Reviews of Crag X Indoor Climbing Centre (Gym)

Eric Pollard

Awesome spot to climb right downtown. Super friendly staff. More for top roping than bouldering.

Jerusha Chua

Went here with a friend, a first time climber, to climb belay - I usually boulder and have only done auto-belay routes a couple times before. One of their employees helped belay us for the hour and my friend and we had a great time! Highly recommend if you're interested in checking out belay climbing for the first time.

Athena Beck (Athena Beck AG)

It's amazing. The staff are amazingly kind. My dad took the belaying test (which sadly I'm not quite old enough for) and it's better than a workout gym! I also love it because there is kid walls for kids to climb. Although once (my first time, a few weeks ago) there was a younger girl then me and she was wearing running shoes and my dad told me "Her dad isn't belaying properly". But I mean that's probably not the first time someone has done it here.

Mark Radloff

Went for the first time today as a family outing day for a 2 hour group session. As first time climbers we had no idea what to expect. Staff were great, walked us through everything got us introduced to something new. We all had a blast, and will definitely be going back for lessons. Special mention of Quinn who made sure we had a good time while showing us the ropes(pun intended).

Carlos Arturo Gómez Teshima

I like this place. But you will need to go with someone so they can belay for you. Also, you will need to know about climbing knots. If you have that covered they have nice routes that you can climb. For beginners and advanced climbers. They also have a boulder wall where you can practice your moves, how to fall and climbing techniques.

Aurora Walker

New facility with high ceilings, and the entire gym is lead climbable. Staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and emphasise safety. Routes are rotated and reset fairly frequently. There are also fantastic women only monthly technique classes that are fun and a great way to meet fellow climbers.

David Gillese

An excellent spot to boulder and climb on belay.

Ally Arnold

Really fun best rock climbing place I ever have been to

Jessica Harrison

Great gym! I was in town for a week and went in one afternoon. Cool space; large, but not so crowded that you're waiting for routes to open up. Plenty of top rope routes to choose from, as well as lots of bouldering options. Employees were friendly and helpful in showing me how to use a grigri (which they provide and require on all top rope routes). Will definitely go back again the next time I'm in town!

Sean McNulty

Awesome Climbing gym with great bouldering walls

Kevin Smith

Absolutely beautiful gym, not certain but I believe their walls are higher than what I'm used to. You can count 4 auto-belays just by standing at the front desk, nice and open. Their $179 lesson seems like an awesome deal if your brand new to the sport and want a free month of climbing, their other lessons also give you some free climbing. If you just came in from out of town(like I did) and would like to boulder simply take a 'deferred belay test' your hand stamped as a non test tested climber and your set, something the staff didn't share and the owner had to clear up with me on a previous review. He cleared up all my problems and gave me three free climbing sessions. Crag x may have some more policies compared to other gyms but they are all designed to get you climbing and to keep everyone safe. Cheers, KS

Kris Y

While on a week-long visit to Victoria, I wanted to check out at least one gym in the area. My girlfriend and I (who climb several times a week back home in the Bow Valley) finally convinced her parents to try climbing, so we chose Crag X, and what a mistake that was.. Immediately, something felt off about the employee that we dealt with, but what really left a sour taste in my mouth was the need to take a belay test in order to use only the bouldering section of the facility. We arrived with shoes and chalk bags, not harnesses, for a reason.. As a member of the ACMG, who has taken courses on climbing instruction and indoor practices, I found this very odd. I understand that almost every gym will have their own rules & regulations, but for those who have zero intention of tying into a rope, it was mind-boggling. I don’t regret putting the Boulder House in the cars gps. We were greeted by very welcoming and enjoyable staff. Sign the waiver and climb. Sorry, but I’ll happily direct people in the opposite direction of Crag X. Disappointing.

David Brown

They'll have you climbing the walls in no time.

Evan Mitchell

Lots of varied terrain to climb for all levels of skill, two bouldering sections and two floors. Staff are great and training courses are offered. Prices are quite affordable as well.

Jordan Stegner

Had a lot of fun and really like their facility. Looking forward to going again!

Eric Tran

Beautiful rock climbing if gym. Everything you'd expect for a indoor gym. Friendly and helpful staff were always on watch to ensure our safety. Thanks!

Leah Hoerger

Amazing climbing, vibes, staff, community. 10/10

Rachel Harle

Awesome gym. Staff are super friendly and accommodating, shout out to Quinn who was super helpful when I brought my folks climbing for the first time!

Jorge Francisco Gomes

Awesome climbing gym!! State of the art.... challenging routes for all skill levels. Well Managed and insightful knowledgeable staff.

Carlos Miranda

Staff is always helpful, ready to assist and there is always something fun happening here for anyone that loves to climb.

Colin Woodbury

Fantastic facility! Possibly the highest walls in the Lower Mainland / Victoria area. Felt very modern and "invested into". It was free to park on weekends at the nearby Centennial Square Parkade, so the location was easy to get to. We will definitely visit again when we're on the island. Didn't give 5 stars for two reasons: 1. The mandatory Grigris on each line were earlier models, and yet were not removable, so I couldn't use a newer model I had brought that doesn't suffer from the issues of its predecessors (not that big of a deal in retrospect). 2. The front desk staff were having a political conversion that seemed inappropriate for work hours, which was a bit of turn-off as we were registering. Otherwise, thank you! Great facility and looking forward to another visit.

Frank Lemieux

There is no better place for indoor top rope in town. Ok, it is the only place, but the routes are challenging and quite enjoyable. The bouldering is good; routes tend to be more vertical, where other spots have a healthier mix of transversal climbs. Update: I am happy to report that my previous complaint with respect to bouldering no longer applies. Over the past few months routes have become increasingly varied and I would dare say a subtle level of technical difficulty has been introduced that is appropriate for the respective levels. Where you'll find this gym excels is in its approach to community; staff are incredibly friendly and during the pandemic the management took great care of their monthly members.

James McConville

Great climbing gym. Only three years old so everything is in great condition. The staff is friendly and helpful. Thanks to Emily and for being quick and efficient with the mandatory belay test. One thing to know about this gym is that you have to use their Grigri when belaying. So if you haven't used one of them before be sure to practice. They are super safe but just a little different than an ATC device. There were just two autobelay devices working that night so take a friend to make the most of your time. The Walltopia equipment is great. There are lots of budget times to climb for a discount if you contact them.

Clifford C

Best sport climbing gym in Victoria! Good setters and lots of routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.13. Also has a good training studio and friendly staff.

Therese Mah

Lovely spacious gym. Great music, usually in the vein of Alt-J or Tame Impala. On slow nights you can sometimes make music requests. Staff is helpful and friendly. 2 boulder walls. You’ll never feel cramped or dangerously close to other climbers here as routes are distinct vertical sections. Lots of room for lead climbing. Three auto belays.

Elijah Winter

Bernard rocks and really took care of me on my latest visit. He made sure I felt comfortable with climbing after my class and on follow-up visits and gave me some great tips. I'd highly recommend Bernard as a staff member and the centre as a whole

Lynn Nnyl

I have never rock climbed before. I tried the taste test and loved it. I took the beginner's belaying session a couple of days ago and it was great. I think I have finally found a sport that I enjoy and can use to supplement my workout routine. The gym is beautiful, clean, air-conditioned, and everyone has been friendly so far. P.S. I'm not sure why people are complaining about their safety policies. You should feel blessed that such a facility gives a rats ass about preventing injuries.

Clare Pugh

Prepare for a good time. A great space that is accomodating to varying levels of skill. The open space and appropriate COVID protocals make for a safe and fun experience!

Samuel Martin

$19 for a day pass? Try $25 in Toronto. For less climbing!

Troy McGinnis

Awesome climbing wall! Brand new facility, decently high wall, lots of variation in climbing problems, awesome staff, and it's right downtown. They do bouldering, top rope, lead climbing, and have a bunch of auto belayers! What more could you ask for?

Brant Miller

This is a great facility. A well designed layout and good route setters. I only wish it had more corners.

Cullen Johnson

I absolutely love it whenever I can make it out to climb at Crag X. I'm surprised at a couple of the reviews complaining about the staff. After coming here semi-regularly for the past 2 years, that hasn't been my experience at all! The staff have all been helpful and courteous and go out of their way to keep the atmosphere fun and positive while still ensuring everyone's safety. If you're an experienced climber or completely new to climbing, you'll have a great time at Crag X.

Philip Tchernov

Gym is pretty nice, good mix of lead, tp, and boulder, the grading of climbs is a little bit off I would say though from personal experience, I'd say 1 grade higher on average than what it should be; not a big deal though. Belay and lead tests are also very picky, should be a bit more tolerant on different ways as long as it is safe. But I think they have gotten a bet better in the recent years and more understanding. Good job on taking responsibility and taking precautions during these times. Even with 0 current active cases on the island, I am glad that the masks are a requirement, I am glad they ask me precaution questions each time I walk in, and that I am reminded every time to wash hands before and after. These are all good things and I am happy they enforce it.

Erin Beese

I love this gym! The facility is very nice (new, clean, lots of natural light), the staff is friendly, and there are many interesting routes that change on a regular basis. The gym also offers technique classes & occasional climbing competitions.

Cisco Juanes

New facilities and friendly staff! A great all around gym with an awesome training room and moonboard.

Angela Fraser

So much fun! Great mid-day or any time of day activity. Great way to build up your fitness level and test your fear of heights! I will go back!

Yang Y

My friends and I like this gym a lot. The auto belay device comes very handy when I go without a climbing partner. Took one star off because of the restrictions for kids under 12, they have to leave by 6pm. Stelly's/Boulder's Climbing Gym doesn't have this rule.

Andrew Curtis

Very awesome location to try something new and make friends. Very high priority on safety. Even as someone with zero experience I never felt unsafe or scared or intimidated. All around good spot. Good staff and its a fun atmosphere.

Ruben Dandiwal

Amazing staff, beautiful gym and good mix of lead, TR & bouldering :) For the first time in my life, I am actually utilizing a gym membership lmao

Kevin Black

Great routes and they change them frequently, best climbing gym in Victoria in my opinion.

Debra Wilson

A great place to escape the rain and climb with amazing people and staff.

Finn Deschner

Favourite gym in town by a large margin. All of the staff here are amazing, kind, helpful people, and the route setting is SWEET. Very clean, fun gym with a studio for training, auto belays, 2 long boulder walls, tons of lead and toprope options and great music every night. Check this place out!

Adam Lewis

Stopped here while on a trip to the Island and was pleasantly surprised. The facility is REALLY nice and they fit a ton into a pretty small space. Along one whole wall is full-height TR and Lead routes with bouldering section behind it. On the second level is another string of sport routes at half height with another bouldering wall. Great setting and just a really nice gym. My only complaint was the lack of a real “strength” area. They have a multipurpose room and some equipment in there but it’s a little sparse. It’s such a minor gripe and I loved the place so much that I hate to give them a 4 but 4.5 isn’t an option and I’ve got to save 5 for something!

Luke Wilson

Best climbing in Victoria due to the variety of routes and regularly changed bouldering walls. If you're exclusively into bouldering id recommend Boulder house but if you're either just starting or enjoy top rope as well I'd highly suggest CragX.

Megan Warrender

Great place for beginners and experienced climbers!

Heather Leedham

Climbing is my first choice for upper body strength cross training, Crag X is a fantastic facility, with a wide array of challenges, and a great studio for stretching out afterwards. Safe, clean facility with great staff to sort it all out!

Angela O

My niece loved this place. We will be coming here regularly from now on.

Eric Braul

To sum it up: gorgeous facility, unbelievably rude staff. I went to Crag X over the holidays with my partner and some of her family members. Some of us had climbed before, some hadn't. We were all excited to check out this amazing new gym. Our experience was made really frustrating by the staff. They were abrupt and unhelpful right from the beginning, and this quickly turned to downright rude condescension. My partner and I told the staff that we had belayed before, and asked if we could have a refresher on safety points before doing our test. We were told that we couldn't do a refresher or even watch a more experienced family member belay first, but had to take the test right away. We were told that if one of us failed the test, none of us could climb. We asked what we could do to learn if we failed the test, and were told that we just couldn't climb. I was given a harness that was too small to do the belay test, and I asked for a bigger one. The staff member who was running the test told me it was the right size, then told me to take it off, gave me another one of the same size, and insisted that the second one was actually bigger. We did the test and passed, but felt completely uncomfortable asking the staff questions about our safety because of their condescending attitude. Once we got climbing, we had fun as long as we were nowhere near the staff. The routes were fun, but set way too easy; I was climbing 5.10c routes with ease, which is nowhere near my skill level. At one route, we came upon a rope that had not had a figure eight knot tied in it already. My partner asked a staff member who was nearby to review how to tie one (this was not part of the belay test) and got an incredulous scoffing look as a reply, along with a "you really should know this stuff if you're coming climbing". Okay, knots are important.... but when they're not part of your belay test and we both said openly that we hadn't belayed in 4 years, sneering at us isn't going to help. It seemed that everyone on staff that day had something rude to say... these were only a couple of the bad interactions we had in a few short hours. I love climbing, and the gym is gorgeous... but these folks have to do something about their attitude. I'll seek out other places to climb.

Brandon Molitwenik

Super tall walls, plenty of room and climbs it's always a good time

Stéphane Gaudet

Started about two months ago for the first time and got hooked right off the bat. I never liked going to the gym so I turned towards alternatives to work out my upper body. Thus I found cragx and I'm. Happy I did. Climbing gives me more satisfaction while improving than lifting weights and therefore gives me more incentive to get out there and get fit!

Gabriel Tardif

Really good gym for climbing, But recent measures for covid-19 may impact your experience while the employee are watching you non-stop to make sure that you are wearing your mask even if it's just for a water sip. You have to use your finger to lower your mask, you cannot just take it off, hanging on your ear, for 15 seconds away from people to take a sip and put it back.

kiara w

One of my favorite places in Victoria to hangout. Great staff and really clean gym. I love this place! Highly recommend it to anyone new to climbing and the courses they offer are a great price.

Andrew Wilkinson

This place offers climbing routes and bouldering for all levels as well as lessons for beginners and more experienced climbers. They offer yoga for climbers on some days. The routes change regularly to keep things interesting. One thing they don't have is a cave.

Ella Clark

Best climbing gym ever! Awesome routes and they offer great courses/lessons to further your climbing which is cool. Staff are amazing and also very good about covid protocols. 10/10 would recommend.

Brody Kolodychuk

I signed up for the $50 beginners course and was told that it includes 2 weeks of climbing. Naturally I planned on coming everyday of that 2 weeks to make the most of it. I was not told that I would have to pay $10 for shoe and harness rental every time I wanted to climb. This adds another $140 on top of the $50 I already paid for this 2 week membership. So the advertised 2 weeks of climbing for $50 is a total façade. It actually costs $190 dollars for 2 weeks of climbing at Crag X. This is a total money grab and a very shady way to conduct business. I wish they would have been more upfront about all expenses from the beginning. Furthermore if you forget to bring a face mask, Crag X charges $5 dollars for a single use disposable mask! Last I checked price gouging for PPE is illegal!!

Dustin Caleb Megenbir

Love this place. Great climbing and affordable for students.

eric johnson

Awesome gym. They are good about changing routes up to keep things interesting. Courses are offered here for people wanting to learn to climb. Fitness studio on site is a nice touch and allows for a more complete workout.

Nick Thompson

Our Belay instructor Lee was great! Honestly would not have bought my 3 month pass if it wasn't for the great service I've received from him. Some of the staff should take note of his top notch people skills. Anytime I come in he's always friendly and remembers my name, I'm pretty happy about this! Sad that he's going to be focusing on full time dad responsibilities, he's a great dude and will be missed.

Ilan Goldenblatt

Tall gym, good route setting, attentive staff, 5 auto-belay devices for single climbers, separate room for stretching, warming up, and specific training. Two separate bouldering areas. Lots of lockers, and good washroom/change room facilities.

Alana Merritt

It's a really nice place to climb. Best I've been to in the city. I just wish that there was more to do for bouldering.

Jesse Hadden

Had a great experience here. Very friendly and informed staff. Lots of climbs for all skill levels and a shorter wall upstairs if you're afraid of the full height wall or just want a smaller climb to work on. There's top rope climbing and 2 bouldering walls. Everything is clean and well kept.. highly recommend!

Alyson McCabe

I learned to climb at this gym 2 years ago and continue to come as often as my schedule permits. I've also now moved to outdoors and lead climbing. Great services, atmosphere, routes, bouldering, and variety! The awesome music is also a bonus. Can get busy at peak times but never unbearable. Highly recommended.

Hikaru Sulu

One of the best climbing gyms in Victoria

Jack Y

Friendly and helpful staff, whom have made my first experience very pleasant and felt very safe.

The Hulk

The Crag X facility is a fairly good and the staff are friendly. Unfortunately, that's just the surface, where underneath there are so many fundamental errors in management that logic and reason are completely thrown out the window. One of these problems is the belay test system. In order to boulder at Crag X, you must know how to belay because they don't trust that you are going to only boulder. When asked, the staff said it's because they don't want to do any "policing". Imagine you want to have policing in your gym because you don't trust your customers - it's a climbing gym not a nuclear launch site. The only way (at this gym) to learn how to belay is if you pay them $65 for a beginner top rope lesson or if you take the dreaded belay test. If you look at other reviews you will see many people had this same problem. Apparently there is nowhere else in the province where you have to take a belay test in order to boulder. Overall, if you are looking for a good climbing gym to boulder at with little hassle, go to Boulder House on Quesnel street. Save yourself some trouble! It's one of the best gyms in town and it's just a 5 minute drive/cycle away. However, if you are looking for a place to top rope climb and you know how to belay (and you love pointless rules), Crag X could be a good fit for you. My experience with this gym is 1/5.

Eric Swyft

On 3 separate occasions the staff were rude or condescending to myself, a friend of mine during their belay test who is scared of heights and was struggling, and my parents who went to the gym wanting to learn more about climbing as it had become a big part of my life. I will never go back to Crag X and wouldn't recommend it as the gym doesn't exemplify the community values of climbing that makes the sport so great.

Ryder Simpson

I paid for a lesson with a staff member and informed them i just moved here. The next day i got an email saying my lessons cancelled because i need someone from the same house or group circle to book with(i am alone on the island). In the email they offered reimbursement but i never received it. Covid restrictions were lifted so i go back and they pulled up my account and made me pay again for lessons but it costs more because they increased the price of lessons from last month. Frustrated i pay again. Lessons were great staff was friendly. I come in several times for climbing and was told by a staff member that my harness was very old and i need a new one. I was kind of embarrassed that i was putting myself in a harness that could have got me hurt. She proceeded to make an example out of me in front of other staff members telling them how old the harness was which made me feel worse. I bought a new harness come in the next day and a staff member says the masks they were kindly giving out for free to me and other members, the last several months are actually $3. Something seemed off so i talked to head of staff and he says there was miscommunication with employees and they weren’t aware of the mask prices for the last 1.5 years. He kindly reimbursed me for the amount it cost for booking the second lesson. This is unfortunately a common practice for businesses to be completely funded using debt or signing a ridiculous lease holders agreement that cripples the business during an economic recession. The only person to bail them out of this terribly thought out business plan is the customer. If you already know how to belay and aren’t knew to rock climbing, you will have good experience here. I hope the business payment structure and staff culture improve for the new rock climbers.

Daniel Judge

The iPads they use for liability waivers are INCREDIBLY SLOW, very very frustrating to use. Routes are mostly straight up, not much traversing. And route grading is a bit soft. Quite a large wall for an indoor gym which almost makes up for the softer grades. Great friction on the holds and wall. Fun crack climbs on the 2nd floor.

Damian Parlee

Fantastic routes, friendly staff, and lots of variety. All around one of the best gyms I've ever climbed at

Scott Donnelly

First time climbing here - attendant immediately dismissed the idea of me belaying someone because I wasnt a member? Didnt even ask me if i knew how. Other than the old attendant - the gym was pretty sweet. Could use friendlier younger staff.

Kyle Rurak

The staff were super friendly and inviting. The facility is even better than it looks in pictures and routes were super fun. Loved the distance between draws! More time climbing, less time clipping plus it's more similar to outdoor sport route spacing! Can't wait to go back

Geoff and/or Tricia Orme

Great staff, we had fun with lots of great climbing routes!!

Lauren Bailey

Great place to climb, love the variety and staff are always friendly and happy to help.

Scott Sheldrake

This place is great, lots of routes to choose from, 5 auto belayers if you're solo (or with someone too young/light to belay you), friendly staff, friendly people. Highly recommended.

MOOLA Financial Coaches & Advisors Inc.

What a fun way to build team spirit!! We took our staff climbing as a form of team building and it definitely accomplished that goal. We can't wait to go back!

Erica Ellefsen

This facility is great, I have a membership here and go several times a week. I especially love coming here in the winter time straight from work. It's the perfect way to unwind, do something active with friends and make new ones. There are bouldering areas, top ropes, auto belays and the gym is totally leadable. There is also a small studio for cross training. Routes are switched out on a regular basis keeping the climbing interesting and challenging with new routes. The staff are wonderful, I am always greeted with friendly hello's/goodbyes. I took a lead course here and was happy with the training and information provided. They also host "Sweet Sundays" , a couple hours of climbing combined with learning new techniques for women only. This is so much fun, I look forward to it whenever I can make it.

Brian McKeeman

Doesn't feel good to go climbing there. One of the more overpriced gyms I've been to, especially for what they offer. Several rude staff members such as Laura who criticized my level of knowledge as opposed to offering assistance or support. I wasn't fully explained the differences in memberships and was sold into a type that isn't the best for me and when asking to switch they told me it was my own fault for not knowing the difference when I purchased. Right now I'm caught up in a sort of litigation just try and change my membership. However with how I've been treated in my first month there, as well as whats available for the price I am paying. I'd rather go to boulderhouse where they have far superior training facility.

Gloria

Super clean!! Very covid consciencious. Professional and environmentally aware!

lucas fultz-zentner

A wide variety of problems to solve on the walls and it's great if you love climbing with a rope, but they have some weird rules when it comes bouldering so I can't really recommend it if you're only interested in that. Most of the staff are nice, but some seem to have a short temper when answering questions from customers

G_Man

Great climbing gym! Would highly recommend there beginner belay lesson to new climbers. It is a great deal considering it includes a two week membership.