This fun and relaxed day on the rock is designed for beginners and those who have never climbed before. In our beginner outdoor rock climbing lesson, you will learn basic safety and top rope techniques for climbing outdoors in addition to being coached on basic rock climbing movement skills. We welcome beginners, locals, families, individuals and groups.
The primary objective of our rock climbing basics lesson is to have a fun and safe day where participants can get outside, do some physical activity plus take away new skills and experiences.
The Canadian Rockies surrounding Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise are a rock climber’s paradise with climbs and areas suitable for every level of climber. Outdoor rock climbing is an unbelievably exhilarating sport and we invite you to learn rock-climbing basics for beginners with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures.
| ‘I just wanted to Thank you for such a quality first experience rock climbing. I certainly made the right choice with Yammuska. My guide was clearly a skilled professional, was engaging, thoughtful, safety first and completely committed to making it a quality experience for me. Worth every penny and then some! Thank you.’ Michael M |
Daily Lessons and Beginner Instruction
Full-day or half-day lessons are available for individuals or groups in the Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise (full-day only) areas by request.
Lessons can be booked by individuals, families or groups. We can accommodate children 5 years and older with a guardian.
Private guiding is a very effective way to accelerate skills development. Our certified guides will give you focused instruction and coaching to quickly increase your capability and confidence.
Want to add an adventurous white water rafting trip to your rock climbing program? Our partner Wild Water Adventures offers a variety of gentle and adventurous white water rafting half and full-day trips on the Kicking Horse River just west of Lake Louise.
Locations
There are several great and scenic rock climbing instruction areas that can be readily accessed for daily lessons, they include:
Banff Rundle Rock: Next to the Banff Springs Golf Course, this is a great spot for first-time rock climbers. Suitable for full and half-day climbing. Nearby Rundle Ridge allows for an easy multi-pitch climb and rappel for those with a whole day.
Zygote Crag: 20-minute drive from Canmore. Good beginner location for a full or half-day of climbing with some challenging short climbs to finish on. (5.6-5.10)
Yamnuska Bluffs: 20 minutes drive from Canmore. Excellent beginner location for full or half-days.
Wasootch Creek: 40-minute drive from Canmore. A good variety of climbs, due to driving times this location is more suitable for full-day programs. Top rope and sport climbing venue.
Lake Louise: A spectacular and famous climbing crag at the head of Lake Louise. Due to driving and approach times available for full-day climbing only.
Meeting Place and Time
We will arrange this with you when you book. Generally, the morning sessions begin at 8:30 am and the afternoon sessions at 1:00 pm. A full-day program generally begins at 8:30 am.
Instructors and Instruction Ratios
Instructors are certified guides licensed to operate in the National and Provincial Parks. They are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
The maximum instructor to client ratio for instruction is 1:6
Transportation
Transportation is not usually included. Clients generally provide transportation for the guide. If there is a vehicle available, Yamnuska can provide transportation for a pick-up in Banff or Canmore. Lake Louise Surcharge – $50 travel cost surcharge applies to groups wishing to meet at Lake Louise.
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/snack and plenty to drink,
- Day pack,
- Rain gear,
- Clothing allowing for easy and complete range of movement,
- Warm weather gear as necessary for the season,
- Running shoes or hiking boots.
Please email or call the Yamnuska office at 1 866 678 4164 (Canada USA only), +1 403 678 4164, or local 403 678 4164. 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:
Full-Day: Included is instruction, use of equipment, and rock shoes. 5% GST & gratuities extra.
Group of 1 person – $595
Group of 2 people – $700
Group of 3 people – $780
Group of 4 people – $860
For larger groups please contact the office
Lake Louise Surcharge – $60 travel cost surcharge applies to groups wishing to meet at Lake Louise
Half Day: Included is instruction, use of equipment, and rock shoes. 5% GST & gratuities extra.
Group of 1 person – $495
Group of 2 people – $660
Group of 3 people – $720
Group of 4 people – $780
For larger groups please contact the office
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.
Rock Climbing Season
Rock climbing is typically available from May until mid-October. The optimum season is mid-May to late September.
Private Instructional Courses
These can be arranged for individuals, families and groups. They are customized to meet your specific needs and objectives. They can be a beginner or advanced level or focus on specific aspects of climbing such as sport climbing, trad leading, multi-pitch climbing or instruction for kids. Courses can be for one or several days.
