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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
⛄ Dec. 24-Jan. 2: Closed
These December hours override any regular hours listed.
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
5:00PM–7:00PM
5:00PM–6:30PM
5:00PM–7:00PM
5:00PM–7:00PM
9:00AM–10:30AM
10:45AM–12:15PM
12:30PM–1:15PM
9:00AM–10:30AM
10:45AM–12:15PM
12:30PM–1:15PM
This schedule is for the next term/session of programs beginning January 3. Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Note: There are no programs on Sep. 5, Sep. 30, Oct. 10, Nov. 11 due to holidays.
The climbing wall will be closed on Nov. 27 and Dec. 18 from 4:00-10:00PM, and Dec. 24 until Jan. 3 for route setting and other maintainance.
Find something you like? Get a membership and see you on the wall!
YOUTH
Bring the 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. 1-2 adults and up to two under 18s.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth: under 18 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: October 14 – December 16
Program intervals: Runs 10 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: October 12 – December 14
Program intervals: Runs 10 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).
Join us for two hours, to climb, learn and have fun in this women's only class. Our instructor will go through basic to advanced techniques to help improve your climbing. New topic each session.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 19 – December 12
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. 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. Must be booked in pairs.
Requirements: 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: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 6 – December 31
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
The Mini-Vikes 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.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth: 8-12 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 10 – December 11
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 13 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).
YOUTH
Petit-Vikes is an early introduction to the sport of climbing. Our instructors provide a safe environment for 3-5 year old’s 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: September 10 – December 11
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 12 weeks each
Time: Saturday at 12:30PM–1:15PM • Sunday at 12:30PM–1:15PM
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 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.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 6 – December 31
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
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: -- Select level --
Youth: 10-14 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 11 – December 11
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 12 weeks each
Time: Sunday at 10:45AM–12:15PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH
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: September 13 – December 8
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
The Vikes 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: September 13 – December 8
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).
Vikes Team is a recreational climbing team focused on skill development and community building. Climbers on the Vikes Team are encouraged to deepen their knowledge of climbing by taking on new challenges with each session. This learn-as-you-go team is structured to accommodate a diverse range of climbing ability and is friendly to beginners and experts alike. Knowledge acquisition is achieved through games, drills, and training activities.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 14 – December 9
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 12 weeks each
Time: Wednesday at 5:00PM–7:00PM • Friday at 5:00PM–7:00PM
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.
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