The 2025–2026 Senior National Championships begin this Thursday in Calgary, bringing together Canada’s top climbers for five days of elite competition across Boulder and Lead disciplines. With 186 unique athletes registered across one or both disciplines, this will be the second-largest Senior Nationals event since the COVID break, highlighting the continued growth and depth of competitive climbing in Canada.
The Championships will be held across two of Calgary’s premier climbing facilities, showcasing world-class venues and routesetting.
Boulder Competition — Thursday & Friday
The Boulder portion of the Championships will take place Thursday and Friday at Bolder Climbing Elevate, featuring 158 registered competitors. Athletes will face powerful and technical problems designed to test strength, coordination, and creativity on the wall.
Defending Boulder National Champions Babette Roy and Kindar McNamee are set to return to defend their titles against a deep and competitive field. Several veteran athletes are also making their return to the national stage, adding experience and intensity to an already stacked lineup.
Lead Competition — Sunday & Monday
The Lead competition will follow on Sunday and Monday at the Calgary Climbing Centre, with 116 registered competitors. Lead Nationals will challenge athletes with endurance-focused routes that demand precision, pacing, and mental control.
Returning to defend their Lead National titles are Caiya Taylor-Ainslie and Guy McNamee, both looking to hold their place at the top of the podium as rising talents push for breakthrough performances.
A Growing National Event
With participation near record levels, the 2025–2026 edition of Senior Nationals reflects the strong momentum of competition climbing across the country. The event brings together emerging athletes, established champions, and returning veterans — all competing for national titles and national team consideration. Results from this event also contribute ranking points toward the Continuous National Ranking (CNR) and serve as an important stepping stone in the National Team selection process.
Watch Live
Fans can follow the action live throughout the event on BetaBreakerz on YouTube. Live results will also be available through the CEC Climbing Result Service.
Thank You
Climbing Escalade Canada extends its sincere thanks to:
- The CEC Officials Team – Technical Officals and Routesetters
- The teams at Bolder Elevate and Calgary Climbing Centre
- The many dedicated volunteers supporting the event
Their expertise and commitment make these Championships possible.
We invite the entire climbing community to tune in, support the athletes, and wish all competitors the very best of luck.
For additional information about the event, please contact: info@climbingcanada.ca
About Climbing Escalade Canada
Climbing Escalade Canada is the national sport organization responsible for the governance and development of competitive climbing in Canada, including Boulder, Lead, Speed, and Para-Climbing. CEC supports athlete pathways from grassroots to high performance and is committed to advancing inclusive participation and excellence across the country.
