Search
Unsure of the different sport options available? Compare the options.
Climbing Updates
The Climbing Gym will be closing at 7:30pm every Sunday night between January 29-March 5, 2023 to accommodate route-setting.
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.
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.
Mon.–Fri.: 1:00-9:00PM
Sat.: 3:00-8:00PM
Sun.: 3:00-8:00PM
Reading Break: 1:00-9:00PM
Holidays: Closed
Questions about climbing programs or the CARSA Climbing Centre?
Email: climbing@uvic.ca
Or check the climbing FAQ page
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
1:00PM–9:00PM
5:00PM–7:00PM
1:00PM–9:00PM
4:30PM–7:30PM
1:00PM–9:00PM
5:00PM–6:30PM
1:00PM–9:00PM
4:30PM–7:30PM
1:00PM–9:00PM
5:00PM–7:00PM
9:00AM–10:30AM
10:45AM–12:15PM
12:30PM–1:15PM
3:00PM–8:00PM
4:00PM–5:30PM
9:00AM–10:30AM
10:45AM–12:15PM
12:30PM–2:00PM
3:00PM–7:30PM
3:45PM–4:30PM
This schedule is for the next term/session of programs beginning May 1. Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Note: There are no programs on Jan. 2, Feb. 20, Apr. 7, Apr. 10, May 22, Jul. 3, Aug. 7 due to holidays.
The climbing wall will be closed on every Sunday night at 7:30PM January 29-March 5, 2023 for route setting and other maintainance.
Find something you like? Get a membership and see you on the wall!
CAMP NEW YOUTH
This is a seasonal youth climbing camp. See other youth camps available.
Come and spend part of your Pro-D day with us in the CARSA Climbing Centre!
Our talented team of staff will help you have a grand time in the gym!
Participants can expect to learn about belaying, climbing technique, play some climbing games and challenge themselves on both our climbing tower and bouldering walls. Ages 8-12.
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth: Ages 8-12 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: February 17
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 1 day each
Time: Friday at 8:45AM–12:30PM
CAMP NEW YOUTH
This is a seasonal youth climbing camp. See other youth camps available.
Vikes Climbing Camp will introduce children to the world of rock climbing in a safe and fun environment at our climbing centre in CARSA. Qualified instructors will lead and teach activities that include basic climbing techniques, safety and games (both on and off the wall). Both the bouldering wall and climbing tower will be used.
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth: 9-12 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: March 20 – March 24
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 5 half-days each
Time: Monday at 8:45AM–12:00PM • Tuesday at 8:45AM–12:00PM • Wednesday at 8:45AM–12:00PM • Thursday at 8:45AM–12:00PM • Friday at 8:45AM–12:00PM
CAMP NEW YOUTH
This is a seasonal youth climbing camp. See other youth camps available.
Vikes climbing camp will introduce children to the world of rock climbing in a safe and fun environment at our Climbing Centre in CARSA. Qualified instructors will lead and teach activities that include basic climbing techniques, safety and games (both on and off the wall). Both the bouldering wall and climbing tower will be used..
Class level: All welcome. Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth: 9-12 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: March 27 – March 31
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 5 half-days each
Time: Monday at 8:45AM–12:00PM • Tuesday at 8:45AM–12:00PM • Wednesday at 8:45AM–12:00PM • Thursday at 8:45AM–12:00PM • Friday at 8:45AM–12:00PM
NEW YOUTH
Come join us for a fun recreational competition. This is a team event, a team must consist of 4-6 people and have a gender ratio of 2:1. The first four weeks will be qualifiers—all teams against each other. The final two weeks will consist of knock-out rounds where teams will be matched up with another team to see who can get the best score.
Requirements: Must have CARSA membership or pay drop-in fees.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth: Ages 17 and up years
Equipment:
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 30 – March 6
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 6 weeks each
Time: Monday at 1:00PM–9:00PM • Tuesday at 1:00PM–9:00PM • Wednesday at 1:00PM–9:00PM • Thursday at 1:00PM–9:00PM • Friday at 1:00PM–9:00PM • Saturday at 3:00PM–8:00PM • Sunday at 3:00PM–7:30PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH
ℹ️ Formerly Petit Vikes
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: 3-5 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 14 – April 1
Program intervals: Runs 4 time(s) for 6 weeks each
Time: Saturday at 12:30PM–1:15PM • Sunday at 3:45PM–4:30PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH
Bring your whole family to climb at CARSA and have a mountain of fun! Climbing staff will set up all the safety systems and give you a quick lesson and orientation on how to manage the ropes. Two adults and up to two children.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth: under 18 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 13 – March 31
Program intervals: Runs 12 time(s) for 2 hours each
Time: Friday at 5:00PM–7:00PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
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: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 25 – April 5
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 1.5 hours each
Time: Wednesday at 5:00PM–6:30PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
NEW YOUTH
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: 5-8 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 14 – April 1
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 12 weeks each
Time: Saturday at 10:45AM–12:15PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH
ℹ️ Formerly Thunder Club
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: 10-14 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 15 – April 2
Program intervals: Runs 2 time(s) for 12 weeks each
Time: Sunday at 10:45AM–12:15PM • Saturday at 4:00PM–5:30PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH
ℹ️ Formerly Mini Vikes
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: 8-12 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 14 – April 2
Program intervals: Runs 2 time(s) for 12 weeks each
Time: Saturday at 9:00AM–10:30AM • Sunday at 9:00AM–10:30AM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
Join us for 2 hours every second Monday, to climb, learn and have fun in this womxn's only class. This class is designed to help you up your climbing game, while building a strong female climbing community! Each session will focus on a new topic and help climbers work on their strength, power, technique and climbing knowledge. Keeping an emphasis on fun and community. Rentals included.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 16 – March 27
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for each
Time: Monday at 5:00PM–7:00PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
This three-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.
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: January 3 – April 30
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for each
Time:
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
Book a 1.5-hour private session for yourself! 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: January 9 – April 30
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for each
Time:
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH
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: 12-18 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 17 – April 6
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 12 weeks each
Time: Tuesday at 4:30PM–7:30PM • Thursday at 4:30PM–7:30PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH
ℹ️ Formerly Vikes Club
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: 10-14 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: January 15 – April 2
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 12 weeks each
Time: Sunday at 12:30PM–2:00PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
All prices valid as of September 1, 2022. All prices include GST.
© 2023 University of Victoria, Vikes Athletics and Recreation.