Beat It: A Bold Ascent on Quebec’s Main Wall

Quebec City, Canada
technical
small roof
granite
sport climbing
single pitch
5.12a
sparse bolts
Length: 100 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Beat It
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Beat It delivers a sharp, technical punch past a small roof on Quebec’s Main Wall. This 100-foot single pitch demands focused strength and confidence, making it a compelling challenge for sport climbers ready to push into 5.12a difficulty."

Beat It: A Bold Ascent on Quebec’s Main Wall

Beat It challenges climbers with a sharp, powerful move past a distinct small roof before continuing straight up a clean, vertical face. The route slices through Quebec’s Main Wall, a part of the Sanatorium sector, where granite surfaces demand precise footwork and steady holds. This single-pitch 100-foot climb stretches the limits of athletes looking to push into the 5.12a range, offering a focused burst of technical sport climbing that rewards polished technique and mental poise.

The absence of fixed draws on Beat It means climbers must come prepared to place their own protection or be confident with the existing, though limited, bolt infrastructure. The last bolt hanger has been removed, signaling that the crux lies well before the final meters. Beyond the roof, the terrain eases, encouraging a smooth finish but requiring no less attention to balance and grip.

Situated at 47.10684, -71.88821, this climb perches high within a mixed forested landscape typical of the Charlevoix region, harnessing the cool northern exposure to keep holds from overheating during summer afternoons. The granite here feels gritty beneath fingertips, offering reliable friction that makes each hand and foot placement count. Birdsong and distant wind weave through the pines, amplifying a sense of isolation despite the climb’s accessibility near Quebec City.

Approaching Beat It is straightforward, accessible from trails that link to the Sanatorium area. The path unpacks neatly with moderate elevation gain, guiding climbers through a dappled canopy before the rock face opens. Given the route’s single pitch and sport classification, the climb fits well into half-day trips, making it a prime choice for aspirants eager to tick 5.12a sport routes with manageable approach logistics.

Experience with bolt clipping under pressure is advised, as the missing last hanger makes the final section more of a confident stride than a mechanical necessity. Climbers should prepare to bring their own quickdraws and be comfortable managing gear in a scenario where fixed protection is minimal. A firm grip on smooth moves through the roof segment will position the lead well for the easier runout to the top anchors.

Beat It embodies the character of Quebec’s climbing: straightforward yet demanding, surrounded by natural beauty that never feels far away. The route’s crisp angles and precise holds make it a solid stepping stone for climbers aspiring to sharpen their redpoint tactics while soaking in the northern forest’s calm embrace. Whether you're local or visiting, this climb offers a reliable test that balances mental focus with rewarding physical movement.

Climber Safety

The missing final bolt hanger means the upper section requires careful clipping and control. Falls near the top could be long due to sparse protection, so maintain focus through the final moves. Weather conditions can make the granite slick; avoid climbing when wet.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length100 feet

Local Tips

Approach via the Sanatorium trailhead, allowing 30-45 minutes of moderate hiking.

Wear shoes with solid edging capability to handle the crisp granite features.

Bring extra quickdraws due to removed fixed hardware.

Start climbs early in the day to avoid afternoon sun warming the rock.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.12a
Quality
Consensus:The 5.12a grade on Beat It is true to its challenge, featuring a well-defined crux at the small roof where power and precision converge. The climb feels stiff but fair for this grade. After the crux, the difficulty drops, allowing climbers to recover and maintain flow to the top. Compared to other routes in the Sanatorium area, this one stands out for its clean moves and the need to adapt to less protection on the upper section, requiring a confident lead head.

Gear Requirements

Fixed quickdraws have been removed; the final bolt hanger is missing. Bring your own quickdraws and plan to clip carefully through the crux, as protection becomes sparse near the top.

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Tags

technical
small roof
granite
sport climbing
single pitch
5.12a
sparse bolts