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Climbing Gyms Canada

  • Ascent Climbing Wall - Lethbridge, Alberta
  • Boiler Room - Climbing Gym, Kingston, Ontario
  • Calgary Climbing Centre - #6, 7130 Fisher Rd SE, Calgary, Alberta
  • Cliffhanger (Vancouver) - 106 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Cliffhanger_(Coquitlam) - 98 Brigantine Drive, Coquitlam, British Columbia
  • Dogtooth Climbing Gym - 102 - 806 9th Street N., Golden, British Columbia
  • Gravity Climbing - 70 Frid Street, Hamilton, Ontario
  • Gravity Climbing Centre - Climbing Gym, 13 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia
  • Horizon Rock - Climbing Gym, 2350 Dickson Street, Montreal, Quebec
  • Odyssey Recreational Adventures. - 1715 - 20 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta
  • Off The Wall Indoor Rock Climbing Centre - Barrie, Ontario
  • On the Rocks Climbing Gym - 1980 Isle Highway, Campbell River, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
  • Peakfinder - Peaks of the Canadian Rockies
  • Peaks - 630 Welland Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario
  • Rock Oasis Climbing Gym_(Toronto) - 27 Bathhurst Street,
    Toronto, Ontario
  • Rock Oasis Climbing Gym (Ajax) - 75 Centennial Road, Ajax, Ontario
  • Stronghold - Climbing Gym, 140 - 15th Ave NW,
    Calgary, Alberta
  • Toronto Climbing Academy - Climbing Gym, Toronto, Ontario
  • Vertical Reality - Climbing Gym, 161 Middle Street
    Victoria Island, Ottawa, Ontario
  • Vertically Inclined Rock Gym - 8523 Argyl Rd, Edmonton, Alberta
  • Vsion - #109 Boulder Crescent, Canmore, Alberta
  • Wallnuts Climbing Center - Rock Gym, 57 Old Pennywell Road
    St. John's, Newfoundland
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    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering Canada

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering How To/Technique

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering General

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering Magazines

    Outdoor Magazines

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering Books

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering Clubs and Associations - Canada

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering Clubs and Associations - International

     

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering Gear & Equipment Manufacturers

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering Gear - Used

  • Outdoor Gear Exchange - Gear, close outs, used and seconds
    •

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering Personal Climbing Pages

  • Bill and Cori's Excellent Adventures
  • Bill Buxtons books on Climbing and Mountaineering - Bill Buxtons compilation of climbing books and climbing related books.
  • Chris Bonnington
  • ClimbMonkey
  • Dave Stephens - Canada
    •

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing & Mountaineering Guides, Instructors & Schools

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Outdoor Retailers Canada

    Alberta Outdoor Retailers

    Calgary

    British Columbia Outdoor Retailers

    Vancouver Coast and Mountains

    Whistler

    Vancouver Island

    Gulf Islands

     

    Ontario Outdoor Retailers

    Central Ontario

     

    Nova Scotia

    Halifax

     

    Quebec Outdoor Retailers

    Montreal

    • ABC Cycles - 5584 Ave. Du Parc, Outremont, Montreal
    • Altitude Sports Plain Air - Outdoor Gear Retailer, Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
    • Andre Jac Sport - Outdoor Gear Retailer, 5520, boul des Laurentides, Laval
    • Andre Lalonde Sport - Outdoor Retailer, Multiple Locations, Montreal & Laval
    • Atmosphere - Outdoor Gear, Multiple Locations, Montreal
    • Le Baron - Outdoor Gear Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
    • Bicycle Eddy - 6431 Monk, NDG
    • Bicyclettes Tranquille - 9611 Lasalle Blvd, LaSalle, Montreal
    • Boutique Couririer - Endurance Sports, Outremont, Pointe-Claire, Westmount, Montreal
    • Boutique Lafuma - 2180 Crescent Street, Downtown, Montreal
    • Caroule - Retail, Bike & Inline Skate Rentals, 27 De la Commune Street E., Old Montreal
    • La Cordee - Outdoor Gear Retailer, Bicycles, Camping, Canoe, Kayak and Climbing Equipment Rental, 2159 St. Catherine St. E., Montreal, 2777 St. Martin Blvd. W., Laval
    • Cycle Pop - 1000 Rachel East, Montreal
    • Detour Nature - Kayak and Canoe Rentals (Groups), Paddling School, Guided Trips, Transportation, 154 rue Villeray Montréal
    • Doug Anakin Sports - Cross Country & Backcountry Ski Rentals - 454A Beaconsfield Blvd., 514-695-0785, Beaconsfield
    • Foot Locker - Athletic Footwear, Multiple Locations, Montreal
    • Fraser Sports - Traditional Sports, 39-a Donnegani, Pointe-Claire, West Island, Montreal
    • Inukshuk - Montreal Outdoor Retailer, Rents Kayaks, Snowshoes, Camping Equipment, Montreal
    • Joe Sports - Traditional Sports, Downtown, West Island, Montreal
    • Kanuk - 485 Rachel, E., Montreal
    • Maison de Sport - Traditional Sports, Downtown & West Island, Montreal
    • Maison des Cyclistes 1251 Rachel E., Montreal
    • Marseille Bicycle & Sports - 6915, Marseille St., Montreal
    • Martin-Swiss - 313 Victoria, Westmount, Montreal
    • McWhinnies Cycle - 6010 Sherbrooke West, NDG, Montreal
    • Mountain Equipment Co-op - 8989, l'Acadie, Marché Central, Montreal
    • Nordic Norway - Outdoor Gear Retailer, Kayak Rentals, 127 Ste-Anne St., Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Montreal
    • Oberson - Snowboards - Brossard and Montreal
    • La Porte a Bicyclette - 4308 Hotel-de-Ville, Montreal
    • Pro Sports - Traditional Sports, Downtown, West Island, Montreal
    • Quilicot Bicycles - 1749 St-Denis, Downtown, Montreal
    • Robert Cycle & Sports - 9031 Airlie street, LaSalle
    • Rousseau Sports - Traditional Sports, Multiple Locations, Montreal, Laval, South Shore
    • Sport G.S. - Sport G.S. - 1135 boul. Arthur Sauvé Blvd., Laval
    • Sports Experts - Outdoor Retailer, Several Locations, Montreal
    • St-Laurent Cycles - 1344 Du Collège, St. Laurent, Montreal
    • Vélo 2000- Longquile, St-Hubert, Monteregie
    • Velo Adventure - Retail, Bike Rentals, Conveyor Pier, Old Port, Montreal
    • Velo Montreal - Retail, Bike Rentals
    • Velo Trizone - 112, Boul. Curé Labelle, Laval
    • Yeti Sports - Outdoor Retailer, Rents Camping, Snowshoeing, and Backcountry Skiing Gear, 5190, boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal (Also Trois Riviere and Shawnigan)

      Quebec - Montreal the Surrounding Regions

    • Aqua Plein Air - Outdoor Gear, Sainte Therese, Laurentians
    • Atmosphere - Outdoor Gear, St. Sauveur, Laurentians
    • Le Bivouac - Outdoor Gear, 210 rue Principale, Granby, Eastern Townships
    • La Cordee - Outdoor Gear, Rents almost all outdoor equipment, Laval
    • Cycles Dussault - Bicycles, Morin Heights, Laurentians
    • En Equilibre - Snowboards, Skateboards, Boul. de la Concorde E.
    • Hudson Village Cycle - Hudson
    • Intersport Jacque Champoux - Snowboards, 74 rue St-Vincent, Ste-Agathe-des-Monts
    • Oberson - Snowboards - Montreal and Brossard
    • Le Outlet Audvik - Outdoor Retailer, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Monteregie
    • Performance Board Shop - Snowboards, Saint-Sauveur, Laurentians
    • Phenix Sport - Canoe, Bicycle Rentals, P'tit Train du Nord & Riviere du Nord, Val David, Laurentians
    • Primeau Velo - Bicycles, Brossard
    • Rousseau Sports - Traditional Sports, Multiple Locations, Montreal, Laval, South Shore
    • Roy Folland Wooden Kayaks - Hudson, Monteregie
    • South Parc - 8100 Taschereau Blvd., Brossard, Monteregie
    • Sport Direct - Bicycles, Valleyfield
    • Sport Vélo Plein Air - Bicycles (819) 278-3655, Mont-Laurier, Laurentians
    • Le Suroit - Outdoor Retailer, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Monteregie
    • Velo Chambly - Bicycles, 1731 Bourgogne, Chambly, Monteregie

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

    Climbing Areas in Canada

    Alberta

    Banff & The Canadian Rockies

    The Canadian Rockies are well known for their climbing and mountaineering. Just over a hundred years ago, the Canadian Pacific Railway (Banff Springs Hotel) brought in the first Swiss guides to ensure the sport became popular. They were largely responsible for opening up the area for climbers and are credited with a long list of first ascents. .

    You can find climbing possibilities year round in Banff.. Mt. Temple, a respectable 11,624 feet along with many of it's neighbours, are considered classic mixed routes involving rock climbing, ice climbing, glacier travel and scrambling. While there are endless climbs throughout the park, the quality of the rock varies considerably and helmets are just about mandatory in certain areas. Inquire with the park to get an idea of what to expect and of course pick up that permit while your at it.

    Bow Valley

    Season: May - November
    Access: Trans Canada Hwy south of Canmore
    Level of Difficulty: Intermediate, Expert
    Description: A wealth of routes are easily accessible. Note: the cliffs are limestone with a lot of its inherent problems.

    Castle Mountain

    Season:May - September
    Access: Trans Canada Hwy
    Contact: See Banff National Park
    Level of Difficulty: Intermediate, Expert
    Description: This is an easily accessible area with lots of good climbing.

    Ghost River: Banff

    Access: Hwy 940 out of Cochrane
    Contact: Ghost River Recreational Area
    Level of Difficulty: Intermediate, Expert
    Description: This area presents a lot of possibilities even for instruction. There are a lot of routes with varying difficulties within reasonable access to a major centre. Challenges abound. This is a real find without the crowds associated with this quality.

    Lake Louise: Banff

    Season: June - September
    Access: Hwy 1
    Level of Difficulty: Intermediate, Expert
    Description: Very easy access from the Chateau Lake Louise it's a short hike. You'll find dozens and dozens of routes on good rock. There are several areas clustered together.

    Mountaineering

    In the Lake Louise area, there are several mountains of interest to mountaineers and climbers. Mount Victoria, Leroy and Haddo Peak being perhaps the best known. Each has a number of routes ranging from technical climbs to what are essentially extended scrambles. The ease of access and the nearby facilities make this area very popular and you may have a lot of company particularly at high season. Find out about the weather before you set out. Mountains in other areas of the park follow:

    Mount Athabasca: Lake Louise

    Access: Icefields Parkway
    Level of Difficulty: Intermediate, Expert
    Description: On of the most popular alpine climbs in the Rockies.

    Mount Louise: Banff

    Season: May - September
    Access: Trans Canada Hwy
    Level of Difficulty: Expert
    Description: This mountain provides technical ascents and lots of possibilities combined with
    easy access. A very popular climb, but rewarding.

    Assiniboine: BC

    Season: June - September
    Region: British Columbia Rockies
    Contact: Mount Assinboine Provincial Park
    Access: Helicopter, backpacking or skiing in the winter.
    Level of Difficulty: Expert
    Description: A very striking mountain it's very popular with climbers. There are a number of campgrounds and huts which you can use as accommodations. The mountain itself has a number of possible routes.
    Note: No, it's not in Banff but it is one information we often are asked for when we get inquiries about mountaineering in the Rockies.

    Mount Edith: Banff
    Season: May - September
    Access: Just off the highway outside Banff center
    Level of Difficulty: Intermediate, Expert
    Description: The easy access and range of difficulties make this a very popular climb. You can choose from a number of routes that range from a scramble to very technical climbs.

    Mount Stanley: Banff

    Season: All year
    Access: A short hike from the parkway, hwy 93
    Level of Difficulty: Intermediate, Expert
    Description: A very popular mixed climbing area. The mountain is more an area for ice climbers and the mountain has several interesting couloirs.

    British Columbia

    Vancouver Coast and Mountains

    While not the only place in the Coast and Mountain's region Squamish is getting the attention as an international destination for climbers. Could it be that mix of sport, bouldering and big wall climbing (amongst the top big wall climbing areas in North America) that's the major attractant. Squamish's' (sounds funny, don't it) Stratamus Chief is the best, most accessible big wall in Canada. There are dozens of routes of varying difficulties to keep you climbing for weeks.

    Amazingly enough, this temperate region also has some excellent ice climbing particularly near the town of Lilleot north of Whistler. Areas include Bridge River, Cayoosh Creek and Seton Lake. As ledgend has it, Shannon Falls freezes every five to seven years and allows climbers to try thier hand at an excellent extended climb with incredably easy access (hey, just drive into the parking lot) just outside Squamish.

    Gulf Islands

    Salt Spring has several climbing areas which are detailed on Mike's Magic Climbing Site. The crags are located above Burgoyne Bay on Baynes Peak (Mount Maxwell Provincial Park). The areas are referred to on the site as "My Best Friend's Girlfriend" (Oh! Oh!), "The Bluffs" and "The Main Summit". The site has route descriptions and ratings. Salt Spring also has indoor climbing at "The Wall" details of which are also available on the web site.

    The surrounding regions have some excellent climbing, including of course one of North America's finest big walls in the form of "The Chief" in Squamish, in the the Vancouver Coast and Mountains region. On the big island you'll find some good climbing areas outside Victoria and Nainamo as well as some climbing gyms if the weather just won't co-operate.

    Ontario

    Central Ontario - Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay, Simcoe & Muskoka

    The Niagara Escarpment which runs from Niagara Falls to Tobermory has dozens of crags open to climbers. Climbers will find world class routes, and incredible views, at Lion's Head on the Bruce Peninsula. There are several other less developed areas in the immediate vicinity at Cabot's Head, White Bluffs and Halfway Log Dump which also has excellent bouldering. In Grey County you'll find several areas in the Owen Sound area including Harrison Park and the Catalan Quarry. They've once again opened Old Baldy to climbers in the Beaver Valley area of the Escarpment. In the same area you'll find some easily accessible climb at the side of the Talisman Ski Hill in Kimberley. To the south of the region the Escarpment is home to routes at Mount Nemo, Kelso Elora Gorge and Rattlesnake Point.If your willing to do some driving Bon Echo,several hours to the east, has an excellent large wall to challenge you. Finally north of the region, in the Thunderbay area (a long day, or perhaps, day and halfs drive) you'll find some of Ontario's best ice. If you're into bouldering and your in the south, Niagara Glen is getting the worlds attention with its endless array of problems. Speaking of problems, if the weather isn't on side, you might want to visit one of areas many rock gyms. Finally, there's our friend Pete who insists that he wants to develop the first routes on the CN tower - I don't think so!.

    Note: The Escarpment provides a delicate and unusual ecosystem please have full respect for the area and please don't put up new routes. In addition many access routes and crags are on private land. If you camp make sure that the it is permitted and be sure to use low impact methods. Better still there are dozens of parks and conservation areas along the Escarpments length, take advantage of them.

    Toronto Region

    While there aren't any crags in Metro Toronto (that we know of - we keep getting surprised) there are a number of very good climbing areas in the region. We are of course talking the Niagara Escarpment, which provides some incredible climbing opportunities. Rattlesnake Point is the first thing that comes to mind when anyone mentions climbing but don't overlook it just because its well know, there are some excellent routes here. Being so close to the city (and with drive in access no less) it's not in any way surprising that we know how to spell "crowds".

    You'll find the crowds thinner at Kelso and Mount Nemo even though they are in the same area as the Point. Close to the city, access to all these areas is easy. Further afield there are world class routes, and incredible views, at Lion' s Head on the Bruce Peninsula. There are several other less developed areas in the immediate vicinity. Bon Echo several hours to the east of the Toronto region has an excellent large wall to challenge you. Well north of the city, in the Thunderbay area (a long day, or perhaps, two days drive) you'll find some of Ontario's best ice.

    If you're into bouldering, Niagara Glen is getting the worlds attention with its endless array of problems. Speaking of problems, if the weather isn't on side, you might want to visit one of areas many rock gyms. Finally, there's our friend Pete who insists that he wants to develop the first routes on the CN tower - I don't think so!.

    Note: The Escarpment provides a delicate and unusual ecosystem please have full respect for the area and please don't put up new routes. In addition many access routes and crags are on private land. If you camp make sure that the it is permitted and be sure to use low impact methods. Better still there are dozens of parks and conservation areas along the Escarpments length, take advantage of them.

    Quebec

    Eastern Townships

    Orford - Mont Orford Park, Orford/Magog, Eastern Townships

    This is a sports climbing area with routes which are comprised of mostly 5.10 and above, ranging all the way up to 5.14d. You'll find good bouldering at the areas base as well. There is a wilderness campsite nearby on the Sentierde l'Estrie
    but you must be a member of the organzation to use it (which is a good option if you plan to visit the area a lot). Front country camping is available in Mont Orford Park on the other side of the Mountain.     From Montreal take highway 10 southwest into the Townships and get off at exit 115. Head west on the 112 (away from the park) and approximately three quarters of a kilometre from the exit you'll fine Motel au Rond Point where you can get food, lodging and parking. There is still a good hike ahead of you which is mostly uphill so be prepared. Consult with Orford Park for detailed information on the area.

    Laurentians

    Val David

    This is the climbing centre of the Laurentians, if not the whole of Quebec. Easy access, good quality rock, the possibility of top roping and lots and lots of routes of varying difficulty, all add up to a great place to climb.To the benefit of all of us, a chunk of the surrounding area is being purchased by the town (cheers to the good people of Val David and Val Morin, along with the town council that made this a reality) from a developer and will be turned into a park, the parc régional Dufresne. The area is maintained by the Féderation Quebecoise de la Montagne et de l'Escalade (FQME), which requires you have a membership to climb (fair enough) . Contact them through their website, show your support and sign up. From Montreal take the 15 north (or the 13 to the 640 to the 15) and take exit 76 following the signs into Val David. Follow the main street to the first right after the rail trail (P'tit Train du Nord) Spiniere St, then take the split onto Condor St. Take the second left and turn right at the end where you see the small parking lot. The trial into the crags is right in front of the parking lot. Mont Condor, and Mont King are on the right and Mont Cesaire is to the left

    La Bleue - highest point 50m, more than 85 routes, located on the southwest side of Mont Condor west.

    Les Fesses - highest point 30m, more than 25 routes, located on the south side of Mont Condor east.

    Mont Césaire - highest point 80m, over 150 routes, located on the south side of Mont Cesaire.

    Mont King - highest point 75m, over 150 routes, located south and southwest of Mont King.

    Note: This list is by no means exhaustive.

    La Montagne d'Argent - La Conception

    The climbs range from 25 to 100m with a variety of ratings. There are over 200 routes to explore. The area is maintained by the Féderation Quebecoise de la Montagne et de l'Escalade (FQME), which requires you have a membership to climb in the area. Contact them through their website and show your support and sign up. From Montreal take the 15 north (or the 13 to the 640 to the 15) and continue on the 117 passed Mont Tremblant to La Conception.

    You'll also find climbing areas in Weir (Rte. 364, beside the earth station), Shawbridge (Rte. 117), Saint-Hippolyte (head northwest from the 117 at LaFontaine just after the autoroute split at St. Jerome) and just outside Mont Tremblant Park north of St. Faustin (follow the signs towards the park from the St. Faustin exit off the 117).

     

    Note: Climbing is inherently dangerous. Make sure you have the proper training, knowledge and equipment before you attempt any climb. Take advantage of guides and instructors and hone your skills in one of the areas gyms to ensure your abilities are up to snuff. Never climb alone.

    These listings are to be used only as a reference and in no way constitute a guide to rock climbing in the areas described. Out-There is a clearing house for outdoor information not a an information source. Check with the local schools and outdoor shops regarding routes, closures and access. For more information contact the clubs, associations or land managers for the area.

    Out-There - www.out-there.com

     
     

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