Rock Climbing in and around Squamish boasts some of the best rock climbing in North America. The granite cliffs surrounding Squamish draw climbers from around the world. The colossal Stawamus Chief, the world’s second largest granite monolith at 650 metres, can be seen and climbed year round when weather permits.
“For over 4 decades, the Chief has been the centre piece of Squamish rock climbing. Since its epic first ascent of the Grand Wall in 1960 by Jim Baldwin and Ed Cooper, the Chief has drawn climbers from around the world, and made Squamish into Canada’s premiere rock climbing mecca. From easy slabs to 18 pitch gear routes, hundreds of boulder problems in the massive boulder field at it’s base, and all manner of aid routes, the Chief has enough to satisfy any climber’s sense of adventure.” Matt’s Climbing Page.
The Climber’s Access Society represents everyone who supports public access to the cliffs and mountains of B.C., and conservation of them. It was founded in 1995. We encourage anyone who supports our goals, particularly all climbers and mountaineers, to become involved, and support our work.
An excellent source of information on Squamish area rock climbing is squamishclimbing.com, a website created and kept up to date by Mathew Buckle.
The Smoke Bluffs, situated right in Squamish, has hundreds of one pitch routes. Easy access and high number of climbs make the Smoke Bluffs worthy of a visit while in Squamish.
Murrin Provincial Park
Established in 1962, this park has various climbing walls named the Shaman, Sugarloaf, Bog Wall, Leviticus, Petrifying Wall and The Brunser which provide for excellent climbing opportunities. Browning Lake offers swimming, picnicking, fishing and a nice walking trail around the lake. The park is easily accessed on Hwy 99 just 10km south of Squamish. This is a great area on hot days as the rock is somewhat sheltered from the sun. The more advanced or courageous climber may want to try one of the more difficult routes here like the overhanging “Petrifying Wall”.
Squamish Chief Provincial Park
The Squamish Chief Provincial Park protects the 700 metre massive granite cliffs that stand at the southern entrance to Squamish on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway. Established in 1997, the 506-hectare park provides rock climbing opportunities of international significance. Hiking trails to The Chief’s three summits offer rewarding views of Howe Sound, Squamish townsite and surrounding mountains. This park has opportunities for camping, hiking, rock climbing and scenic viewing atop the Chief. The campground offers year round camping in the wooded area directly at the base of the Chief, excellent conditions for the rugged climber or beginner. There are in-ground toilets and water taps but no showers. For more information call park headquarters at 604 898-3678.
Comic Rocks and Cheakamus Canyon
These sites offer a multitude of one and two pitch climbs of all difficulties. Peak climbing months are between April to October.
If suspending yourself by ropes and bolts sounds too daring for you just head down to the base parking lot and catch a glimpse of the many daredevils who live for it. You can see them easily with your naked eye but bring along binoculars to really see the technique they use to hang on.
