I used Yamnuska out of Canmore for hiking and backpacking in the Banff and Yoho area. My guides, Amanda and Sarah knew A LOT about the area, history, flora and fauna. In addition their technical expertise was through the roof. Smart and talented guides!! Highly recommend for any adventure you are looking to do. Also had guides James and Morgan. They have some great knowledge of the ice fields and were able to get our group hut to hut. Thank you to these 4 for a GREAT experience!!
Laura D · Google · 2 months agoRock Climbing: Level 1 - Intro
Alberta, Canmore · 1 Day
Pick a date
No upcoming dates right now. Message the guide to ask about new ones.
Overview
Yamnuska’s Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing is designed for complete beginners and those with minimal outdoor rock-climbing experience. Our goal is to teach the fundamental rock skills to complete beginners to allow them to immediately climb with more experienced climbers. Like any technical sport, mastering proper techniques from the start ensures good habits and long-term growth in outdoor rock climbing.
What You’ll Learn:
✔ Hazard management
✔ Fundamentals of movement on outdoor rock
✔ Effective belay techniques in an outdoor setting
✔ Proper top-rope belaying and lowering
✔ Introduction to seconding multi-pitch climbs
Our Rock-Climbing Series
Our four-part rock-climbing series, led by certified and highly experienced guides, will take you from a complete beginner to confidently tackle trad climbs. We have been guiding clients for nearly fifty years! And we have relied on that experience and expertise to develop this curriculum.
Add One More Day!
Extend your adventure with an additional day of climbing—team up with a guide-led group to tackle one of the region’s classic multi-pitch climbs, putting your new skills to the test. Contact us for the available dates.
Included
- Any climbing gear you do not have including: rock shoes; harness; helmet; and belay device
Bring
- Lunch
- snacks
- plenty to drink
- Daypack (large enough for spare clothing; your lunch & personal and group climbing gear) - Available for rent
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Rain Gear (minimum jacket)
- Clothing allowing for easy and complete range of movement
- Warm weather gear (fleece jacket; long johns; warm hat; gloves; etc.)
- Rock shoes (available at no extra charge)
- Hiking boots or running shoes for the hike to the climbing area
- Harness (available at no extra charge)
- Helmet (available at no extra charge)
- belay device (available at no extra charge)
- chalk bag
Is this right for me?
Unsure if you meet the prerequisites? Tell us a bit about your climbing and we'll help you find the right course.
Where you'll meet
We climb at fantastic beginner rock climbing areas, surrounded by the classic mountains. These spots include: Yamnuska “Practice Cliffs”, Zygote Buttress near Exshaw, Wasootch Creek in Kananaskis Country, Rundle Rock at Banff or, one of our favorites,” Back of the Lake” at Lake Louise.
- Alberta, CanmoreDirections
Price per person
All prices include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
All prices in CAD. You're only charged once the guide accepts.
Your guideYamnuska Mountain AdventuresReviews
I had a pretty simple goal: to learn how to scramble. As someone who started hiking later in life, I preferred to have someone show me how to before trying it alone. Even though this is a pretty basic skill, everyone I dealt with at Yamnuska were so gracious and helpful. Based on the info that I gave them about my experience level, our wondeful guide Connor decided against the scrambling when the forecast suddenly turned snowy in August. He took us on a part of the hike that was still a bit challenging for me, and provided great guidance and teaching on all kinds of subjects. My son was enthralled and loved learning from him. If you're like me and are just starting out, don't hesitate to book a guide to help you reach your goals! I'll definitely book again next time I'm in the area! Thanks again Connor, it was definitely a type 1 day!
Tanya Kanellakos · Google · 2 months agoOur Level 2 Rock course with Max on August 2, 2026, was outstanding. Max was incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and always prioritized safety while making the course fun and engaging. He took the time to work with each climber individually, ensuring everyone felt confident and supported as we learned new skills. His patience and attention to detail made a huge difference in our experience. I would highly recommend both this course and Max as an instructor to anyone looking to build their climbing skills.
Jasmine Holmes · Google · 2 months agoSuper 3 Day Yoho Peaks adventure! Great Guide Jean. Professional, kind, helpful. He was a great cook too !! Kept us fed and safe at all times.
Joachim Boge · Google · a month agoBooked a rock climbing day as a group of 6. Our guide, Sarah, was great and accomodated our wide skill range. Everyone had fun and enjoyed the views at Yamnuska Bluffs. The online reservation process was also a good experience. Tammy was responsive and helped us book the program that fits what we were looking for.
Kaan Alsan · Google · 2 months agoHad a fantastic time on an ice climbing trip booked through Climb Onsight! The process was seamless and we saved so much time on researching guides. The Muskoka Mountainworks guides are the best. They were patient with us newbies and made sure everyone had a nice balance of challenge and fun. The incredible location also made for an unforgettable day.
Jing Han · Climb Onsight on Google · a year agoI booked two 8-hour courses coordinated by Climb Onsight. An outdoor sport climbing course, taught by Frederick from ONE AXE, and a top rope anchor course taught by Jonathan from Muskoka Mountainworks. Both guides were great! They explained core concepts well, were receptive to questions. The days consisted of both theory and practice. I had a great experience with Climb Onsight. Communication was prompt, scheduling was flexible, and the booking and payment process was simple. I now feel more confident climbing outside, and I wouldn’t hesitate booking another experience through Climb Onsight. I would recommend the service to anyone looking to break into outdoor climbing!
Lisa Kirienko · Climb Onsight on Google · a year agoShaun and Jonathan were great guides for ice climbing, it was our first time but they were sure to give us good guidance but also room to do things on our own. Highly recommend if anyone wants to try ice climbing!
Elizabeth · Climb Onsight on Google · a year agoI worked together with Shaun at Climb Onsight to put on an ice climbing clinic at Festiglace, an ice climbing festival in Quebec. Shaun was great to work with, organizing the logistics for our guests and communicating directly with the Festiglace organizers. Thanks for a good trip out East!
Maarten Van Haeren · Climb Onsight on Google · a year agoShaun of Climb Onsight organized a successful corporate event for our firm retreat in Phoenix, Arizona. We had a great time rock climbing at Echo Canyon Trailhead. Some of us were first-timers and Shaun was truly an excellent source from beginning to end. Highly recommend Climb Onsight if you are looking to book a rock climbing event!
Sarah Chu · Climb Onsight on Google · a year ago