Covid measures in the Canadian Rockies

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Canadian Rockies, please refer to the official Alberta website. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local rock climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area A full day or 3 days of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary Helmet, harness, and climbing shoes for the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure Use of group technical climbing gear What’s not included: Transportation Accommodations Meals and snacks Guide mileage for the Multi-Pitch adventure (if needed)

How fit do I need to be?

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.

What if I’ve never climbed before?

The Canadian Rockies have 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, the Canadian Rockies have 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.

What about required equipment?

Helmet, harness, and climbing shoes are included in the price for the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure. For the other adventures, group technical climbing gear will be provided by your guiding service, but you’ll need to bring: Helmet Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag Rock shoes 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) Water bottle (1L minimum) Wool or nylon blend long pants Approach shoes or lightweight boots Waterproof outer pants (preferably with side zips on legs) Light shirt or t-shirt Wool or fleece long sleeve shirt Heavyweight fleece or insulated/down jacket Waterproof outer jacket with hood (Gore-Tex) Lightweight gloves Warm hat or toque Neck tube or balaclava Meals and food you can eat on-the-go Toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Headlamp with fresh batteries Pocket knife Blister kit Trekking pole or old ski pole — optional 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 age requirements

Group sizes and prices: The max. guest-to-guide ratio for the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure and Learn to Lead adventure is 6:1. The max. guest-to-guide ratio for the Multi-Pitch adventure is 2:1. The max. guest-to-guide ratio for the Custom day with a Private Guide is 6:1 for single-pitch climbs, and 2:1 for multi-pitch climbs. Costs per person decrease as the group grows for the Custom Day with a Private Guide and the Multi-Pitch adventure, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. For the Learn to Lead adventure and Intro to Rock Climbing adventure, cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows. Children (5-13 years) and teens (14-17 years) will pay a lower price for the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure, while adults over the age of 17 will pay the regular price. Climbing days in the Canadian Rockies 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. 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. Children aged 5-13 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.

Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. Alpine Air Adventures reserves the right to modify or cancel any trip or course at any time due to insufficient enrollment, unfavorable weather conditions or other reasons without penalty to Alpine Air Adventures. Guests will be notified as soon as possible. In the unlikely event Alpine Air Adventures has to cancel a trip or course, you will receive a full refund of payment. For guest cancellations made within three weeks of the trip departure date, full payment is nonrefundable. If availability exists you can transfer to another course or program date, an administrative charge of $30.00 will be applied to transfer.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, most people fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) 1.5-2 hours away from various climbing sites in the Canadian Rockies. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. 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. The climbing areas that you’ll typically visit on the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure are Sunshine Slabs (Sunshine village) and The Dome (near Canmore). The Learn to Lead adventure is usually held in the Bow Valley area, while if you opt for the Multi-Pitch adventure, you’ll climb in the Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise areas.

Three Sisters mountains in Canmore, Canada

Girls rock climbing in the Canadian Rockies

Canadian Rockies | Canada

Rock Climbing in the Canadian Rockies

5.00 ()

Season

May through October

Nearest city

Calgary, AB, is about 1-2 hours away from various climbing sites

Duration

1-3 days

Skill level

Beginner to advanced

Guides

Jeff Bullock, Alpine Air Adventures

From $140 () / 1 day

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

The quality of the rock you can sink your fingertips into and the wide array of climbing styles is what makes Canada a world-class rock climbing destination. Here you’ll find many crags and a variety of routes ideal for both newcomers to the sport and experienced climbers. Enjoy conquering limestone and quartzite rock walls and discover the breathtaking panoramas of Canada’s scenery! Here you’ll find epic single- and multi-pitch climbs in areas such as Sunshine Village, Canmore, Bow Valley, as well as the Banff or Lake Louise areas. To name a few routes would be completely unfair as the Rockies offer so many options to choose from, so it’s best to come and see for yourself. With an experienced guide leading you throughout the process, you’ll become a more confident and safer climber. As soon as the adventure ends, we promise—you won’t be able to wait to come back!

An abundance of single- and multi-pitch climbs at your disposal
Soak up Canada’s mountainous vistas as you conquer various routes
Whether you’re just starting out or are an advanced climber, you’ll find an appropriate route

Available itineraries

Custom Day with a Private Guide in the Canadian Rockies

Master new climbing moves with a private guide and watch your skills reach the next level on the Canadian Rockies’ epic walls. Conquer some classic single- or multi-pitch routes and learn valuable tips, tricks, and techniques to complete your climbs. Revel in the far-reaching views of Canadian landscapes and immerse yourself completely in this climbing experience. You’re bound to become a safer climber and you’ll see your confidence grow in no time!

Intro to Rock Climbing in the Canadian Rockies

Experience the thrill of climbing in some of the most amazing venues in the Canadian Rockies and learn the basic techniques needed for safe and exciting climbing! Let your certified guide introduce you to the vertical world with valuable lessons on belaying and lowering, communication between climbing partners, hazard awareness, risk mitigation, and more! Seize the opportunity to get to know this rewarding sport and climb with the security of a top-rope.

Learn to Lead in the Canadian Rockies

Take your climbing skills to a whole new level and climb with like-minded people during this 3-day Learn to Lead course in the Canadian Rockies! Let your guide teach you about anchor building using gear and bolts and placing gear while mock leading climbing routes. Cap off the adventure by conquering one of the many classic multi-pitch routes in the Bow Valley area. With your guide’s help, you’ll master new moves and be a safer and more self-assured climber!

Days 1-2: Advanced climbing movement

During the first two days of this climbing adventure in the Canadian Rockies, your guide will focus on showing you and fine-tuning your advanced climbing movement. You’ll progress at an optimal pace and your confidence will increase as a result. You’ll review anchor building using gear and bolts and you’ll learn how to place gear while mock leading climbing routes.

Day 3: Climbing in Bow Valley

Today you’ll climb one of the many classic multi-pitch routes found in the Bow Valley. With the help of your professional guide, you’ll conquer the routes ahead of you and walk away a much improved climber.

Multi-Pitch Climbing in the Canadian Rockies

Make your way to the Canadian Rockies and scale epic multi-pitch routes in the Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise areas. Your expert guide will help you find climbs ideal for your current skill level and teach you how to further improve your technique on the rocks. These areas boast long limestone climbs on endless cliffs and there are too many classics to list, so come to the Canadian Rockies and conquer some amazing routes!

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Jeff Bullock

When he first stepped foot in the mountains, Jeff knew this was home. He’s been wondering what adventures the snow capped peaks have in store since he was 12. Jeff started training for his ACMG/IFMGA mountain guide certificate in 2002 and started his own business, Alpine Air Adventures. To this day, he has yet to find a better feeling than sharing his passion for adventure you can only find high up in the alpine kingdom of the Canadian Rockies

5.00

You’re never on your own in the Banff wilderness because the experienced professionals from Alpine Air Adventures are here to guide you. While they know how to have a great time, they’re always mindful of advanced safety practices. They’re committed to showing each of their guests the best of the Rockies while protecting them every step of the way.

5.00 (3 reviews)

Outdoor adventures

Monika3377 about Alpine Air Adventures on TripAdvisor

I’ve been sport rock, trad rock, ice climbing, crevasse coursing and avalanche training through jeff for many years now. His knowledge of the Rockies is incredible and he brings a really light and fun atmosphere to a training environment every single time we are out. Jeff’s physical abilities and his “let’s do it” approach give me a huge peace of mind. There is never anyone else I would want to contact first to head out on a mountain adventure with.

Thanks Jeff!

Discover14829969791 about Alpine Air Adventures on TripAdvisor

Jeff was awesome. A very hands on teacher. We tried putting gear in ourselves then he would go over it. It allowed us to think about what made sense to us instead of just regurgitating what we’d been told. Would recommend!

Incredible adventure high in the Rockies

Coastal283137 about Alpine Air Adventures on TripAdvisor

I have been exploring the Rockies with Alpine Air Adventures for the past 12 years and have only good things to say about Jeff and his team of professionals. If you are looking for a safe, thrilling, unique and super fun time in the mountains Alpine Air Adventures is for you!

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Canadian Rockies, please refer to the official Alberta website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local rock climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A full day or 3 days of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
  - Helmet, harness, and climbing shoes for the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure
  - Use of group technical climbing gear
What’s not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - Meals and snacks
  - Guide mileage for the Multi-Pitch adventure (if needed)
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.
The Canadian Rockies have 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, the Canadian Rockies have 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.
Helmet, harness, and climbing shoes are included in the price for the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure. For the other adventures, group technical climbing gear will be provided by your guiding service, but you’ll need to bring:
- - Helmet
  - Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
  - Rock shoes
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)
  - Water bottle (1L minimum)
  - Wool or nylon blend long pants
  - Approach shoes or lightweight boots
  - Waterproof outer pants (preferably with side zips on legs)
  - Light shirt or t-shirt
  - Wool or fleece long sleeve shirt
  - Heavyweight fleece or insulated/down jacket
  - Waterproof outer jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
  - Lightweight gloves
  - Warm hat or toque
  - Neck tube or balaclava
  - Meals and food you can eat on-the-go
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Headlamp with fresh batteries
  - Pocket knife
  - Blister kit
  - Trekking pole or old ski pole — optional
  - 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 max. guest-to-guide ratio for the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure and Learn to Lead adventure is 6:1.
  - The max. guest-to-guide ratio for the Multi-Pitch adventure is 2:1.
  - The max. guest-to-guide ratio for the Custom day with a Private Guide is 6:1 for single-pitch climbs, and 2:1 for multi-pitch climbs.
  - Costs per person decrease as the group grows for the Custom Day with a Private Guide and the Multi-Pitch adventure, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
  - For the Learn to Lead adventure and Intro to Rock Climbing adventure, cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
  - Children (5-13 years) and teens (14-17 years) will pay a lower price for the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure, while adults over the age of 17 will pay the regular price.
Climbing days in the Canadian Rockies 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.
  - 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.
  - Children aged 5-13 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.
Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - Alpine Air Adventures reserves the right to modify or cancel any trip or course at any time due to insufficient enrollment, unfavorable weather conditions or other reasons without penalty to Alpine Air Adventures. Guests will be notified as soon as possible.
  - In the unlikely event Alpine Air Adventures has to cancel a trip or course, you will receive a full refund of payment.
  - For guest cancellations made within three weeks of the trip departure date, full payment is nonrefundable.
  - If availability exists you can transfer to another course or program date, an administrative charge of $30.00 will be applied to transfer.
To get to the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, most people fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) 1.5-2 hours away from various climbing sites in the Canadian Rockies. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

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.

The climbing areas that you’ll typically visit on the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure are Sunshine Slabs (Sunshine village) and The Dome (near Canmore). The Learn to Lead adventure is usually held in the Bow Valley area, while if you opt for the Multi-Pitch adventure, you’ll climb in the Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise areas.