Squamish is probably the best known rock climbing area in Canada. Climbers first began climbing here in the late 50’s and early 60’s, drawn by the huge granite faces of the Stawamus Chief. Today, the outstanding climbs at Squamish continue to draw climbers from around the world, both for the long climbs on the Chief and the many other fine crags in the area.

The Climbing
Squamish has something to everyone, with well over 1500 routes from casual beginner climbs to 5.14 test pieces, and plenty of potential for new development. The rock is exclusively granitic – most of excellent quality – though it ranges widely in texture. Generally, the climbs near the town of Squamish are cracks and slabs on monolithic chunks of granite, while further north face climbing predominates on more metamorphosed rock. The 500 metre walls of the Chief offer some fine big wall climbing, ranging in difficulty from 5.7 to 5.13 as well as a number of aid routes. The Cheakamus canyon, a half hour north of the town of Squamish has a number of sport crags, with routes from 5.8 to 5.14, while Whistler has at least one decent crag, and there is even more further north.