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Recreation

Vikes Athletics and Recreation - Climbing programs at Vikes Recreation

Climbing

Thursday

Aug. 20

Intro Climbing Lesson

7:30PM–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 our coordinator at jlitton@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 must sign a waiver 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, Vikes Yoga or Vikes Group memberships. See available membership options for climbing.

Hours
⚑ New hours coming August 31!

Mon–Fri: 4:00–8:00PM
Sat: 1:00–5:00PM
Sun: 1:00–5:00PM
Holidays†: Closed

*Reading Break: Nov. 9, Nov. 10
Holidays: Sep. 7, Sep. 30, Oct. 12, Nov. 11, Dec. 25

Contact

Questions about climbing programs or the CARSA Climbing Centre?

Email: jlitton@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
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We also have climbing club if you are looking for more climbing options.
Gallery climbing bouldering 450x450 Gallery climbing belay 450x450 Gallery climbing youth 450x450

Schedule
(May. 1 – Aug. 31)
(upcoming for Aug. 15 – Dec. 21)

View current schedule  View upcoming schedule

Note: Coloured blocks are scheduled drop-in times.

Mon.

Tue.

Wed.

Thu.

Intro Climbing Lesson

7:30PM–9:00PM

CARSA Climbing Centre
Register

 

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

This schedule is for the next term/session of programs beginning August 15. Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Note: There are no programs on Sep. 7, Sep. 30, Oct. 12, Nov. 11, Dec. 25 due to holidays.

Programs

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

ACCESSIBLE

CARSA Climbing Centre - Adaptive Climbing - Adult Drop-In

Adaptive Climbing - Adult Drop-In

$10

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.

Extra space? Feel free to drop-in on the day

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: September 14 – December 14
Time: Monday at 5:00PM–7:00PM
Price: $10

Register

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

YOUTH WELCOME ACCESSIBLE

CARSA Climbing Centre - Adaptive Kids Climbing Club

Adaptive Kids Climbing Club

$60

Adaptive Kids Climbing Club (AKCC) supports climbers under 16 who benefit from individualized instruction. Sessions are designed to adapt challenges, equipment, and teaching methods to meet each climber’s needs.

Instructors work closely with participants and caregivers to create a supportive, positive experience focused on confidence, body awareness, and exploration.

  • Age Range: 7–16 years
  • Focus: confidence, movement, adaptive support
  • Experience: none required
  • Support: individualized coaching

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 7-16 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Center

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: September 12 – December 12
Time: Saturday at 2:00PM–3:00PM • Sunday at 2:00PM–3:00PM
Price: $60

Register

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

YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Competitive Development Team

Competitive Development Team

$875

Competition Development Team is designed for youth climbers who are ready to train with commitment and take their skills to the next level. Athletes practice twice per week with experienced coaches who guide them through advanced movement techniques, strength development, and strategic route-reading. Each session includes warm-ups, focused drills, free climbing, conditioning, and individualized coaching feedback.

Team members receive a climbing gym membership at CARSA, giving them the opportunity to practice independently outside of scheduled team sessions. Coaches also create customized training plans tailored to each athlete’s goals and upcoming competitions, helping them grow with purpose and direction.

Climbers are supported both in and out of training. When available, coaches will attend local competitions to provide guidance, encouragement, and strategic support during events.

This program also focuses on the mental side of performance, including goal-setting, positive mindset, competition readiness, and problem-solving under pressure. Whether preparing for formal competitions or striving to climb at a higher personal level, athletes train together in a supportive and driven team environment.

  • Frequency: twice weekly + optional Saturday drop-in session
  • Disciplines: bouldering, top-rope, lead
  • Includes: warm-up / cooldown, drills, technique work, strength & mobility training, free climbing, feedback
  • Performance support: customized training plans based on upcoming competitions
  • Competition support: coach accompaniment at local competitions when available
  • Focus: physical development, tactical skill, confidence, and competition readiness

Class level: Advanced
Youth welcome: 12*-25 years
Location: Climbing Center

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: September 15 – December 17
Time: Tuesday at 4:30PM–7:30PM • Thursday at 4:30PM–7:30PM
Price: $875

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

$280

Early Years Climbing Club (EYCC) is an engaging introduction to climbing designed for children ages 3–5. Through guided games, exploration, and movement-based activities, young climbers build confidence, coordination, and comfort in a structured environment.

Sessions include shared activities for parents and children, followed by a split format where caregivers can learn foundational climbing skills while instructors guide participants through age-appropriate climbing experiences. The class finishes with a shared climbing experience.

  • Age Range: 3–5 years
  • Focus: motor skills, confidence, exploration
  • Parent Participation: required and integrated
  • Experience: none required

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 3-5 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Center

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: September 12 – December 12
Time: Saturday at 8:30AM–9:15AM • Sunday at 8:30AM–9:15AM
Price: $280

Register

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

YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Intro Climbing Lesson

Intro Climbing Lesson

$40-$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: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 16+ years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre

Program availability

Current

Dates: June 1 – August 31
Time: Thursday at 7:30PM–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 - Junior Kids Climbing Club

Junior Kids Climbing Club

$300

Junior Kids Climbing Club (JKCC) introduces climbers ages 5–8 to the fundamentals of climbing in a fun and supportive environment. Participants build confidence, body awareness, and problem-solving skills through structured games and guided climbing challenges.

Sessions encourage independence while still allowing space for parent support when needed.

  • Age Range: 5–8 years
  • Focus: confidence, movement skills, problem-solving
  • Parent Participation: optional
  • Experience: none required

Class level: Beginner Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 5-8 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Center

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: September 12 – December 12
Time:
Price: $300

Register

❗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

Kids Climbing Club

$335

Kids Climbing Club (KCC) supports climbers ages 8–12 as they develop stronger climbing skills in a structured and encouraging environment. Sessions focus on technique, movement challenges, and introductory route-reading.

Participants build independence, teamwork, and confidence while developing a deeper understanding of climbing movement.

  • Age Range: 8–12 years
  • Focus: technique, route-reading, teamwork
  • Experience: none required

Class level: Beginner Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 8-12 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Center

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: September 12 – December 12
Time: Saturday at 10:30AM–12:00PM • Sunday at 10:30AM–12:00PM
Price: $335

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

$170 (plus $25 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.

Class level:
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Request lesson

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

NEW

CARSA Climbing Centre - Technique Tuesdays - Advanced Technique & Performance

Technique Tuesdays - Advanced Technique & Performance

$75

The evening session is designed for climbers who already have climbing experience and want to refine their technique to reach higher grades and improve overall performance. This program focuses on advanced movement skills, route reading, body positioning, efficiency, and tactical approaches to solving more complex climbs.

Through targeted drills, coaching feedback, and focused practice, climbers will develop the technical tools needed to climb more effectively and push their climbing to the next level.

  • Duration: 1.5 hours per week
  • Focus: Advanced technique, movement refinement, route reading, body positioning, efficiency, performance coaching
  • Experience Required: Regular climbing experience recommended

Class level: Intermediate
Youth welcome: 16+ years
Location: CARSA Climbing Center

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: September 15 – December 15
Time: Tuesday at 9:30PM–11:00PM
Price: $75

Registration coming soon.

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

NEW

CARSA Climbing Centre - Technique Tuesdays - Foundations & Progression

Technique Tuesdays - Foundations & Progression

$75

The morning session is designed for climbers looking to build a strong technical foundation and develop confidence on the wall. Through structured instruction and progressive drills, participants will learn core movement skills, efficient climbing habits, and problem-solving techniques that support long-term improvement.

No prior climbing experience is required. This session is open to all levels, and coaching will be tailored to help each climber progress from their current ability.

  • Age Range: Adults (16+)
  • Schedule: Tuesdays 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Duration: 1.5 hours per week
  • Focus: Fundamental technique, movement efficiency, progression skills, warm-ups, mobility, guided practice
  • Experience Required: None – all levels welcome

Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 16+ years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Center

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: September 15 – December 15
Time: Tuesday at 8:30AM–10:00AM
Price: $75

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 - Youth Development Club

Youth Development Club

$350

Youth Development Club (YDC) is designed for climbers who are ready for a more structured and goal-oriented approach to climbing. Sessions focus on refining technique, building strength, and developing effective climbing strategies.

This program provides a pathway toward lifelong climbing improvement while maintaining a positive, non-competitive environment.

Focus: technique refinement, strength, project work

Experience: prior climbing experience needed

Youth Fundamentals is part of our new Youth climbing development programs offering a variety of programs to allow you to focus on what you want out of climbing.

This program is best paired with one of our other youth development climbing programs.

Youth Fundamentals Club - Youth Recreational Club - Youth Development Club

Requirements: Prior climbing experience needed

Class level: Intermediate
Youth welcome: 10-14 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Center

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: December 12
Time: Wednesday at 4:00PM–5:30PM
Price: $350

Register

❗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

Youth Fundamentals Club

$350

Youth Fundamentals Club (YFC) is the entry point for climbers ages 10–14 looking to build a strong foundation in climbing. Sessions focus on essential movement skills, confidence on the wall, and introductory climbing techniques.

Participants are guided through structured challenges and skill-building activities in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

Age Range: 10–14 years

Focus: fundamentals, confidence, technique

Experience: none required

Youth Fundamentals is part of our new Youth climbing development programs offering a variety of programs to allow you to focus on what you want out of climbing.

Youth Fundamentals Club - Youth Recreational Club - Youth Developmental Club

Class level: Beginner Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 10-14 years
Location: CARSA Climbing Center

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: September 12 – December 12
Time: Saturday at 12:00PM–1:30PM
Price: $350

Register

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

NEW YOUTH WELCOME

CARSA Climbing Centre - Youth Recreational Club

Youth Recreational Club

$350

Youth Development Club (YDC) is designed for climbers who are ready for a more structured and goal-oriented approach to climbing. Sessions focus on refining technique, building strength, and developing effective climbing strategies.

This program provides a pathway toward lifelong climbing improvement while maintaining a positive, non-competitive environment.

Focus: technique refinement, strength, project work

Experience: prior climbing experience needed

Youth Fundamentals is part of our new Youth climbing development programs offering a variety of programs to allow you to focus on what you want out of climbing.

Youth Fundamentals Club - Youth Recreational Club - Youth Development Club

Requirements: Prior Experience with climbing

Class level: Intermediate
Youth welcome: 10-14 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Center

Program availability

Current

No current session.

Upcoming

Dates: September 12 – December 12
Time: Sunday at 12:00PM–1:30PM • Friday at 4:00PM–5:30PM
Price: $350

Register

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

All prices valid as of August 18, 2026. All prices include GST.

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