Northern British Columbia is full of mountain ranges, alpine lakes, rivers and bluffs – a perfect landscape for mountaineering, hiking, and rock climbing enthusiasts. In Northern BC - home to the Coastal, Cassiar, Omineca, Skeena and Rocky mountain ranges - activities take place year round. In the warm summer months the long daylight hours make the cliffs of northern BC a playground for rock climbers and mountaineers. In the winter, backcountry skiers and ice climbers can take their pick of sparkling snow fields, glaciers and frozen waterfalls.
A travel adventure in an area the size of northern BC offers many rewards. There is a variety of pristine mountains, ridges, bluffs and rock climbing areas that are undeveloped and unexplored. Local climbing clubs are a good source of information for climbs, routes and trails, or take a guided backcountry adventure tour and experience the best of what Northern BC can offer.
Highlights:
Terrace
Terrace Rock Climbing
Northern BC holds a wealth of undeveloped and unclimbed rock. Between Terrace and Prince Rupert, there are many easily accessible cliffs and bluffs, some up 200 meters, with good climbing potential. The developed climbing spots in the Terrace area include Copper Mountain, whose 350-meter face offers some of the best rock climbing in the area; the popular and easily accessible Onion Lake, located between Terrace and Kitimat; and Tyee, a sporty crag with excellent routes on vertical and overhanging granite cliffs.
Mountaineering in NBC: Glaciers, Mountains, Wilderness
The spectacular mountains, glaciers, and alpine wilderness of Northern BC offer a wealth of choices for those venturing off the beaten path. You can explore the wilds from a European-style glacier chalet; camp in stunning Spatsizi Wilderness Park, or try a guided expedition to the Stikine Ice-Cap – in Northern BC the adventures are as large as the land itself. Rock Climbing and Mountaineering Safety
- Beginners should consider basic climbing and belaying instruction in the safe and controlled environment of indoor climbing walls and seek instruction until they are confident and able to attack more challenging routes.
- All climbers and mountaineers – regardless of their level of expertise – must thoroughly investigate, and have a good understanding of all gear, safety and weather-related (eg avalanche safety) requirements prior to setting out on any outdoor excursion of this nature.
- In order to avoid injury, get advice from local guides, clubs or associations before venturing out.
- Also make sure that your travel health insurance is also up to date and includes separate coverage for your chosen activity.
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