5 Best indoor rock climbing facilities outside Halton

Published March 6, 2020 at 5:16 pm

5 Best indoor rock climbing facilities outside Halton

With the warm weather fast approaching, you might be starting to realize you neglected getting your summer body ready. No need to fret, though, there’s still time.

However, if you struggle bringing yourself to come to you gym because you don’t like lifting weights and cardio is the enemy, you don’t have to give up. There are plenty of other ways to get in shape.

One example that has been growing in popularity over the last few years is rock climbing, it’s a fun, challenging way to get in shape that sometimes doesn’t feel like working out.

These are the best indoor rock-climbing gyms outside Halton.


5: Peaks Rock Climbing

Located at 630 Welland Avenue in St. Catharines, Peaks has been around for nearly 30 years, and offers plenty of different activities, from climbing lessons for beginners, to bouldering, to group climbing activities and team-building activities–they even host birthday parties!

Peaks has more than 30 climbing routes that range from those suitable for beginners all the way to experienced climbers.

The gym is open six days a week–Tuesday to Sunday–until 10 p.m. on weeknights and 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Photo courtesy of Peaks Rock Climbing’s website


4: Ajax Rock Oasis

Located inside the Ajax Community Centre, the Ajax Rock Oasis has 25-foot walls with 60 climbing routes and 40 bouldering routes.

Routes are suitable for all ages and range from very easy to very hard. There are also programs for kids during school holidays as well as in the summer.

Rock Oasis is open from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends from July to August; and from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends from September to June.

Photo courtesy of Ajax Rock Oasis’ website


3: Of Rock and Chalk

Located at 482 Ontario Street in Newmarket, Of Rock and Chalk offers 46 climbing routes with heights that range from 10 to 37 feet, as well as six bouldering areas.

The gym also has 10 auto belay systems, meaning solo climbers can still get a workout in if their partner decides to bail.

Of Rock and Chalk is open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weeknights, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Photo courtesy of Of Rock and Chalk’s website


2: Guelph Grotto

Located at 199 Victoria Road South in Guelph, the Grotto boasts 7,500 square feet of climbing space with a 50-foot lead roof, there’s also 5 auto belays 15,000 moonboard problems, 45 top rope routes, and two large bouldering areas.

The Grotto also offers programs for kids ages three to seven years old, youths ages eight to 16 years old, and teens ages 12 to 18 years old. They also host birthday parties, summer camps, and programs during school holidays.

The Grotto is open from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weeknights, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. It’s also holds members-only hours from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Mondays.

Photo courtesy of Guelph Grotto’s website


1: Boulderz Climbing Centre

Located at 1444 Dupont Street in Toronto, Boulderz offers roped climbing and bouldering, as well as a myriad of classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced climbers as well as themed classes such as hard rok, classic rok, and mommy rok–which are all open climbers of all levels.

Boulderz is open from 9 a.m to 11 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  

Photo courtesy of Boulderz’ website

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