Climbing & Caving

Guided Rock Climbing and Mountaineering Tours

A certified guide can remove the guesswork from a climbing and mountaineering trip. Guide companies offer scheduled expeditions to popular areas, including the Bugaboos. Custom trips are also available. Many guided tours offer meal planning and technical gear (either rental or supplied).

Rock Climbing and Mountaineering Safety

• Beginners should seek basic climbing and belaying instruction in the safe and controlled environment of indoor climbing walls 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 (e.g. avalanche safety) requirements, prior to setting out on any outdoor climbing or mountaineering excursion.
• In order to avoid injury, seek advice from local guides, clubs, or associations before venturing out.
• Also all climbers and mountaineers should make sure that their travel health insurance is also up to date and includes separate coverage for their chosen activity.

Bugaboo Provincial Park

For approximately 100 years, towering granite spires – some exceeding 3,000m/9,843ft – have lured climbers to the Bugaboos in the Purcell Mountains. Daunting facades offer skill-testing ascents followed by long, complex descents with multiple rappels. Experienced climbers will be in their element on the Bugaboos, and local guides can ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. Lightening storms are frequent during the summer.

An incredible selection of routes await well-equipped, experienced climbers. Two of the these routes – East Ridge on Bugaboo Spire, and West Buttress on South Howser Tower – are included in Steve Roper and Allen Steck's book, Classic Climbs in North America. Glacier travel is a component of most trips in the Bugs, and hut accommodation ensures a comfortable night's rest.

Yoho National Park

Situated on the rugged western slope of the Canadian Rockies, Yoho National Park is one of the most magnificent parks in BC, with 28 mountain peaks towering more than 3,000m/9,843ft high. Surrounding the upper Yoho Valley are several glaciated peaks, including The President, The Vice President, Mount MacArthur, and Isolated Peak. Guided ascents to these summits can be arranged. Most mountaineering in Yoho is for experienced climbers, although there are some guided tours that cater to intermediate levels.

Nelson

Near the charming heritage city of Nelson, there are three easily accessible climbing areas. Kootenay Crag has up to 15 routes, rated 5.11-5.13, Hall Siding has 12 challenging routes, and Grohman Narrows requires climbers to do some paddling before they can access the climbing area.

Slocan

The Slocan Bluffs are a popular sport-climbing area, featuring a mix of cracks and face climbs suited to a range of experience levels, including a few beginner climbs. Koch Creek, near Slocan, provides a spectacular climbing area thanks to epic granite cracks and slabs. Plunge into Slocan Lake post-climb for a refreshing dip.

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