Rock Climbing 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)

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.