Summer in Squamish - Questions

[Luke J]

Hi,

I'm half way through my year in Canada - I've spent the winter in Whistler skiing and am hoping to spend the summer in Squamish, climbing. I don't really know much about Squamish, except that it's a world class rock climbing venue so answers or information on any of my questions (or anything I haven't thought of) will be most welcome...

I'm looking at moving to Squamish from Whistler in May/June - is there anywhere I should be looking to live both in terms of places to find rooms and as a location within Squamish? I don't have transport so within walking or bussing distance of the climbing would be ideal.

I will also need a job - is there a particular newspaper or website I should be checking out for general jobs in Squamish?

Gear - I have a small rack (nuts, slings and QDs). I was planning on buying a rope and cams and anything else necessary out here. Where is the best place to be doing this and any advice on any specific gear that is useful for the climbing out here? I was leading at around the equivalent of 5.8 trad back home (UK) and am definitely looking to improve as much as possible this summer.

Climbing guide - where to buy one and which one is best?

Partners - Other than the partners section on this site is there anywhere else I should be looking to find partners? I am looking mainly for trad climbing, but would definitely be keen for some sport as well. I lead trad around 5.8, sport a bit higher and can second a few grades above that.

I know it's a lot of questions but if you have any advice or information that can help me then please reply! Thanks.

Luke

[scrubber]

Hi,

Howdy

I'm half way through my year in Canada - I've spent the winter in Whistler skiing and am hoping to spend the summer in Squamish, climbing. I don't really know much about Squamish, except that it's a world class rock climbing venue so answers or information on any of my questions (or anything I haven't thought of) will be most welcome...

You've come to the right place.

I'm looking at moving to Squamish from Whistler in May/June - is there anywhere I should be looking to live both in terms of places to find rooms and as a location within Squamish? I don't have transport so within walking or bussing distance of the climbing would be ideal.

Craigslist is probably the best place to start. Word of mouth is best, but when you're not here pokin' around...
Being carless your best bets are Valleycliff, Hospital Hill, Downtown, and Dentville. Get yourself a junker bike and Northyards and Garibaldi estates are easy access too. (Find yourself a bike either way.) Bus system here is weak. Once per hour.

I will also need a job - is there a particular newspaper or website I should be checking out for general jobs in Squamish?

Craigslist, or ask around at the types of places you would like to work.

Gear - I have a small rack (nuts, slings and QDs). I was planning on buying a rope and cams and anything else necessary out here. Where is the best place to be doing this and any advice on any specific gear that is useful for the climbing out here? I was leading at around the equivalent of 5.8 trad back home (UK) and am definitely looking to improve as much as possible this summer.

There are two good climbing shops in Squamish, Valhalla Pure, and Climb On. They both sell everything you need and more at prices that make a trip to Vancouver a waste of time. Buy local.
If there was one "standard" rack for squamish, (yes this is a big generalization), It would probably be one set of nuts, Metolius supercams or Aliens in the micro to 3/4" size, then BD Camalots up to size #4. Add doubles or big stuff as your headspace/ wallet allows.

Climbing guide - where to buy one and which one is best?

Buy it at the same place or at the visitor centre near the Smoke Bluffs parking lot. Best depends on your point of view and what you want in a guide. Check em' out, they both have their strengths.

Partners - Other than the partners section on this site is there anywhere else I should be looking to find partners? I am looking mainly for trad climbing, but would definitely be keen for some sport as well. I lead trad around 5.8, sport a bit higher and can second a few grades above that.

Starbucks in the morning, climbing shops, message board at the campground and at the hostel.

I know it's a lot of questions but if you have any advice or information that can help me then please reply! Thanks.

Luke

Use the search function on this forum. Many of your questions have been answered once a week for several years. There is lots of great stuff here and on other Squamish websites, just dig around. See you this summer!

Kris

[Luke J]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply - plenty of great information for me.

I've had a bit of a dig around for this sort of stuff on this site - just wanted to make sure that the information is up to date, some of the posts go back quite a few years. Will keep looking here and and on some other sites too though.

Thanks again for your help- I'm looking forward to checking out the climbing.

Luke