Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, or anything in between, trade the heavy traffic, bad weather, long lines and big crowds for an adventure you'll never forget.
Your Time is Precious.
Make It Extraordinary.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, or anything in between, trade the heavy traffic, bad weather, long lines and big crowds for an adventure you'll never forget.
Real Adventure
This is no amusement park ride - you're heading into a real, undeveloped natural cave. That's why you'll be dressed head-to-toe in high-quality caving equipment and teamed up with one of our experienced cave guides.
Year-Round, Rain or Shine
The Cave is 5°C - always. There's no rain, no wind, no snow and no sun, so we can explore the cave any day of the year. TLDR: We almost never cancel because of weather.
A Complete Experience
Whether you're looking for thrilling high-adventure, peaceful solitude, or anything in between, you'll find it here. Explore, unwind, and learn – all in one unforgettable journey.
Real Adventure
This is no amusement park ride - you're heading into a real, undeveloped natural cave. That's why you'll be dressed head-to-toe in high-quality caving equipment and teamed up with one of our experienced cave guides.
Year-Round, Rain or Shine
The Cave is 5°C - always. There's no rain, no wind, no snow and no sun, so we can explore the cave any day of the year. TLDR: We almost never cancel because of weather.
A Complete Experience
Whether you're looking for thrilling high-adventure, peaceful solitude, or anything in between, you'll find it here. Explore, unwind, and learn – all in one unforgettable journey.
More Than 30 Years of Adventure
We've been sharing this incredible underground world with visitors from across the globe since 1992.
As a special thanks for visiting us at the show we're extending our special show offer for you until ! Purchase your cave tour gift cards below before then to receive your discount and we'll mail them off to you. Don't miss out on this incredible offer!
Read the details ,view images, and then when you're ready to add the item to your order, select continue and choose your quantity for this item.
4. Contact Details
Complete your contact details including complete mailing address and click continue.
5. Payment
Complete payment, and you're done. We'll mail your gift cards and vouchers as soon as humanly possible. If you'd prefer to pick your cards up in person please let us know in the notes.
Discount currently applied:
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Visit Rat's Nest Cave in VR!
Sign our guestbook (Located in the Grotto) to get an entended discount on tours and gift cards.
Your next adventure can support your favorite cause. Whether you’re fundraising for a school, sports team, charity, or community project, the Adventure Fundraising Program lets you raise funds while sharing unforgettable experiences. Every booking made through your custom fundraising link contributes to your goal—at no extra cost to your supporters!
The Bow Valley is an incredible place to explore, filled with breathtaking scenery and world-class outdoor adventures. Now, your supporters can experience everything this destination has to offer—like caving, rafting, and hiking—while directly contributing to your cause. Every tour they book through your fundraising link helps fund your team, charity, school, or community project, turning adventure into real-world impact.
How Does it Work?
Register Your Group or Cause
Sign up for free and get a unique fundraising link for your organization, team, or project.
Share Your Fundraising Link
Encourage friends, family, and supporters to book an experience with one of our Adventure Partners using your custom link.
Earn Donations for Every Booking
A portion of each adventure booked through your link goes directly to your fundraising goal.
Common Questions
How does the Adventure Fundraising Program work?
Your organization, team, or cause will receive a unique fundraising link that supporters can use to book outdoor experiences like caving, rafting, and hiking. Every booking made through your link earns a donation toward your fundraising goal—at no extra cost to your supporters!
Do our supporters pay extra for their activities?
No! The cost of the tours remains the same. Instead of paying extra, a portion of every booking made through your link is donated directly to your fundraising campaign.
How much will we receive from each booking?
Your organization will earn 15% of every booking (on the pre-tax amount) made through your link.
How do we create our fundraising link?
Simply register your team, group, or charity through our sign-up page, and we’ll provide you with a unique fundraising link to share with your community.
When and how will we receive our funds?
Donations are processed monthly, and your organization will receive funds via e-transfer to the email provided in your registration unless otherwise specified.
Is there a fee for using the Adventure Fundraising Program?
No, there are no setup fees or hidden costs! Your organization receives a percentage of every booking—100% free to participate.
Will we need to declare this for taxes?
This may depend on your organization’s tax status. If you’re a registered charity, this can count as a donation. If you’re a school or club, it may be considered fundraising revenue. Please check with a tax professional for guidance.
How will our supporters know about our fundraiser?
It’s up to you! Share your fundraising link via social media, emails, newsletters, or community events. Add a link to your website to make it easy for your supporters to find it. We can also provide digital content to help you promote your fundraising link if needed.
What if no one books through our link?
There’s no risk! If no bookings are made, you won’t receive funds, but you also won’t owe anything. We encourage you to actively promote your link to maximize your fundraising success.
What if our supporters have questions or issues when booking?
Bookings are made directly through each company's website. If there are any questions each company can be contacted directly for answers.
Can we use this for any type of fundraiser?
Yes! The program works for schools, sports teams, charities, clubs, and community projects—any group looking to raise funds while sharing adventures.
Can we set this up even if our group is not based in Canmore?
Yes! Anyone can participate, no matter where they’re from. As long as supporters book using your unique link, a portion of their bookings will go toward your fundraiser.
What's the Catch?
There's no catch. By helping to promote our experiences to your supporters our partner companies get increased exposure, your supporters enjoy amazing experiences, and you earn for your organization. This is win - win - win.
Participating Partners
Canmore Cave Tours
Canmore Raft Tours
Cluesolvers
Canmore Canoe
Register
Add your contact details below and we'll send you a unique URL to share with your supporters.
Celebrate your wedding with friends and family in the Bow Valley. When your guests book adventures with our local partners, a portion is gifted directly to you—helping you start your next chapter with unforgettable experiences.
The Bow Valley is the perfect place to celebrate your love story, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and world-class outdoor adventures. Now, your guests can explore everything this incredible destination has to offer—like caving, rafting, hiking, and more—while contributing to your next chapter as a couple. Every tour they book supports your future, turning their adventures into a lasting gift for you.
How Does it Work?
Register
Provide your contact and event details and instantly receive a unique, shareable URL.
Share
Share your URL with frinds, family and guests. They don't even need to be attending - if they book an activity using your link, a portion of their booking is gifted back to you.
Receive
Our activity partners will send their gift to you within 30 days of the completion of your guest's activity. The best part is that there is no deadline for your guests to complete their activity. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
Common Questions
How does the Adventure Registry work?
Guests book tours and activities with participating local companies using your custom URL, and a portion of each booking is gifted to you as a couple.
Do our guests pay extra for their activities?
No, guests pay the same price they would normally. The contribution to you comes from our participating partners.
How much will we receive from each booking?
Each activity partner contributes 15% of each booking to your adventure registry.
Can we see which guests have booked tours?
We respect guest privacy, so while we track total contributions, we don’t share personal booking details unless a guest lets you know themselves.
How do we create our Adventure Registry?
Simply fill out a quick form on our website, and you'll receive a custom link to share with guests.
Is there a deadline for setting up our registry?
We recommend setting it up at least a few months before your wedding to give guests time to book their activities, but there is no deadline. Guests can book an activity any time before or after your event and you will still receive our contribution.
When and how will we receive our contribution?
Contributions are calculated in the month following the month in which the activity took place. For example, if your guest books a tour in April, you will receive a contribution for that booking in May. Contributions are payed via etransfer to the email address you provide in the registration form.
Is there a fee for using the Adventure Registry?
No, there are no fees for you or your guests. The contribution comes from our partner businesses as a thank you for referring your guests.
Is this considered a cash gift? Will we need to declare it for taxes?
We recommend speaking with a tax professional to discuss the best approach for your situation.
How will our guests know about our registry?
You’ll receive a custom link to share on your wedding website, invitations, or in your welcome emails. Post it on your socials and ask your guests to do the same. Referral contributions are not limited to your wedding guests.
What if our guests prefer giving traditional gifts?
That’s totally fine! The Adventure Registry is an optional way for them to enhance their trip while contributing to your wedding. There is no obligation to participate.
What if our guests don’t book any tours?
There’s no pressure. You’ll only receive contributions if guests book, but either way, they’ll know about the amazing adventures available in Canmore. And your link doesn't expire, so if they book any time in the future you'll still receive a contribution.
What if our guests have questions or issues when booking?
Our adventure partners are available to assist your guests with any questions or booking support. Details about he experiences are avialable through their websites.
Can we set up a registry if we’re having a small wedding?
Yes! Whether you’re hosting 10 guests or 100, every booking counts—and smaller groups often book more personalized experiences.
Can we use this for other group gatherings like stag/stagettes or family reunions?
Absolutely. The fund can work for any gathering—just let us know how we can support your group.
Can we use the funds toward a honeymoon or other experiences?
Yes! The contribution is cash so you can use it however you wish.
What if we need to cancel or change our wedding date?
Not a problem. Your registry URL will still be valid and you can continue to receive contributions for our partners.
Can we still set this up if our wedding is not in Canmore?
Yes! If your guests are traveling through the area (e.g., Banff, Kananaskis), they can still book tours and contribute to your registry.
Participating Partners
Canmore Cave Tours
Canmore Raft Tours
Cluesolvers
Canmore Canoe
Register
Add your contact details below and we'll send you a unique URL to share with your wedding guests.
Join us underground on December 14th for an unforgettable evening as Eddie Shedder brings their unique blend of mountain folk and jam to the depths of Rat’s Nest Cave. Surrounded by stunning rock formations and bathed in the natural acoustics of the cavern, this one-of-a-kind concert promises to be an intimate and awe-inspiring experience.
Descend into the heart of Rat’s Nest Cave on December 14th for an unforgettable underground concert featuring Eddie Shedder, where the echoes of the cave will amplify their unique blend of mountain folk and jam. In this intimate, otherworldly setting, the band’s music will come alive in a way you’ve never experienced before, blending perfectly with the natural acoustics of the cavern. Surrounded by ancient rock formations and illuminated by the soft glow of cave lighting, you’ll be immersed in an evening of music that resonates as deeply as the cave itself.
Eddie Shedder, honed in the shadows of the Canadian Rockies, will deliver their signature sound—a dynamic mix of driving jams and soul-stirring ballads. Songs like “Troubled Water” and “Picking My Way” will pulse through the underground air, while “Lens National” and “Empires” will flow gently like an underground stream, evoking the spirit of mountain life and the quiet power of the natural world. Their music, inspired by mountain trails, river currents, and the joy of togetherness, will take on an entirely new dimension in this awe-inspiring venue.
The cave experience will be intimate and profound, with limited seating ensuring every guest feels the connection between the music, the cave, and the moment. The band’s members—Trent Pipson (guitar/vocals), Joe Titus (bass), Brian Bailey (mandelion, guitar/vocals), and Chris McKenna (guitar/vocals)—will create a performance that feels both personal and epic, inviting you to reflect on the beauty and raw power of nature.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Eddie Shedder’s music in the breathtaking setting of Rat’s Nest Cave. It’s more than a concert—it’s a journey into the depths of the earth and the soul of their sound, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Spirit in the Mountain
Date:
Dec 14, 2024
Starring:
Trent Pipson, Joe Titus, Brian Bailey, and Chris McKenna
Event Details
Event Date: Dec 14, 2024
Start Time: 12PM
Approximate Finish:6PM
Meet your guides at the Canmore Cave Tours Office in Canmore (129 Bow Meadows Crescent) at noon, where your festive underground adventure begins! After a warm welcome and a brief overview of the day’s schedule, you’ll sign your waiver and gather your caving equipment. The Christmas spirit continues with a short drive in convoy to the cave parking lot, just seven minutes away. Once there, you’ll embark on a guided hike to the cave entrance, where the magic of the season meets the wonders of nature. All caving equipment is provided—please see the FAQ section for details on what to bring to ensure you’re fully prepared for this unforgettable holiday experience!
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.
You will spend approximately 3 hours underground.
It's a little chilly in there!
Just a reminder that while the cave is likely to be warmer than the outside temperature, it is still only 5 degrees celsius so bundle up. We recommend bringing warm layers like fleece jackets or hoodies and long johns, and a winter hat to wear under the helmet. Bring more than seems reasonable - your guide will help you decide what will work and what won't.
It's as easy as 1-2-3! Simply click "Book Now", fill in your personal details and then make payment via credit card. That's it!
The system will automatically send you a confirmation of your tour with the relevant details and it will even send you a reminder two days before your tour so you don't forget!
For bookings of 8 or fewer we require a minimum of 48 hours notice to cancel with a full refund. Due to bank processes it may take a few days to a week to see the refund on your account. At the time of cancellation you will receive a confirmation that your reservation (or a portion of your reservation) has been cancelled.
For groups larger than 8 we require a minimum of 14 days notice for cancellation with a full refund.
In the event of extreme weather, or due to the unforeseen lack of appropriate staff we may cancel a tour for your safety, at which point we will fully refund your reservation and do everyting in our power to help you find a suitable alternative activity.
Your Privacy is Important to Us
During the booking process we will ask you for your Full Name, e-mail address, phone number, and postal/zip code. We use your contact details in case we need to update you on your reservation for some reason, and we find that occasionally some payments will not complete correctly due to a missing postal code.
We will never share any of your information with another organization, nor will you receive communication from us that does not pertain directly to your reservation. We don't like SPAM either. During the reservation process you may choose to opt in to receive our monthly newsletter, which contains stories from the cave, notional and international caving news, offers and upcoming events. You can always unsubscribe at any time.
A Secure Booking Process
When you book your experience online with us you will be able to select the date and time of the experience while on our website and then you will be asked to enter your contact details and agree to our terms and conditions.
With all of this complete, the next step will be to make your payment, at which point you will be taken off of our website to a secure page hosted by our reservation system. You can tell that the website is secure by the green lock located in the address bar. Please do not send payment information via e-mail or any other digital messaging as we cannot gurantee its safety. If you'd prefer, we can take credit card payment over the phone.
Liability Waivers
Liability waivers are an unfortunate but necessary part of any adventure activity. We recommend that you take the time before your tour, or even before your reservation, to thoroughly review this legal document.
Anyone participating in a Canmore Cave Tours activity must complete a liability waiver, including minors. In the case of minors, it is very important that a parent or guardian also reads and signs the waiver.
For youth groups where a parent may not be present on the tour we can arrange for the waivers to be signed ahead of time, or an adult who has been granted guardianship by the parent can sign the minor's waiver (in loco parentis). In all other cases the waiver should be signed at our office in the presence of your guide once you have received your pre-trip briefing.
We're always happy to help answer your questions and choose the best experience. We can also recommend other great activities or restaurants to compliment your cave tour.
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 camera (optional), 1L of water and a pocket-sized, cave-friendly snack. 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.
