Cheakamus Canyon
A premier sport climbing destination in Squamish, BC, offering diverse routes and scenic hiking trails along the Cheakamus River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Cheakamus Canyon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier sport climbing destination in Squamish, BC, offering diverse routes and scenic hiking trails along the Cheakamus River.
"Best of Squamish sport climbing! Awesome campsite near the parking areas, with picnic tables at each pitch."
🚗 Parking & Access
Arrive early, especially on weekends. Parking can be limited and busy. :car:
🏕️ Campsite Savvy
Campsites fill up fast! Consider weekdays or arriving very early. :tent:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sport Climbing Routes
Various crags within the canyon
World-class sport climbing with a vast selection of routes for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
+1
Indra's Net Multitpitch
North of Squamish
An easy, fun, and scenic bolted multipitch climb offering stunning views.
Star Chek Route
Cheakamus Canyon
A highly-rated 5.9, 4-pitch climb considered a Squamish Top 100 route.
Cheakamus Canyon Trail
Squamish
An 11.1 km round-trip hike through a culturally significant canyon with dramatic viewpoints.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climbing & Camping Logistics
Access & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Access
Arrive early, especially on weekends. Parking can be limited and busy. :car:
🏕️ Campsite Savvy
Campsites fill up fast! Consider weekdays or arriving very early. :tent:
🐻 Bear Safety
Always carry bear spray and be aware of your surroundings. :bear:
🧗♀️ Route Beta
Research routes beforehand; many have unique cruxes and beta.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Access
Arrive early, especially on weekends. Parking can be limited and busy. :car:
🏕️ Campsite Savvy
Campsites fill up fast! Consider weekdays or arriving very early. :tent:
🐻 Bear Safety
Always carry bear spray and be aware of your surroundings. :bear:
🧗♀️ Route Beta
Research routes beforehand; many have unique cruxes and beta.
🔒 Valuables
Be cautious of theft from vehicles in the parking lot. :lock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cheakamus Canyon is celebrated as a top-tier sport climbing destination with a vast array of routes and convenient camping. While the climbing quality and access are highly praised, visitors note that its popularity leads to significant crowds, especially on weekends, impacting parking and campsite availability. Some also mention concerns about vehicle break-ins.
"Best of Squamish sport climbing! Awesome campsite near the parking areas, with picnic tables at each pitch. A few sites will share a large bear box."
Becky Lee
"Easy access to a large amount of climbs. Have just scratched the surface here but can't wait to get back. Rec site close by with camping spots is even more of a bonus for some chill time waiting out the sun. Definitely gets busy here."
Chris M
"Great place to climb. Watch out for thieves at the bottom parking lot near electric avenue."
Nicolas R-D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cheakamus Canyon is located north of Squamish, BC. From Vancouver, take Highway 99 North towards Whistler. The turn-off for Cheakamus Canyon is well-marked. The drive is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Public transportation options directly to Cheakamus Canyon are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling with other climbers if possible.
The main parking lot provides access to many climbing areas. For some routes, like Indra's Net, walking along a well-defined trail from the base is recommended over rapping in.
Yes, the Cheakamus Canyon Trail is an 11.1 km round-trip hike offering beautiful views and insights into the area's cultural significance.
Cheakamus Canyon is located south of Whistler, making it a convenient stop for those traveling between Vancouver and Whistler. The drive from Whistler is about 30-40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees or tickets required to access Cheakamus Canyon for climbing or hiking. However, camping at the designated rec site has associated fees.
Cheakamus Canyon is generally accessible year-round, but climbing conditions can vary with weather. The rec site camping has specific operating seasons. It's always best to check local conditions before visiting.
Yes, there is a fee for camping at the recreation site near the parking areas. The sites often include picnic tables and bear boxes.
The camping area is popular with both climbers and non-climbers, especially since recent improvements. This can make it harder for climbers to secure a spot.
Reservations are generally not available for the Cheakamus Canyon rec site camping; it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It fills up very quickly.
🎫 🧗 Onsite Experience
Cheakamus Canyon is renowned for its excellent sport climbing routes, offering a wide range of difficulties from beginner-friendly to challenging.
Popular routes include 'Star Chek' (5.9, 4 pitches),
Yes, there are routes suitable for beginners, and the canyon is considered great for 'noon climbers' or those new to the sport. However, some areas can be busy.
The Cheakamus Canyon Trail involves varied terrain, including sections with steel cables for guidance on dramatic viewpoints. It's a moderate hike with significant elevation gain.
The main parking area has picnic tables and bear boxes at some campsites. There are no other extensive facilities directly at the climbing crags.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic viewpoints along the Cheakamus Canyon Trail offer stunning vistas of the canyon and river.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with Parks Canada or relevant authorities regarding drone operation in protected natural areas to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. For climbing shots, a telephoto lens can be useful. Don't forget extra batteries, especially if visiting in colder weather.
The unique cruxes of some climbing routes offer dynamic action shots.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the best light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but is often necessary for climbing action shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The trail offers beautiful views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area. Keep in mind that the hike is 11.1 km round-trip with elevation gain, so assess your children's stamina. For families interested in climbing, look for areas with beginner-friendly routes and ensure adequate supervision.
🧗 Climbers
+1 Whether you're sport climbing at a 5.10c level or 'Indra's Net', you'll find plenty to challenge you. The canyon offers a high concentration of climbs with quick approaches, maximizing your time on the rock. Be prepared for its popularity. Weekends are extremely busy, and campsites and parking spots are highly sought after.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
This 11.1 km trail provides stunning views of the canyon and the Cheakamus River, known for its vibrant glacial waters. While the trail is the main hiking attraction, the surrounding area also offers opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. Consider visiting nearby waterfalls like Mamquam Falls for a shorter, rewarding walk.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Climbing Scene
and 'Indra's Net', there's something for everyone. The canyon's crags, like Forgotten Wall and Rogues' Gallery, are known for their quality rock and well-placed bolts. Many routes feature unique cruxes, offering engaging challenges for experienced climbers. Climbers often praise the easy and fast approaches to most climbs, making it efficient to maximize climbing time.
For those looking for a more involved experience, the multipitch routes offer a fantastic way to spend a day. 'Indra's Net' is highlighted as an easy, fun, and beautiful bolted multipitch, perfect for those looking to step up from single-pitch climbs.
The canyon's diverse offerings ensure that whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, Cheakamus Canyon provides a memorable climbing experience.Hiking and Nature
This trail is perfect for those seeking a moderate challenge, with approximately 335 meters of elevation gain. It follows ancient Indigenous trade routes, leading hikers past a serene lake and onto dramatic viewpoints. The natural beauty of the area is a significant draw. The canyon is carved by the Cheakamus River, known for its stunning, often emerald-colored glacial waters.
While the primary focus for many visitors is climbing, the hiking trail provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the broader natural environment. It's a chance to connect with the rugged beauty of the Squamish region and experience its unique geological and ecological features.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit