Mount Norquay

TRADITIONAL

MAP

The east summit of Mount Norquay is formed from a long uplift of limestone that runs approximately north-south, perpendicular to the Trans-Canada Highway. On its west side, steeply inclined bedding planes form a series of cliffs, the most prominent of which has two long corner systems visible from the highway. The best viewpoint is on the eastbound lane of the highway about 3 km east of the Bow Valley Parkway exit. The photograph opposite is taken from across the Bow Valley on the trail to Sundance Canyon. The climbing area has two sections, Upper Norquay Slabs where the two corners are located, and Lower Norquay Slabs, the top of which is just visible in the photograph. The upper slabs are more weathered and generally give easier climbing. The left-hand of the two prominent corners is climbed by a classic, four-pitch gear route called Escargot Corner, one of the best climbs of its grade in the area. The lower slabs are a little steeper and less endowed with holds and give superb friction climbs up to three pitches in length.