Private Rock Climbing and Daily Instruction
Guided Climbs,
Daily Lessons &
Private Instruction
For beginners, experts, visitors, locals, families, individuals & groups.
The Canadian Rockies surrounding Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise are a rock climber's paradise with climbs and areas suitable for every level of climber. Rock climbing is an unbelievably exhilarating sport and we invite you to experience it with Yamnuska.
Info on Beginner / Daily Lessons & Instruction
Info on other guided activities
DAILY LESSONS & PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Day or half-day lessons are available for individuals or groups in the Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise (full-day only) areas by request. Lessons cater to all abilities, beginner to advanced.
Lessons can be booked by individuals, families or groups. When requested individual bookings may be combined to reduce costs for participants.
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Locations
There are several great and scenic rock climbing instruction areas that can be readily accessed for daily lessons, they include:
Banff Rundle Rock: Next to the Banff Springs Golf Course. A great spot for first time rock climbers, especially younger children. Suitable for full and half day climbing. Nearby Rundle Ridge allows for an easy multi-pitch climb and rappel for those with a whole day.
Zygote Crag: 20 minute drive from Canmore. Good beginner location for a full or half-day of climbing with some challenging short climbs to finish on.
Yamnuska: 20 minutes drive from Canmore. Excellent beginner location for full or half-days..
Wasootch Creek: 40 minute drive from Canmore. Good variety of climbs, due to driving times this location is more suitable for full-day programs.
Lake Louise: A spectacular and famous climbing crag at the head of Lake Louise. An excellent location for those with some previous climbing experience. Due to driving and approach times available for full-day climbing only.
Sport Climbing Crags: For those with previous gym and sport experience there are a multitude of crags especially around Canmore but also including Lake Louise.
Rock Climbing Season
Rock climbing is typically available from May until mid-October. Optimum season is mid-May to late September.
Instructors & Instruction Ratios
Instructors are certified guides licensed to operate in the National and Provincial Parks. They are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
The maximum instructor to client ratio for instruction is 1:6
Prices
Full Day: Included are instruction, use of equipment, rock shoes when available. 5% GST & gratuities extra.
| Number in group | Cost / person (Cdn) |
| 1 | $400 |
| 2 | $225 |
| 3 | $167 |
| 4 or more | $138 |
| Lake Louise surcharge | $35 travel cost surcharge applies to groups wishing to meet at Lake Louise |
Half Day: Included are instruction, use of equipment, rock shoes when available. 5% GST & gratuities extra.
| Number in group | Cost / person (Cdn) |
| 1 | $270 |
| 2 | $150 |
| 3 | $110 |
| 4 or more | $90 |
Meeting Place & Time
We will arrange this with you when you book.
Transportation
Transportation is not usually included. Clients generally provide transportation for the guide. If there is a vehicle available, Yamnuska can provide transportation for a pick-up in Banff or Canmore at an additional cost of $50 plus a fuel surcharge if climbing anywhere other than Rundle Rock.
What you need to bring
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Lunch / snack and plenty to drink,
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Day pack,
-
Rain gear,
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Clothing allowing for easy and complete range of movement,
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Warm weather gear as necessary for season,
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Running shoes or hiking boots.
To Book or inquire about daily lesson and private instruction.
Please email or call the Yamnuska office at 1 866 678 4164 (Canada USA only), +1 403 678 4164, or local 678 4164.
All participants must sign Yamnuska waiver of risk and liability before climbing (parents/guardians must sign for children). Full payment required on registration.Please view our sample waiver copy.
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PRIVATE COURSES
These can be arranged for individuals, families and groups. They are customized to meet your specific needs and objectives. They can be at beginner or advanced levels or focus on specific aspects of climbing such as sport climbing, "trad leading", multi-pitch climbing or instruction for kids. Courses can be for one or several days. Prices vary depending upon whether for multi-pitch (see below) or single pitch climbing (see above).
GUIDED CLIMBS
There's nothing like getting up on a long rock route, the settings are amazing and you'll find yourself more challenged as you get further above the ground. Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise areas have lots of great climbs suitable for climbers of all abilities.

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Sample of Available Climbs
| Name | Location | Nearest Town | # Of Pitches | Hardest Grade |
| Grillmair Chimneys | Yamnuska | Canmore | 10 | 5.6 |
| Diretissima | Yamnuska | Canmore | 8 | 5.8 |
| N.E. Face Ha Ling | Ha Ling Peak | Canmore | 10 | 5.7 |
| Geriatric | E. end of Rundle | Canmore | 8 | 5.8 |
| True Grit | E. end of Rundle | Canmore | 6 | 5.10b |
| Keel Haul Wall | Kidgoat Buttress | Canmore | 5 | 5.6 |
| Twilight Zone | Kid goat Buttress | Canmore | 4 | 5.7 |
| Deception | Nanny Goat Buttress | Canmore | 8 | 5.7 |
| Tower of Babel | Moraine Lake | Lake Louise | 8 | 5.9 |
| Gooseberry | Tunnel Mtn. | Banff | 8 | 5.7 |
| Mothers Day | Cascade Mtn. | Banff | 10 | 5.6 |
In addition to the longer climbs above we can also take you to the many sport and traditional crags in the area. For single pitch climbing days the daily lesson rates apply (see above).
Prices
Prices includes instruction, use of equipment and rock shoes when available. 5% GST & gratuities extra.
Charge is for a full day (6 hours plus, if climb completed early then balance of time can be used for single pitch sport climbing nearby).
Maximum of 2 persons per guide
| Number in group | Cost / person (Cdn) |
| 1 | $450 |
| 2 | $255 |
| Guide travel surcharges may apply | Max. cost $48 |
Meeting Place & Time
We will arrange this with you when you book.
What you need to bring
-
Lunch and plenty to drink,
-
Day pack,
-
Rain gear,
-
Clothing allowing for easy and complete range of movement,
-
Warm weather gear (fleece jacket, longs, warm hat etc),
-
Rock shoes, running shoes or hiking boots.
-
Harness, helmet if you have them with you.
To Book
Please email or call the Yamnuska office at 1 866 678 4164 (Canada USA only), +1 403 678 4164, or local 678 4164.
All participants must sign Yamnuska waiver of risk and liability before climbing (parents/guardians must sign for children). Full payment required on registration.Please view our sample waiver copy.
printer friendly info on daily and private instruction
More information on private programs
