Vancouver
and Lower Mainland
The Vancouver area has the most vibrant and active rock-climbing scene in the country. Opportunities for bouldering, big wall climbing, long free-climbing, top-roping, exist within an hour or so’s drive of the city. Further afield, the interior ranges provide opportunities for major alpine routes. There is also quite a bit of waterfall ice-climbing which is available, although the conditions are not as stable as they are in the Rockies or Quebec.
Vancouver Area: Lighthouse Park Copper Cove and Capilano Canyon
Opportunities for top-roping are good at Lighthouse Park. Copper Cove offers
some longer leadable routes, and Capilano Canyon has a couple of good multi-pitch
climbs.
Squamish
Home of the Grand, Canada’s most famous big wall. Free routes to 5.12+
on the North and Grand Walls, exist beside long aid routes. Some of the
best granite bouldering anywhere is available at the base. Classic granite
crack and slab climbing abounds. Sport climbing is scattered throughout
the area. For top-roping and moderate stuff, try Little Smoke Bluffs. All
of these spots are accessed from Vancouver via Hwy 99.
Whistler Area: Cheakamus Canyon
Hard sport-climbing on mainly overhanging rock with thin holds. The place
to make your sport-climbing rep in BC. This area is 25 km north of Squamish
on 99. Some easy climbing in nearby areas.
The Coast Range: Mt. Waddington and Adjacent Peaks
M t.s Waddington, Combatant, and Asperity, Stiletto
Peak and several other objectives in the region are legendary for superb
long climbs, sometimes on excellent rock of a high standard, in a very remote
alpine setting with difficult weather. For most this will be an expedition
style outing with helicopter access. Much of the glorious history of these
ranges is enshrined in the pages of the Canadian and American Alpine Journals.
Ice Climbing: Lillooet and Hope
These areas are among the best bets for technical waterfall climbing. When
conditions are good, between Late December and February, there are routes
of both considerable length and difficulty.
