Please note our holiday hours for March 29, 31 and April 1.

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Recreation

Vikes Athletics and Recreation - Climbing programs at Vikes Active Living

Climbing

Climbing Updates

Feb. 28 - The CARSA Climbing Centre will be closed March 22-24, 2024 for our annual Red Tape Climbing Competition.

Friday

Mar. 29

Family Climb

5:00PM–7:00PM

Bouldering 101

7:00PM–9:00PM

Take fun to new heights.

Conquer your fear of heights at the CARSA Climbing Centre (CCC). The iconic climbing tower has over 500 holds between the 55-foot tower and 14-foot bouldering wall. The CARSA Climbing Centre focuses on learning and practicing climbing skills in a safe and fun environment.

The CCC offers a variety of programs, classes, and events. There are introductory courses and technique courses. You can register for programs online or in person at CARSA Membership Services. For more information contact CARSA Membership Services at 250-472-4000 or e-mail climbing@uvic.ca.

Start climbing

To use the climbing facilities simply drop by anytime during operating hours and our staff will get you started. You will be given a short orientation of the facility, safety regulations and rules during your first visit. We run weekly courses to teach new climbers the skills needed to belay safely. Experienced climbers can simply pass a belay test on their first visit, no appointment necessary. All climbers need to have a waiver signed to use the facility.

View the Climbing schedule and programs.

If you have questions about the climbing, the CCC and our programs read through our FAQ to get started.

Please note: These climbing programs are not included in Vikes Fit or Fit Plus memberships.

Hours
⚑ Holiday hours Mar. 29, 31 & Apr.1

Mon.–Fri.: 12:00–9:00PM
Sat.: 4:00–8:00PM
Sun.: Closed
Reading Break: 12:00-9:00PM
Holidays: Closed

Contact

Questions about climbing programs or the CARSA Climbing Centre?

Email: climbing@uvic.ca

Or check the climbing FAQ page

Location

Climbing programs take place at the CARSA Climbing Centre on the ground floor of the CARSA building. View map.


Note: All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility.

Download waiver

Mini Thunder at the climbing wall
Love climbing?
We also have climbing club if you are looking for more climbing options.
Vikes Active Living Climbing - bouldering Vikes Active Living Climbing - belay Vikes Active Living climbing

Schedule
(Jan. 8 – Apr. 28)
(upcoming for May. 8 – Aug. 18)

View current schedule  View upcoming schedule

Mon.

Adaptive Climbing

5:00PM–7:00PM

CARSA Climbing Centre
Register

 

Tue.

Wed.

Intro Lesson

4:30PM–6:00PM

CARSA Climbing Centre
Register

 

Thu.

Ladies Climb and Yoga Session

6:30PM–8:30PM

CARSA Climbing Centre and TRX Studio
Register

 

Fri.

Family Climb

5:00PM–7:00PM

CARSA Climbing Centre
Register

 

Bouldering 101

7:00PM–9:00PM

CARSA Climbing Centre
Register

 

Sat.

Early Years Climbing Club

8:30AM–9:15AM

CARSA Climbing Centre
Register

 

Sun.

Early Years Climbing Club

8:30AM–9:15AM

CARSA Climbing Centre
Register

 

Adaptive Kids Climbing Club

4:00PM–5:30PM

CARSA Climbing Centre
Register

 

This schedule is for the next term/session of programs beginning May 8. Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Mon.

Tue.

Wed.

Thu.

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

Note: There are no programs on Jan. 1, Feb. 19, Mar. 29, Mar. 31, Apr. 1, May 20, Jul. 1, Aug. 5 due to holidays.
The climbing wall will be closed on every Sunday for route setting and other maintainance.

Programs

Find something you like? Get a membership and see you on the wall!

NEW ACCESSIBLE

CARSA Climbing Centre - Adaptive Climbing

Adaptive Climbing

Free

This program is intended to support those living with barriers to engage with climbing and enjoy their time in the CARSA Climbing Centre with the support of our highly trained team. Our team will set-up several adapted climbing systems, which you are encouraged to try. This program is offered with high staff to participant ratio so that all feel safe and supported in our space and are have ample time to explore the wall and find your success.

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 15 – April 15
Program intervals: Runs 12 time(s) for 12 weeks (No Class February 19 and April 1) each
Time: Monday at 5:00PM–7:00PM

Register

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

NEW YOUTH WELCOME ACCESSIBLE

CARSA Climbing Centre - Adaptive Kids Climbing Club

Adaptive Kids Climbing Club

Free

This program is intended to support children and youth (ages 7-16) living with barriers to engage with climbing and enjoy their time in the CARSA Climbing Centre with the support of our highly trained team. The aim of the 7-week series is to provide to participants an understanding of the systems used to support them on the wall, while also encouraging climbers to progress, grow and learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment. This program is offered with high staff to participant ratio so that all feel safe and supported in our space and are have ample time to explore the wall and find success.

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.

Youth welcome: 7-16 years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 14 – April 21
Program intervals: Runs 2 time(s) for 7 weeks (No Class - February 18, March 23, March 31) each
Time: Sunday at 4:00PM–5:30PM

Register

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

NEW YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Bouldering 101

Bouldering 101

$32

New to bouldering? This monthly session is designed to jump start new climbers by explaining all the written and unwritten rules that come with the sport. Each month’s session is based upon the skill, experience and desire of the group. We will cover etiquette, getting set up with gear, safety, technique, and anything else that participants may have questions about. Rental equipment included.

This program runs once a month on the following days: January 19, February 16, March 15, April 19

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.

Youth welcome: 17+ years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 19 – April 19
Program intervals: Runs 4 time(s) for January 19, February 16, March 15, April 19 each
Time: Friday at 7:00PM–9:00PM

Register

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Early Years Climbing Club

Early Years Climbing Club

$130

The Early Years Climbing Club is an early introduction to the sport of climbing. Our instructors provide a safe environment for 3–5-year-old to develop their motors skills through games and exploration. These beginner friendly lessons run for 45 minutes and allow parents to accompany their children through this developmental step in their climbing journey.

Class level: All welcome

Youth welcome: 3-5 years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 13 – April 21
Program intervals: Runs 4 time(s) for 6 weeks (No Classes - February 17, 18, March 23, 24 and March 30, 31) each
Time: Saturday at 8:30AM–9:15AM • Sunday at 8:30AM–9:15AM

Register

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Early Years Climbing Club (Spring Session)

Early Years Climbing Club (Spring Session)

$132

Early Years Climbing Club is an early introduction to the sport of climbing. Our instructors provide a safe environment for 3-5 year olds to develop their motors skills through games and exploration.

These beginner friendly lessons run for 45 minutes and allow parents to accompany their children through this developmental step in their climbing journey.

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.

Youth welcome: 3-5 years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: May 4 – June 16
Program intervals: Runs 2 time(s) for 6 weeks each
Time: Saturday at 8:30AM–9:15AM • Sunday at 8:30AM–9:15AM

Registration coming soon

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Family Climb

Family Climb

$40

Bring your whole family to climb at CARSA and have a mountain of fun! Staff will set up all the safety systems and give you a quick introduction and orientation on how to manage the ropes. Two adults and up to two children.

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.

Youth welcome: under 18 years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 1 – June 21
Program intervals: Runs 12 time(s) for 2 hours each
Time: Friday at 5:00PM–7:00PM

Register

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

CARSA Climbing Centre - Intro Lesson

Intro Lesson

$50

This is a 1.5-hour introductory course on the fundamentals for top rope climbing. Learn the basics of belaying and climbing movements in a welcoming and safe environment with experienced climbing instructors.

Rentals included, along with climbing gym access for the remainder of the day’s drop-in hours.

Class level: Beginner Beginner friendly 😊.

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 17 – June 21
Program intervals: Runs 8 time(s) for 8 Sessions - January 17 & 31, February 14 & 28, March 13 & 27, April 10 & 24 each
Time: Wednesday at 4:30PM–6:00PM

Register

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

NEW YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Junior Kids Climbing Club (Spring Session)

Junior Kids Climbing Club (Spring Session)

$185

The Junior Youth Climbing Club is aimed at helping your little one transition into a big one on our walls!

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.

Youth welcome: 5-8 years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: May 4 – June 15
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 6 weeks each
Time: Saturday at 11:15AM–12:15PM

Registration coming soon

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Junior Youth Competitive Team (Spring Session)

Junior Youth Competitive Team (Spring Session)

$185

This program is designed for children ages 10-14 who have previous climbing experience. Your child will be taught proper training techniques while developing proper climbing techniques.

This program is geared towards those kids wanting to start taking their climbing to the next level!

Class level: Intermediate

Youth welcome: 10-14 years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: May 4 – June 16
Program intervals: Runs 2 time(s) for 6 weeks each
Time: Sunday at 1:00PM–2:30PM • Saturday at 12:30PM–2:00PM

Registration coming soon

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Kids Climbing Club (Spring Session)

Kids Climbing Club (Spring Session)

$185

The Kids Climbing Club offers the perfect stepping stone into the sport of climbing. This program is perfect for new and returning 8-12 year olds. Our knowledgeable staff will provide an interactive program centered on the development of introductory climbing techniques and skills through games and activities.

No experience necessary.

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.

Youth welcome: 8-12 years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: May 4 – June 16
Program intervals: Runs 2 time(s) for 6 weeks each
Time: Saturday at 9:30AM–11:00AM • Sunday at 9:30AM–11:00AM

Registration coming soon

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

NEW YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Ladies Climb and Yoga Session

Ladies Climb and Yoga Session

$30

This program is for female identifying folx who are interested in yoga and climbing. Our certified climbing instructors will run a climbing session (with teaching and technique components) followed by a 1-hour yoga session with a registered yoga instructor. Female identifying folx aged 17 years and older are welcome to join, whether they have any experience with climbing or yoga.

This program runs once a month on the following days: January 25, February 22, March 28, April 25, May 23

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.

Youth welcome: 17+ years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided. Please bring your own mat.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre and TRX Studio
Dates: January 25 – May 23
Program intervals: Runs 5 time(s) for 5Sessions - January 25, February 22, March 28, April 25, May 23 each
Time: Thursday at 6:30PM–8:30PM

Register

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

CARSA Climbing Centre - Lead Climbing Lesson

Lead Climbing Lesson

$160 (PLUS $20 FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PERSON UP TO 4 PARTICIPANTS)

This 3-hour course covers all the technical knowledge you need to know to safely lead climb indoors and is taught by one of our ACMG certified instructors. Skills covered: Leading on either a gri-gri or belay tube device, clip draw, rope management, and falling. This course is great for those who have never led or as a refresher course for those wanting to be up to date on the industry methods for belaying. Participants must have passed a top-rope belay test at our facility, and it is recommended for climbers to comfortably top-rope at a 5.10a level.

Requirements: Participants must have passed a top-rope belay test at our facility and must be able to comfortably top-rope at a 5.10a level. Must be booked in pairs.

Class level: Intermediate

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 5 – June 21
Program intervals: Runs time(s) for each
Time:

Request lesson

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

CARSA Climbing Centre - Private Lesson

Private Lesson

$120 (plus $20 for any additional person up to 6 participants)

Book a 1.5-hour private session for up to two people. Our private sessions can be customized to reach your needs. You can choose between a technique or belay lesson. Or can just work on a specific part of your climbing. We will work with you to design the lesson. Rentals included, along with climbing gym access for the remainder of the day’s drop-in hours

Requirements: Must be booked in pairs

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 5 – June 21
Program intervals: Runs time(s) for each
Time:

Request lesson

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Senior Youth Competitive Team (Spring Session)

Senior Youth Competitive Team (Spring Session)

$540

ℹ️ Formerly Thunder Team

Let’s get competitive! Individuals aged 12- 18 will meet twice per week to train and develop their climbing technique as a part of the Thunder Team. On hand coaches will provide drills and feedback structured toward the development of advanced climbing techniques.

Our expert staff will educate members of the Thunder Team in progressive program planning, training motivation, and injury prevention. Our goal is to provide the tools needed for all climbers exiting the Thunder Team to have the self motivation to train at a competitive level.

Requirements: Previous climbing experience and have been a part of a climbing program.

Class level: Intermediate

Youth welcome: 12-18 years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: May 7 – June 20
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 7 weeks each
Time: Tuesday at 4:30PM–7:30PM • Thursday at 4:30PM–7:30PM

Registration coming soon

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Youth Fundamentals Club (Spring Session)

Youth Fundamentals Club (Spring Session)

$185

The Youth Fundamentals Club is a great option for those aged 10 to 14 who are looking to deepen their understanding of climbing. This 12-week program will teach the fundamental climbing technique and safe belay practices needed to climb at any gym with confidence. This collaborative program teaches the climbing basics through structured games and activities.

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.

Youth welcome: 10-14 years

Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.

Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: May 5 – June 16
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 6 weeks each
Time: Sunday at 11:15AM–12:45PM

Registration coming soon

All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).

All prices valid as of September 1, 2023. All prices include GST.

Please review the Vikes Athletics and Recreation policies and Vikes climbing policies before participating in Vikes climbing programs.