Bow Valley Select Sport Climbing and Bouldering

Evan Hau & Jeff Moore

updated September 2024

A Select Guide to some of the best climbing in Alberta's Bow Valley from Kananaskis to the Banff Gates. This Guide includes includes all of the best modern sport climbing areas such as Echo Canyon, Grassi Lakes, Cougar Canyon, Bataan, Acephale and the new Apocalypse Cave. With over 13 crags to choose from and 1000's of routes and growing all of the time, you have a lifetime of climbing to choose from! Enjoy

Grassi Lakes

Canada | The Bow Valley

SPORT

Some of the best climbing in the Bow Valley with steep pocketed climbing on an ancient coral reef. Helmets are recommended as any kind of animal (Moun...

Cougar Canyon

Canada | The Bow Valley

SPORT

Currently Closed for Flood Mitigation Construction A pleasant canyon that is a short walk to the closest sector and about an hour and a half ...

Prairie Creek

Canada | Kananaskis Country

SPORT

BOULDERING

A beautiful crag nestled high above the popular mountain bike trial of Powderface. Steep pocketed, limestone on brilliant rock makes for a great desti...

Barrier Mountain

Canada | Kananaskis Country

SPORT

TRADITIONAL

Sunny, shoulder season climbing offering technical Sport and adventurous Traditional Climbs. A great place to start the season to get your feet under...

Acéphale

Canada | The Bow Valley

SPORT

One of the largest concentration of hard routes in the Bow Valley. Powerful, steep, limestone climbing at it&amp;#39;s best. The cliff will o...

Grotto Canyon

Canada | The Bow Valley

SPORT

TRADITIONAL

A unique canyon that holds some great history in the Bow Valley including the development of sport climbing as well as First Nation pictographs on the...

Bataan

Canada | The Bow Valley

SPORT

TRADITIONAL

A brilliant Spring and Fall season crag as it is usually a little too hot to climb at during mid summer. The rock is some of the best in the Valley wi...

Echo Canyon

Canada | The Bow Valley

SPORT

A relatively new area to the Bow Valley with ongoing development and huge potential. Home to everything from single pitch gems to fully equipped mul...

Heart Creek

Canada | The Bow Valley

SPORT

TRADITIONAL

A crag with a short approach (even with the recommended parking lot used) and a fantastic variety of grades to choose from. Jupiter Sector has a...

Apocalypse Cave

Canada | The Bow Valley

SPORT

A South facing sun trap that has good protection from the wind that makes for a good option for cooler weather climbing. The majority climbs are...

Okotoks Big Rock

Canada | Okotoks

BOULDERING

This quartzite erratic is perhaps the first rock to be bouldered on by local climbers. The scene of wild parties, native celebrations and artwork,...

The White Buddha

Canada | Kananaskis Country

BOULDERING

A sunny South Facing outcrop riddled with positive holds and deep pockets. Although you would seldom top-out (unless you are soloing) the problems are...

Wasootch Slabs

Canada | Kananaskis Country

SPORT

TRADITIONAL

A South facing crag that is a great place for kids, beginners and the expert slab technician. Although with its short approach and great quality stone...

Moose Mountain

Canada | Alberta

SPORT

TRADITIONAL

Moose Mountain is one of the closest climbing area to Calgary and offers the closest option to year round rock climbing in the Rockies. A South facing...

Goat Mountain

Canada | The Bow Valley

SPORT

This is a very modern addition to a big wall historically known for stout traditional climbing. This route tackles the face right of the Goat Buttress...

The Stoneworks

Canada | Canmore

SPORT

TRADITIONAL

A unique crag, in a tight canyon that keeps most of the Sectors nice and cool in the heat of summer. Climbing here outside of the of the summer months...

Mt Baldy

Canada | Kananaskis Country

SPORT

A pleasant crag, with a pleasant approach and a good variety of climbs at the 5.10 and under level. Approach: Park on the West side of Mt. Baldy,...

Porcupine Creek

Canada | Kananaskis Country

SPORT

TRADITIONAL

A very beautiful valley that has a good variety of climbs for for various levels of experience. The climbs are a pleasant 20 minute hike from the road...

Quaite Valley

Canada | Kananaskis Country

SPORT

A secluded crag with a few options for one or two parties but a great place to get away for the crowds. &#10;&#10;Follow the Quaite...

McGillivary Canyon

Canada | The Bow Valley

SPORT

An interesting canyon that has seen sporadic attention over the years and just recently a good surge of development at The Alumni Wall. Although the...

Corral Creek

Canada | Banff

BOULDERING

A Unique little spot for the Canadian Rockies...Bouldering! 

Within a few minutes from the very popular Lake Louise, this can make...

McGillivray Bowl

Canada | Canmore

SPORT

Large north facing bowl above Highway 1 on Mount McGillvary, overlook Lac Des Arcs