Hermit Narrows sits quietly just below Mount Tupper in British Columbia, offering climbers a distinctive canyon experience carved by nature and waiting to be explored. This narrow canyon stretches for several hundred metres upslope from the Hermit Meadows trail. Its entrance is marked by a waterfall, signaling the start of an intimate climbing corridor framed by four prominent walls rising sharply on the canyon's east side. The setting is rugged yet approachable, perfect for climbers who want to step off the well-trodden routes and engage with raw mountain terrain.

Reaching Hermit Narrows involves a straightforward but invigorating trek from the end of the Hermit Meadows trail. After a few hundred metres, the path drops steeply into the canyon, where gravity and landscape shift into vertical challenges. From here, the terrain opens to several walls ranging from around 50 to 200 feet tall, divided by grassy gullies that give the area a quiet, secluded feel. It’s an environment that encourages exploration, where each wall holds the promise of a fresh challenge and views that reward your effort.

Two classic climbs define the appeal here: Baby Alpine, rated 5.10b, and Crystal Castle, a slightly less demanding 5.10a. Both routes offer well-established lines on solid rock, popular with climbers seeking to test their technical skills on moderate difficulty pitches within a serene environment. The area’s compact nature means you can easily sample more than one climb in a day without committing to long approaches or strenuous back-and-forth hiking.

The elevation at around 5,349 feet means weather can shift quickly. Summers bring prime climbing conditions with moderate temperatures, minimal precipitation, and ample daylight to maximize your time on the wall. Winter months tend to lock the area in snow, closing it off to climbing but transforming the surroundings into a quiet winter sanctuary. Plan your trips for late spring through early fall for the best combination of warmth, accessibility, and stable rock conditions.

Hermit Narrows is part of the larger Rogers Pass region, a wilderness zone well-regarded for its natural beauty and diverse outdoor opportunities. It retains an off-the-beaten-path vibe, away from crowded crags but with enough infrastructure to keep your adventure practical and safe. The proximity to the Hermit Meadows trailhead makes logistics straightforward, but the steep approach into the canyon and the secluded feel remind climbers to come prepared with solid navigation skills, proper gear, and a healthy respect for mountain weather.

Protection here is traditional — climbers should come ready with a rack suited to moderate alpine walls. Since fixed gear is limited, it’s wise to carry a good mix of cams and nuts, focusing on placements that secure the varied cracks and ledges. The rock quality is generally dependable, but caution is always necessary when moving through grassy gullies or areas with loose debris.

Descending requires attention. Most climbers opt for downclimbing or walking off through grassy gullies to the bottom of the canyon. There are no formal rappel stations, so solid route-finding skills and safety awareness are crucial.

Hermit Narrows promises a blend of challenge and beauty, offering climbers a chance to engage with a wild, intimate canyon setting framed by the majesty of Mount Tupper. It’s a destination for those who value a balance of adventure and practicality — letting the rising walls tell their story while keeping you firmly anchored in essential beta to make every ascent safe and rewarding.