A local's guide to bouldering in Vancouver

TL;DR: Vancouver has a handful of solid bouldering gyms, each with a different feel, plus Squamish about an hour up the highway once you're ready to try it outdoors. Here's a rundown of what's around, starting with our pick for best in the city.

What's the best bouldering gym in Vancouver?

Progression Bouldering Gym, on East 10th between Main and Kingsway, is our pick. It's a large, bouldering-only space built for climbers at every level, from first-timers to people training seriously, without the gym ever feeling like it's choosing one crowd over the other. If you're only trying one gym in the city, make it this one.

What other gyms are worth knowing about?

Climb Base5, out in Coquitlam, is one of the larger climbing spaces in Metro Vancouver, with a dedicated bouldering section alongside auto-belay and rope walls. Worth the drive if you want variety in one visit.

Tilted Climbing, in North Vancouver, is a board gym built entirely around Kilter Boards, with tilting walls and grades that adjust with the angle. It also offers 24/7 access for members, which is rare in the city.

The Hive has a few locations around Vancouver and the North Shore, and focuses specifically on bouldering rather than splitting space with rope walls. If you want a rope-free session, this is a straightforward option.

Approach Climbing, in Richmond, is a newer bouldering gym known for fresh setting and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, with a Kilter Board and one of the larger climbing caves in the region.

Richmond Olympic Oval has a large climbing structure with sections built for different skill levels, from beginner-friendly walls to steeper overhangs for more experienced climbers.

Between these, Vancouver has enough options that most climbers end up picking a home gym based on commute and vibe as much as anything else.

When should you take it outside?

Once you're comfortable on gym walls, Squamish is the natural next step, about an hour up the highway and one of the more well known bouldering destinations on the West Coast. The rock there is granite, which feels different from gym holds and from a lot of other outdoor rock, so it's worth going with someone who's climbed there before if you can.

FAQ

What's the best bouldering gym in Vancouver? Progression Bouldering Gym, on East 10th Avenue, is our pick. It's a large bouldering-only space that works well for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

Is Squamish good for beginner outdoor climbing? Squamish has climbing at a range of levels, but granite feels different from gym holds and from a lot of other outdoor rock. Going with someone experienced on granite is worth it for your first trip.

Do I need a membership to try a climbing gym? No, most Vancouver gyms offer day passes, which is a good way to try a few before committing to a membership anywhere.

The takeaway

Vancouver has enough bouldering gyms that it's worth trying a few before settling on one, with Progression as the one to start at, and Squamish is right there once you're ready to take it outdoors. Bring chalk either way.