Yes. All visitors/guests/members need to book a climbing session; you can do that further down this page, or through the ‘RGPro Connect’ App.

If you’re going to belay another climber, you must pass a belay test with qualified Hive staff. You will need a partner to test with, they may already have passed the test, or you can both be testing together. For safety and liability reasons, these tests are Pass/Fail, at the sole discretion of staff performing the check.

If you’re only using the auto-belays, please see desk staff for orientation to this equipment.

Human error is the number one cause of injury in climbing, and these safety measures are mandatory.

Learn More

Yes you can! You must either pass a belay test or take an intro to climbing course to learn how to handle the added risks of roped climbing, and the basics of belaying.

When you belay a climber, you hold your life in their hands and we take that seriously. Unfortunately, non-staff are not permitted to teach new belayers in our facility. 

If your partner has not successfully completed and passed their belay test at Hive Heights, you will be responsible for double checking their knot and your belay system. Your partner may tie their own knot if they know how, but may not belay until they have passed their test at Hive Heights. 

In other words yes—if you have passed a belay test at Hive Heights, you can belay your uncertified partner to climb, and you will be responsible for all safety checks. They may not belay anyone.

Unfortunately not. To get a true idea of your belaying ability, staff need to see you belay another individual in a real climbing setting. Belay tests can be performed with any individual aged 13 years or older.

Staff do not provide refreshers on belay technique. The belay test is a proficiency test, and as such, climbers are expected to be proficient upon arrival. If staff have to provide some coaching during the belay test, you may still be allowed to belay in the gym for the session (with limitations), and be required to retest upon your next visit. These limitations include but are not limited to: not belaying individuals younger than 13; not belaying individuals who have not passed a belay test.

When belaying another individual you are holding their life in your hands. Hive Heights staff are trained to check technique and competency, and have the final say regarding the outcome of belay tests. Once passed, you are still responsible for practicing proper technique and doing partner safety checks each time you or a partner climb. 

No, unfortunately belay instruction in the gym is prohibited except by certified Hive Instructors. We recommend a belay course (at any climbing gym or from another experienced educator) to anyone who doesn’t have confidence and competence with their belay skills. It’s exceptionally important to the wellbeing of your climber that you can belay properly.

Belay tests can only be performed once per day. If you did not pass the belay test, you are welcome to use the auto belays during your visit, and take another test during your next session!

Youth ages 0-8 need an adult supervisor within arms reach at all times. Depending on the age of the child, the supervisor may be able to climb beside the child on auto belays.

Youth ages 9 – 12 need an adult supervisor on the mats, with a clear line of sight to their child.  Supervisors must visually check the setup before each climb. A supervisor may climb beside children on auto belays. 

Youth aged 13 and older can take the top rope belay test or use the auto belays and climb unsupervised. After the first booking, youth over 13 may book in for their session as adults. 

Youth aged 15 and older are eligible to take the lead belay test, provided they have passed a top rope belay test.

Youth Bookings (0-15 years) must be made over the phone. Call us on 604 874-2400 to book your session.

NOTE: The ratio of supervisors to children changes depending on the age of the children. Please call the gym at the number above for further clarification of youth supervision ratios.

Nope! Just book your session to climb and request a belay test at the front desk upon arrival!

Lead belay tests are free, and do not have to be booked. Lead belay tests are not guaranteed, and are subject to a few factors including but not limited to: staff availability, gym capacity, performance in a top rope belay test. Lead tests may only be performed with either: two individuals taking the lead test, or one individual taking the test and one who has already passed a lead test.

For the highest likelihood of a lead test being able to be run, try to visit the gym during non-peak hours (9am-4pm & 9pm-11pm on weekdays, 4pm-10pm on weekends). Calling the gym beforehand to ensure a lead test can be run is advisable.

Yes! Hive Heights has 6 auto belays and a spray wall bouldering area upstairs. A spray wall is a densely packed wall with no marked routes. Routes are set on the spray wall by setters and community members through the “Stokt” app.

An auto belay is an automatic belay device that takes in your slack as you climb up and automatically lowers you when you let go of the wall. The auto belays are a great option if you are climbing in the gym without a belay partner. Hive Heights has 6 auto-belay routes. Use of autobelays is not generally appropriate for youth aged 0-3.

Yes! Punches can be used at any of our facilities. These punches never expire, and can also be shared/transferred to friends and family!