Rising steadily along Tunnel Mountain’s East Face in Banff National Park, Ballista unfolds an engaging eight-pitch journey that balances technical sport climbing with pockets of aid moves. Spanning roughly 650 feet, this line offers climbers a thoughtful challenge across mostly clean limestone, with only occasional patches of dirt and loose rock adding texture—and caution—to the ascent. Situated away from Tunnel Mountain’s more exposed sections, Ballista feels like a measured, less rushed experience, inviting climbers to focus on the rock and their technique.

The approach from the trailhead is straightforward, with the well-trodden path leading to the base in about 20 minutes. Once at the foot, the climb begins with a corner-crack feature on Pitch 1. This opening 30-meter pitch combines sustained 5.10a climbing with a roof that tempts but reveals itself as loose and best skirted via an elegant sidepull and gaston sequence to the left. Clipping 13 bolts along the way, the pitch ends on a semi-hanging stance, a perfect spot to settle in before moving higher.

Pitch 2 eases back to 5.8 difficulty but demands attention, moving left through solid rock before rising slightly to a dirty ledge. The route’s character shifts subtly here, rewarding patience and route finding. Next, the crux pitch at 5.10c feels like a soft grade, arguably closer to 5.10a, featuring a left traverse on clean limestone that tests balance and body tension. This pitch, with nine bolts, leads through a smooth panel into a small left-facing corner—a stellar stretch that both challenges and delights.

Pitch 4 continues with finger locks and liebacks, negotiating a loose roof section before reaching another dirty ledge. The sequence keeps momentum, requiring precise footwork and body positioning. The fifth pitch echoes these movements, maintaining consistent technical climbing with a subtle crux midway through.

Pitch 6 offers what many climbers regard as the highlight: incut chert features that reward confident moves culminating in a roof bust. This 5.9 pitch showcases the route’s best rock quality and most memorable moves, ending at a scenic anchor.

Pitch 7 steps into aid climbing territory, navigating a low roof where long reaches and a "bolt ladder" (weathered aiders in place) add variety and an unusual thrill for those unfamiliar with such techniques. Be aware the anchor around a nearby tree shows signs of strain, and future improvements would be wise for sustained safety.

The final pitch, a tight 20 meters at 5.10a, demands focus with a quirky crux that leads to bulletproof chert crimps in a left-facing shallow corner. The finish is technical and satisfying, rounding out the climb’s character with a note of precision and strength.

Once at the top, descent options include eight 30-meter rappels—smooth but demanding good gear management—or a preferred walk-off westward, contouring north back to the trailhead. The area’s beauty is complemented by clean, moderate exposure and moderate weather conditions typical of Banff’s summer season.

Gear-wise, 13 quickdraws are essential, along with a selection of longer runners to manage rope drag, especially on traversing pitches. Though mostly sport, the presence of aid moves on Pitch 7 invites diverse climbing skills.

For climbers hunting a multi-pitch sport adventure just outside a renowned park town, Ballista delivers an authentic experience without needless crowds or excessive exposure. It’s well suited for confident 5.10 climbers aiming to stretch technique and endurance with a mix of free and occasional aid climbing enveloped by inspiring alpine surroundings.