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Tour de Force at Paintings Wall

Canmore, Canada
sport climbing
side pull
compression moves
arete
pumped arms
single pitch
bow valley
Length: 50 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Tour de Force
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Tour de Force on Paintings Wall offers a powerful punch of sustained sport climbing on sharp limestone. With technical side-pulls and a crucial clip demanding composure, this 50-foot pitch challenges climbers to balance strength and flow in Alberta's striking Bow Valley."

Tour de Force at Paintings Wall

At the heart of Alberta’s Bow Valley lies Paintings Wall, a rugged limestone face that challenges climbers seeking sharp sport routes with technical finesse. Tour de Force stands out as a test of power and precision, condensed into a single 50-foot pitch packed with demanding moves. The climb greets you with a steely approach up to the first bolt, where a committed side pull and a series of compression maneuvers demand both strength and body awareness. The route angles slightly left before meeting the sharp arete, offering a striking line that melds physical effort with thoughtful positioning. Midway, a tough clip at the third bolt forces you into a brief moment of calculated tension, a threshold that separates climbers who settle in from those who falter under the pump. Above this crux, the route eases but remains continuous, testing your endurance and maintaining the thrill until the shared two-bolt anchor is reached. Tour de Force shares its first bolt and anchor with Tour de Pump, creating a subtle link between routes that bustle with local energy. The wall’s steepness and clean holds invite climbers to tap into a rhythmic flow, balancing effort with smooth technique. Approaching this line means preparing for a climb where every move counts and rest is a luxury, but the payoff is a pure, focused experience on quality limestone in a well-accessed setting. Beyond the climb, Grotto Canyon offers a spectacular backdrop: forest fringes and crisp mountain air that sharpen the senses. Climbers should approach with solid sport climbing shoes, well-spaced quickdraws for the six bolts, and a mindset tuned to maintaining grip under sustained effort. Late morning to early afternoon provides the best light and temperature, with the west-facing wall cooling by afternoon shadows. After topping out, a straightforward rappel or a careful downclimb brings you back safely to the base, making Tour de Force a compact yet demanding adventure well worth the approach in Alberta’s climbing corridor.

Climber Safety

While the bolts are solid, the sharp limestone can be unforgiving on slips, especially around the arete. Approach the bolt clip at the third bolt with care to avoid a precarious fall. Weather can turn quickly in the Bow Valley—check conditions and be prepared for rapid changes.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Start the climb with enough warm-up to open your shoulders; side pulls require upper body readiness.

Bring at least six quickdraws to cover all bolts and anchor safely.

Late morning to early afternoon light hits the wall best; avoid late afternoon when it cools off rapidly.

Carefully clip the third bolt—it's a crux point where balance is key to keep the rhythm intact.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.12a
Quality
Consensus:The 5.12a grade feels appropriately stiff, with a crux at the third bolt where the pump and technical side pulls challenge endurance and precision. Compared to nearby routes like Tour de Pump, Tour de Force demands a stronger focus on body tension and holds, making it a worthy step up for experienced local climbers.

Gear Requirements

Requires six bolts for quickdraws plus a two-bolt anchor setup. Sport anchors are reliable. Clipping the third bolt demands attention to maintain balance and avoid pump.

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Tags

sport climbing
side pull
compression moves
arete
pumped arms
single pitch
bow valley