Climbing Gym
On The Rocks Climbing Gym
Campbell River
THINGS TO DO · CAMPBELL RIVER & REGION
Climb indoors at the town gym, then learn to climb outside with a local guiding school.
2 places in this guide · Updated October 2026Things To Do Guide · Campbell River Guide
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
Climbing in Campbell River starts indoors at On The Rocks Climbing Gym on the North Island Highway, with three climbing areas, rental gear and drop-in hours every day. To move from the gym to real rock, Purple Rope Adventure School runs guided courses at Comox Lake and Camp Bob.
- Indoors
- On The Rocks Climbing Gym, open seven days
- Rentals
- Shoes and harnesses at the gym
- Outside
- Guided courses with Purple Rope Adventure School
- Good to know
- Every climber signs a waiver
01THINGS TO DO GUIDE
Where to climb
The town climbing gym, and a guiding school that takes you outside.
Climbing Courses
Purple Rope Adventure School
Campbell River
Hover for a closer look.Tap a card for a closer look. A conversation takes you further.
•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Where to climb
Two places to start: the town climbing gym, and a guiding school that takes you outside.
The short answer
Start at On The Rocks Climbing Gym: drop in, rent shoes and a harness, and sign the waiver. When you are ready for real rock, take a guided Gym to Crag course with Purple Rope Adventure School.
01Year-round
Indoors: On The Rocks Climbing Gym
On The Rocks Climbing Gym is at 1980 North Island Highway. It has three climbing areas with roped climbing and bouldering, and rental shoes, harnesses and other gear. You can drop in without an appointment. Groups of more than six should call ahead, and groups of more than ten need to book.
Every climber signs a waiver. About five is a good starting age for kids, and weekends from 11 am to 3 pm are busy with young climbers. The gym is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year's Day: Monday 5 to 9 pm, Tuesday to Friday noon to 9 pm, Saturday 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.
02Gym to crag
Outside: courses with Purple Rope Adventure School
Purple Rope Adventure School is a Campbell River guiding school with certified top-rope climbing guides. Its one-day Gym to Crag course and its shorter Learn to Rappel course run at Comox Lake and Camp Bob through the summer, with a minimum of two students.
The school also runs caving, hiking and paddling trips, and Swim with the Salmon tours on the lower Campbell River. Dates and prices change each season, so check with the school before you plan.
03Good to know
Before you climb outside
Climbing is risky, and outdoor rock is different from gym holds. Learn rope work and rappelling with a certified guide before you climb outside on your own. Pack out everything you bring, including tape.
•FAQ
Good to know
Yes. On The Rocks Climbing Gym is at 1980 North Island Highway, with three climbing areas and drop-in hours every day.
