A Day on The Jowl: Climbing with on Kulth-ka-choolth (Mt. Arrowsmith)
Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones shared with great friends in incredible places. Recently, Mikayla and I had the pleasure of hosting our friends Ches and Kim, visiting from Smithers, along with Ches's sister, Nateevah. With the sun shining and the mountains calling, we decided there was no better way to spend the day than climbing one of Vancouver Island’s top 50 classic routes—The Jowl on Mt. Arrowsmith.
The Approach: A Trail Worth Taking
The hike to The Jowl is as much a highlight as the climb itself. As we ascended through the alpine, we were treated to stunning views of sparkling mountain lakes and the expansive Georgia Strait beyond. It’s not every day that you get to approach a climb with such a scenic backdrop. The trail, a hidden gem in itself, set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead, giving us plenty of time to catch up and enjoy the camaraderie of the group.
The Climb: The Jowl (5.10b/c)
The Jowl is a striking 4-pitch basalt sport climb that truly lives up to its reputation as a Vancouver Island classic. Once we reached the route, we geared up and began with two exhilarating double-rope rappels to the base. Standing there, surrounded by rugged alpine terrain, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and excitement.
One by one, we climbed back up the beautiful pitches, each offering its own unique challenges and rewarding moves. The volcanic basalt provided solid holds and stellar exposure, with each pitch delivering on both technicality and scenery. The joy of climbing with friends who share a love for the outdoors made the experience all the more memorable. Reaching the summit of Mt. Arrowsmith after completing the route felt like the perfect culmination of a fantastic day on the rock.
The Descent: A Walk Down Memory Lane
The descent via the climbers’ trail offered even more chances to soak in the beauty of the area. As we made our way down, we passed Time Machine (5.10b), another Vancouver Island classic. Seeing it up close reminded us of its allure and why it deserves a spot on every climber’s list.
At the base of these incredible routes, the possibilities for new lines are endless. The rock’s quality and the alpine setting create a playground for climbers seeking fresh challenges. It’s a location that inspires exploration and creativity, making each visit to Mt. Arrowsmith even more exciting.
Great Weather, Great Friends, Great Memories
The day couldn’t have been better. The weather was perfect, the company was even better, and the climbs lived up to every expectation. Spending time with Ches, Kim, and Nateevah—sharing stories, laughs, and the love for adventure—made it a truly unforgettable experience. It’s not every day that we get to host friends from the North and show off the incredible climbing Vancouver Island has to offer.
Looking Forward to More Adventures
Climbing The Jowl was a reminder of why we’re so passionate about the outdoors. The combination of a scenic approach, stunning climbs, and the joy of sharing it with others is what makes these days so special.
Join Us for Your Own Adventure
We’re thrilled to announce that in 2025, VIBE will offer guided trips to climb both The Jowl and Time Machine on Mt. Arrowsmith! Whether you’re seeking a challenging 4-pitch classic or looking to explore Vancouver Island’s climbing potential, these trips are not to be missed.
Click here to check available dates and book your spot.
For a sneak peek at the day’s adventure, check out our Instagram post here featuring a video recap of our climb!
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When you’re at the base of these iconic routes, the potential for new climbs feels endless. Mt. Arrowsmith continues to inspire climbers with its rugged beauty and wealth of opportunities. We hope to share these experiences with you in the seasons ahead—great climbs, great views, and great company await!
