The Tablelands is unlike any other climbing destination in Canada, sculpted from the strange orange-brown peridotite rock that feels almost alien beneath your fingers. Located in western Newfoundland within Gros Morne National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage site draws climbers seeking an adventurous alpine-style multipitch experience far from the beaten path. The rock itself is solid yet tends toward low friction, meaning each move demands focused footwork and careful placements. The unique geology also limits the use of fixed protection—there are no permanent anchors here by policy, preserving the purity of the landscape but requiring you to rely entirely on your traditional gear skills.

Reaching the climbing walls is an adventure in itself. A 2 to 2.5 hour trek begins at the Tablelands Parking Lot, following a well-marked trail to the iconic viewing deck. From there, crossing a river and pushing west past an obvious canyon leads you into more rugged terrain. You will traverse scree slopes for about an hour before facing a steep slog up to the base of the cliff faces that offer the few multipitch lines the area provides. The elevation here reaches approximately 534 feet, granting sweeping views of the scarred yet magnificent terrain below.

Climbing at the Tablelands is a high-stakes pursuit demanding respect for both the fragile ecosystem and the rock’s quirks. The peridotite is riddled with crack systems perfect for traditional protection, but cams in parallel cracks have a tendency to slip if not placed with extra caution. Climbers found that pods of camming devices and passive protection like nuts work best, making your rack selection critical before you leave for this remote venue. Expect loose rock here and there; the routes have seen few ascents, a reminder to move deliberately and avoid dislodging debris.

The climbs themselves range in style and difficulty but lean toward technical crack climbing with an alpine undertone. Among the classic routes, you will find Coconut Bangers Ball (5.6), Nest of Serpents (5.10c), Sounds Gouda (5.7), Spa Day (5.7), and Sunset Boulevard (5.8). These climbs showcase the diversity of this area’s offerings—some easier crack climbs to hone your protection skills alongside more demanding pitches requiring solid footwork and patience.

Weather in this region is often unpredictable, so summer months stand out as the prime season to climb, offering more stable conditions and longer days to handle the approach and climbs leisurely. Early morning starts are advised for the best light and to avoid afternoon heat or sudden weather shifts.

Descending calls for careful planning. With no fixed anchors, rappelling requires setting your own solid gear, and downclimbing the scree and steep sections demands cautious steps to avoid slips.

Ultimately, the Tablelands delivers an incomparable climbing experience to those ready for a raw, wild alpine setting. It promises solitude, challenge, and the thrill of exploring unclimbed lines in one of Canada’s most visually striking landscapes. Preparation, respect for the rock, and solid trad skills are your keys to unlocking the adventure that awaits in this extraterrestrial piece of Newfoundland.