Thompson Okanagan Climbing & Caving
Rock climbing at Skaha Bluffs, Tourism BC/Don Weixl photo
The sunny Okanagan is a haven for rock climbers and mountaineers. With arguably the best weather in Western Canada, the Okanagan Valley also offers the longest climbing season in the province, perfect for exploring the Skaha Bluffs, one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in BC, or Mount Robson Provincial Park.
Skaha Bluffs and Mount Robson Provincial Park
The Skaha Bluffs are the second-most popular climbing destination in BC. Located just outside Penticton, they are a series of cliffs ranging up to 80m/250ft that provide climbers, hikers and sightseers with an excellent view of Penticton, Skaha Lake and the Okanagan Valley.
Mount Robson Provincial Park is home to Canada's famous mountain. Standing nearly 4,000m/13,000ft Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and a challenging and coveted goal of climbers from around the world. The mountaineering, climbing and hiking opportunities in this park are nearly limitless.
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In Kelowna, the area known as Cedar Park offers a series of challenging, sporty climbs; the volcanic conglomerate on Mount Boucherie has several interesting climbs; The Boulderfield has over 100 established routes along with outstanding bouldering problems; and Ellison Provincial Park, on the shores of Okanagan Lake, has small granite cliffs with a moderate degree of difficulty along with some excellent bouldering.
Climbs for All Skill Levels
Skaha Bluffs are home to over 650 known routes ranging from 5.8 to 5.12 (according to the Yosemite Decimal System, the North American rating system. This equates to easier, to intermediate climbs). The large number of climbs, many well bolted and protected, makes the area ideal for beginner and intermediate climbers. There are enough challenges for advanced climbers as well; both The Great White Wall and The Doctor's Wall offer vertical and overhanging cliffs and many sport routes in the 5.11 to 5.12 range.
Outdoor Activities in the Thompson Okanagan
The Thompson Okanagan is truly a playground for the outdoor adventurer. The area's many lakes and rivers are popular for waterskiing, rafting, canoeing, wakeboarding and houseboating, or try 2,000ft of vertical at a resort mountain bike park or spend the day at a championship golf course.
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 (e.g. 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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Alpine Air Adventures is a mountain guiding company offering guided mountain trips in the B.C wilderness. AAA specializes in rock climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Alpine climbing trips to the Bugaboos, Mt. Robson and Rogers Pass. Hut-based ski mountaineering at Fairy Meadows Hut and Sorcerer Lodge. Backcountry skiing/snowboarding in Yoho and Glacier National Parks. AAA also instructs avalanche training courses AST levels 1 and 2, and is available to customize any other mountain adventures. See AAA website today for contact information.
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Skaha Bluffs
Penticton, British Columbia
V2A 8W6
Skaha Rock Adventures Ltd.'s experienced, professional staff are all members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, trained to the highest international standards. Since 1993, our business has grown to become western Canada's largest rock climbing school, using the world renowned Skaha Bluffs of Penticton. This climbing mecca boasts the longest, sunniest climbing season in Canada!
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Other businesses with Climbing & Caving
Get off the beaten path & go where no one else can. CMH Summer Adventures offers 3-6 day lodge-based guided hiking, walking & ambling adventures in the rarely-visited ranges of the Canadian Rockies of eastern British Columbia. Based from luxurious remote mountain lodges, daily helicopter flights take you to otherwise inaccessible alpine lakes, mountain ridges & ancient glaciers to explore at your own pace in the company of professional mountain guides. Come for the mountaineering, via ferrate, walking tours or zip lining while enjoying the trademark hospitality of CMH - Canada's oldest adventure tourism company.
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Three Night Short Escapes Heli-Hiking Tour to the Bugaboos
Experience the wonders of Heli-Hiking in our mountain wilderness. 3 day all-inclusive packages from $2565.
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