Sometimes you just need to get those feet off the ground and scale a rock face. That said, not everyone loves heights, and not everyone has all the necessary gear to take their rock climbing journey up the entire side of a mountain. Luckily, bouldering is a super accessible (sometimes) beginner-friendly version of rock climbing that doesn’t require too much gear and is accessible to those who aren’t fans of going high.
Let’s talk about bouldering: raw, unroped, low-height climbing where the focus is on power, technique, and movement. You don’t need fancy gear or a climbing partner. Just a crash pad, climbing shoes, and the guts to get vertical.
What’s the difference between rock climbing and bouldering?
While both rock climbing and bouldering involve scaling rock faces, the style and approach are quite different. Traditional rock climbing, especially on ropes or in the gym, tends to focus on endurance, with longer routes that require sustained effort and gear like harnesses, ropes, and belay systems. On the other hand, bouldering is where climbers take on shorter, more technical routes known as “problems,” using just climbing shoes, chalk, and a crash pad for safety. These problems demand power, some technical knowledge, and a lot of creativity to figure out the sequence of moves.
Although Alberta might be famous for its dramatic peaks and long alpine trails, its bouldering scene is gaining attention. The province has many bouldering zones, from historic rockslides to hidden forests that mix serious challenges with incredible views. Whether you're a seasoned climber or curious to try something new, here's why bouldering might be your new outdoor obsession, and where to do it.
Frank Slide - Crowsnest Pass
Location: Park at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre or designated pull-offs.
This is the place to start. This iconic Alberta bouldering spot is also its most dramatic, set among the massive limestone rubble of a 1903 rockslide that wiped out part of the town of Frank. What’s left is a climber’s paradise: it’s legendary for its variety, easy slabs, powerful overhangs, and technical lines. It’s also a great spot for beginners, thanks to its range of problems. Plus, there’s just something wildly cool about scrambling across Canadian history. If you’ve ever driven past the site of the historical Frank Slide and wondered if you can climb the giant boulders left behind, you sure can, and you definitely should.
The White Buddha - Kananaskis
Location: Near Powder Face Trail parking area, off Hwy 1A.
One of the Bow Valley’s most photogenic boulders, the White Buddha, is a south-facing outcrop that is most often highlighted in a ray of sunshine. The landings are mostly flat, the views are stunning, and the climbing is accessible. White Buddha is a favourite spot for climbers who want to work hard without committing to a long day. This place is especially cool because, as we mentioned, it gets direct sunlight for most of the year, so the climbing season is longer than usual here, as it tends to be pretty immune to moisture and snow. It’s also an awesome area because there are climbs for all levels as well as top-rope climbing in the area, so you can go with a group of varying levels and preferences and still have a blast.
Big Choss - Yamnuska
Location: Highway 40 to Yamnuska.
Located beneath the face of Mount Yamnuska, about 90 km west of Calgary, this limestone boulder field is rugged and a bit tricky to navigate at first. Bouldering is possible year-round here, with sunny winter days and plenty of shade for summer sessions. The area is still largely undeveloped, offering potential for new problems and first ascents for those willing to explore. There are so many options to choose from when picking a problem to try out, so you won’t run out of goals in this area anytime soon.
Skyline Boulders - Canmore/Kananaskis
Location: Chain Lakes Provincial Park
About 25 km north of Chain Lakes Provincial Park along Highway 22, Skyline Boulders is one of the newer, developing areas on the scene, but it’s gaining a reputation fast. The area features sandstone rock, which is fragile when wet, so climbers are advised to avoid it during or within 24 hours of rain to prevent damaging the holds. It’s tucked just outside the city hustle, making it ideal for a half-day adventure.
The Love Den - Jasper National Park
Location: On Maligne Lake Road
Despite the romantic name, The Love Den is pretty spicy. The climbing here offers 21 boulder problems or routes, with a wide range of difficulties. It's a quiet area, making it a great spot to boulder and work hard among friends. It’s set in the beautiful Jasper National Park, so it’s an excellent add-on to a hiking trip, or you can include a dip in one of Jasper’s many lakes in your climbing trip. The choice is yours, and you truly can’t go wrong in this stunning part of the province.
Safety First
Bouldering might be low to the ground, but it’s not without risk. Always bring a crash pad and make sure it’s properly placed before each attempt. Spotting your climbing partner and standing ready to guide them in the event of a fall is also key to preventing injuries. Check holds for loose rock, wear proper climbing shoes, and warm up before jumping on more difficult routes. Remember, it’s okay to try another day if it doesn't feel right.
Bouldering is a full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, and problem-solving skills, and it’s just plain fun. It’s social, accessible, and low-commitment: no ropes, no belays, just you, the rock, and a crash pad. Whether chasing a challenge or scrambling for fun, bouldering is the perfect way to connect with nature, yourself, and friends.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for Great West Media's Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
