Our Mission
Kootenay Holds Climbing and Wellness Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive climbing and wellness community in Creston, BC.
You’ve said it — Creston needs a climbing gym.
Our mission is to create a welcoming, year-round space where youth, families, adults, and visitors can climb, move, connect, and thrive together. More than just a gym, we envision a community hub that supports physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence, creativity, and social connection through accessible climbing, movement, and family-friendly recreation.
Our Story
In January 2026, a few local women drove to ARQ Mountain Centre in Cranbrook for a day of climbing. Somewhere between climbing walls we asked ourselves why doesn't Creston have a climbing gym?
Our spark quickly turned into action. We sent out a community survey to see if others felt the same way and the response was overwhelming. There is a clear desire for climbing space in Creston where people can move, connect, and build community.
While our long-term goal is to build a full-scale climbing gym, we are starting with a more accessible first step: a bouldering gym with a kids play zone. This phase allows us to build a meaningful and inclusive space while laying the foundation for something bigger.
This is just the beginning. With community support, we can grow into a permanent space in the years ahead to expand into a full climbing facility that is a hub for wellness and connection in Creston.
Design Concept
We'll start by saying we're not climbing gym designers so this isn't a promised final product, but this reflects the kind of experience we want to create.
We're calling this Phase 1 of the project. The current concept includes approximately 60 feet of bouldering walls with varied angles, overhangs, and dynamic movement for climbers of different skill levels. We will also have a toddler-friendly play area with features that encourage safe climbing, movement, and exploration. And the design has a flex space for birthday parties, fitness classes, and special events.
The exact layout and features of the space will ultimately depend on funding, available resources, and what’s feasible as the project develops. But the two non-negotiable items for us are a welcoming bouldering gym and a dedicated kids play zone. Those are at the heart of what we’re trying to build. We want to create a space where movement, community, and family life can exist together.
Every donation helps move this project closer to reality. Whether it goes toward the lease, flooring, climbing walls, holds, mats, or play features, your support directly helps create a space our community can grow into together. If you believe Creston would benefit from a space like this, we’d love your support.
Get Involved
We are in the process of applying for grants so that we can get some funding to make this happen!
What can you do to help bring climbing to Creston?
Share Your Voice
Complete our community interest survey to show your support, share your ideas, and help us build the community data needed for grant applications, partnerships, and future planning. Every response strengthens our case for creating this much-needed space.
Become A Sponsor
Leave your mark on Creston’s future climbing gym. Become a sponsor and help build a space for movement, connection, and community. Every donation brings us closer to creating a year-round home for climbers, families, and youth in the Creston Valley.
Follow Along
Be part of the journey. Sign up for our newsletter and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, community milestones, fundraising, and behind-the-scenes progress as we build momentum toward a climbing and wellness hub for Creston.
Community Testimonials
"I have always loved climbing and wished there was a centre closer to Creston."
"Having somewhere that is family friendly where my kid could play/join in while I'm able to be active would be amazing."
"We live in the mountains and climbing is a good skill for building confidence, safety and survival."
"I’ve made lots of friends through climbing gyms. It’s a great place to learn, make friends, and improve on personal goals."