Author: Olivia Crossley
The Community
This small tourism experience is designed for you, whether you’re a Kamloops resident, a student, or a family looking for an outdoor adventure. If you don’t have access to transportation, equipment, or climbing skills, this experience provides everything you need for a safe and exciting day. It’s perfect for beginners and kids ages 10 and up. Whether you want to try outdoor climbing for the first time or explore the region in a guided and supportive setting, this adventure allows you to have a safe and enjoyable day in nature.
If you’re visiting Kamloops, you’ll have the chance to connect with locals and experience the Thompson-Nicola Region’s incredible outdoor activities. This adventure gives you a unique opportunity to share experiences and build relationships while climbing and enjoying meals together. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this experience is a perfect opportunity to engage with both the land and the community in a meaningful and memorable way.
The Opportunity
Our small tourism experience is more than just an outdoor excursion, it’s a way for you to connect with others and become part of the local climbing community. The adventure encourages mentorship, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. You’ll have opportunities to meet other climbers, learn new skills, and share your passion while forming meaningful relationships with both residents and visitors.
You’ll also be supporting local businesses, as all gear rentals, meals, and essentials come from the community. Supporting these businesses ensures that your participation directly benefits local families and entrepreneurs. Additionally, our guides, many of whom are students, gain valuable leadership experience while guiding you through your adventure. By joining this tour, you’re helping to develop the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Connecting with the Land
This tour immerses you in Kamloops’ stunning landscapes while fostering a deeper appreciation for the land, giving you the chance to experience Roche Lake’s unique climbing terrain and see the region’s natural beauty up close. Our tours allow you to explore the Thompson-Nicola Regional District in ways you might otherwise miss, offering an engaging way to connect with nature.
Throughout the adventure, you’ll also learn about the area’s history and the importance of conservation. You’ll be introduced to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that you play a role in preserving these landscapes for future generations.
The Experience
Welcome to Cliffhanger Adventures Kamloops!
Your adventure begins at Stock Pot Café (https://www.thestockpotcafe.ca/), where you’ll meet your group over coffee or an early lunch and pick up a delicious, locally sourced meal to enjoy later at the lake. From there, it’s a short walk to Cliffside Climbing Gym (https://cliffsideclimbing.com/), where your instructors will introduce you to climbing techniques, movement strategies, and safety procedures in a controlled indoor environment. After learning and getting comfortable with the basics, you’ll have an hour to practice and build confidence on the climbing walls.
Next, you’ll head to Roche Lake for the second part of your adventure. Here, you will put your new skills to work by climbing natural rock formations with guidance from experienced outdoor educators. Along the way, you’ll learn outdoor climbing ethics and Leave No Trace principles (https://leavenotrace.ca/). After an exciting afternoon of climbing, you’ll enjoy a well-earned meal by the lake before returning to Kamloops. This 7-hour, 40-minute adventure is packed with outdoor excitement, skill-building, and local culture.
Schedule
- 11:00: Meet at Sock Pot Cafe to have a coffee or early lunch, meet those in your group, and pickup packed meal to eat for dinner at the lake
- 12:00: Walk to Cliffside Climbing Gym (120m)
- 12:02: Get situated with rental equipment
- 12:15: Orientation and supervised climbing lesson at Cliffside Climbing Gym
- 1:45: Depart to Roach Lake
- 2:25: Arrive at Roach Lake/Begin trek to the selected climbing site (15m)
- 2:40: Start Outdoor climb
- 5:00: Early Dinner from Stock Pot Cafe
- 5:45: Depart from site
- 6:00: Arrive at Van/Start Drive back to Cliffside Climbing Gym
- 6:40: Arrive back at Cliffside Climbing Gym
A Beginner’s Guide to Sport Rock Climbing
Why Roche Lake?
The outdoor climbing site of Roche Lake was carefully chosen for its breathtaking scenery and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Located in the Thompson Plateau, just 36 kilometers south of Kamloops, the park is in the traditional territory of both the Upper Nicola Band of the Okanagan (Syilx) Nation and the Kamloops Indian Band of the Shuswap (Secwepemc) Nation.
Spanning 2,041 hectares, the park is home to world-class trout fishing lakes, beautiful hiking and cross-country skiing trails, and forests that provide shaded areas, making summer climbing both possible and enjoyable. With 51 established climbing routes, Roche Lake is a popular destination for climbers of all skill levels. https://www.climbkamloops.ca/?p=38
https://www.climbkamloops.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kamloops-climbing-guide-2023.pdf
Our adventure takes you to Roche Lake-Left, the northernmost section of the climbing area. Here, you’ll climb the Boogie Train (5.8). Labeled at #1 in the photo to the right. This is the easiest route in the area, making it a perfect opportunity for you to put your new climbing skills to work!
By participating in this experience, you’ll not only challenge yourself physically but also form lasting connections with the community and the breathtaking landscapes that make Kamloops a must-visit destination for adventure seekers.
Cost
Our tours are funded through participant payments. These expenses ensure that we can continue offering high-quality experiences. As our enterprise grows, we will explore additional financial support through grants and funding opportunities.
The total cost for this experience is $109.13 per person. While this experience is an investment, the majority of the cost directly supports our knowledgeable instructors, many of whom are students, funding their education. The remaining funds are reinvested into the local economy, benefiting small businesses and community initiatives. By joining our tours, you’re not only gaining an unforgettable experience but you are also contributing to the sustainability of local infrastructure and families.
Cost Breakdown
| Expenses | Total Price | Price per participant |
| Van | $150 | $25 |
| Gas | $15.47 | $2.58 |
| Indoor Climb | $102 | $17 |
| Shoes | $18 | $3 |
| Harness | $18 | $3 |
| Food | $65.70 | $10.95 |
| Instructor | $285.6 | $47.60 |
The Small Tourism Effect
Benefits
As a small tourism enterprise, Cliffhanger Adventures is committed to creating meaningful experiences that benefit both temporary residents and the local community.
By participating, you’ll be supporting local businesses while providing valuable employment opportunities, particularly for students, who gain hands-on experience and develop their interpersonal and professional skills. This shared outdoor adventure brings people together, fosters connection, strengthens the climbing community, and contributes to Kamloops’ tourism culture.
Respect for the land is a core value of our small-scale tourism experience. Throughout the development of this small tourism enterprise, we have prioritized sharing the beauty of the Thompson-Nicola region in a way that minimizes ecological impact and promotes sustainability. Through sustainability education and the teaching of ethical climbing practices, we ensure that through participation in our activities, you’ll contribute to the protection of natural heritage rather than contributing to the depletion of resources.
Having grown up rock climbing and spending time in nature, I’ve had the privilege of learning firsthand the value of outdoor adventure and the importance of the responsible use of natural resources. Being involved in this experience provides an opportunity to share these teachings with others. It also serves as a platform to highlight the importance of environmental sustainability, encouraging others to appreciate and protect the incredible landscapes we enjoy, all while fostering a sense of community and environmental responsibility.
At the end of the day, you’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment, a full stomach from locally sourced food, new experiences, lasting connections, and a deeper understanding of responsible outdoor recreation.
