Nanook is a demanding trad climb carved into the steep, rugged expanse of the North Walls at The Chief, just outside Squamish, British Columbia. This five-pitch route traces a line of sharp cracks and corners on the lower-left section of the wall, offering climbers a challenging ascent peppered with technical moves and strong gear placements. From the first pitch, the route demands precise footwork and confident crack climbing as you clip a bolt and venture into a left-facing offwidth corner that tests your control on awkward jams and balance on slabby faces.

Moving up into the second pitch, the double corner system commands attention with burly, exposed climbing where a sequence near the top requires threading through a small roof to conquer an overhanging finger and hand crack—a true physical step that separates confident crack climbers from the rest. The bolted belay sits atop a tree stump, a natural marker of progress on this wild route.

Pitch three brings a mix of delicate face moves and stemming past bolts that lead you past a daunting roof. The steep crack beyond requires more than just strength; it asks for clever positioning and commitment before reaching the bolted belay, giving a brief moment to catch your breath. The fourth pitch shifts gears with an offwidth section climbing to a left-leaning, wide crack protected by a fixed piton. Here, carrying a second 6-inch cam can be a comfort for those less at ease with wide cracks.

The final pitch is a tighter, clean left-facing corner with a narrowing finger crack that rounds out the route’s variety and technical demands. The rock quality remains solid throughout, and the protection is generally reliable with doubles to 3 inches, singles from 4 to 6 inches, and small nuts covering the range. Most climbers find that the crux moves can be aided, allowing a fallback for those working through the hard sequences.

Access to the North Walls places you in the heart of Squamish’s climbing playground, with the local mountain’s granite jutting imposingly into the coastal air. The approach is straightforward yet requires careful navigation over rocky trails circling the base. Early starts are advised to avoid afternoon sun on the wall and to make the most of cool conditions that ease the intensity of the steeper pitches. Hydration is a must, as the sustained physical effort combined with the sun exposure can sap your energy quickly.

Nanook balances technical challenge and natural beauty, putting climbers into vibrant crack systems that test endurance, technique, and mental grit. The route’s isolated setting and commanding views of Squamish below enhance the sense of adventure while the reliable protection and clear line reassure those comfortable with sustained 5.11 climbing. For trad climbers looking to push skills on exposed granite with variety and style, Nanook stands as a rewarding objective that demands respect and preparation.