FAQ

General

Cultivara Tree Tours is an adventure tourism company offering guided tree climbing experiences in the Vancouver, B.C. area and beyond. Our tours combine the excitement of climbing with education about tree biology, urban forestry, and forest ecology. We want people to see trees!

Cultivara operates its guided tree climbing tours at the UBC Botanical Garden (6804 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver). Our core tours are operated within the Garden, but Custom Adventure tours can be arranged at other private sites with landowner permission.

Cultivara and its tours are not associated with nor endorsed by the UBC Botanical Garden.

We offer guided tree climbing tours that let you explore the forest from the treetops. Choose from:

  • Canopy Expedition: A 2-3 hour climb reaching heights over 50 m, with stunning views and insights into tree biology.
  • Sunset Expedition: Similar to our Canopy Expedition, but at golden hour for a breathtaking evening experience.
  • Canopy Intro: A shorter, low-effort ascent using a mechanical hoist, perfect for a quick taste of the canopy.
  • Custom Adventure: Customize every detail of your climb for private groups, special events, or unique climbing experiences. Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll create a climb just for you!

Climbing, Fitness & Experience

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.

Tree climbing involves ascending a rope using a hand ascender and foot loop, which mimics a repeated sit-to-stand motion similar to doing bodyweight squats. To participate comfortably, you should:

  • Be able to perform at least 20 bodyweight squats in a row without feeling overly fatigued.
  • Be comfortable sustaining moderate physical activity for 30 minutes at a time, with rest breaks in between. 
  • Have basic lower and upper body coordination to manage climbing equipment and techniques.

If you can climb a few flights of stairs or hike up a moderate incline without difficulty, you’re likely fit enough to enjoy our tours. For those unsure, we recommend trying our shorter, less physically demanding tours first, or reaching out to us to chat further!

A little nervousness is natural! Our guides provide a thorough safety briefing and lots of hands-on training at the start of every tour to ensure you feel confident and comfortable with the equipment before climbing. 

Yes! Children are welcome to join our tours if they meet the following requirement

  • Age & Size: Children must fit our standard child-sized full-body harness, which is generally suited for kids aged 8-10 and older.
  • Fitness Level: Children should meet the minimum fitness requirements, including the ability to perform repeated sit-to-stand motions (similar to climbing stairs or doing squats) and sustain moderate physical effort.
  • Comfort with Equipment: Children must be comfortable using climbing gear with clear instruction from our guides. This includes using a hand ascender, foot loop, and harness.

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!

Our Canopy Intro tour offers a shorter, low-fitness option that uses a mechanical hoist to lift participants into the lower canopy. This tour is ideal for those who may not be able to climb independently but still want to experience the thrill of tree climbing.

Yes! Recreational tree climbing is a safe activity when proper safety standards are followed.

Our tours are led by expert guides who are trained 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.

Booking, Pricing, Cancellation & Rescheduling

You can book directly through our website. Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details.

We use a Pay-What-You-Can model with the aim of making our tours accessible to everyone. To reserve your spot, we require a deposit equal to the recommended tour price (differs, depending on tour), which can be easily adjusted after the tour based on your experience and financial means.

By paying the recommended price—or more if you’re able—you help us:

  • Maintain top-quality safety equipment
  • Support our team of expert guides
  • Keep this unique experience accessible to a wider community

Your support allows us to continue sharing the wonder of tree climbing with everyone.

Our tours proceed rain or shine, but in cases of severe weather (e.g., heavy rain, high winds or lightning), we will contact you 24-48 hours before your tour to reschedule or offer a full refund.

Our Cancellation & Weather Policy

  • Full Refunds: Cancellations can be made up to 7 days before your scheduled tour.
  • Rescheduling without Penalty: You may reschedule your tour up to 72 hours before your scheduled date without penalty.
  • Rescheduling with Short Notice: If you need to reschedule with less than 72 hours’ notice, please contact us at [email protected]. Rescheduling will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to a rescheduling fee up to 50% of the tour price.
  • Weather Policy: As we are located in the Pacific Northwest, our tours run in light rain or shine. However, if unsafe climbing conditions (such as high winds or storms) are expected, we will contact participants 24-48 hours in advance to either reschedule or offer a full refund.

As a small business, last-minute changes can significantly impact our ability to operate. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us maintain a smooth experience for all guests.

Preparation

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (clothing may get dirty during the climb) and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Long pants and ankle-high boots are recommended for further comfort while wearing harnesses and using the climbing foot loops.

It can feel much cooler at the top of the tree which is more exposed to wind – a wind-resistant outer layer is also recommended.

Water, snacks, and sunscreen are always good to bring!

Hair ties when needed to keep long hair out of equipment.

Yes! Bring your camera, take awesome photos, and share them on our Instagram! All cameras should be securely attached while climbing. Smartphone cases and tethers can be provided by Cultivara.