent potential problems, and how to move efficiently through all of the obstacles you might encounter in a cave.
Part 2 we will head to Rat's Nest Cave to try out our new skills in the real world. You will demonstrate skill proficiency as you progress through our vertical ropes course, and will be slowly introduced to more challenges along the way.
This is not a certification course. Many of these skills will be completely new to you and you will need to master one skill before moving on to the next. Our goal is to work with you at a pace with which you are comfortable, and to give you the confidence to go home and practice these skills safely with the knowledge of what you know well, and what you might still need to work on. The techniques taught in this course are strenuous, and a good level of fitness is required. Please contact us if you have any questions about the physical requirements of this course.
Please note that food and accommodation is not provided.
Need to polish up your SRT before a big trip? Maybe it's been a few years and you're looking to get back into the cave. Or maybe you you just finished the Vertical Caving Primer and you need to work on a few skills before jumping into the cave?
The SRT Tune-Up workshop is for cavers who already know SRT but need a little more practice and support. We'll work through obstacles in our office mini ropes course and help you build the confidence you need to go play underground.
Learning to go up and down a rope is only one part of using SRT in a cave safely. But what if you get stranded on a rope. Are your team members prepared to get you off the rope?
Pick-offs are a strenusous, often unpleasant, but highly important skill for any caver to have in their toolbox. In this 4-hour workshop we will learn and practice pickoffs in the comfort of our mini-indoor ropes course.
All participants in this workshop must be highly proficient in SRT. Efficiency is critical to successfully achieving a pickoff and the middle of a rescue is no place to be trying to remember how to do a changover. Your rescue buddy will not appreciate it! You will also need a full SRT setup in order to participate. SRT equipment can be provided on request, subject to availability.
You will spend substantial time in close proximity with your rescue buddy, so you may want to bring someone who doesn't mind...
The opportunity to explore new caves is one of the most common reasons for new cavers to join the sport, and in Canada we have ample opportunity for exploration. The unwritten rule in caving, though, is that not one inch of cave is explored unless it is surveyed, meaning if you want to be at the sharp end of exploration you need to know how to survey!
This course will introduce you to the process of surveying in a cave, specifically with regards to collecting and managing the survey data. You will learn both analog and digital measurement techniques, and well as how to accurately record and sketch the collected data.
At the end of this course you will be able to confidently join a survey team and have a good understanding of the survey process. Those who want to take their survey skills to the next level should look for our cartography course where we teach you how to take your data and sketches and create highly accurate and beautiful cave maps.
This program will be spent almost entirely in Rat's Nest Cave to maximize your time learning the necessary survey skills. You will work with analog and digital survey tools in teams to practice all roles of a survey team.
All caving and surveying equipment will be provided. You may bring your own equipment on request (it must be inspected by your instructor prior to approval).
Please note that food and accommodation is not provided.
Are you passionate about adventure,
exploration, and the great outdoors? Do you
love sharing unforgettable experiences with
others? If so, we invite you to
become a part of the Canmore Cave Tours
family by joining our Affiliate Program.
CREATE CONNECTIONS AND SHARE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
Become a Canmore Cave Tours Affiliate
Join our Affiliate Program and become a part
of something extraordinary!
Get ready to experience something new and turn your passion for adventure and the great outdoors into a rewarding venture. The Canmore Cave Tours Affiliate Program is your key to unlocking a world of opportunities. You can earn commissions by referring new customers to visit and explore with Canmore Cave Tours.
WHY PARTNER WITH US?
SHARE EXPERIENCES
The 2023/2024 Affiliate
Program is a great way to
support a different and exciting
adventure, stewardship
and educational pursuit
in our Rocky Mountain
community.
CREATE CONNECTIONS
By promoting Canmore Cave
Tours, you'll connect
people to the thrill of underground
exploration while
contributing to the conservation
and preservation of
this unique natural wonder.
GENERATE INCOME
When you drive traffic from
your blog, website, or
social media you’ll make
money! You'll earn a commission
on every purchase
made by customers you refer
to explore with us.
SHARE EXPERIENCES
The 2023/2024 Affiliate Program is a great way to support a different and exciting adventure, stewardship and educational pursuit in our Rocky Mountain community.
CREATE CONNECTIONS
By promoting Canmore Cave Tours, you'll connect people to the thrill of underground exploration while contributing to the conservation and preservation of this unique natural wonder.
GENERATE INCOME
When you drive traffic from your blog, website, or social media you’ll make money! You'll earn a commission on every purchase made by customers you refer to explore with us.
You’ll not only be rewarded through commission; you’ll also receive rewards towards other local experiences with our partners, early access to future events, friends and family benefits, and VIP access to special events. The added bonus? Early adopters will receive a higher commission rate on their
sales.
The purpose of the Affilliate Program Pilot is work with a small group of motivated affiliates in order to create a program that is simple, effective and mutually beneficial. We expect there to be bumps along the way during the pilot, which is why we're offering a higher initial commission rate and extra perks! When we launch the program to the public we want to have as many bugs as possible worked out so your experience is completely seamless. This is your chance to have your say on how the program works.
Who is the Affiliate Program for?
The Canmore Cave Tours affiliate program is open to anyone who is interested in helping to share our cave tours with the world. During the program pilot we will have a limited number of spots available in order to engage with our participants and collect feedback that will shape the program and help to make it as effective as possible.
What are the Participation requirements?
First and foremost, there is no cost to you to participate.
In order to participate in the affiliate program pilot you will need to apply using the application form below. We have a limited number of spots available during the pilot and we are looking for a diverse group of initial participants who will engage with us and help us to create a great affiliate program.
Once you are an affiliate, your requirements depend on how involved you want to be. At a very minimum you are required to adhere to our content guidelines, which effectively ask you to refrain from misrepresenting Canmore Cave Tours, or our products, in any way. See our "General Terms and Conditions". Beyond that, you choose how to share your affiliate link - email to friends and family, post on a blog, share on social... that's up to you. We'll even provide some materials to help you with that.
If you choose to participate in any special programs such as events, friends and family tours or familiarization tours, there will be requirements specific to those programs that you will be required to meet.
General Terms & Conditions
This Affiliate Program Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Canmore Cave Tours ("CCT") and the affiliate ("Affiliate") who wishes to participate in the Canmore Cave Tours Affiliate Program ("Program"). By applying to the Program and promoting Canmore Cave Tours, Affiliate agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions outlined in this Agreement.
1. Program Overview
1.1 Program Structure: The Canmore Cave Tours Affiliate Program allows Affiliates to promote CCT services and earn commissions on sales generated through their referral links.
1.2 Approval and Participation: Participation in the Program is subject to approval by CCT. CCT reserves the right to deny participation to any applicant for any reason.
2. Affiliate Obligations
2.1 Promotion: Affiliates will actively promote CCT using approved marketing materials provided by CCT or developed in collaboration with CCT.
2.2 Compliance: Affiliates agree to promote CCT in a professional and ethical manner in line with applicable laws and regulations.
2.3 No Misrepresentation: Affiliates shall not make any false, misleading, or deceptive representations about CCT or its services.
2.4 No Competing Activities: Affiliates shall not promote competing services or products that may adversely affect the success of the Program.
3. Commission Structure
3.1 Commission Rate: Affiliates will earn a commission for every completed sale referred through their unique referral link. Commission rates will be outlined in a separate document or email.
3.2 Payouts: Commissions will be paid out according to the schedule specified in the separate commission structure document or email.
3.3 Commission Disputes: Disputes related to commissions should be reported to CCT within 30 days of the transaction date. CCT will review and resolve disputes at its sole discretion.
4. Intellectual Property
4.1 Use of Marketing Materials: Affiliates are granted a limited, non-exclusive, revocable right to use the marketing materials provided by CCT for the sole purpose of promoting CCT in accordance with this Agreement.
4.2 Trademarks and Copyrights: Affiliates shall not modify or reproduce CCT trademarks, logos, or copyrighted materials without explicit written consent from CCT.
5. Termination
5.1 Termination by CCT: CCT reserves the right to terminate an Affiliate's participation in the Program at any time for violation of these terms, failure to meet performance standards, or for any reason deemed appropriate by CCT.
5.2 Termination by Affiliate: Affiliates may voluntarily terminate their participation in the Program by providing written notice to CCT.
6. Confidentiality
6.1 Confidential Information: Affiliates agree to maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary or confidential information shared by CCT, including but not limited to commission rates and marketing strategies.
7. Miscellaneous
7.1 Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which CCT operates.
7.2 Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between CCT and the Affiliate, superseding any prior agreements or understandings, written or oral.
By applying to the Canmore Cave Tours Affiliate Program, the Affiliate acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in this Agreement.
Effective Date: This Agreement is effective as of the date of acceptance by CCT.
How do Commissions Work?
You earn commissions for every referral that results in a purchase, and you earn commission on the entire purchase amount.
Due to the way tours are typically booked, and the possibility that particpants may need to cancel their tour for some reason or another, commissions have to be calculated after the tour date, not at the time of purchase. Commissions will be calculated within the first week of the month, for all tours that occurred in the previous month. For example, if you refer a friend to Canmore Cave Tours and they join us for a tour in February, your commissions will be calculated and available to you in March.
How do I get paid?
During the Pilot Program, for the purpose of simplicity, commissions will be available as credits that you can trade for a variety of rewards such as tours, gift cards, and swag with us and any other businesses that choose to participate.
Once the program launches in full, not only will you be able to trade credits for rewards, but you'll be able to "cash out" your credits (minimums will apply). This means you will be able to request a cash payout of your credits.
How do I track conversion metrics?
As you can imagine, tracking referrals and conversions is a complicated process. During the pilot program we will be watching referrals and conversions very carefully to ensure our tracking mechanisms are working properly, and we will share this information with you through email, or via a simple dashboard that you will be given access to. Once the program is in full swing, you will have access to a dashboard that will automatically show you referrals and conversions, and based on your feedback, other data that you find helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find the answers you need? Log in to Facebook and use our instant chat function below, or visit our Contact Us page for more ways to get in touch.
Is there a minimum age?
The minimum age is 10 years.
Is there a maximum size?
Generally speaking, 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). If you have any concerns about size please don't hesitate to contact us.
What is included and what should I bring?
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. We will also provide you with a Clif Bar energy bar, and a 500mL bottle of water (in a reusable bottle that is yours to keep).
You will need to bring good footwear, warm clothing, a camera (optional) and if you have any dietary restrictions, please bring a snack that you know works for you. Also, if you ill 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.
Is transportation provided?
No, transportation is not provided. If you do not have your own vehicle we can arrange a taxi to the cave for you at an additional cost. You can use Canmore's public transit to get to our office.
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!
Are there rats or bats?
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.
Is this tour suitable for me if I'm pregnant?
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.
Looking to book a cave tour but not sure where to start? You can find the details of each tour, event or course that we offer on the Tours & Activities page. From here you will be able to make your reservation online using our handy booking widget.
If you are having trouble booking online, or don't see the date/time you were hoping for, please contact us, we'd be happy to help.
Common Questions
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ADVENTURE AND EXPLORER TOURS?
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.
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?
The minimum age for the Adventure Tour is 12 years. The minimum age for the Explorer Tour is 10 years.
IS THERE A MAXIMUM SIZE?
Generally speaking, 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). If you have any concerns about size please don't hesitate to contact us.
WHAT IS INCLUDED AND WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
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.
IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED?
No, transportation is not provided. If you do not have your own vehicle we can arrange a taxi to the cave for you at an additional cost. You can use Canmore's public transit to get to our office.
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!
ARE THERE RATS OR BATS?
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.
IS THIS TOUR SUITABLE FOR ME IF I'M PREGNANT?
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.
WILL I NEED TO SIGN A WAIVER?
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.
129 Bow Meadows Crescent
Canmore, Alberta
T1W 2W8
CANADA
Gift Certificates
GIFT CERTIFICATES
You can purchase these digital gift certificates in a variety of denominations. They are ready to be printed off and used as soon as your purchase is complete, they are fully transferable, and never expire
Order a physical gift card for the Adventure Tour or Explorer Tour. Simply scratch the back to reveal the code which can be used to book your tour online. Gift ards never expire.
We love our community and we support it in every way we can. Every year we help dozens of local charities and non-profit organizations in their fundraising efforts through door-prize and silent auction donations, event promotion and sponsored events.
Due to the sheer number of requests we are unable to offer donations to every organization that contacts us, but we still want to help! Use the following form to send us the details of your request. Please provide as much information as possible.Â
Keen to keep up on the world of caves? Like getting sweet offers in your inbox? Jump on our newsletter list and we'll send some cave love your way every now and then.
Privacy Policy
Canmore Caverns Ltd. ("Canmore Cave Tours") respects the privacy of our customers and is committed to protecting your personal information. This policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, use, and protection of your data.
We collect the following types of personal information:
Contact details: Name, email address, phone number, and physical address.
Payment information: Details necessary to process bookings for our cave tours.
Automatically collected data: Cookies and IP addresses to enhance our website's functionality and track referral sources.
Use of Information
Your personal information is used for the following purposes:
To process and manage your bookings.
To improve our website and customer service.
For marketing and promotional efforts.
For analytical purposes to better understand our customers’ preferences.
Sharing and Disclosure of Information
We only share your personal information with third-party service providers used in the operation of our business, such as payment processors and our online booking system. We disclose personal information to government authorities only when legally required.
No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties
We never sell your personal information.
Data Security
We prioritize protecting your personal information and use a secure online booking system to safeguard your data from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.
User Rights
You have the right to access, update, or correct your personal information. Due to legal obligations related to our adventure experiences, certain data may be retained for specific periods. Requests for data updates or corrections can be made by contacting us directly.
Policy Updates
We may update this policy from time to time. The most current version of our privacy policy will always be posted on our website.
Contact Us
For any questions or concerns regarding your privacy, please contact us.
AdamChief, Cook, Bottle Washer
LenoraOffice Manager
BrentGuide Manager
