There was an error with your log in

Climbing the Stawamus Chief in Squamish

The second-highest granite monolith in the world hides some first-class multi-pitches. Towering over Squamish and Howe Sound at 2,300 feet (700 m), “The Chief” hosts hundreds of routes ranging from sort-of challenging to nails-hard. While you’ll find runout slabs, splitter cracks, and bolted face climbs, the multi-pitches absolutely take the cake. From the terrifying slabby marathons on the Apron to the Grand Wall, one of North America’s biggest classics, soaring sends await in this big wall playground. Learn more about Rock Climbing in Squamish from Jase Wilson, alpinist and Ph.D. researcher in Tourism Studies.

Adventure highlights

  • Climb some of the finest multi-pitches in Canada
  • Hundreds of available routes for climbers of all skill levels
  • The hike down is easy and the vistas are amazing

Itinerary

Tick one of the world’s largest granite monoliths off your bucket list with the help of an ACMG/IFMGA Certified Guide. Take on the monumental Stawamus Chief via one of six exciting multi-pitches, ranging from 5.9 to 5.10c. When you finish, enjoy a panoramic overlook of the entire Squamish and Howe area.

Adventure brochure
Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.
Brochure sent, check your inbox
If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

Black Sheep Adventure Sports
5.00
Black Sheep Adventure Sports
ACMG Certified Rock, Alpine & Ski Guides
Black Sheep Adventures is a team of local ACMG Certified guides and experienced professionals but they’re also a ton of fun and really enjoy what they do! Adventure is personal so you want a guide that will not only help keep you safe, but share the experience and go the extra mile to get you the trip of your dreams. Their range of courses and trips is a great way to get to know people and develop relationships. Once they know someone, they can really work with them to create custom and unique trips that call to their sense of adventure.
5.00(2 reviews)
A
Angela T.

Organized, personal and fun adventures. All my trips with Black Sheep Adventure Sports are definitely full value! Monte is a great guide and knows his way around the Squamish area / West Coast, so if you can give him an idea of what you’d like to experience, he can find the right objective!

A
Ashley G.

Monte is a great guide! Very knowledgeable, fun, and safe. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to get out in the backcountry or rock climbing. He can teach you skills or just show you a great, stress-free time in the mountains!

Show all reviews
5.00(2 reviews)
A
Angela T.

Organized, personal and fun adventures. All my trips with Black Sheep Adventure Sports are definitely full value! Monte is a great guide and knows his way around the Squamish area / West Coast, so if you can give him an idea of what you’d like to experience, he can find the right objective!

A
Ashley G.

Monte is a great guide! Very knowledgeable, fun, and safe. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to get out in the backcountry or rock climbing. He can teach you skills or just show you a great, stress-free time in the mountains!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An ACMG/IFMGA Certified Guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • A full day of climbing
      • Group technical and safety equipment
      • All necessary permits

    Not included:

      • Transportation 
      • Accommodations
      • Harness and rock shoes (can be rented from guide)
      • Food and snacks
  • A moderate level of fitness is required for this tour, as you’ll spend the whole day hiking and climbing multi-pitches at high altitudes. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

  • This tour is meant for climbers with good fitness levels and some previous climbing experience. You’ll spend a full day climbing 7 to 15-pitch routes rated at 5.9 or above, reaching altitudes of over 2,300 feet (700 m). 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!

  • Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.

    Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.

    Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.

  • Most 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 (can be rented from the guide)
      • Ropes
      • Rock shoes (can be rented from the guide, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
      • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

    Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
      • Light shirt and jacket
      • Multipurpose pants
      • Water bottle
      • Food you can eat on-the-go
      • Sunscreen and lip balm
      • 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.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • The group size for this climb is usually between 1–2 people with one guide. 
      • Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. 

    Climbing tours of the Chief in Squamish can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors older than 10 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
      • Minors under the age of 10 cannot participate in this tour.

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

  • To get to the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport 50 minutes away. From there, you can rent a car, or take a bus or taxi to Squamish.

    Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Day Trips Cancellations
    Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
    Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
    Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ,
From $450 ()
Book now
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • NZD - NZ$
    New Zealand Dollar