Climbing Wall

Climbing and Bouldering Walls

Climbing Wall

Hours: 

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Closures:     

  • November 11-15: Closed for Climbing Wall Reset
  • December 21- January 5: Holiday closures & route setting (reopening January 6)
  • February 17: - Statutory Holiday

Belay tests: All users must complete a current top rope and/or lead belay test. Belay tests are on a first-come, first-serve basis, during the hours listed below:

  • Monday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Belay tests are non instructional; both the belayer and climber are required to demonstrate full competency in the necessary skills throughout the test.

Location: Check in at the climbing office opposite the Outdoor Centre (KNB 180) then access the climbing wall from the basement floor (KNB 80). 

Waivers: All climbing wall users must sign a waiver on an annual basis, starting September 1 each year.

Bouldering Wall

Hours: Same as Kinesiology building hours

Closures

  • November 3: Partial closure for reset
  • November 11: Closed (Statutory Holiday)
  • November 24: Partial closure for reset

View November bouldering wall calendar

Location: Access the bouldering wall on the basement floor of the Kinesiology A block.

Access:

  • Wristband: All users must have a facility wristband. Sign in for a wristband at the climbing office opposite the Outdoor Centre (KNB 180) or at Active Living Client Services (KNA 104) or the Fitness Centre front desk (KNB 154).
  • Group Access: Due to high demand and space constraints, this area may have restrictions during peak times.
  • Respect for Other Users: Please be mindful of other individuals using the facilities. Keep the noise levels to a minimum, and be considerate of shared spaces.
  • No Outside Instruction: External instructors are not permitted to conduct sessions within the climbing and bouldering facilities.

What sets us apart?

Built to practice outdoor mountain skills. Our 13m indoor climbing wall features moulded concrete panels embedded with quartzite holds, texture, cracks, and chimneys. It was designed to learn/practice leading on gear, anchor building, rappelling, rock rescue and crevasse rescue. 

A revamped Bouldering Wall. The bouldering walls in the basement of the Kinesiology A block were rebuilt in 2019 and 2023 with recommendations and feedback from the local climbing community.

Lessons and skill-building courses

Start with beginner lessons and progress as your skills develop. Our experienced instructors teach kids and adults year-round.

Browse programs

Come climb with us!

Access to the Climbing and Bouldering Walls is included for UCalgary students and Active Living members. 

Non-members can purchase a drop-in Day Pass to climb. 

Prices

  • Belay & Lead Belay test*: Free
  • Shoes: $9
  • Harness: $6
  • Belay device: $2
  • Day Pass: $11 (non-members)

Belay tests are non-instructional and require competent knowledge of belay skills prior to the test. Two competent climbers are required to take the belay test.

Learn more about Active Living memberships

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