We may not be the climbing mecca of Canada, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t able to enjoy the beauty of pulling on some rock and ascending a sweet line in our city. Rock climbing is growing as an activity and Prince George is growing with it. Within the city, you have access to indoor and outdoor climbing, so whether you want to be inside climbing on a rainy day or exploring some rock on a sunny day, Prince George has those options.
Indoor Climbing
If you’ve never climbed before or you’re a veteran at it, OVERhang is the place to be. It is an indoor climbing gym located in the Golf and Curling Club and has been open for about 3 years. OVERhang is a great place to meet people and to further your climbing knowledge. From birthday parties to adult technique classes, there is something for everyone.
When I first moved to Prince George from Edmonton, OVERhang was one of the first places I went to and it welcomed me with open arms. Unlike climbing gyms in larger cities, OVERhang has a sense of community that is welcoming and encouraging for all abilities. The opportunities I have been given here were unimaginable in Edmonton and I have been able to grow as a climber, coach, route setter and overall as a person. Even for those who have never climbed before, OVERhang offers courses related to indoor and outdoor climbing as they are passionate about educating and supporting the local climbing community.
Outdoor Climbing
As summer is approaching, outdoor climbing is picking up. Whether you want to go for an evening climb or a weekend adventure, Prince George has something for you. Unlike Canmore and Squamish, Prince George will often be quiet at the crags. If there are people climbing you most likely know who they are. A great thing about climbing here is that most of the crags are easily accessible and grades range from beginner to more advance (5.6 – 5.12). Also, the climbing varies from bouldering, sport, trad, mix gear and multi-pitch climbing.
In the city, you can go to Evening Rock or to Forests for the World. A common day trip for local climbers is to the Giscome area, about 30 min north east of town. There is also climbing at Teapot Mountain, approximately 45 min north of Prince George. Within a 2-3 hour drive, there is Mt.Pope, Eslers Bluff (near Willams Lake), Hassler Crag (near Chetwynd) and Big Eddy (near the Stelako River). More information on the climbing near Prince George can be found in Central BC Rock by Lyle Knight and an updated guidebook will hopefully be out in the next couple years.
Overall, Prince George has a variety of opportunities for you to learn about climbing and to grow as a climber. The convenience of the indoor climbing gym and the easy access to the outdoor climbing is a great aspect of living in Prince George; it’s not something you can find in just any city.
Hope to see you out there!
