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  • Banff, Alberta

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

    Top Rock Climbing Spots in and near Banff

    • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

      Hike to Consolation Lakes

      4.0
      3.7 mi / 196.9 ft gain
      Once at Moraine Lake, the directions to Consolation Lakes are quite clear. From the parking lot, head northeast past the rockpile, which provides fantastic views of Moraine, then follow the Consolation Lakes Trail for another 2.9 km (1.8 miles) past Taylor Lake until you reach the lake. Depending...
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    • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

      Scramble the Ten Peaks via the Perren Route

      A true adventure with lots of route finding, glacier travel, loose rock and high altitude views. This is not for the faint hearted or first timers.From the Moraine Lake parking lot walk down the east side of the lake along the well maintained trail. Towards the end of the lake you will cross the ...
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    • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

      Climb the Tower of Babel

      3.0
      Fairly short approach that begins to the left of Moraine Lake on the consolation lakes trail. Follow a foot path until you see a faint trail in the scree that moves up towards the tower-would recommend wearing a helmet on the approach. This is active grizzly country- It would be a good idea to ca...
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    • Kananaskis, Alberta

      Backpack the Fortress Cirque

      5.0
      12.19 mi / 3507 ft gain
      No better way to watch the stars with friends than huddled up in your sleeping bag on top of a 3000m summit. This describes the bivy at The Fortress. Starting at the Chester Lake Trailhead, take the unmarked trail on the right side of the parking lot. These winter cross-country ski trails take y...
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    • Lake Louise, Alberta

      Plain of Six Glaciers

      4.6
      8.96 mi / 1565 ft gain
      Starting from the parking lot on the east end of Lake Louise, there are a few options you can take to get to the Plain of Six Glaciers. One is to head directly along the lakeshore trail, and in about 7 km (4.2 miles) you will be at the lookout offering the best vantage point of the glacier field....
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    • Lake Louise, Alberta

      Rock Climbing at Lake Louise

      From the TransCanada Highway take the exit for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Just before you arrive at the hotel there will be a large parking lot on the left. It's best to arrive early as a lot of tourists and locals alike use this parking area for hikes and visiting the the lake.From the pa...
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    • Kananaskis, Alberta

      Ice Climb at King Creek

      4.0
      Follow the defined path trailing roughly along the creek bed, a 20 minute hike from the car park. King Creek lies at the bottom of a gorge with steep rock walls on either side and a cascade of fat ice being forced out of the rocks. It's a gorgeous spot, showcasing the true beauty of Kananaskis.It...
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    • Bragg Creek, Alberta

      Rock Climb at White Buddha

      4.0
      1.9 mi / 492.1 ft gain
      To reach White Buddha, park at the Powerface Creek parking lot. Between December and May, Route 66 is closed at Elbow Falls, so you may need to park at the gate and walk in, about 0.3 miles (500 m). The trailhead is well marked from the parking lot.The first section of the trail is mellow, though...
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    • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

      Ski Mt. Hector

      8.6 mi / 5275.6 ft gain
      Mt Hector's main route requires a ski mountaineering ascent. It moves through a lot of complex avalanche terrain, across glaciers, and through many terrain traps. Most people will do this route in spring, aiming to be off the mountain before noon.  This route should be attempted only by very fit ...
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    • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

      Climb Achilles Spire

      5.0
      Established in 2012 by Eric Dumerac, Sid Cupido and Chad Casey.  This 13-pitch, 300m route of relatively easy climbing provides some decent exposure on a dolomite tower attached to Mount Andromache, Banff National Park. 2 hr approach, expect 8-10 hour day.  Approach - Park in the pull out on the ...
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    • Kananaskis, Alberta

      Hike the Aster Lake Trail in Kananaskis Provincial Park

      7.5 mi / 1969 ft gain
      A long day hike or perfect backpack trip, this alpine lake surrounded by high peaks, starts out relatively easy from the upper Kananaskis Lake parking lot, at the far end of the south side of the lake, with a short tour around the east side of Hidden Lake, you start, what at some points will seem...
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    • Field, British Columbia

      Rock Climb Takakkaw Falls

      5.0
      Summit Elevation- 991 ftNamed after Bernie Schiesser and Sid Marty- Park warden at the time- Takakkaw is derived from a cree word meaning “It is wonderful”5.6- 12 pitches- MixedPark in the designated parking area for Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park, Follow a paved trail to the base of the wa...
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