Cal-Chek is the closest consistently forming, beginner-friendly ice climb in southwest BC. Heading toward Lillooet will get you more consistent ice, but being only 1 hour and 40 minutes from Vancouver makes this area much more accessible. The tiny approach helps a lot too.
Take the Cal-Chek campsite turnoff on Highway 99. Bear in mind that this can only be accessed when driving northbound. From here, drive through the campsite, turning right and following the road past alder bushes and over a bridge. The road straightens out quickly. Follow this for about 1.2 kilometers. At 1.2 kilometers, stop on the side of the road. Be sure to leave plenty of space where you can.
Head straight uphill to a cliff band. If you keep to the clearings while heading uphill, you should get to the crag. If you miss it, follow the cliff band until you get to the ice. About 100 meters due north of the ice is the scramble that accesses the trees that are used for anchors. Be sure to double-check the trees' stability and root structure.
There are several climbs that form a bit differently year to year. On the left is thicker, less steep climbs that are a bit more rolling. The shallowest climbs are to the right of the left-hand formation. Farther to the left is steeper terrain graded almost WI4. Finally, there is a mixed line in the corner graded at M4 WI3.
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