Ready to take the next step in your rock climbing adventure? Yamnuska’s skilled rock climbing guides are available for private guiding to help you develop new skills or to climb any multi-pitch rock route in the Canadian Rockies. Climbers who are in town and want to experience one of our famous multi-pitch sport climbs can simply call our office and we will organize the details for you. Whether you are an expert climber or just new to outdoor multi-pitch rock climbing, the routes around Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise will no doubt be a perfect match for your objectives.
Yamnuska is also able to organize trips and instructional courses in other regions. So if you’re looking to take your rock climbing trip to other areas, such as Skaha Bluffs or even Mexico, be sure to inquire with Yamnuska’s rock climbing guides.
For groups and families, we can organize a private beginner lesson. Yamnuska’s beginner outdoor rock climbing program is available daily in either half or full-day departures. This is a fun and active Canadian Rockies guided rock-climbing trip.
Instruction
Personalized instructional rock climbing programs are tailored to meet your objectives. Regardless of your rock climbing background, Yamnuska guides are leading-edge climbers and coaches who can take your climbing to the next level. You’ll receive a solid foundation in whatever aspect of rock climbing skills that you are looking to improve on.
Here are some areas that you might want to consider:
- building anchors
- rappelling
- improved movement skills
- rock rescue
- placing ‘trad’ gear and protection
- lead climbing skills with ‘mock’ leads
Our maximum guide to guest ratio on single pitch programs is 1:6.
Guided Climbs
Climb with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures guides on one of the Bow Valley’s signature routes. We have a seemingly endless selection of rock climbs from beginner level to expert. The list below is our recommendations for just a few of the classics in our area. Feel free to do your own route research then call us with your ‘to do’ list. We will set you up with one of our rock guides and get you out climbing.
Sample of Available Climbs:
| Name | Location | Nearest Town | # Of Pitches | Hardest Grade |
| Grillmair Chimneys | Yamnuska | Canmore | 10 | 5.6 |
| Diretissima | Yamnuska | Canmore | 8 | 5.8 |
| N.E. Face of Ha Ling | Ha Ling Peak | Canmore | 10 | 5.7 |
| Geriatric | East end of Rundle | Canmore | 8 | 5.8 |
| True Grit | East end of Rundle | Canmore | 6 | 5.10b |
| Keel Haul Wall | Kidgoat Buttress | Canmore | 5 | 5.6 |
| Twilight Zone | Kid goat Buttress | Canmore | 4 | 5.7 |
| Deception | Nanny Goat Buttress | Canmore | 8 | 5.7 |
| Tower of Babel | Moraine Lake | Lake Louise | 8 | 5.9 |
| Gooseberry | Tunnel Mtn. | Banff | 8 | 5.7 |
| Mothers Day | Cascade Mtn. | Banff | 10 | 5.6 |
| Bonanza | Ghost Valley | Canmore | 6 | 5.8 |
| The Wraith | Ghost Valley | Canmore | 8 | 5.10a |
To best manage your safety, there is a maximum of 2 climbers per guide for multi-pitch routes.
Meeting Place and Time
We will arrange this with you when you book. Your start time will depend on the objective but we generally meet at our office in Canmore. The Yamnuska office is located at #200 – 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore. See this map for location. We ask that you come dressed for the outdoors.
Transportation
You will either need to provide the transportation for you and the guide or, should the guide need to drive him/herself to the program area then a charge, based on distance will apply. This ranges from $20 on up depending upon where you go. Once we know whether you will be able to drive the guide or where you will be going we will include transport costs in your quote.
Park Passes
Please note that program venues may be within National Parks and/or Kananaskis Country. For programs where transportation is not provided by Yamnuska/Canadian Rockies Hiking by Yamnuska, guests will be required to purchase their own pass.
National Park passes are available both online at https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/admission and in-person at National park gates and some information centres.
Kananaskis Country conservation passes are available online at https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx
What you need to bring
- Lunch and plenty to drink
- Day pack
- Rain gear
- Clothing allowing for easy and complete range of movement
- Warm weather gear
- Rock shoes, running shoes, or hiking boots
- Harness, helmet if you have them with you
If you need gear, please let us know at the time of booking.
Please email or call the Yamnuska office at 1 866 678 4164 (Canada USA only), +1 403 678 4164, or local 403 678 4164.
All participants must sign the Yamnuska waiver of risk and liability before climbing (parents/guardians must sign for children). Full payment is required on registration.
Detailed booking instructions and conditions.
Risk is an inherent part of all mountain activities. We strive to manage and reduce it however, it is impossible to totally eliminate. Learn more about our safety and risk management approach here. Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.
There are two basic types of insurance that most travellers need to consider: Medical and Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance. We offer our guests coverage for both and highly recommend you purchase it.
Emergency Medical Expenses Insurance:
It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip. Obtain extra coverage if necessary. There is no charge for rescue in the national and provincial parks, however, costs such as air or ground transportation, long-term care, and other services are not covered.
Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance:
We recognize that our guests’ schedules may change for many reasons; business, family, flight delays, injuries, and other unplanned events. For these eventualities, Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment.
For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend the Simpson Group. This agency offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical, and Personal Effect Loss for Canadian Travelers. We highly recommend purchasing this insurance.
Please note that this coverage is for Canadian residents only. For guests who are not from Canada and who are interested in the ‘Visitors to Canada’ insurance package please contact the Simpson Group directly at JSimpson@simpson-group.com and reference your Yamnuska Mountain Adventure trip.
PRICE:
1 Climber – $730
2 Climbers – $420 per person
3 Climbers – $315 per person
4 Climbers – $285 per person
5 or more Climbers – please contact the Yamnuska Office
Prices include guiding or instruction, and group climbing equipment. 5% GST & gratuities extra.
To best manage your safety, there is a maximum of 2 climbers per guide for multi-pitch routes.
Please note you will be required to sign the Yamnuska Release of Liability, and Waiver of Claims prior to commencing the program. Please review the sample waiver prior to booking and call us with any questions.
The Canadian Rockies rock climbing season typically runs from May to October but does vary year to year.
Is it for you?
In every case, a private guide can tailor the day to suit your objectives. Climbing or instruction-based, beginner or expert we will match the guide to your objectives.
