Rock on at these climbing gyms in Calgary
Living in close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Calgarians have relatively easy access to all sorts of natural rock-climbing experiences. However, when the weather’s not conducive or the drive not doable, climbers both novice and pro can perfect their Spiderman act at a number of city climbing walls.
Calgary Climbing Centre Stronghold
140 15 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0G6The Calgary Climbing Centre operates a northwest and a southeast location. The northerly Stronghold location features an impressive 18-metre lead wall. Climbers can practice and perfect their technique on numerous climbing routes on the main floor, while the lower-level gym promotes physical conditioning. Both facilities offer a full range of courses.
University Of Calgary
180 Physical Education, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4Featuring both climbing and bouldering walls, the Outdoor Centre was the city’s first recreational climbing facility. While it’s naturally popular with university students and staff, it’s also open to the general public. Built to simulate outdoor climbing, its walls and bouldering area are open to beginners and advanced climbers.
Crux Climbing & Bouldering
9-1415 28 St NE, Calgary, AB T2A 2P6The Crux claims to be one of North America’s tallest climbing facilities. Its climbing towers are indeed real knee-knockers. Complete with viewing decks and plenty of elbow room, climbing them is the next best thing to scaling an actual rock face. Enquire about climbing courses or throwing a climbing party.
Southland Leisure Centre
2000 Southland Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 4S4The climbing wall at this popular family recreation facility features free belay orientations as well as beginner climbing classes. Kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Built for all skill levels, structures include a large main wall, sport wall and a bouldering wall. Drop-in climbing is half price on Tuesdays.
Mount Royal University Recreation
4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6The Mount Royal University Climbing Centre season runs from early September to late June. To get you ready for the ropes, the facility conducts a weekly Climbing 101 course (as well as advanced courses), for first-timers and lightly seasoned climbers. This functions as prep for the free required belay test that allows climbers to use the facility unsupervised.
Westside Regional Recreation Society
2000 69 St SW, Calgary, AB T3H 4V7The climbing wall at this family recreation spot is open to climbers weekday evenings as well as afternoons Friday to Sunday (check website for seasonal hours). A wall monitor is available to belay users. Parents must sign a waiver for kids under 18 years of age.
