Climb and Run for Wilderness^® is an annual Alberta Wilderness Association Earth Day fundraiser held at the Calgary Tower in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. People pay a registration fee and collect sponsorship money which allows them the unique opportunity to climb the stairs inside the Calgary Tower. This event is a great opportunity to get some exercise, to learn about environmental work in Alberta, and to have a lot of fun!

This year's climb is over, but next year's will be bigger and better than ever! The 20th annual climb will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011! Please see the climb and run page for more information about the event.

An estimated 1,500 climbers brought forth their wild side today in support of Alberta's wildlife and wilderness at the 19th annual Earth Day celebration held at the Calgary Tower. Participants came from as far as Tampa, Florida and Vancouver, B.C.

Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) played host to the 19^th Annual Climb & Run for Wilderness. "Truly the Best Earth Day Event in the West, and a celebration of Alberta's wildlife and wild spaces, this event attracted the largest crowds ever, and the widest range of people, corporations and supporters. The day was filled with the knowledge that we can truly make a difference," says AWA Executive Director Christyann Olson.

The Climb and Run for Wilderness saw participants climbing the 802 stairs to the top of the tower, raising $100,000 and counting. The funds are used to support AWA's work in creating an awareness of and defending wildlife, especially the Grizzly bear that is an icon for the health of Alberta's wilderness, other wildlife and wild water. (4/17/2010)

On March 20, 2010, participants in the 8th Annual Mural Painting Competition added 12 murals to Calgary's Tallest Art Gallery sharing their vision of Alberta's wildlife and wilderness in a competition that attracted many talented artists.

AWA is thrilled to announce the winners:

• Adult category: Sherri Sharpe
• Junior High School category: A.E. Cross School
• Elementary School category: Westmount Charter School
• Family category: The Fab 4

On March 20, 2010, participants in the 8^th Annual Mural Painting Competition will once again have the opportunity to capture their unique vision of Alberta's wildlife and wilderness on the walls of the Calgary Tower's stairwells.

This competition draws a wide variety of ages and talents, from families to school groups to local artists. Fourteen teams are expected to paint murals this year. Submissions will be judged on expression, execution and excellence. Winning teams will be awarded prizes at the Climb and Run for Wilderness on April 17, 2010. (3/19/2010)

Only five weeks to go!! Get into the spirit of the event with this slideshow, showing all the great kinds of fun people have had at the previous years' climbs!


(3/12/2010)

Calling all Calgary artists: we are now accepting applications for the the 8th annual Mural Competition at the Calgary Tower!

When you think of Alberta Wilderness, what's the first thing that pops into your mind? Do you think of bears, elk and owls or do you think of ice fields, mountains and streams? Or perhaps you think of wild roses, spring crocuses and tumbleweed. Whatever your vision, you have a fabulous opportunity to capture it on a mural in the stairwell of the Calgary Tower.

This year's theme is an Alberta native species in its habitat.

Do you have what it takes to win? Find out when you sign your team up in one of the following categories:

• elementary school
• junior high school
• high school
• adult
• family

We're throwing open the doors! Registration is now open for the 2010 Climb and Run for Wilderness! Please visit the AWA shop to register yourself or your corporate team. You can also collect sponsorships online. Just direct your sponsors to the shop's sponsorship page.

Remember there are only 72 days left. See you at the tower! (2/4/2010)