Montreal climbers should consider themselves fortunate to have Val David, one of the Provinces' best climbing areas, just a short distance from the city. The area is easily accessible, has good rock and lots of routes, of varying difficulty. Further north in La Conception, you'll find La Montagne d'Argent, another easily accessible area, with excellent climbing and over 200 routes, of varying lengths and difficulties. Northwest of the city in the Monteregie Region is Mont Rigaud. where you can almost drive right up to the cliffs. The mountain is less than an hour from Montreal (a half hour from the West Island) but doesn't usually get over crowded. This is a good place for instructing novices, since you can easily top rope some routes. Heading south, you have one of the best sports climbing areas in the Province on the southern flanks of Mont Orford, in the park bearing the same name. Again, the access to the crags is good (although you do have do some uphill on the hike in), and you'll find lots of variety, ranging from 5.10 to 5.14.  

Climbing

Montreal & Laval

Centre Option Plein Air de Montréal - Guided Climbing , Ile Ste-Helene (Parc Jean Drapeau)

Also see our Rock Gyms section

 

Nearby - Eastern Townships, Lanaudiere, Laurentians, Monteregie

Val David - Laurentians

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 of which adds 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, Laurentians

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).

 

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.



Rigaud Mountain - Monteregie

The site is located less than an hour from Montreal (30 minutes from the West Island) in the Monteregie Region. The area has short routes that can easily be to roped making it a good place for instructing novices. The routes range in difficulty from 5.6 to 5.11.

Directions: From Montreal: take the Trans-Canada west and continue off the island, passed Veudreuil-Dorion. The highay then splits to Ottawa and Toronto; you want the the Ottawa fork. About 10 minutes after the split (depending on your sled and the pilot), take exit 12 for the town of Rigaud. Turn left into town from the off ramp. At the second set of lights turn left and watch for the ski hill on your left. Don't park in the ski parking lot which locks the gate in the afternoon but along the roads shoulder. Hike up the left hand side of the hill to the crag. You can just make out the a part of the cliff face from the road.

 

Rock Gyms

Montreal & Laval

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 Féderation Quebecoise de la Montagne et de l'Escalade (FQME).
 

Resources

Montreal

 

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