Climbing is one of the main reasons I love living here. We've got granite and gneiss all over the valley, one of the longest outdoor seasons in Canada, and most of it is within 20 minutes of town. If you're new, here's where I'd start.
Start inside: Gneiss Climbing
If you've never climbed before, go to the gym first. Gneiss is where you'll learn how to move on the wall, how to fall safely, and how to belay if you want to rope up later. It's also the easiest way to meet people to climb outside with. Take an intro class, get a few sessions in, and you'll be way more comfortable on real rock.
Bouldering: where to go outside
Eain Lamont Park. The perfect first outdoor session. The boulders are small, the problems are easy, and it's about as beginner friendly as it gets. Bring a crash pad and a friend to spot you.
Pebble Beach. Some really fun problems, and a beach day at the same time. Just know the rock is sharp, so expect to leave with a few scrapes, and tape up if you're planning a long session.
The Boulderfields. The best of the best. This is Kelowna's main bouldering area, with hundreds of problems across every grade. Once you've done a few sessions at Eain Lamont, this is where you'll end up spending your weekends.
Sport climbing
Once you know how to belay and clip, the valley opens up.
John's Family. My top pick for beginner sport climbing. There are easy routes in the 5.7 range, and some longer moderate multipitch lines once you're ready to go bigger. Great views over the lake too.
Lonely Crags. You'll pass these on the drive up to John's Family. A handful of walls close together, so it's easy to try a few different spots in one day.
The Boulderfields. Not just for bouldering. There are sport routes here too, which makes it a good spot for a group with mixed interests.
KLO Creek. The go-to when it's hot. It's shady and cooler than most crags in town, which matters a lot in July. Heads up: a lot of the routes here lean harder, and it's newer development, so wear a helmet.
Worth the road trip
Skaha Bluffs (Penticton). About an hour south and one of the best sport climbing areas in Canada. Hundreds of routes, a ton of moderate grades, and climbing almost year round. If you only take one climbing trip, make it this one.
Ellison Provincial Park (Vernon). Climbing right beside Okanagan Lake. Pack a swimsuit, climb in the morning, and jump in the lake after.
Cougar Canyon (Coldstream). Another great option on the Vernon side, especially if you're up there for the day.
A few tips before you go
Grab the guidebook. The Kelowna Rock guidebook covers most of the crags above, with maps, route grades and approach directions.
Go with someone experienced. Especially for your first few sport days. There's a lot to learn about anchors and lowering that you don't want to figure out on your own.
Respect the neighbours. Some of these crags sit right next to new neighbourhoods and private land. Park where you're supposed to, pack out your trash, keep it quiet.
Why this matters if you're moving here
If climbing is part of your life, it should be part of where you buy. Living in the Upper Mission or Southeast Kelowna puts you minutes from John's Family and the Boulderfields. West Kelowna gets you close to Mt. Boucherie. And from anywhere in the valley, Skaha is an easy day trip.
If you want to talk neighbourhoods, or just swap crag recommendations, let's chat. Twenty minutes, no pressure.
Teagan Adams, REALTOR®
Born and raised in Kelowna. I write these to answer the questions I get asked every week: one question per post, answered properly.
