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Banff National Park, Alberta

Looking for the best rock climbing in Banff National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Banff National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Rock Climbing Spots in and near Banff National Park

  • Canmore, Alberta

    Climb the South East Ridge of Lady MacDonald

    Lady Macdonalds South East ridge is a route that has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to it's proximity to Canmore, intro level alpine climbing, and wonderful views. The Rockies Central Guidebook has the best images and descriptions of this specific climb This route starts in Cougar Cre...
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  • Canmore, Alberta

    Rock Climb at Cougar Creek Canyon

    4.0
    3.1 mi / 49.2 ft gain
    From the TransCanada highway, take the second exit into Canmore (from either direction), and head uphill on Elk Run Boulevard. At the top of the hill, across from the Iron Goat restaurant, there is a three way intersection, head right across the bridge and take an immediate left into the parking ...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Ice Climbing at Balfour Wall

    Drive up the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N) for 60 km. From there you will see a small rest stop like parking lot. From there the trail is quite obvious.The trail is short, but very steep. It shouldn't take more than 45 minutes to arrive at the climb. Once there enjoy the beautiful views and var...
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  • 51.064574,-115.203550

    Hike Grotto Creek

    3.7 mi / 410.1 ft gain
    This is a great hike that could be a quick 2 hour sprint or stretch into a full day affair.  The trailhead is located just off Highway 1A at a fishing pond with outhouses and ample parking.  The trail is well signed and in a quick kilometre, hikers will be at the actual creek bed. In summer, hike...
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  • Clearwater County, Alberta

    Ice climb Two O'Clock Falls

    Park at the "Siffleur Falls Trail Staging Area" parking lot on the east side of the highway. From there you will need to carefully cross the highway to the West side. The waterfall is visible from the highway. There is a gated road that you will walk up. The land on the West side of the highway ...
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  • Edgewater, British Columbia

    Scramble the Towers

    12.4 mi / 3937 ft gain
    From the Assiniboine Lodge (or your campsite or your hut), follow directions to Wonder Pass. After the pass, there are two ways to get up to The Towers, which you can see on the map in the pictures. The first option is to keep going on Wonder Pass Trail a bit further, lose some elevation and cut ...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Grillmair Chimneys Climb - Mount Yamnuska

    First route put up on Yamnuska by Hans Gmoser, Leo GrillmairSome say this was the start of modern climbing in Canada5.6 Trad Route- 8 PitchesThis climb is very unique once you get to the last pitch- squeezing your way into a cave, once at the cave you climb through a small hole which brings you o...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Climb McGillivray Slabs

    Morningside RouteLocated on the North side of Mount McGillivray5.7 Sport Route- 4 PitchesWalk off or RappelGetting there: Located across from Lac Des Arc. Theres a small gravel road turn off just before McGillivray Ponds- easy to miss! Then follow a small trail on the right side that leads up to ...
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  • Kananaskis, Alberta

    Scramble up Mount Sparrowhawk for Sunrise

    7.5 mi / 4527.6 ft gain
    Mount Sparrowhawk was the first mountain I ever fell in love with -- I knew it well, and I knew that the summit would still be accessible with a bit of snow on it in October. With waning daylight hours, it was a perfect option - albeit intense - for a sunrise hike.The trailhead is located on the ...
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