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Interruption: A Classic 5.9 Crack in Labedan

Lachute, Canada
thin crack
single pitch
powerful start
mantle move
easy anchor
trad
5.9
Laurentians
Length: 65 ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Interruption
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Interruption offers a finely tuned 5.9 crack climb in Quebec’s Labedan area, blending a powerful bouldery start with graceful crack tactics. This single-pitch route is the finest technical climb at Labedan, demanding skillful placements and steady movement."

Interruption: A Classic 5.9 Crack in Labedan

Interruption presents a compelling challenge for climbers comfortable at the 5.9 level, carving through Labedan's rugged granite with a blend of physical moves and elegant crack climbing. The route begins with a powerful, bouldery start—your body pressing against the rock as you find protection in a narrow, thin crack that demands precision and control. A mantle move prompts a careful shift to the right before you latch onto a clean, aesthetic crack offering solid holds. This crack pulls you upward with deliberate movement, rewarding steady effort and focus. The granite’s texture feels alive beneath your fingers, its rough edges inviting a calculated grip.

This climb is widely regarded as the finest 5.9 in Labedan, holding a special place for its balance of challenge and flow. The route’s single pitch stretches 65 feet, delivering concentrated, sustained climbing without wasted effort. Protection is straightforward with a standard rack to 1 inch and the convenience of a bolted, easy-clip anchor—allowing your attention to remain on movement and placement rather than gear logistics.

Approach the wall from the Julien-Labedan area, located in the Laurentians of Quebec. The terrain here is quiet yet demanding, with the route offering a focused experience set against a backdrop of soaring forested hills. Climbers often find the granite’s character sharp but consistent, making gear placements satisfying and secure when placed thoughtfully.

Interruption’s rating at 5.9 holds true to its commitment—a solid but accessible climb that exercises technique and strength without veering into uncomfortable territory. While some of the initial moves require a degree of muscular tension, the crack climbing is more cerebral, requiring thoughtful hand jams and footholds. Seasonally, this climb rewards early morning ascents to avoid afternoon heat, with the wall catching filtered sunlight without baking in the sun’s harshest rays.

Safety here involves respecting the thin crack’s protection challenges on the lower section and maintaining calm through the mantle move, where rock quality remains stable but requires focused footwork. The descent is straightforward via the bolt anchors, which offer a safe and controlled rappel back to the base.

Interruption invites climbers to engage with a pure crack climb that stays true to the traditional style while offering enough flow and exposure to feel alive on the rock. For those who want an accessible but engaging 5.9 experience in Quebec’s famed climbing zones, it’s a must-try route that perfectly balances adventure with approachability.

Climber Safety

Although the rock quality is generally solid, the initial thin crack requires deliberate, accurate gear placements. Be mindful during the mantle move, as foot holds can be slippery and demand full attention. Approach can be uneven—wear sturdy footwear to navigate the rocky terrain safely.

Route Details

TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length65 feet

Local Tips

Bring a full range of cams up to 1 inch for confident placements in the thin cracks.

Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures and less direct sunlight on the wall.

Carefully manage the mantle move; solid footwork here will save energy.

Use a guidebook or GPS coordinates for the approach to avoid unnecessary bushwhacking.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 rating fits well with the route’s demands, offering a crisp combination of power and finesse. The bouldery opening heats up the grade slightly, but once into the main crack, the climbing settles into a more classic feel. Compared to other 5.9s in the Laurentians, Interruption stands out for its clean line and consistent movement without sneaky moves or loose rock.

Gear Requirements

Standard traditional rack up to 1 inch is appropriate for protection. The route features one fixed bolt and an easy-to-clip anchor, ensuring a safe top-out and rappel.

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Tags

thin crack
single pitch
powerful start
mantle move
easy anchor
trad
5.9
Laurentians