Discover one of the many climbing gems of British Columbia…
British Columbia is blessed with a diverse variety of ecosystems along with a fascinating Geology; this has sculpted many attractive cliffs awaiting the keen climbers. BC is peppered with quality bluffs and rock walls featuring various rock types, Skaha near Penticton in the Okanagan Valley is a fine example with fantastic sport and trad climbing on compact gneiss. Curious climbers visiting the West Coast area, the BC Interior, the Okanagan Valley, the Columbia and the Kootenay regions will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of rock climbing available.
Summit Mountain Guides offers day and multi-day guided rock climbing programs in all of the most popular climbing areas in British Columbia from April through October. Whether you are an individual with a specific goal, interested in single or multi-pitch climbs of various difficulties or a group/family looking for a fun day out on the rock, we have a program for you. We specialize in custom designing guided rock climbing programs and trips.
Some of the crags and cliffs we often visit in British Columbia include, Skaha bluffs near Penticton, Cougar Canyon near Vernon, the Kelowna crags, Roche Lake near Kamloops, Yak peak in the Hope region, Marble Canyon in the Lillooet area, Begbie bluffs, Lauretta slabs & Water world in the Revelstoke area, Spilli bluffs near Golden, Copper Mountain wall in Terrace, and much more…
Day rock climbing itineraries are somewhat flexible. A typical guided rock climbing day will start around 8:00 AM at a local cragg. Depending on group needs and particular climbs, we will generally be done before 5.00 PM.
These guided outings are for climbers of all abilities. No previous climbing experience required. Previous outdoor or indoor climbing experience is an asset. Join us and safely learn this exciting sport from our skilled instructors. Learning opportunities abound for all experience levels.
British Columbia is blessed with hundreds of amazing crags and wall for yours to discover. Contact us with with your pick or to inquire. Participants will be meeting with the guide at 8:00 AM at a pre-establish outdoor BC rock climbing site. We will go over last-minute equipment issues, review the planed itinerary and update you with present conditions.
Temperatures and weather conditions in British Columbia tend to be more predictable from July through September. The averaged daytime high for July and August is between 25c and 28c. Statistically, these months are also very dry compared to the rest of the year with August being the driest. Spring and Fall also offer great climbing weather, April, May, and June are good months for rock climbing on sunny cliffs although the weather is a little more unpredictable. September and October are both very good month for rock climbing in BC with cooler temperature but more predictable weather conditions.
Daily conditions can sometimes change from warm sunshine to isolated showers quickly. Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation can change within the day. A lightweight rain and/or wind shell can come in petty handy in the event of afternoon thundershowers. Be sure to pack a ball cap, sunglasses along with sunscreen and extra water especially during the summer season, see equipment list for specific details.
How experienced do I need to be?
On these guided trips, no previous climbing experience is required. Climbs will be selected based on participants ability and previous experiences. There is a challenge for everyone including the most experienced!
Is it safe?
For all of our climbing programs and courses, SMG provides you with fully certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain, alpine and rock guides. This guarantees you the highest safety standards in the Canadian and international industry. Rock climbing remains hazardous and while it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Do I need any of my own climbing equipment?
On these guided outings, participant require all their personal equipment; harnesses, helmets, rock shoes, belay device, and carabiners. Summit Mountain Guides has a limited selection of equipment available for rental at affordable rates. Let us know if you need any particular gear/sizes or if you plan to bring your own.
Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?
Summit Mountain Guides has a limited amount of equipment available for rental. Contact us for availability. Here are a few outdoor stores in various parts of Western Canada that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Vancouver:
Valhalla Pure Outfitters: (604)-872-8872 www.shop.vpo.ca
Mountain Equipment Co-op: (604) 872-7858 www.mec.ca
Squamish:
Valhalla Pure Outfitters: (604) 892-9092 www.shop.vpo.ca
Climb On: (604) 892-2243 climbonsquamish.com
Whistler:
Escape Route: 1-888-898-3277 www.escaperoute.ca
Kelowna:
Mountain Equipment Coop www.mec.ca
Vernon:
Valhalla Pure Outfitters: (250) 545 9555 www.shop.vpo.ca
Kamloops:
True Outdoors www.trueoutdoors.ca
Smithers:
Local Supply localsupplyco.ca
Prince George:
Atmosphere www.atmosphere.ca
Golden:
Higher Grounds Sports www.highergroundssports.ca
New Denver:
Valhalla Pure Outfitters: (250) 358 7755 www.shop.vpo.ca
Nelson:
ROAM shop 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Revelstoke:
Valhalla Pure Outfitters: (250) 837 5517 www.shop.vpo.ca
Canmore:
Valhalla Pure Outfitters www.shop.vpo.ca
Vertical Addiction www.vertical-addiction.com
Banff:
Monod Sports www.monodsports.com
Lake Louise:
Wilson Mountain Sports www.lakelouisewilsons.com
Calgary:
Mountain Equipment Coop www.mec.ca