Rock Climbing in Squamish

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Rock climbing is more than just a sport; it’s problem solving on-the-go. It’s a balance of intuition and fluidity of movement. The fun comes from the possibilities — each route with a variety of options and only a fraction of them leading to success. When you finally master a climb, after hours of practice, it transcends mere sport and is akin to art.

Adding that to the fact that Squamish is one of the best rock climbing locations in the world, is there really any reason not to try it out?

What you get in this adventure:

• An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
• A half or full day of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
• Technical climbing gear

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

• Helmet
• Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
• Rock shoes* (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
• Ropes
• Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 35L bag)
• Water bottle and 1L of water
• Food you can eat on-the-go
• Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
• Sunglasses
• Camera — optional

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Squamish has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced climbers, Squamish has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

Your climbing itinerary will be fully customized to match your skill level and objectives. You and your guide will discuss route selection, skills development, and whatever else you’d like to focus on. From there, your guide will plan the perfect day tailored just for you.

Depending on your objectives, full days may start earlier and end later, but in general, your day will look like this:

• 8:30 AM: Meet your guide at the Squamish Adventure Centre
• 9:00 AM: Gear up, travel to Smoke Bluffs Park and head out to the crag (two-minute drive, ten-minute hike)
• 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Climb your objective for the day, stopping for lunch and breaks as needed
• 4:30 pm: Back to the cars for debriefing and high fives

If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
Teens aged 14-17 can go on their own, but a guardian will need to provide a signed waiver before an outing with the guide.
Kids younger than 14 can go climbing on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

For single-pitch climbs, the max client to guide ratio is 4:1 and cost is per person. Multi-pitch climbs consist of 2 people per guide.
Costs per person will decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.

Climbing days can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Squamish is known for rain, so be prepared to accommodate Mother Nature. As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad preparation.” You can expect your guides to be fully prepared for anything. Inclement weather can always get in the way of climbing, but your guide will know the best spots to move to if the weather takes a turn.

On the rare occasion of truly bad weather, your guide will present you with suitable alternatives. The most common practice is to move to a nearby location if it exists, or to reschedule your climbing to a more favorable day.

If climbing is not possible on your scheduled day and no options presented are viable, you will be issued a full refund.

With 57hours, you benefit from both our own cancellation policy as well as that of the individual guiding service that delivers your adventure. All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure, but rest assured that our own cancellation policy will work on top of what is provided by your guide.

For this adventure, 57hours offers a Moderate Cancellation Policy, which states:

If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund. For cancellations fourteen (14) to twenty nine (29) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. For cancellations zero (0) to thirteen (13) days in advance, the Client is not entitled to any refund.

For more information on terms and conditions, please visit our Terms of Service page.

Squamish is a one-hour drive north of Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway. On the day of your Chief climb, you will meet at the Squamish Adventure Centre and make your way as a group to the crag.