About Canmore Cave Tours
Canmore Cave Tours has been leading guided underground adventures in Rat's Nest Cave since 1992, making it one of Canada's longest-running wild caving operators. The cave sits beneath Grotto Mountain just east of Canmore, and its undeveloped passages contain 7,000-year-old animal bones, ancient pictographs, and delicate cave formations that few visitors ever get to see firsthand.
Two tour levels are offered year-round: the Explorer Tour spends roughly 2.5 hours underground across a 4.5-hour outing, suitable for families and first-time cavers, while the Adventure Tour extends to four hours underground and includes an 18-metre rappel into one of the cave's deeper chambers. No previous caving or rappelling experience is required — all technical gear and instruction are provided. Groups are kept small for safety and to protect the cave environment.
What sets Canmore Cave Tours apart is the raw, wild nature of the experience — there are no paved walkways, handrails, or fixed lighting. Guests climb, crawl, and squeeze through natural passages by headlamp, guided by experienced cavers who know every crawlway and chimney. The company also runs advanced caving courses for those looking to develop independent skills, and their downtown Canmore office on 8th Street makes booking and meeting points convenient for visitors staying in town.
