Rock Climbing in Vancouver BC
The Costal Mountains stretch from North Vancouver and keep on going up to the Yukon and Alaska. Ocean cliffs, Alpine rock, icefields, boulderfields, walls and crags are all a short hop from the Pacific Ocean.
For a quick jaunt out of downtown Vancouver, the ocean cliffs of Lighthouse park in West Vancouver offer a dozen short routes.
It’s a picturesque diversion for beginner and intermediates but serious rock climbers need to head to Squamish, “Rock Central” of British Columbia.
Squamish
The town, which is situated halfway between Vancouver and Whistler on the Sea-to Sky Highway, styles itself as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of the World”.
When you arrive, don’t let the sudden proliferation of fast food joints and gas stations put you off. Head to the small downtown area, get out the car and have a look around at the knock-out scenery and the most diverse climbers’ playground in Canada.
Climbers have arrived in Squamish and never gone home. There are countless options for traditional climbing, sport climbing, bouldering and mountaineering all within easy range of the small downtown area.
Stawamus Chief dominates the southern approach to Squamish. The famous 700m hunk of granite has around 50 climbing routes and the base offers some great bouldering opportunities.
The Tantalus Range of the Coast Mountains situated north of Squamish offers challenging climbs on snow-capped mountains and glacier, while ice climbing is one of the many climbing options in Whistler.
There’s no shortage of climbing outfits offering lessons and tours. For details, visit the striking Squamish Adventure Centre just off the highway north of town.
Squamish BC
Tips: Stawamus Chief is a destination rock, so be prepared for lots of company in the summer.
Related section: Outdoor activities in Vancouver