Search
Unsure of the different sport options available? Compare the options.
Take fun to new heights.
Conquer your fear of heights at the CARSA Climbing Centre. 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 our coordinator at eko@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 must sign a waiver 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 Vikes Fit + Group memberships.
Mon.–Fri.: 4:00–8:00PM
Sat.: 3:00–8:00PM
Sun.: Closed
Reading Break: TBA
Holidays: Closed
*Reading Break: TBA
†Holidays: Aug. 4, Sep. 1, Sep. 30, Oct. 13, Nov. 11
The climbing wall will be closed on August 25-30 for route setting and other maintenance.
Questions about climbing programs or the CARSA Climbing Centre?
Email: eko@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
Note: Coloured blocks are scheduled drop-in times.
This schedule is for the next term/session of programs beginning September 2. Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Note: There are no programs on Aug. 4, Sep. 1, Sep. 30, Oct. 13, Nov. 11 due to holidays.
The climbing wall will be closed on August 25-30 for route setting and other maintenance.
Find something you like? Get a membership and see you on the wall!
ACCESSIBLE
This program is intended to support those living with barriers to engage with climbing and enjoy their time in the CARSA Climbing Centre with the support of our highly trained team. Our team will set-up several adapted climbing systems, which you are encouraged to try. This program is offered with high staff to participant ratio so that all feel safe and supported in our space and are have ample time to explore the wall and find your success. We are grateful for donors like Jumpstart for helping us keep this program barrier-free!
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 9 – December 16
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 22 sessions - No sessions on Holidays or during December closure 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).
YOUTH WELCOME ACCESSIBLE
This program is intended to support children and youth (ages 7-16) living with barriers to engage with climbing and enjoy their time in the CARSA Climbing Centre with the support of our highly trained team. The aim of the series is to provide to participants an understanding of the systems used to support them on the wall, while also encouraging climbers to progress, grow and learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment. This program is offered with high staff to participant ratio so that all feel safe and supported in our space and are have ample time to explore the wall and find success. We are grateful for donors like Jumpstart for helping us keep this program barrier-free!
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 7-16 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 14 – December 14
Program intervals: Runs 3 time(s) for 14 Weeks each
Time: Sunday at 9:30AM–11:00AM • Sunday at 11:15AM–12:45PM • Sunday at 1:00PM–2:30PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
Conquer your fear of heights at the CARSA Climbing Centre. The iconic climbing centre 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.
Equipment is rented separately from the drop in fee, and is not free for members.
Class level: All welcome
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: May 1 – August 23
Program intervals: Runs time(s) for each
Time: Monday at 4:00PM–8:00PM • Tuesday at 4:00PM–8:00PM • Wednesday at 4:00PM–8:00PM • Thursday at 4:00PM–8:00PM • Friday at 4:00PM–8:00PM • Saturday at 3:00PM–8:00PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH WELCOME
The Early Years Climbing Club is an early introduction to the sport of climbing. Our instructors provide a safe environment for 3–5-year-old 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.
Update: Unlike previous years Early Years Climbing Club will run for the full semester, instead of half a semester at a time.
Class level: All welcome
Youth welcome: 3-5 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 13 – December 14
Program intervals: Runs 2 time(s) for 6 weeks (No Classes - September 28 & 29, October 12 & 13, November 9 & 10) each
Time: Saturday at 8:30AM–9:15AM • Sunday at 8:30AM–9:15AM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
NEW
This intro Belay lesson is perfect for parents who want to take their kids to the climbing centre. This lesson will teach adults how to safely belay their kids on the climbing wall, fit a harness, and tie their kids into the wall. Once the lesson is complete this also includes rental equipment and drop in for the rest of the day!
The program must have 2 participants minimum to run.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 18+ years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: July 5 – August 23
Program intervals: Runs 7 time(s) for 1 session each
Time: Saturday at 1:00PM–3:00PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH WELCOME
The Junior Kids climbing Club is aimed at helping your 5–8-year-old progress their love and enjoyment of climbing through various climbing games and activities that will help them build skill and competence in all areas of the climbing gym. Previous experience is not necessary but is certainly helpful.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 5-8 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 14 – December 14
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 12 weeks each
Time: Saturday at 11:15AM–12:15PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH WELCOME
Let’s get competitive! Individuals aged 10 - 14 will meet once per week to train and develop their climbing technique as a part of the Junior Youth Competitive Team. On hand coaches will provide drills and feedback structured around deepening each participant's understanding of climbing technique and laying the foundations for an independent and strong climbing journey.
Our expert staff will educate members of the Junior Youth Competitive Team in progressive program planning, training motivation, and injury prevention. Our goal is to provide the tools needed for all climbers exiting the Junior Team to have the knowledge and motivation to train at a competitive level. For the best experience, participants should plan to register for all three semesters.
Requirements: Previous experience in our climbing programs is necessary
Class level: Intermediate
Youth welcome: 10-14 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 10 – December 19
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 15 weeks each
Time: Wednesday at 4:30PM–6:00PM • Friday at 4:30PM–6:00PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH WELCOME
The Kids climbing Club offers the perfect steppingstone into the sport of climbing. This program is perfect for new and returning 8–12-year-old. Our knowledgeable staff will provide an interactive program centered on the development of introductory climbing techniques and skills through games and activities. No experience necessary.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 8-12 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 14 – December 14
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 12 weeks each
Time: Saturday at 11:15AM–12:45PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
This 3-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.
Requirements: Participants must have passed a top-rope belay test at our facility and must be able to comfortably top-rope at a 5.10a level. Must be booked in pairs.
Class level: Intermediate
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 14 – December 22
Program intervals: Runs time(s) for each
Time:
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
Requirements: Must be booked in pairs
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 14 – December 22
Program intervals: Runs time(s) for each
Time:
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH WELCOME
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 Senior Youth Competitive 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 Senior Youth Competitive Team in advanced climbing techniques, foster individual goals, and create year long plans for growth. By participating in Victoria's competitive climbing scene, and providing personalized coaching and feedback, our goal is to provide the tools needed for all climbers exiting the Thunder Team to have the experience and the motivation to train at a competitive level. For the best experience, participants should plan to register for all three semesters.
Requirements: Previous climbing experience and have been a part of a climbing program.
Class level: Advanced
Youth welcome: 12-18 years
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 2 – December 4
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 WELCOME
Let’s get competitive! Our certified climbing gym instructors will lead the team through bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing lessons.
Each session includes activities such as a warmup and cooldown, lessons, drills, free climbing, physical training, and feedback/discussion time. Our instructors will teach advanced movement lessons, strength training, mobility/flexibility training; instructors will also help participants build non-physical skills that include goal setting, self-talk, critical thinking and analysis, and competitive tactics.
The goal of this program is to prepare our athletes for competitions or higher-level climbing by developing and supporting their physical competence, motivation, and confidence.
The summer sessions aim to maintain a year-long commitment to climbing and support our athletes through their off-season.
Requirements: Previous climbing experience and have previously been a part of a climbing program.
Class level: Advanced
Youth welcome: 12-18 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Instructor: Kira Stewart
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: July 3 – August 21
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 8 Weeks each
Time: Tuesday at 5:00PM–7:00PM • Thursday at 5:00PM–7:00PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
YOUTH WELCOME
The Youth Fundamentals Club is a great option for those aged 10 to 14 who are looking to deepen their understanding of climbing. This 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. This program is perfectly suited to young climbers who want to learn in a non-competitive environment.
Class level: All welcome Beginner friendly 😊.
Youth welcome: 10-14 years
Equipment: Necessary equipment is provided.
Location: CARSA Climbing Centre
Dates: September 13 – December 13
Program intervals: Runs 1 time(s) for 14 weeks each
Time: Saturday at 1:00PM–2:30PM
All climbers must sign a waiver in order to use our facility. Download the climbing waiver (PDF).
All prices valid as of September 1, 2024. All prices include GST.
© 2025 University of Victoria, Division of Student Affairs, Vikes Athletics and Recreation