If you are claustrophobic, read on at your own risk!
The Rocky Mountain’s beauty is unparalleled above ground, but have you ever wondered what lies below?
Well, you can scratch that itch with the help of Canmore Cave Tours, a Canmore-based agency offering cave tours through Rat’s Nest Cave.
Rat’s Nest Cave is Canada’s fourth longest cave, located below Grotto Mountain, ten minutes from Canmore. While the cave is designated a Provincial Historic Resource, it isn’t a tourist cave.
If you want to uncover what Rat’s Nest Cave offers, it will take some elbow grease and a lot of courage.
Some people think the cave was discovered by hikers in 1972, but evidence shows First Nations have known about it for much longer.
Just above the entrance of Rat’s Nest Cave is an ancient pictograph on the rock. Many rock paintings are scattered throughout the cave, demonstrating its cultural significance to the First Nations people for likely thousands of years.
In addition to paintings, visitors have found animal bones dating back 7,000 years. Similarly, stone tools as old as 3,000 years have been found in the cave.
The cave is thought to have been used as a shelter by humans and animals, including the bushy-tailed woodrats that the cave is named after.
To reach these ancient treasures, you will need to squeeze through many tight gaps and tunnels. If you are up to the challenge, Canmore Cave Tours offers two tours.
The Adventure Tour is the longest, lasting a total of six hours. The tour includes an 18-metre rappel and plenty of time to explore passages like the Laundry Chute, arguably the most challenging section of the cave.
The Laundry Chute is named after its L-shape and will require you to descend vertically feet first. Throughout this section, your back will be pressed against the wall, with the opposite wall practically touching your face.
Tight is an understatement. The Explorer Tour is the shortest tour at 4.5 hours long. However, only 2.5 hours are spent underground.
During this time, visitors can take in the cave’s sights. If you are interested in either of these tours, they are offered year-round by Canmore Cave Tours.
