Canmore Cave Tours offers two guided cave tour options at Rat's Nest Cave.

The Explorer Tour spends approximately 2.5 hours underground, with a total tour length of around 4.5 hours including the hike.

The Adventure Tour spends approximately 4 hours underground, with a total tour length of around 6 hours — it covers more of the cave and includes an 18-metre rappel into one of the cave's deeper sections. No rappelling experience is necessary.

Both tours are similar in physical difficulty and require a moderate level of fitness.

Yes. Rat's Nest Cave is a designated Provincial Historic Resource under Alberta's Historical Resources Act, and access is permitted only through licensed guided tours. Independent entry is not permitted. All tours are led by trained and certified guides from Canmore Cave Tours.

Both the Adventure Tour and Explorer Tour run year-round, including winter. Tours operate daily, subject to availability. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during summer months when tours fill quickly. Current availability can be viewed and booked online.

 Tours can be booked online at canmorecavetours.com, by phone at 1-877-317-1178, or in person at our office at 830 8th Street (Main Street) #101, Canmore — walk-ins are welcome. Groups of up to 8 guests can book online. For larger groups, please call us to discuss availability and group rates. Gift certificates are also available online and never expire.

Both tours require a moderate level of fitness. The hike to the cave entrance takes approximately 30–40 minutes and is uphill the entire way on a mountain trail — most guests find this the most demanding part of the day.

Once inside, the pace is slow as guides lead the group through the passages. This is not a flat walking tour — there are no handrails, walkways, or fixed lighting. Guests climb, crawl, and squeeze through natural passages.

The Adventure Tour adds an 18-metre rappel, though no prior experience is required. A sense of adventure matters more than athletic ability.

The required passages on a standard tour are larger than most people expect. The tightest space you must pass through is approximately the size of a manhole cover and lasts only about 15 centimetres (6 inches) in length. Anything smaller is entirely optional. The majority of the cave consists of large walking passage, with some sections requiring short crawls or duck-walking.

Guests with mild claustrophobia regularly complete the tour successfully — your guide will brief you on what to expect before entering and will help you navigate any challenging sections at your own pace.

The minimum age for the Explorer Tour is 10 years. The minimum age for the Adventure Tour is 12 years. Participants of all ages must be able to wear a safety harness. The harness has a maximum waist size of 46 inches (116 cm) and a maximum leg size of 33 inches (84 cm). If you have any concerns about fit please contact us before booking.

Fitness is generally more of a consideration than body size. That said, all participants must wear a safety harness with a maximum waist size of 46 inches (116 cm) and a maximum leg size of 33 inches (84 cm). If you have any concerns please don't hesitate to contact us.

 A minimum of 2 guests is required for a tour to run. Standard tours accommodate up to 8 guests per guide. For larger groups — corporate teams, school groups, special events — Canmore Cave Tours can accommodate up to 40 participants through a customised group program, with group rates available for 8 or more. Please call us to arrange group bookings.

All essential caving equipment is provided, including coveralls, kneepads, gloves, helmet, headlamp, harness, and safety lanyard.

Guests should wear warm clothing in layers — the cave maintains a constant temperature of approximately 4.5°C year-round. Sturdy closed-toe footwear with good tread is required; hiking boots or shoes are ideal, though sturdy runners, rubber boots, or winter boots also work.

Bring a water bottle and a pocket-sized snack — energy bars, candy bars, and fruit leathers work well. Avoid nuts or loose foods that could leave a mess in the cave. If you require medication during the tour, bring twice what you expect to need.

Small cameras and phones are welcome but are brought at your own risk given the cave's humidity and confined spaces.

Transportation is not included. Guests with their own vehicle drive to the trailhead from the tour meeting point at 129 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore. If you do not have a vehicle, we can arrange a taxi to the cave at an additional cost. Canmore's public transit can also be used to reach our downtown office.

 Rat's Nest Cave is named after the nests of bushy-tailed wood rats found in the entrance area. These native rodents use the cave for its constant warmth and shelter from predators — they're rarely seen on tours, and if spotted there is usually just one. Bats are rarely encountered. The cave is not a hibernaculum, so bats do not overwinter here. The occasional bat may be seen passing through in summer.

Tours are suitable during the first trimester (up to 12 weeks). We do not recommend participation beyond the first trimester.

As with any physical activity during pregnancy, we advise consulting your doctor before booking.

Yes. All participants must complete a liability waiver before the tour. Once booked, you will receive a link to sign the waiver online. Participants under 18 must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. We recommend reviewing the waiver before booking.

View the Waiver

We require 48 hours notice for changes or cancellations. Group reservations of 8 or more are subject to a 14-day cancellation policy. Due to credit card processing fees, a 3% fee applies to all refunds.