Mount Royal Recreation

Top Rope Climbing & Belaying Lesson – Ages 17+

The first step in our Climbing Skills Series. Topics covered include harness use, rope management, and top rope belay techniques.

Lead Climbing & Belaying Lesson – Ages 17+

Tie in to the sharp end! Topics covered include draw clipping, rope management, and lead belay techniques.

Adult Climbing Development – Ages 17+

Take your climbing to the next level! This program will further develop your climbing technique and fitness, and benefits anyone currently climbing in the 5.8 - 5.11+ range. Ages 17+.

Tykes Rock – Ages 4-8

This six week experiential course is a great opportunity for children to challenge themselves and explore the exciting sport of indoor climbing.

Summit Seekers – Ages 9-13

This six week instructional course covers the basic technical skills required for indoor climbing in an energetic and safe environment.

Youth Climbing Development & Competition Teams – Ages 10-17

Our Climbing Development teams give youth who are serious about climbing more opportunities to practice new skills and techniques, as well as to try outdoor climbing. Older participants can additionally register in our Competitive Climbing team and challenge themselves in local and MRU climbing competitions.

Outdoor Adventure Programs

Programs range from student-led recreational trips to educational opportunities with professional guides and interpreters to ensure comfort and safety for participants. Activity options include day hiking, overnight backpacking, trail running, outdoor climbing, and backcountry skiing.

Monthly events are happening throughout the year at the Climbing Centre! These range in format from themed community celebrations, to partner climbing challenges, to bouldering, lead, and speed climbing competitions. To learn more about our events, visit the Climbing Centre or follow us on Instagram at @mrurecreation.

Rentals and fees are listed below, including GST:

• Rock climbing shoes: $5.00
• Belay device: $3.00
• Harness: $5.00
• Chalk bag: $3.00
• Climbing package: $12.00
• Top rope belay test: $5.00
• Lead belay test: $15.00

Are you interested in a private group climbing session? We’re happy to accommodate Experiential, Instructional and Advanced group climbing bookings. These sessions are great for peer groups, schools, community groups, and organizations. Group climbing sessions can be tailored to suit your group’s needs with instructor ratios of 1:6. For more information and to book, click here.

Please note that we no longer host birthday parties due to increased youth programs, drop-in climbing, and group climbing bookings. We encourage you to contact the Calgary Climbing Centre, Westside Recreation Centre, or the City of Calgary.

• 40 ft. tall climbing structure with over 5,000 sq. ft. of climbing capacity for 32 participants
• Four top rope auto-belay units – come on your own, no partner required
• Integrated rappel and rescue tower for advanced courses
• All equipment is included in course fees
• Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) certified instructors
• Varied terrain suitable for novice and experienced climbers
• Designated top rope and lead climbing walls
• Separate bouldering room

Use the tabs below to learn more about drop-in climbing.

Check the ePlay activity calendar for up-to-date climbing wall hours.

Top Rope Belay Test

In order to successfully complete the top rope belay test, the participant must demonstrate the ability to:

• put on an approved climbing harness and attach the rope to the harness using a figure eight follow-through knot
• properly set up a belay device on the rope
• move rope through the belay device safely and efficiently
• perform self and partner checks prior to leaving the ground
• use appropriate belayer/climber communication as required

Lead Climbing Test

In order to successfully complete the lead climbing test, the participant must demonstrate the ability to:

• clip quickdraws safely and efficiently with both hands
• belay a lead climber safely and efficiently
• spot the climber to the first quickdraw
• maintain an appropriate body position in relation to the rope

Guidelines and Access

4 – 8 years: May top rope climb and boulder with adult supervision. In order to belay, supervising adult must have successfully completed a Recreation belay test.
9 – 12 years: May top rope climb, top rope belay and boulder with adult supervision. Both the youth and the supervising adult must have successfully completed a Recreation belay test. Rappelling and advanced techniques require direct adult and Climbing Centre instructor supervision.
13 – 16 years: May top rope climb, top rope belay and boulder without adult supervision. In order to belay, the participant must have successfully completed a Recreation belay test. Rappelling and advanced techniques require Climbing Centre instructor supervision.
17+ years: Unrestricted access. May top rope climb, top rope belay, lead climb, lead belay and boulder. In order to belay, the participant must have successfully completed either the Recreation top rope or lead climbing test. Rappelling and advanced techniques require Climbing Centre instructor supervision.
All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present for the orientation and signing of the Recreation Youth Climbing Centre waiver.

A maximum of two children or youths under the age of 13 per supervising adult.