"Route B is a dependable 5.4 trad climb in Gatineau Park’s North Wall that combines a hollow flake and a broad crack in a single pitch. It’s ideal for climbers looking for a straightforward but engaging trad experience amid serene forest surroundings."
Route B at Gatineau Park’s North Wall offers an approachable, hands-on trad climb that invites adventurers to engage fully with the granite’s character. This 5.4-rated route demands skillful negotiation of a prominent hollow flake that leads into a wide, inviting crack, challenging both your balance and your crack climbing technique without ever feeling overwhelming. The climb’s single pitch extends over solid rock, creating a sustained but manageable passage that rewards climbers with a sense of flow and accomplishment. As your hands and feet find purchase along the crack’s edges and the hollow flake’s curved contours, the granite’s surface offers tactile feedback—smooth in some spots, textured in others—that keeps you anchored mentally and physically. Surrounding the climb, the forested slopes of Western CWM in Gatineau Park offer a quiet backdrop where chirping birds and the rustle of leaves mingle with the breath of the wind. This setting enhances the feeling of ascending a natural monument shaped by time and weather, disguised under the park's vast canopy. With a standard trad rack and a bolted anchor at the top, the protection setup blends security with adventure—placing your own gear keeps you connected to each move, while the fixed anchor assures a confident finish. Approach is straightforward but should be timed well; morning light tends to illuminate the North Wall with a gentle warmth, easing both grip and mood during early climbs. Take care with footwear that offers a blend of stiffness and sensitivity to navigate the crack effectively, and manage hydration cogently—even on shorter routes, physical effort translates quickly to fatigue. Route B is a reliable starting point for climbers building trad experience, offering a direct line with enough technical interest to sharpen skills without requiring advanced tactics. Whether you're visiting Gatineau Park for its extensive outdoor opportunities or focusing solely on this route, the experience balances rhythmic movement, technical engagement, and the grounding presence of nature’s granite giant.
Pay close attention to gear placements in the hollow flake where rock can be inconsistent. The bolted anchor provides security at the top, but the approach and descent through forest terrain warrant good footwear and cautious footing, especially in wet conditions.
Begin your climb early for optimal sun exposure and cooler rock conditions.
Use shoes with good edging ability to tackle the varied crack sizes confidently.
Carry sufficient water even though the approach is short, as the physical effort can dehydrate faster than expected.
Double-check gear placements in the hollow flake – some sections can be deceptively shallow.
Standard trad rack covers this climb well, with a bolted anchor for secure top-out. Emphasis is on solid placements within the wide crack and on the hollow flake, making a range of cams and nuts essential.
Upload your photos of Route B and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.