FAQs

Can I camp when I come to boulder in the Okanagan?

The Boulderfields is the only location that has free camping on site. It is part of the BC Sites and Trails network. It is user maintained, has pit toilets, no running water, and stays are limited to 14 consecutive days. There are local campgrounds at Ellison Provincial Park and in Penticton, for a cost.

Can I rent gear anywhere?

Bouldering pads and shoes can be rented at Gneiss Climbing in Kelowna, and at The Rock Garden in Vernon. Please contact the gyms directly for costs and availability.

Are there any access issues I need to know about?

Yes. Pebble Beach is very tenuous. Please respect ALL restrictions, as outlined in the guidebook. There is currently no access to Winter Pig Hotel anymore. If you have any other questions about access, please reach out to the OBS.

Do I need a special vehicle to drive up to the Boulderfields?

The road to the Boulderfields is ~12 km up a forest service road. While this road can have its challenges, it is possible to drive up in a standard car. During the shoulder season (early April and late October), a AWS vehicle is recommended. Feel free to reach out to the OBS, or to our active Facebook group, if you have concerns during a particular time. During the winter, the road is snowed in.

When is the best time to visit?

At lower elevations in the Okanagan it is possible to climb all year round, but the season runs from early March to late November typically. The Boulderfields is at a higher elevation and the season runs from about mid April to early November. At the height of summer anywhere in the Okanagan can get incredibly hot (think high 30’s or low 40’s in Celsius). However, it is possible to find overhangs, caves, and shaded walls in The Boulderfields that don’t reach those extremes and are still climbable.

When does Rock The Blocs run?

Rock The Blocs is a large outdoor bouldering competition, normally run towards the end of June. For up-to-date information, visit the News page.

What can I do on a rest day?

The Okanagan is one of Canada’s main tourist destinations. With beautiful weather, lakes, wineries, and tons of recreation, it’s pretty tough to run out of things to do. Just a few of the many things to do are, hit the beach and swim in Okanagan Lake, check out one of the area’s many wineries, take a walk downtown (Bernard Ave) to the lake and check out the boardwalk, kayak, canoe, SUP, ride the Kettle Valley Railway and Myra Canyon Trestles, pick some fruit (The Okanagan is one of the largest fruit producing regions in the country), and of course, explore The Boulderfields.