Shawnessy YMCA Climbing Wall

Climbing at Shawnessy YMCA

Shawnessy YMCA is part of the South Fish Creek Complex in south Calgary, a large community facility that also holds a pool, ice arenas, a high school and a public library. Its climbing wall is one of four run by YMCA Calgary, and city-wide members can use all four for free.

Temporary closure: the gymnasium and climbing wall closed on 1 September 2026 for floor refinishing during the Shawnessy renovation and are expected to reopen on 22 November 2026. The renovation will also separate climbing from the gymnasium, with its own entrance.

Open Climb

• Climbing is in supervised 45-minute Open Climb sessions with certified instructors, which everyone must book online; bookings for the following week open each Friday at 11:00.
• Sessions include a safety orientation, bouldering and TRUBLUE auto-belays. Climbers aged 14 and over can take a belay test to top-rope belay their own party, and under-18s belay with a floor anchor.
• Climbing is for ages 4 and up, no experience or equipment is needed, and outside equipment isn't allowed.
• Every climber needs an online waiver, completed by a parent or guardian for under-18s.
• Members climb free, and non-members pay for each session.

Courses

YMCA Calgary runs registered climbing courses for children aged 4 to 14, in age groups from Billy Goats (4 to 5) to Rock Jocks (12 to 14), and a First Ascents course introduces teens and adults aged 15 and over to bouldering, top-roping and knots. Members also get an introductory climbing orientation.