The Whistler Book

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Jack Christie. The Whistler Book

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JACK CHRISTIE

THE Expanded & Updated

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Rock climbing around Squamish is not limited to the Chief. Just as popular are the Smoke Bluffs, a ridge that rises above the Mamquam Blind Channel to the north, on the east side of Highway 9 9. These small cliffs are laced with cracks that appeal to climbers of all abilities. And unlike many of the routes on the Chief, those on the Smoke Bluffs (or simply the Bluffs) are shorter—though no less intimidating in places—and much easier to reach. Thanks to their southern exposure, the granite walls also dry quickly in the morning sun. In fact, it’s the moisture evaporating from the walls that gave the bluffs their name. Climbers groom the rock faces with wire brushes to obtain an ideal smoothness.

After years of lobbying by the Federation of Mountain Clubs of B.C. and the Climbers Access Society of B.C., in 2006 a public climbing park was created at the Bluffs, not just for rope hangers but for everyone to enjoy. An aerial map posted in the climbers’ parking lot details various trails and several viewpoints—the best lie above Pixie Corner and beside Penny Lane, as well as beside Burgers & Fries, the most frequently climbed cliff in Canada. Wood and rock staircases lead up to one section called the Octopus’s Garden. Farther west, the loop trail narrows as it curves between two smooth granite walls where small groups of climbers regularly practice. They won’t mind you watching if you are quiet; safe climbing requires complete concentration.

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