Skaha Opens, Dogs Must Be on a Leash

Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is one of Canada’s most popular climbing areas, thanks to the excellent rock, long seasons, well-protected climbs, easy access and scenic views. There are two parking lots for climbers to use, with the main one now open for the year.

On the BC Parks website, they’ve listed several rules for visitors to follow, including that campfires and camping are no permitted and that: “Dogs must be leashed at all times in the park: This park protects a rare and fragile ecosystem, and experiences increasing visitor numbers each year. Dogs impact park values, posing a threat to wildlife, ecology, and public safety. Keeping dogs leashed reduces their impact.” Visit the BC Parks info page here before visiting.

The south end of Skaha was the main focus for route development during the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. However, over the past decade, hundreds of new sport and trad routes have been added to bluffs at the north end of the park. That area is accessed by parking on Evergreen Drive, of which you can find info about here.

The Skaha guidebook has most routes in the south and several in the north. Many climbers start their rock climbing season every year with a trip to Skaha thanks to the nice weather in the Okanagan Valley. With warm temps in the forecast, people will surely be heading to Skaha in droves soon. Watch Dexter Bateman climb Great White Onion 5.13b in Skaha below.

Great White Onion 5.13b