Alberta

rock climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering in Alberta

Climbing in Alberta

Alberta is a climbing paradise offering spectacular rock climbing, world-renowned ice climbing, and breathtaking mountaineering experiences. From sport climbing on pristine limestone to thrilling ice ascents and adventurous mountaineering in the majestic Rockies, Alberta offers unparalleled opportunities for climbers of every discipline.

Columbia Icefields

panoramic-view-of-columbia-icefield-dramatic-clouds

Location

The Columbia Icefield is located in the Canadian Rockies, straddling the border between Alberta and British Columbia within Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. It sits along the Continental Divide and is accessible via the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), about halfway between the towns of Jasper and Lake Louise.

Key Facts

  • It’s the largest icefield in North America’s Rocky Mountains.

  • Major outlet glaciers include the Athabasca Glacier, Dome Glacier, and Stutfield Glacier.

  • The area is a popular destination for mountaineering, ice climbing, and guided glacier tours.

Famous Mountains

Bow Valley

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Location

The Bow Valley is located in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. It stretches from the town of Canmore through Banff National Park and follows the course of the Bow River, making it one of the most iconic and accessible mountain valleys in the country.

Key Facts

Outdoor Towns: Canmore and Banff offer outdoor-friendly communities, climbing gyms, gear shops, and guide services.

Mountains: The valley is framed by rugged peaks like Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain, and Mount Temple.

Climbing and Hiking: Home to world-class sport climbing, trad climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering. Famous crags include:

  • Grassi Lakes (sport climbing, scenic)
  • Raven’s Crag (home to Fight Club, Canada’s first 5.15a)
  • Grotto Canyon and King Creek (winter ice climbing)

Famous Crags

Featured Guides

On Climb Onsight, you’ll find certified, professional guides who know the Alberta landscape inside and out. Whether you’re learning to place your first piece of gear, tackling a classic multi-pitch route, or stepping into the world of alpine and ice, our Alberta-based guides bring unmatched local knowledge, technical expertise, and a deep passion for the outdoors.

All guides are accredited by recognized organizations such as the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides), ensuring a safe and high-quality experience. 

Yamnuska Logo

Yamnuska

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures

Guiding since the 1980s

Maarten Van Haeren

Maarten Van Haeren

Guide the Rockies

Guiding since the 2010s

Alpine Air Adventures Logo

Jeff Bullock

Alpine Air Adventures

Guiding since the 2000s

book a Guided Course in Alberta

Alberta Climbing Fun Facts

  • Historic National Parks

    Alberta is home to the two most popular national parks in Canada: Banff and Jasper. Over 4 million people visit Banff National Park each year. Kananaskis, Bow Valley, Castle Wildland also all provide fantastic climbing destinations in the province.

  • World-Class Ice

    The Weeping Wall in the Columbia Icefields is internationally famous, drawing climbers from all over the world seeking its challenging, picturesque ice routes. It includes a 5 minute approach, routes from WI4-6, and upwards of 300 feet of climbing.

  • Climbing Festivals

    Edmonton has had a busy 2025! In In February 2025, Edmonton Hosted the ICe Climbing World Cup and in June 2025, it hosted the North American Cup Series Climbing Festival—an event combining an international climbing competition and community climbing demos, live entertainment, and food.

  • Mountaineering Feats

    Many of the Rockies’ tallest peaks sit along the Alberta border, making the province a hotspot for mountaineering adventures. Mount Alberta, Mount Temple, and Mount Columbia—all part of the Columbia Icefield—offer iconic objectives.

  • Ghost Stories

    The Ghost River Valley, framed by towering limestone cliffs, earned its name from the spirits said to linger after a battle between the Stoney and Blackfoot First Nations.

  • Climbing Community

    In the summer months, climbers return to the Rockies for alpine and rock climbing. There are plenty of indoor climbing gyms to explore, and for those looking to improve, the community offers unparalleled access to training and mentorship.

  • Canada's 5.15 Rock Climbs

    At Raven's Crag (near Banff), Alex Megos sent Fight Club, Canada's first 5.15 climb. When Adam Ondra attempted to repeat the climb in 2018, he ended up establishing his own 5.15b (9b) route, Disbelief, in the Bow Valley.

Explore Alberta!