Climb for FREE: A brand-new bouldering park just opened in Calgary

@theinsidecanada/Instagram | City of Calgary

If you love rock climbing but find it an expensive hobby to keep up with, a brand-new, first-of-its-kind bouldering park just opened in Calgary and it’s free to use!

The climbing feature is a new addition to Calgary’s biggest skate park, Shaw Millenium Park, located at 1220 9th Avenue SW.

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Three natural rocks ranging in height from 3.6 m to 4.25 m and weighing between 11 to 27 metric tonnes were installed earlier this summer and have now opened for public use.

The boulders provide challenges for climbers of all skill levels with up to 60 established problems.

The climbing routes were set up by a team of Canadian climbers, including Canadian rock climbing legend Sonnie Trotter and Calgary-based climber Josh Muller. They know what they’re doing both as professional climbers and owners of their very own climbing gyms.

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Montreal-based manufacturer OnSite supplied the rocks and has significant experience in urban bouldering design, stating that the design of these particular climbing structures is unique.

“Most outdoor climbing structures are peppered with random holds, which often don’t create particularly interesting or challenging climbing,” says Francis Larose, owner of OnSite.

“We wanted this park to feel more like a conventional outdoor climbing experience. That’s why we felt it was important to provide established problems so that climbers could challenge themselves the way they would at traditional climbing or bouldering areas.”

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City of Calgary

The bouldering park is for everyone to enjoy and the City of Calgary recommends following its permanent safety advisories installed at the park and online here before using the new space.

Climbers must also bring their own crash pads, helmets and climbing shoes.