The Arborist Championship is a competition of skill and tree climbing that simulates the working conditions of arborists in the field. Each event tests a competitor's ability to maneuver professionally and safely within a tree while performing tree care tasks within the prescribed time limits. Participants from all over Quebec compete in five events related to the arborist-climber trade, in order to crown the Quebec champion. The male and female winners will then be invited to represent the local Quebec chapter of the ISA at the “International Tree Climbing Championship” competition.
Professional tree climbing competitions are organized worldwide to provide arborists with a platform to discover the latest climbing techniques and equipment innovations. They showcase the highest level of professional skills and safety, offering a competitive learning environment for those working in this field.
The tree climbing competition also allows the public to discover the skills that professional arborist-climbers must use to work safely in trees.
General Information
Presented by
with the participation of
Mont-de-La Salle Secondary School
When: August 21 to 23, 2026
Where: École secondaire Mont-de-La Salle, Laval
125, boul. des Prairies, Laval-des-Rapides
- The 2025 champions will represent Quebec in St. Louis, Missouri, in October 2026;
- The 2026 champions will represent Quebec in Belgium, in October 2027.
Event schedule (subject to change)
Equipment Exhibition
Many exhibitors are on-site to present their products.
Consult the Partners and Exhibitors section to find out the list of exhibitors who will be present.
Hosting
The preliminary rounds of the Championship
Travel
The displacement measures the participant's ability to move within a tree using a working rope. Starting from a designated location in the tree, they must move through the tree's canopy, reach different work stations, and safely descend from the tree. They earn points for successfully completing the planned exercise at certain stations, but may be penalized for not performing the tasks properly. The event is timed.
Air Rescue
Aerial rescue is a timed event that assesses the participant's ability to reach an injured pruner and safely lower them to the ground. A dummy (the victim) is placed in a tree, in their harness and work cable, approximately 8 meters above the ground. The participant must climb the tree using a rope that is already installed 4 to 6 meters away from the victim. The participant has called 911, and the judge informs them that the injured person is no longer breathing and needs to be brought to the ground within the allotted minutes for this event.
Ascension
The ascent test assesses the competitor's ability to effectively and safely use an approved ascent system. It evaluates the climber's efficiency in attaching an ascent system to the access rope, climbing up to the bell, and transferring into a descent system. Points are awarded for speed as well as for achieving predetermined safety objectives.
Rapid ascent
The secured rapid ascent tests the climber's ability to climb a predetermined route from the ground to a height of approximately 60 feet in a tree, using a secured climbing system for safety. This event is timed, and the competitor who reaches and rings the final bell in the shortest time is the winner. Sometimes, multiple bells are used to mark the route. In this case, all bells must be rung for the event to be completed.
Belaying is a method of securing and slowing down a climbing rope. If someone is belayed, it means someone is giving slack to the rope during the tree ascent or using a climbing knot or mechanical device to slow the rope.
This event shows that arborists need to determine the best and most efficient route to reach the top of the tree to prevent the rope from getting caught on branches, which would result in breaking branches or damaging the tree.
Bag throwing
The throw bag event is a timed event that assesses the participant's ability to set up a work rope in a tree at a height of 16 to 18 meters. The participant tries to hit a target by throwing a line with a throw bag attached to it. Targets are scored based on the difficulty of the throw. Each participant has an unlimited number of throws within an allotted time (approximately 6 minutes), but can only use one target per tree.
The ultimate test - The grand final of the Championship
The Masters' Challenge
Final event of the Arborist Championship aimed at assessing a participant's overall efficiency and their ability to use a positioning rope and harness in a tree. The participant must demonstrate their mastery of climbing techniques and the safe use of their equipment. At the start of the timer, the participant enters the event area, conducts a preliminary inspection of the tree, installs a working rope, climbs into the tree, moves through the canopy to accomplish different stations, and finally descends and detaches their rope.
Call for Applications - Host Site
THE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS IS CURRENTLY OPEN FOR THE SELECTION OF CITIES THAT WILL HOST THIS FREE FAMILY GATHERING IN A PARK ON THEIR TERRITORY!
The Quebec Tree Climbing Championship changes its hosting destination every year. With the mission of promoting and enhancing the profession of tree-climber to the general public and, at the same time, educating people about urban trees and their many benefits, the SIAQ thus reaches a renewed audience every year.
Are you interested in hosting the Tree Climbing Championship on your territory next year? Contact us without delay!
We will be pleased to answer your questions and provide you with the information required for the acceptance of the project by your municipality.
History of the Arborist Championship
The Arborist Championship is a competition of tree climbing skills and movement that started in 1997. The Arborist Championship also features an equipment exhibition.
See in these albums souvenir photos from past editions of this beautiful big tree festival.
Winner: Charles Moreau
Winner: no female participants
The name of the competition is changed to Championnat des élagueurs du Québec
In August 2003, at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal, the SIAQ (Quebec section of the International Society of Arboriculture) is honored to be the host section of the International Tree Climbing Championship - the International Tree Climbing Championship.
