A guided canopy tour using ropes and harnesses, introducing a forest perspective most people never see
Pay-What-You-Can
Minutes from Downtown Vancouver
A guided canopy tour using ropes and harnesses, introducing a forest perspective most people never see
Pay-What-You-Can
Minutes from Downtown Vancouver
YOUR FIRST STEP INTO THE FOREST CANOPY
A beginner-friendly tree climbing experience that brings you safely into the forest canopy using professional rope systems. Perfect for first-timers, couples, and families looking for a unique outdoor adventure to share together.
Pay-What-You-Can • Recommended price $30
* Limited Spaces Available
* Instant Booking Confirmation
If you’re looking for our signature Expedition experience, or a magical, golden-hour climb, we have other tours worth exploring.
“We did the intro course and it was a great experience! Tom is meticulous with safety, and explained the entire process and safety precautions clearly, alleviating my anxiety about heights…Highly recommend the experience!”
“The whole process — from being elevated 60 feet, to our canopy conversation about trees’ interdependence and Douglas Firs and Red Cedars — fascinating.”
Juliette Zener
“Cannot recommend this enough! A fantastic experience which gives you a whole new perspective of the forest. Honestly a must-do activity to fully appreciate the trees of BC.”
“Massive thanks to Tom for being an awesome tour guide and teaching us so much.”
Aly Champion
“This was a lot of fun for two old ladies. Absolutely recommend. Thank you so much.”
“This was a great experience. We felt very safe and secure.”
Johanne
“Incredible experience, the tour guide made the whole thing super fun and easy to understand! 100% coming back to try again!”
Elizabeth Alabi
“Tom was knowledgable, friendly, and instilled in us a feeling of ease that shouldn’t be so natural when you’re suspended 60 feet in the air… I cannot recommend this experience enough!”
“Once we were up there, we learned a lot by just chatting. Before we knew it, we were rappelling back down the tree for high fives and handshakes.”
Eamonn McCormick
“I loved this experience! I highly recommend this to everyone looking to do something original and relevant in Vancouver. Tom made me feel super safe.. I will be back!”
“Learning about the Old Growth Forests while doing something fun, and seeing beautiful and unique views is such a cool experience.”
Sylke Jaspers
• Meet your guide for gear fitting, a quick safety briefing, and a simple demo • Ride the Canopy Elevator up ~20 m into the lower canopy (no climbing required) • Explore, learn, and relax in the treetops — then return by elevator or try an optional rappel
• If you can get into a harness, we can get you into the tree
• Guided by Certified Arborists and rope professionals • Modern, meticulously maintained climbing equipment • Small groups for clear communication and close support
• Want a unique activity to share with friends, family, or a partner • Are curious about trees, nature, or trying something new in Vancouver • Want an easy introduction before stepping into our signature Canopy Expedition tour
Lower-Canopy Guided Climb
Ascend up to 20 m in a mature forest tree with professional rope systems, all equipment provided.
Effortless Access to the Canopy
Our Canopy Elevator does the work for you – no fitness or experience required.
A World-Class Venue
Tours hosted in UBC Botanical Garden – experience a rare, mature coastal rainforest minutes from downtown Vancouver (admisision not included).
Guides Who Care
Certified guides with years of climbing experience, passionate about connecting you with the forest.
Small-Group Experience
Max 4 climbers per tour for a calm, attentive, and unhurried expedition.
Personalized Forest Education
Your guide adapts the climb to your interests, making every expedition unique.
BONUS 1
Guide-Provided Photos
Curated, high-quality photos delivered after your climb, ready to share.
BONUS 2
Cultivara Community Discount
$20 off future Expeditions, usable by you and friends/family for the 2026 season.
We believe that stepping into the forest canopy changes how people see trees. Our goal is to make this experience accessible to everyone, and that belief shapes how we design and price our tours.
After your first climb, you’re part of the Cultivara Community.
Enjoy $20 off any future Expedition this season — for yourself and to share.
Come back into the canopy, or invite someone new.
Share the experience. Help grow a Community that cares for trees.
Tours run up to six times per day starting at 10:15 AM.
– Introduction to the forest and tree you’ll climb
– Safety briefing and equipment fitting
– Whole group gently hoisted into the lower canopy, accompanied by guide throughout
– Enjoy lower canopy forest views, tree and forest discussion with guide, photos
– Safely return to the ground using canopy elevator, or with an optional rappel
– Final reflections with your guide
How Pay-What-You-Can Works:
Reserve your spot online
No payment is taken at booking.
Climb first, decide after
Join the guided canopy experience, then contribute on site at a level that feels right for you.
Your Reservation Matters
With small group sizes, each spot is limited. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so another climber has the opportunity to join.
No prior climbing experience is needed! Our tours are designed to be beginner-friendly while still engaging for those with climbing experience.
Our guides will teach you everything you need to know about using the climbing equipment safely and effectively.
For all of our tours, battery-powered rope ascenders are available, so that nearly anyone who can get into a harness can ascend into the canopy. These ascenders can be put on or taken off at any time during your tour.
Our manual climbing system uses a hand ascender and foot loop, which mimics a repeated sit-to-stand motion similar to doing bodyweight squats. More than fitness, manual climbing requires technique, which our Guides are very happy to teach, and most people can figure out with some practice. As a guideline for our manual climbing systems, you should:
If you can climb a few flights of stairs or hike up a moderate incline without too much difficulty, you’re likely fit enough to enjoy our tours. For those unsure, please reach out to us to chat further!
Yes! Recreational tree climbing is a safe activity when proper safety standards are followed.
Our tours are led by experienced climbing arborists and climbing professionals. We use industry-approved equipment, including harnesses, ropes, and safety systems that meet or exceed international standards. Every participant receives a safety briefing and hands-on guidance, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience in the treetops.
Many of our guests have never worn a harness before their climb, and they’re often surprised by how comfortable it feels. We’ve had climbers ranging in age from 5 to 92, so chances are, you’re covered!
Our equipment has been carefully selected and optimized for both comfort and safety. Before leaving the ground, we take time to properly fit your gear and make sure everything feels secure and supportive.
You’ll be fitted with a fully adjustable full-body harness and seated on a sturdy climbing seat — a bit like sitting on a swing — which helps take the pressure off your body as you ascend into the canopy.
Yes! We generally recommend ages 7+ for our tours, but younger children can be accommodated considering the following:
We recommend discussing the experience with your child beforehand to ensure they feel excited and ready to participate. If you’re unsure whether your child is a good fit, feel free to contact us for guidance!
You can book directly through our website.
Each of our tour types has their own booking page with a current availability booking calendar. Once booked, you’ll receive instant confirmation and an email with all the details.
How Pay-What-You-Can Works:
Reserve your spot online
No payment is taken at booking.
Climb first, decide after
Join the guided canopy experience, then contribute at a level that feels right for you.
Your Reservation Matters
With small group sizes, each spot is limited. If your plans change, please cancel at least 48 hours in advance so another climber has the opportunity to join.
By paying the recommended price—or more if you’re able—you help us:
The Cultivara Community Discount is our way of encouraging guests who have climbed with us to return or share the experience with others.
Once you have climbed with us, you are given a discount code which can be used for $20 off our Expedition tours. This discount can be used for yourself and shared with friends and family throughout the 2026 tour season.
We are building a community of people who are educated about and care for trees – join us!
Yes! Climbing is most fun when done with friends or family, so we price to encourage full-group (4+ people) bookings for our expedition tours. Discounts can be viewed on each tour page when 4 participants are selected for the booking.
Cancellation Policy
Our tours operate with small groups and dedicated guide time, so advance notice is essential.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your scheduled start time.
Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.
If you experience an unexpected last-minute circumstance, please email info@cultivara.ca — we will always do our best to find a fair solution whenever possible.
Weather Policy
Tours run rain or shine. The forest canopy provides natural shelter, and light rain generally does not affect the climbing experience.
Safety is our priority. If unsafe conditions arise (such as high winds or storms), we will notify you in advance and offer either rescheduling or a full refund.
Limited spots available - don't miss your chance this season!
