There are so many reasons to go rock climbing. It builds strength, increases flexibility, and enhances coordination. Of course, the best reason is just because it’s FUN! There are numerous indoor (and some outdoor) rock climbing facilities in Calgary and area, and with smaller locations perfect for kids, it’s easy to try this family fun sport.
Beltline Aquatic & Fitness Centre Outdoor Climbing Wall
Beltline Aquatic & Fitness Centre is a multi-purpose recreation facility that includes a 40-foot outdoor climbing wall. There are three auto-belays and two top-rope options. Harnesses and helmets are available free of charge for those needing to rent and the capacity is eight people.
Address: 221 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Phone: 311 in Calgary or 403-268-2489
Website: www.calgary.ca/beltline
Calgary Climbing Centre – Four Locations
The Calgary Climbing Centre boasts four locations in Calgary and a clean, friendly, and energetic environment. With constantly changing and variable routes, you’ll find a variety of angles and exciting terrain to climb.
Chinook: The Chinook facility was the first location and has a massive bouldering area and great walls for new to expert climbers. There are three auto-belays that offer lots of climbing, even if you’re climbing alone. Chinook also has training areas that feature steep terrain and all the toys you love to make you stronger.
Address: 6 – 7130 Fisher Rd SE, Calgary, AB
Telephone: 403-252-6778
Website: www.calgaryclimbing.com/chinook
Stronghold: Stronghold is best known for its long routes and great location, just north of downtown. They also have innovative bouldering terrain, four auto-belays, and a great selection of workout equipment.
Address: 140 15th Ave NW, Calgary, AB
Telephone: 403-276-6484
Website: www.calgaryclimbing.com/stronghold
Hanger: Hanger has lots of bouldering terrain and great climbing angles on 40’ walls, plus the ultimate ClimbPark is located in the same facility.
Address: 106-588 Aero Drive NE, Calgary, AB
Telephone: 587-230-0189
Website: www.calgaryclimbing.com/hanger
Rocky Mountain: Rocky Mountain has walls up to 65 feet high, bouldering, and a dedicated speed wall. You’ll also want to check out the outdoor climbing wall and the ClimbPark.
Address: 10721 West Valley Rd SW, Calgary, AB
Telephone: 587-231-9116
Website: www.calgaryclimbing.com/rockymountain
Lycée Louis Pasteur Rock Climbing Wall
Lycée Louis Pasteur invites you and your family to discover the fun and challenging world of indoor rock climbing! Climbing at Calgary’s Lycée includes a 36 ft tall climbing structure, 10 top ropes, six automatic belay devices for solo climbers and beginners, and regularly updated routes to challenge climbers. Lycée Louis Pasteur is conveniently located in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Garrison Woods minutes from Marda Loop and Crowchild Trail.
Where: Lycée Louis Pasteur
Address: 4099 Garrison Blvd SW, Calgary, AB
Website: www.lycee.ca/climbing-wall
Mount Royal College Climbing Centre
The Climbing Centre is a comprehensive training and instruction facility that offers over 5,000 square feet of varied artificial climbing terrain that is suitable for both novice and experienced climbers. 15 top ropes, a designated lead wall and a separate bouldering room.
Address: 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB
Telephone: 403-440-6348
Website: www.mtroyal.ca
Southland Leisure Centre Climbing Wall
The Southland Leisure Centre offers supervised times (Open Climbing) for all levels and free belay orientations or registered classes to help beginners get going! All climbers must be over 13 years old and demonstrate proper use of a harness and safe belaying before climbing. Children 4-12 years must be belayed by an adult (18 years and up). Southland Leisure Centre offers three climbing structures. The walls are designed for all levels and encompass a wide range of challenges and they also have drop-in times.
Address: 2000 Southland Drive SW, Calgary, AB
Telephone: (403) 251-3505
Website: www.calgary.ca
Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre Climbing Wall
The Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre in Cochrane boasts an expansive facility that includes a climbing centre with a 24-foot climbing wall and an auto-belay system. Climbing equipment is available for use free of charge.
Address: 800 Griffin Road East, Cochrane, AB
Website: www.slsfamilysportscentre.com
University of Calgary Outdoor Centre Climbing Wall
The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre Climbing Wall was specifically designed to develop skills that would be easily transferable to outdoor climbing. Here you can practice leading on gear, anchor building, rappelling, rock rescue, and crevasse rescue. The wall is sometimes used for group climbing so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
Address: 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB
Website: www.outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca
Vivo for Healthier Generations Climbing Wall
Vivo for Healthier Generations is a 195,000 square foot LEED Gold Accredited Facility that provides a bright, comfortable, inviting space for a wide range of spontaneous and structured activities for individuals and families of all ages and abilities. Facilities include a climbing wall that stands almost 30 feet tall and has a nine-foot bouldering area. All you need is clean, indoor climbing or running shoes!
Where: 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary, AB
Website: www.vivo.ca
Westside Recreation Centre Climbing Wall
This is a 24-foot climbing wall equipped for both top rope and lead climbing. Good for both beginner and intermediate climbers. Climbing equipment is available free of charge.
Address: 2000 – 69 Street SW, Calgary, AB
Telephone: 403-531-5875 ext 251
Website: www.westsiderec.com
YMCA Calgary Indoor Climbing Walls
YMCA Calgary has recreation centres all over the city, and some of them have indoor climbing walls, available for drop-in at specific times or lessons. Head to your local Y for some active fun.
Saddletowne YMCA:
Address: #180-7555 Falconridge Blvd NE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-237-2393
Website: www.ymcacalgary.org/saddletowne
Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge:
Address: 11300 Rocky Ridge Road NW, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-351-6673
Website: www.ymcacalgary.org/shanehomesrockyridge
Shawnessy:
Address: Suite 400, 333 Shawville Blvd SE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-256-5533
Website: www.ymcacalgary.org/shawnessy
South Health Campus:
Address: 4448 Front Street SE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-956-3900
Website: www.ymcacalgary.org/southhealthcampus