Plenty of well-known climbers call Canmore home now. Pioneering new routes on rock, ice and mixed climbs, these climbers are leading the way up - and thousands more follow every year. A local ice-climbing festival, held yearly in March, has sprung up to celebrate the joys of the abundant icefalls that make Canmore such a mecca for climbers in winter. Many of the falls have very easy access, with short hikes in, which makes them even more appealing.

In summer, at least eight crags await discovery within half an hour's drive. These offer a wide range of climbing options, from bouldering to day-long multi-pitch climbs. There is more than enough here to challenge any level of climber.

The very history of the Canadian Rockies has much to do with climbing, and the mountain culture thrives today more than ever in Canmore.

Click HERE for area climbing routes and terminology information provided courtesy of Matthew Buckle. mbuckle@interchange.ubc.ca