Climbing Boosts Squamish Economy by $25M

0:00A new report from the Squamish Access Society shows rock climbing pumped $25.4 million directly into Squamish, British, Columbia's economy in 2025. Visitors drove most of that, accounting for over 80% of the spending at $21.1 million while local climbers added $4.3 million. The study took 15 months, pulling data from climber counts on 128 days across 9 areas plus surveys from 500. 66 people and expert chats. About 45% came from outside British Columbia, with others from Metro Vancouver, the United States, and right there in Squamish. Local business owners and guides are thrilled. Noting climbers now include more professionals with cash to spend on gear, stays, food, and lessons. The activity supports 148 jobs, and folks say it's booming, especially in peak months from May to September, as people weave. Climbing it to longer vacations, climbers want better parking, more toilets,

1:01and managed to vehicle camping to ease crowding. British Columbia Parks has upgraded spots like expanding the Stoamish Chief Parking by 37 stalls with $700,000. Invested and their studying trails, but no parking fees for now. This data underscores climbing's role in Squamish's tourism blending economic winds with calls for smarter access to keep the crags open and, thriving for everyone. Vancouver News today, powered by AI bringing you what matters.