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Skaha Bluffs Climbing Guide, Penticton, British Columbia

Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is one of the best places to climb in Canada. 66 crags and over 1000 climbs can be found in three main canyons.

Most climbs (around 65%) are sport routes but there are still opportunities for traditional climbing too.

upper buttress climbing wall skaha bluffs penticton bc - Skaha Bluffs climbing guide
Climbing at Upper Buttress, Skaha Bluffs

The sheer variety and choice of routes in combination with the southern Okanagan’s warm climate make Skaha Bluffs a world-class climbing destination. I live 10km from Skaha’s entrance gate so I visit fairly often. Here’s everything you need to know. 

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Two climbers with backpacks walk towards the bluffs
Walking to Skaha Bluffs from the lower parking lot

Backcountry necessities

Brown signs with Doctor's Wall and Fortress marked, leading to the Skaha Bluffs
Heading into Skaha Bluffs near Penticton

Skaha Bluffs essentials

  • A guidebook – Skaha Climbing by Marc Bourdon (2018) or Skaha Rockclimbs by Howie Richardson (2013)
  • A 60m or 70m rope. 60m is fine for the vast majority of climbs
  • 10 Quickdraws for most sport routes. 15-20 for big cliffs
  • A leash for your dog, to protect the many rare animals and plants at the Bluffs
  • Plenty of water (personally I like to take my own water in a Hydroflask to keep it super cold all day)
  • Toilet paper
  • A donation for the Skaha Bluffs Park Watch Society who help prevent thefts from the parking lot

Guidebooks and climbing equipment (shoes, harnesses, gear and more) can be purchased at Eskala Mountain Sports on Front Street in downtown Penticton. Say to store owner Claudia for me – she’s a good friend!

Looking up at Red Tail climbing wall at Skaha Bluffs, British Columbia, with rock wall, ropes and climbers
Red Tail climbing wall

If you arrive in town on a Sunday in the off season (the only day Eskala closes) and need a guidebook, head to the Book Shop

Excellent lessons and programs are provided by Skaha Rock Adventures, owned by the immensely knowledgeable and enthusiastic Russ Turner. Small group climbing tours and intro to climb courses are also offered by Hoodoo Adventures.

How to get to Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park

Skaha Bluffs is located just south of Penticton, BC, Canada. Penticton is about a 4.5 hour drive from Vancouver.

Looking from Skaha Bluffs to Penticton over trees with view of Skaha Lake and hills beyond
Looking towards Penticton from Skaha Bluffs

Provincial Park entrance

The main access point into Skaha Bluffs is the Provincial Park entrance on Smythe Drive on the eastern side of Skaha Lake (click for directions).

The turn into Smythe Drive is clearly signed on Eastside/Lakeside Road in both directions, though it is located on a bit of a tight corner so can come up fast. Follow Smythe Drive all the way to the end to reach the two parking lots.

The road becomes narrow and windy for the last kilometre so be sure to drive carefully and be prepared to make space for an approaching vehicle at any point. Parking is free. The only facilities are four outhouses. The gate opens at 7 am and closes at dusk.

Large cement parking lot with half a dozen parked vehicles, with forest and hills behind
Lower parking lot at main Skaha Bluffs entrance

Evergreen Drive

There is an alternative route into the Bluffs via a residential area to the north of the park. Using this entrance cuts down substantially on hiking time to the northern climbing areas such as Kids Cliff.

As of 2022, there is a dedicated parking lot at Skaha’s northern entrance (click for directions). It has space for around 100 vehicles. There is an outhouse and trash bin. The trail into the bluffs is marked by a cairn on the southern side of the parking lot.

Rock cairn next to dirt hiking path at edge of Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park in Penticton
The cairn marking the trail into the Bluffs from the northern parking lot

When to climb at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park

It is usually possible to climb at Skaha from March to October. Some local climbers make an early start in February and continue well into November, but it really depends on winter conditions and how hardy you are!

There is a BC Parks gate that prevents vehicle access to the parking lots in the winter months. The BC Parks page for Skaha Bluffs will provide updated details on when the gates officially open in the spring (usually March, but it is weather dependent).

Climbers who want to access the park before the gate opens should park well away from the entrance and avoid blocking any driveways. The Painted Rock winery entrance often gets blocked by vehicles, which could endanger the future of the Bluffs so PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE.

Gemma near the top of the Red Tail wall at Skaha Bluffs
Climbing at Red Tail, Skaha Bluffs

The most popular months to climb at Skaha are April, May and September when other Canadian climbing destinations are either too wet or too cold.

The long weekends of Easter, Victoria Day and Labour Day at the busiest times to visit the Bluffs. The two parking lots will be full, there will be lineups for the most popular climbs and it’s just general pandemonium.

If you really can’t avoid visiting on these weekends, be sure to have patience, kindness and carpool where possible. 

On busy days, climbers often park on the narrow road leading to the Bluffs. This can be exceptionally dangerous, considering that an ambulance needs to be able to pass through in an emergency. Think before you park!

View across grass to lake with edge of town, backdropped by rolling hills - the view from Skaha Bluffs
Views of Skaha Lake from lower section of Skaha Bluffs

Helpful to know:

  • After a dose of rain, the Bluffs tend to dry out pretty quick. There can be torrential rain in the morning yet it can still be a great climbing afternoon. Keep in mind that it’s usually a little bit warmer at the Bluffs than in Penticton during the climbing season.
  • Climbing in summer IS possible! Start early or late and be sure to take lots of sunscreen and water. Eastern and southern walls will be sunny in the morning but shaded in the afternoon; choose your destination as appropriate. Fern Gully, near Doctor’s Wall, is a great option for summer climbing as it stays cool all day.
Looking up at a climber on Go Anywhere wall at Skaha Bluffs on a sunny day
Climbing on a sunny day at Go Anywhere at Skaha Bluffs, near Penticton

Climbing recommendations at Skaha

With so many walls and routes, there are a lot of options for all types of climbers in the Bluffs. Here is just a taster of some of the best sport areas:

Looking up at rock wall at Skaha Bluffs
Red Tail climbing wall

Novice (5.7-5.9)

Daycare, Upper Buttress, Red Tail, Go Anywhere, Grassy Glades

Intermediate (5.9-5.10d)

Kid’s Cliff, Fortress, Claim-it-all, Grassy Glades, Morning Glory

Experienced and Expert (5.11 and up)

Doctor’s, Great White, Fortress, Maternal

A climber on rock at Skaha Bluffs
Climbing at Skaha Bluffs

Good things to know about climbing at Skaha Bluffs

  • Until 2009, climbers had to pay to park on a local farmer’s land and puff up dozens of steps. When the farmer decided to sell his property, local climbers (with the help of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, The Land Conservancy and MEC) successfully petitioned BC Parks to make Skaha Bluffs a Provincial Park. Access is a lot easier now!
  • Six species of snakes can be found in the Bluffs, including the Western rattlesnake. More docile than its southern cousin, the Western rattlesnake is commonly seen moving between rocks or sunbathing. Leave them alone and they will usually leave you alone too!
  • Russ Turner, of the aforementioned Skaha Rock Adventures, has been operating climbing lessons and programs in the Bluffs since 1993. He has created dozens and dozens of routes in his free time and was instrumental in ensuring continued access to the park. If you arrive at Red Tail one day to find it full of Russ’ climbing students, please be respectful. There are plenty of other great places to climb at Skaha!
Dirt hiking path winding along the base of a rocky cliff in Skaha Bluffs
One of the many hiking paths at Skaha Bluffs

Where to stay when visiting Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park

With Penticton being a resort town, there is plenty of choice of hotels, motels, B&Bs and Airbnbs.

My personal favourite area to stay in Penticton is the Okanagan Lake side, as the town’s downtown area is super walkable. Accommodation on the Skaha Lake side is generally cheaper however. 

Valley Star Motel – Great value, short drive from the Bluffs

Apple Tree Inn – Cheap and central to everything in Penticton

Slumber Lodge – Lakefront accommodation on the Okanagan side

Gemma climbing the Red Tail wall at Skaha Bluffs
Red Tail wall, Skaha Bluffs

Skaha Bluffs camping options

Many climbers choose to camp or sleep in their vehicles while visiting Skaha Bluffs (if I didn’t live here, I probably would too!) Here are my top recommendations for places to camp around the area. 

Private campgrounds

Banbury Green is most definitely the perennial favourite for visiting Skaha climbers. Located on the opposite side of Skaha Lake, Banbury Green offers waterside campsites and views of the Bluffs. Discounts for climbers are usually available in the spring (April/May). Reservations are recommended.

Lost Moose Campground offers unserviced, forested campsites about 25 minutes drive from Skaha Bluffs. There are cabins available too. 

Read Next: 22+ of the Best Campgrounds in the Southern Okanagan

Small campsite at Lost Moose Campground with picnic table and fire pit, surrounded by trees
One of the campsites at Lost Moose

Provincial Parks

sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ (Okanagan Falls) Provincial Park is a 15-minute drive from the Bluffs. It offers the most ‘natural’ organised camping in the area. The park is open from late March until early October and has 25 sites. All sites can be reserved during the busier season (mid May to early September).

Rive scene next to sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ  campground in Okanagan Falls, with trees lining shore
The campground at sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ is right next to the river

Skaha camping – free options

With Penticton being such a busy resort town, free camping options close to Skaha Bluffs are not plentiful. It is not possible to stay in the main parking lot overnight.

The best option is to drive east along Carmi Road (by the hospital), continue on as it becomes Beaver Dell Road and find somewhere to park off this gravel road. To ensure that that other people can do this for years to come, practice no trace principles and leave the area better than you found it (no campfires!)

Walmart apparently does not have an issue with overnight parking itself but the city bylaws apparently do not allow it. So parking there is at your own risk. A ticket may be issued. 

Real Canadian Superstore is a definite no go for overnight parking, with large signs stating that it is not allowed. 

views of skaha bluffs penticton bc
Views of Skaha Bluffs, Penticton

Where to eat and drink in Penticton

Living in Penticton for 2.5+ years, I have a few recommendations for places to eat and drink. 

Penticton has seven breweries, with five located downtown.

  • Cannery Brewing is my favourite for both atmosphere and beer quality. The nachos are the best in town
  • If you feel like pizza, head straight to Bad Tattoo. The unusual pizzas match the inventive beers
  • Neighbourhood is the busiest brewery in the downtown area, with a large dog-friendly patio and up to 18 beers on top
  • Highway 97 is directly located across from Cannery Brewing and often has music on weekend evenings
  • Slackwater features two airy floors and two patios, with a fun range of weekly events
  • Abandoned Rail is situated right on the KVR Trail on the Naramata Bench, an ideal stop if you feel like a bike ride
  • Tin Whistle is the oldest brewery in Penticton and should be a priority if you like dark beer
  • The Barley Mill is a casual brewpub located on the same side of town as the Bluffs, great if you’re looking for a quick beer

The best quick and dirty food in town can be found at the Jeffer’s Fryzz truck on Nanaimo Ave. Jeffer has been serving poutine in Penticton for over 30 years…..and I can assure you, it’s the best anywhere in Western Canada.

For something healthier, head to the Wild Scallion on Front Street. The mostly vegetarian menu is both filling and fairly cheap. Thinking of vegetarians, Lachi has excellent lunchtime specials if you’re craving Indian food. 

Those seeking an epic view and a bit of elegance should check out Elma on Lakeshore. This beautiful new restaurant serves Turkish inspired food, made with local ingredients. 

For coffee, try the Prague Cafe on Marina Way (there’s outside seating just above the beach!) or brand new Wayne & Freda on Winnipeg St. 

There are numerous good options for sushi in Penticton. My top picks are Sushi Genki for quality takeout sushi, Sushi KOJO for choice and friendly service and Ginza for an elevated dining experience.

A flight of tour taster beers on a patio in Penticton
Tasting flight with complimentary popcorn at Cannery Brewing in Penticton

What to do in Penticton when not climbing at Skaha Bluffs

Being located in the southern Okanagan (and so close to Penticton in particular), there is SO much to do in the local area when you’re not climbing. 

  • Penticton has a number of great hiking trails, some featuring waterfalls others railway trestles. And you don’t have to go far from downtown to find them!
  • A top activity for a lot of people visiting the area is to go wine touring. There’s even a winery just on the doorstep of the Bluffs – Painted Rock. The Naramata Bench, just to the northeast of Penticton, has over 40 wineries on one 15km stretch of road. Guided bus tours are popular or you can try a walking wine tour
  • Penticton is one of the few towns in the world to be located between two lakes. This offers a huge choice in water related activities (swimming, paddling, parasailing, boating, waterskiing and more) plus plenty of beaches to sunbathe on. There’s even a nudist beach at Three Mile
  • Floating the Channel between the two lakes is a must do while in the area and an awesome way to relax after a few days of climbing. You can rent tubes at Coyote Cruises on Riverside Drive
  • Looking for more ideas? Click here for 70+ more recommendations and suggestions of things to do in the southern Okanagan

Are you planning a climbing trip to Skaha Bluffs?

66 crags and over 1000 climbs can be found in three main canyons at Skaha Bluffs, British Columbia. The sheer variety and choice of routes in combination with the southern Okanagan's warm climate make Skaha Bluffs a major climbing destination not only in Canada, but also the world! offtracktravel.ca
Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is one of the best places to climb in Canada with over 1000 climbs found in three canyons. Complete climbing guide written by a Penticton local with recommended climbs and insider tips. offtracktravel.ca

Check out these other Okanagan Valley posts next:

Hiking McIntyre Bluff, Okanagan Falls

50+ Things to Do in Osoyoos and Oliver

A Local’s Guide to the Best Okanagan Valley Wineries

47 Things to Do in Summerland

11 Fast and Fun Hikes in Penticton

Hiking the Myra Canyon Trestles near Kelowna

30+ Awesome Things to Do in Vernon

Rattlesnake Island, British Columbia: Small Island, Dramatic History

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MaryAnne Verge

Wednesday 5th of April 2023

Do you allow memorial benches in the area? My late husband was a climber for years and this would be a perfect tribute to him.

Gemma

Wednesday 5th of April 2023

Hi MaryAnne,

That sounds like a lovely idea. It would be best to contact Kaloya Contracting Ltd who operate the park to ask. Their email address is [email protected] and phone number 250-766-7972. Kaloya operate a number of different parks in the Okanagan so be sure to specify which park.

JJ

Thursday 8th of October 2020

Super helpful, thanks!