Summary of Findings
Climbing in Squamish has a significant and measurable economic impact, and the purpose of the 2025 SAS study was to quantify that value to support access, funding, and infrastructure improvements.
Visit and join the Squamish Access Society and read the full economic impact report.
Rock climbing in Squamish is a major economic driver for British Columbia.
- $42.3 million total economic impact across B.C.
- $25.4 million in direct spending (visitors + residents)
- $18.1 million GDP contribution
- Every $1 spent generates $1.67 in total economic impact
- 148 jobs in Squamish and 214 across B.C.
- $7.1 million in tax revenue
Squamish is the #1 climbing destination in Canada by visitor spending, making climbing a key contributor to the local and provincial economy.
Local Squamish Chief Newspaper Story Coverage
Facts and figures you might find interesting
Climber Volume & Origins
- 462,000 climber days recorded in 2025
(1 climber day = 1 person climbing for 1 day) - Breakdown:
- 59% overnight visitors
- 21% same-day visitors
- 20% local residents
- 45% of climbers come from outside B.C.
- Origins:
- Metro Vancouver: 29%
- United States: 23.8%
- Squamish: 19.7%
- Rest of Canada: 15.1%
- Other: 12.4%
- Peak season: May–September
- ~80,000 climber days each in June & July
- 3 out of 5 residents moved to Squamish because of climbing
Economic Impact & Spending
Total Impact
- $42.3M total economic impact (provincial)
- $28.7M impact within Squamish-Lillooet region
Direct Spending
- $21.1M from visitors
- $4.3M from residents
- $773 average spend per visitor trip
- $2,752 average annual spend per resident climber
Visitor Spending Breakdown
- Accommodation: 33%
- Food & beverage: 32%
- Transport & fuel: 14%
- Equipment: 10%
- Other categories: smaller shares
Resident Spending Breakdown
- Gear: 29%
- Training & gyms: 22%
- Transport: 17%
- Food & beverage: 17%
Jobs & Tax Revenue
- 214 jobs supported across B.C.
- 148 in Squamish (105 FTE)
- Key sectors:
- Food & beverage (32.3%)
- Retail (16.5%)
- Finance (12.5%)
- Professional services (10.3%)
- Accommodation (8.9%)
- $7.1 million in taxes generated
- 89% goes to provincial & federal governments
Climber Demographics & Behaviour
- Climbing styles:
- Sport: 80%
- Trad: 71%
- Bouldering: 58%
- Skill levels:
- Most climbers prefer moderate routes (5.9–5.10 / V2–V5)
- Age:
- Visitors: primarily in their 20s
- Residents: primarily in their 30s
- Gender:
- ~60% male, 38% female
- Engagement:
- 72% of residents climb more than 30 days/year
Visitor Experience & Satisfaction
- Extremely high satisfaction
- 91–95% satisfaction for route variety and quantity
- Net Promoter Score (NPS):
- Among the highest ever recorded for a travel/activity destination
- Key issue: crowding
- 28% dissatisfied with ease of accessing routes
Key Challenges Identified
Parking & Access
- Strong opposition to paid parking
- 80% of residents would climb less if paid parking is introduced
- 58% would significantly reduce climbing
Infrastructure Needs
- More toilets, trail maintenance, and parking solutions
- Better management of high-use areas like:
- Smoke Bluffs Park
- Murrin Provincial Park
Environmental & Social Concerns
- Garbage and human waste
- Van camping management
- Climber education (safety, etiquette)
- Balancing route development with conservation
Long-Term Growth
- Climbing growth (1985 → 2025):
- 11,635 → 462,000 climber days (40x increase)
- ~$197K → $25.4M direct spending (~50x increase)
- Demonstrates sustained, long-term economic expansion driven by climbing.
Key Takeaways
- Climbing is a major economic driver for Squamish and B.C.
- It supports jobs, tax revenue, and local businesses
- Squamish is a globally significant climbing destination
- Growth is strong—but infrastructure and access management must keep pace
- Maintaining access, diversity of climbing areas, and user experience is critical for future success
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