It's time to get climbing. No matter where the rocks lead you, you'll be moved by the beauty and immensity of nature in Vancouver, Coast and Mountains. Most areas have local, certified rock climbing guides that will introduce beginners to this exciting and fast growing sport. Whether you're just starting out or have been climbing for years, you'll find a climbing experience in Vancouver, Coast and Mountains that's sure to be the highlight of your trip.

In Mighty Fraser Country, visit Mount Slesse which is regarded as one of the 50 classic climbs in North America. Its 900 metre (2,953 ft) north east buttress offers some of the continents most popular climbing objectives. In Metro Vancouver, Lighthouse Park is a great spot for a quick climbing session without having to leave the city. On the Sunshine Coast, check-out the Eldred Valley in Powell River.

Sea to Sky Country is a world-class rock climbing destination. Recognized as the 'Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada', Squamish is best known for the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, a premier North American climbing site. Known affectionately by locals as simply "The Chief", this granite cliff is 700 metres (2,296.6 ft) high with more than 50 climbs rated 5.8 to 5.13. Top-ranked climbers from around the world come to test themselves on The Chief.

The Smoke Bluffs of Squamish are a less intimidating climd than The Chief, and the shorter routes are an ideal way for novice and intermediate climbers to experience the granite faces of Squamish. More than 180 climbs rated 5.4 to 5.13 await you at the Little Smoke Bluffs of Squamish.

An additional forty-five minutes north of Squamish along the picturesque Sea to Sky Highway is Whistler, where there are over a dozen grads in the area. Most of them sport bolted face climbs ranging from easy to some of the toughest climbs in the Coastal Mountains.

Further north of Whistler is Lillooet. Here, the setting for rock climbing is outstanding, with towering limestone walls rising above sparkling lakes on the valley floor. Lillooet can be hot in midsummer, but its dry climate makes it an ideal spring and fall rock climbing destination.

Safety Tip: Choose a local tour company and ensure that you are climbing with a certified mountain guide or instructor who is familiar with the demands of the local terrain. Rock climbing is a high-risk sport which requires strength, stamina and the proper use of technical climbing equipment. Did you know? The Stawamus Chief is said to be the world's second largest granite monolith and draws climbers from around the world. Peak climbing months are between April and October, but climbers can be seen year round whenever the weather permits.