Wilson Climbing Centre

Wilson Climbing Centre

The Wilson Climbing Centre welcomes people of all abilities, from beginners to advanced climbers. Our staff are driven by a passion for climbing and a commitment to safety. Our Certified Climbing Instructors will guide you through everything from basic bouldering to highwall belaying and lead climbing.

Climbing equipment is available for rental.

Features

  • 2,700 sq. ft bouldering lounge
  • High wall loft with over 7,000 sq. ft of climbing
  • 19 anchors for top roping (up to two top rope routes per anchor when fully saturated)
  • 16 anchors for lead climbing (up to two lead routes per anchor when fully saturated)
  • Four mixed lead/top rope anchors (up to two rope routes per anchor when fully saturated)
  • Two adaptable climbing anchors (1 route per anchor)

Access

Fall and Winter term University of Alberta full-time students have access to the Wilson Climbing Centre on a drop-in basis for free. U of A Staff and Faculty get a discounted rate. Community members can access the centre by purchasing a membership or drop-in pass, or by registering for one of our climbing programs. The Climbing Centre also offers climbing equipment to buy or rent.

Adult Climbing Youth Climbing Special Events Policies Hours

Group Booking + Facility Rental Information

Our spacious, modern climbing facility is great for group bookings and rentals including school field trips,  private parties, team building experiences, and more. Interested in booking private/group lessons or a field trip for a school group?

Bookings Request Form

For more information on booking types, please click the Bookings Request Form above. Submission of this form does not guarantee approval or space availability and some requests may not be granted. The Wilson Climbing Centre will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. If you have any inquiries, please email climbing@ualberta.ca 

  • Notice: Minimum 2 weeks’ notice required; urgent requests may be considered individually.
  • Cost: $130 for 2 hours (includes instructors, gear, and instruction); +$50/hour for extra time.
  • Included: 1 instructor to 8 participant ratio, equipment (shoes, harness, etc.). Parking NOT included
  • Session Format: Typically 1 hour of movement fundamentals (bouldering) and 1 hour of highwall climbing with staff belays.
  • Best Booking Times: Mornings before public hours (before 11 AM weekdays, 12 PM weekends).
  • Public Hour Bookings: Possible but shared with other climbers—experience may be affected.
  • Exclusive Rentals: Available with or without instruction; extra staff fees apply outside regular hours.
  • Food/Parties: Not allowed in the climbing centre; alternative spaces may be available via campus booking.

For group bookings the minimums are: 4 for group bookings, 2 for private top-rope/lead lessons, and 1 for private bouldering lessons. The group bookings maximum is 32 participants, depending on staffing and other bookings.