Rock Climbing on Vancouver Island: A Guide to the Best Crags and Routes
Vancouver Island is a hidden gem for rock climbers
Offering everything from steep sport climbs and trad routes to bouldering and alpine objectives.
With its coastal beauty, rugged granite faces, and diverse climbing styles, the island has something for climbers of all levels. Whether you’re an experienced climber looking for a new challenge or a beginner wanting to learn the ropes, Vancouver Island has a variety of destinations to explore.
At VIBE Backcountry, we offer guided climbing trips and courses to help you experience the best that Vancouver Island has to offer. Whether you're looking to learn how to climb outdoors, refine your lead climbing skills, or take on an alpine adventure, check out our Rock Climbing Courses.
Top Climbing Areas on Vancouver Island
Victoria & South Island Crags
Victoria is home to some of the island’s most accessible and well-developed climbing areas, including:
Mount Wells – One of the most popular climbing destinations in Victoria, offering basalt cliffs with sport and trad routes.
Fleming Beach – A seaside climbing spot perfect for bouldering and top-rope climbing.
East Sooke Park – A mix of short trad and sport climbs in a rugged coastal setting.
If you're new to outdoor climbing, our Intro to Rock Climbing Course in Victoria is a great way to start.
A sandstone bouldering area with over 250 problems, located near Maple Bay Marina.
Nanaimo & Central Island Crags
Nanaimo offers a diverse range of climbing opportunities with both sport and trad routes:
Mount Benson – Over 100 established routes, featuring a mix of sport and trad climbs.
Nanaimo River Crags – A great collection of climbs on limestone and sandstone, with more than 85 routes.
Lantzville Foothills – Around 80 routes, with a variety of difficulty levels.
A great collection of climbs on limestone and sandstone, with more than 85 routes.
For those looking to step up their game, our Learn to Lead Sport Climbing course will teach you everything you need to know about outdoor lead climbing techniques and safety.
Comox Valley & North Island Crags
The Comox Valley is home to some of the most scenic climbing areas on Vancouver Island:
Comox Lake – A beautiful setting with a mix of trad and sport routes.
Crest Creek Crags – Located in Strathcona Park, this area offers uncrowded single-pitch cragging with quality rock and scenic views.
Quadra Island – A short ferry ride from Campbell River, featuring steep walls and adventure climbing.
For those looking to gain multi-pitch climbing skills, our Guided Multi-Pitch Course provides expert instruction in some of the island's best locations.
Horne Lake: The Sport Climbing Mecca
Horne Lake is widely regarded as the best limestone sport climbing area in BC. Known for its steep overhanging routes, this crag is a must-visit for experienced climbers looking to push their limits on high-quality rock. With a variety of technical and endurance-based climbs, it's the perfect spot for those who love steep, powerful movement on limestone.
Alpine & Backcountry Climbing in Strathcona Park
Strathcona Alpine Routes
For those seeking remote and challenging alpine climbs, Strathcona Provincial Park is the place to be. Home to Vancouver Island’s tallest peaks, the park features:
Crest Creek Crags – A gateway to backcountry climbing with great single-pitch routes.
Strathcona Alpine Routes – Including Mount Colonel Foster and Elkhorn Mountain, which provide stunning long alpine rock routes and mountaineering challenges.
If you’re ready to take on big mountain objectives, check out our Alpine Climbing Course to develop the skills necessary for backcountry climbing adventures.
Why Climb with VIBE Backcountry?
At VIBE Backcountry, we provide expert-led rock climbing and alpine courses to help you safely explore Vancouver Island’s incredible climbing destinations. Whether you want to improve your skills, gain confidence on lead, or explore remote alpine routes, our experienced guides will ensure a safe and rewarding experience.
👉 Check out our full list of Climbing Courses & Trips and start planning your next climbing adventure!
Final Thoughts
Vancouver Island is a climber’s paradise, with diverse rock types, stunning landscapes, and routes for all skill levels. Whether you’re bouldering in Duncan, sport climbing at Horne Lake, or tackling a multi-pitch in Strathcona Park, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking to experience the best climbing on the island, let VIBE Backcountry be your guide.
📍 Ready to climb? Contact us at VIBE Backcountry to book your next adventure!
