 Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, Squamish, Susan Rybar photo Today, outdoor adventurers from around the world follow the footsteps of these early pioneers and flock to BC for its incredible variety of pursuits, from world-class rock climbing and backcountry skiing to glacier treks and mountain ascents. Learn more about Rock Climbing and Mountaineering in BC's six diverse regions:Tackle the Stawamus Chief, one of North America's most famous walls. Head to Strathcona Provincial Park for more than 100 memorable climbs.This region offers challenging, rugged and always exhilarating climbs.This vast, unspoiled region offers adventurers the climbs of a lifetime.Skaha Bluffs promises more than 650 bolted climbs plus stunning views.Canada's Mountain Playground is home to four mountain ranges and hundreds of outstanding climbs.
World-Famous Climbing SitesA half-hour drive from Vancouver takes you to the 700-m (2,297-ft) Stawamus Chief, the second largest granite monolith in the world and Canada's most popular climbing site.
Penticton, in the sunny Okanagan valley, is home to the popular Skaha Bluffs, a series of cliffs made of edgy, featured gneiss with over 650 routes.
In the Purcell Mountains, the tall granite spires of the Bugaboos are one of the premiere alpine climbing areas in North America and the site of many legendary ascents.
Beginner and Expert Rock Climbing Lessons and Climbing WallsThere are many outdoor activity stores catering exclusively to climbers, as well as numerous climbing schools where beginners can learn and experts can hone their skills. For those not ready to venture onto rock, try your hand at the many indoor climbing walls.
MountaineeringBritish Columbia offers some of the best and most accessible mountaineering opportunities.
Yoho National Park features dozens of glaciated peaks on the western slope of the Canadian Rockies, and an astounding 28 of them are over 3,000 m (9,843 ft)
The Purcell Mountains' towering granite spires — several with heights exceeding 3,000 m (9,843 ft) — lure mountaineers the world over to Bugaboo Provincial Park in the Kootenay Rockies.
The southwest corner of the Coast Mountains is home to some great mountaineering opportunities within an easy drive of both Vancouver and Whistler.
Guided Climbing and Mountaineering ToursA certified guide can help take the guesswork out of your rock climbing or mountaineering trip. Guiding companies offer both scheduled and customizable trips to many popular areas, including the Bugaboos and the Tantalus sub-range of the Coast Mountains. Meal planning and technical gear (either rented or supplied) is often available with many guided tours. Tours can be customized to suit both beginner and advanced climbers and mountaineers.
Where to Get Climbing GearBritish Columbia is home to numerous outdoor clothing and equipment stores that are staffed by, and cater to, dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. These can be great places to pick up necessary equipment, inquire about guided excursions, and obtain route advice and insider tips.
Grades and RatingsThe Yosemite Decimal System is the North American grading/rating system for climbs. Before you embark on any climb, find out what the grade is and compare to the YSD.
Had a Great BC Rock Climbing or Mountaineering Experience? We want to hear about it! Let other visitors in on your off-the-beaten path tips, recommended climbs, or mountaineering tales! Write a short blog and share your stories!
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