Victoria’s Bouldering Training Ground

BoulderHouse Climbing is a cutting-edge bouldering gym in Victoria on Vancouver Island. One of the co-owners is Jean Marc de la Plante, who is behind Up the Bloc in Ontario, Allez Up in Quebec and Seven Bays Bouldering in Nova Scotia. The other coowner is Robert Somogyi, originally from Calgary, who has been climbing for 25 years.

The 5,000 square foot facility has a 30- metre long World Cup-style wall. In fact, the wall was used in the 2015 Toronto World Cup. It has a variety of angles and utilizes over 70 volumes to create fun problems.

BoulderHouse climbing focuses on eight bouldering circuits designed to give a one-ofa-kind climbing experience. “At BoulderHouse we invite you to plan your sessions around each complete circuit,” said de la Plante. “We give extra props for people who are able to complete the circuit of their level in one session. We think this a really fun way to climb but for those who don’t, you can just enjoy each problem for what it is, just like the old days.”

They have more than 3,500 holds to set their routes from. “By encouraging our community to progress through each complete circuit, our vision is to help every climber, at every level, develop a well-rounded set of skills,” said de la Plante. “To keep you motivated and challenged in new ways, we change the circuits weekly. From our beginner yellow circuit to the advanced pink circuit, there is something for everyone.”

When asked what inspires him in the climbing industry, de la Plante said, “Transforming old dank spaces into climbing gyms.” BoulderHouse is welcomed addition to the growing number of climbing gyms in B.C. For an interview with de la Plante, see p.10.– Address: 2829 Quesnel St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4K2 Phone: 778.265.934 Website: boulderhouse.ca