Question 1

Who is Rock and Rise for?

Accepted Answer

Rock & Rise is a space for women and people of expansive genders, including non-binary, gender non-conforming, and transgender folks of all identities.

We recognize that gender is only one dimension within a broader system of barriers to outdoor sport. Our focus is on creating supportive opportunities intentionally designed for this community, to support learning, skill-building, and leadership in a space that fosters confidence and connection.

Within this space, we especially welcome and encourage participation from people with intersecting identities, including Indigenous, BIPOC, LGBTQ2+, newcomers, official language minorities, and people with disabilities.

Question 2

Why did we shift from a woman-centric space to a space that includes people of expansive genders?

Accepted Answer

As Rock & Rise has evolved, it has become clear that people of expansive genders face deeper and more persistent historical and social barriers within climbing spaces. This festival is an opportunity to challenge the dominant stereotype of the cisgendered male climber and to build a more inclusive, supportive community. We aim to challenge harmful cultures around gender and identity while continuing to learn how to better support our community.

Question 3

I am a cis-gendered woman and don’t identify as genderqueer. Is this space still for me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Rock & Rise is a safe, supportive space that celebrates and uplifts women and people of expansive gender identities in outdoor adventure sports. We acknowledge that the current landscape still lacks inclusivity and representation, and our dream is that through initiatives like Rock & Rise, we help shift that reality by building community, confidence, and leadership not only at the crags, but across all disciplines of our sport.

Question 4

I am a cis-gendered male. Is this space for me? Why not?

Accepted Answer

No. Rock and Rise is intentionally designed as a space for women and people of expansive genders.

Climbing and outdoor spaces have historically centred cis gendered men, often at the expense of others’ safety, access, and opportunity. Creating meaningful change sometimes requires intentionally removing the dominant group so that underrepresented voices can be centred, heard, and supported without pressure.

This boundary is not about exclusion for its own sake. It is about creating the conditions needed for growth, leadership, experimentation, and community among people who have faced greater barriers in outdoor sport. Initiatives like Rock and Rise ultimately benefit the entire climbing community by helping shift norms, challenge harmful dynamics, and expand who gets to belong and lead.

Question 5

I am a member of the Sḵwx̱ú7mesh or Líl̓wat Territoires. How do I claim my free registration and clinic?

Accepted Answer

More information to come. Stay tuned.

Question 6

I am faced with financial challenges, but I really want to attend this event! Will there be any scholarship opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our all inclusive open scholarship application is open February 25 - March 31. The 2026 scholarship has now closed, but we do offer a limited number of discounted Supported Festival Tickets. Please note that this solely covers the General Admission. Participation in one or more clinics will be at your own expense. If the Supported Festival Ticket price is still financially out of reach, we are also working on a limited number of work-trade opportunities. Please email community@rock-and-rise.com.

Question 7

I live with a physical or mental barrier that often limits my ability to participate in sports. Is rock climbing for me?

Accepted Answer

Rock climbing can be adapted in many ways. Adaptive climbing programs have developed incredible tools and strategies to support a wide range of access needs.

If you are interested in attending, we would love to connect and learn more about what support or accommodations might be helpful. Please reach out to community@rock-and-rise.com or use the contact form on our website so we can talk together about your needs.

You may also wish to explore the Canadian Adaptive Climbing Society at www.canadianadaptiveclimbing.com for additional resources and opportunities.

Question 8

Can I attend a clinic without a festival ticket?

Accepted Answer

To attend a clinic, you must have a ticket to Rock and Rise 2026.

Beyond the clinics, the festival is really about community: the opening circle, Saturday dinner, and evening panels are where locals and visitors get to connect and build friendships. We'd love for you to be part of that, even if you live just a few blocks away.

On a finances note, the only reason we're able to offer clinics at these discounted rates, is through the sales of general festival tickets. We are a non-profit, run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers! While we try to keep costs as low as possible, your festival ticket goes toward the essentials, like event insurance, that make it possible to run the clinics at all.

Question 9

Is there an age limit to registration?

Accepted Answer

All ages are welcome at the festival grounds and in the campground. However, anyone 18 years of age or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while on site. A minors waiver will be available to review online during ticket purchase and will need to be completed at registration upon arrival.

We are not running programs specifically for children. That said, youth aged 12 to 18 may purchase their own general admission ticket, provided a parent or guardian is attending the festival with them. If they choose to take part in a clinic, a parent or guardian must drop them off and pick them up, but does not need to remain with them during the session.
For children under 12, please see “Can I bring my kids?” below.

Question 10

Can I bring my kids?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All ages are welcome at the festival grounds and in the campground. We recognize that parenthood can be a barrier to climbing, so children under 12 of any gender are welcome to attend for free. Please tick the relevant box during registration so we can keep track of numbers. Youth aged 12 and up will need their own ticket.

Anyone 18 years of age or under must have parent or guardian supervision while at the festival. A minors’ waiver will be available to review online during ticket purchase and will need to be completed at registration upon arrival.

The only exception to this supervision requirement is for youth aged 12 to 18 who are registered in a clinic. In that case, a parent or guardian must drop them off and pick them up, but does not need to stay for the duration of the clinic.

We are not running programs specifically for children. If you would like to take part in a clinic yourself, we encourage you to plan childcare in advance. Some families find it works well to attend with a friend or partner and alternate clinic time. If access to childcare is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us at community@rock-and-rise.com and we will do our best to explore options with you.

Question 11

I am new to rock climbing. Can I still attend?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely yes! Rock and Rise welcomes climbers of all experience levels and abilities. We will be offering a range of clinics from beginner to advanced, and equipment will be available for those who don’t have their own. Keep an eye out for our clinic lineup, which we’ll be sharing in the coming months.

Question 12

Do I need a climbing partner to attend the event with?

Accepted Answer

Nope. One of the core motivations behind Rock and Rise is creating space for people to meet climbing partners, build connections, and make new friendships. You are very welcome to come solo.Nope. A big part of our motivation behind the festival is to create an opportunity for people within our community to meet climbing partners and make new friendships!

Question 13

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Please come prepared for a weekend outdoors and for changing weather conditions. We recommend bringing:
a jacket and warm layers
a sunhat and sunscreen
comfortable shoes for walking
a refillable water bottle

If you are camping, you will need to bring your own basic camping equipment, including a tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag*.

If you register for a clinic, your mentor will email you an equipment list in advance of the festival**.

We will also send out a weather update in the days leading up to the event. For food, please see “Will there be food provided?” below.

*We are working to provide camping equipment for scholarship recipients.
 **Climbing equipment will be available, ideally at no cost (stay tuned for updates), for those registered in beginner courses.

Question 14

Will there be food provided?

Accepted Answer

We are currently working with local food businesses and will update this section once details are confirmed. Our goal is to have coffee and baked goods available on Saturday and Sunday mornings, as well as a shared dinner on Saturday evening.

Outside of this, please plan to bring your own food. No cooking equipment will be provided on site, but you are welcome to use your own camping stove.

Question 15

I have allergies and/or dietary restrictions. Will there be food options for me?

Accepted Answer

We are still finalizing our meal plan, so we don’t have a full menu to share yet. That said, we are aiming to include vegetarian and vegan options and to clearly label common allergens such as gluten, lactose, and nuts once details are confirmed.

Our registration waiver will also include space for you to note any allergies or medical conditions, so we can be mindful of these as we plan. We will share more information as soon as it is available.

Question 16

Do I need a car?

Accepted Answer

No! One of the things we’re excited about is that this festival does not require a private vehicle. You can take a bus or rideshare from Vancouver to Squamish (Downtown or the Adventure Centre). From there, both the festival grounds and clinic locations are within reasonable walking distance.

If getting to the festival, or moving between basecamp and clinic locations, feels like a barrier for you, please reach out to operations@rockandrise.com or fill out our contact form on the website. We’ll do our best to find a solution together.

Question 17

Can I sleep in my camper?

Accepted Answer

Likely yes! There will be an option to select this type of camping setup during the registration process. This will not affect the price. More details to come.

Question 18

I live in Squamish, do I need to camp to attend the festival?

Accepted Answer

No. While we encourage Squamish locals to stay on site for the full festival experience, camping is not required. You are welcome to attend clinics and evening programming and then return to your home or other accommodation if that works better for you.

Question 19

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Likely yes. Friendly, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the festival grounds. Please keep your dog on a leash at all times and make sure they are comfortable around people and other dogs. If a dog is disruptive, aggressive, or overly loud, we may ask that you secure them nearby.

Dogs are not permitted at clinics.

Question 20

What if it rains?

Accepted Answer

The festival will run rain or shine. While we all hope for great weather, we are prepared to make the most of whatever comes our way and still create a meaningful, fun, and connected weekend together.

If needed, we will set up tents and tarps for shelter during evening programs. For climbing clinics, our instructors will adapt as necessary, including moving under overhangs where possible and focusing on ground school topics such as technical systems, risk awareness, and mental skills.

It is also worth noting that the Smoke Bluffs, where most clinics take place, face south and are often exposed to wind, meaning many routes dry quickly once the rain stops.

In the unlikely event of extreme weather that creates a genuine safety risk, such as dangerous highway conditions or wildfire activity, the festival will offer full refunds.

Question 21

I can’t attend the festival this year, but I’d love to stay updated on future events! Do you have an email list?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can subscribe to our mailing list at the bottom of our website. You can also follow us on social media for updates and announcements.

Question 22

What is your cancellation/ refund policy? Can I transfer my ticket to someone else if I can no longer attend?

Accepted Answer

A full refund will be issued for cancellations made more than one month before the first day of the festival. After that point, refunds are no longer available.

If you would like to transfer your ticket to another person, they will need to complete a registration form so that we have the required information. If you already know who you are transferring your ticket to, please email community@rock-and-rise.com and CC them. Due to our capacity, we are unable to process ticket transfers within one week of the festival. If you are unable to attend due to injury, serious illness, or a family emergency, please contact us at the same email address.

The festival will run rain or shine. In the event of an extreme weather warning that makes the event unsafe, we may cancel part or all of the festival, and we will communicate details directly with all ticket holders.

Question 23

Is alcohol allowed at the festival?

Accepted Answer

For permit and insurance reasons, alcohol will not be served at the festival grounds, and we kindly ask that you do not bring alcohol onto the site.

We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us create a safe, welcoming, and accessible space for everyone.

Question 24

What about smoking or vaping?

Accepted Answer

If you choose to smoke or vape, please do so in the designated zones and be mindful of others around you, especially near clinics, tents, and main gathering areas. Thank you for helping us keep shared spaces comfortable for everyone.

Question 25

What if I have language or accessibility barriers?

Accepted Answer

We encourage you to use your browser’s “translate this page” function if that makes the website easier to navigate. If you run into any language barriers, accessibility issues, or have questions you cannot easily find answers to, please email us at community@rockandrise.com and we will do our best to support you.

Question 26

What facilities are available at the festival site?

Accepted Answer

At the festival grounds, we will have portable washrooms available on site.

Please note that there are no shower facilities at the festival itself.

If you’re craving a rinse, Brennan Park Recreation Centre is just a short walk away. They offer showers and access to amenities like a hot pool and steam room.

Entry is typically a small drop-in fee, but pricing can change — we recommend checking their website for the most up-to-date information:
https://squamish.ca/rec/recreation-facilities/brennan-park-recreation-centre/

Lockers are available at Brennan Park. You may want to bring a small padlock if you plan to use one.

Please note that their change room facilities are currently divided into men’s and women’s sections.

We recommend planning ahead if you’re hoping to use these facilities during the weekend.

Question 27

Am I required to sign a waiver to participate?

Accepted Answer

IMPORTANT – WAIVER REQUIRED: A Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement ("Waiver") must be completed by each participant (or parent or legal guardian for a minor participant) before participation in Rock and Rise Festival. This is a condition of all bookings.

If the Waiver is not completed, participation in the activity or program will not be permitted.
If you are booking for other participants, it is your obligation to inform them of this Waiver requirement and to provide them with a copy of the Waiver or a link to it below.
Each adult participant must complete their own Waiver.
A parent or legal guardian must complete the Waiver for their minor participant.
Participants added or substituted after the original booking are subject to this Waiver Requirement - if such individuals do not complete the Waiver, they will not be permitted to participate.
​
The Waiver applies to all activities you participate in for a period of two years after you sign it – including all activities booked, scheduled and rescheduled both before and after you sign it.

PLEASE READ THE WAIVER CAREFULLY! By signing, you will waive or give up certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any Occupiers Liability Act or claim compensation following an accident.

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