Ontario is a fantastic destination for outdoor rock climbing and ice climbing, offering a variety of climbing spots with diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery. We outlined some of the main crags below in the map, and highlighted a few of the locations below!
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, managed by Niagara Parks Commission, is located on the Canadian side of the Niagara Gorge, just downstream from Niagara Falls and above the Whirlpool Rapids.
It is the largest developed bouldering area in Southern Ontario with 650–800+ established problems ranging from V0 to over V10.
The boulders are typically limestone and the texture has been degraded away, especially on the lower grade problems.
Popular classics vary from V0–V3 (e.g. Walking Spanish Down the Glen, Lichen It, Foot Fetish, No U-Turn) to harder lines like Ripple (V4), Threesome (V6), and Seppuku (V10).
Bouldering permits and signed waivers are mandatory for all participants
Permits include a parking pass valid for up to two registered vehicles; available at Niagara Glen Nature Centre or Butterfly Conservatory.
Bouldering rules enforce:
Stay on marked trails
Encouraged to Leave No Trace
Topping out only on permitted boulder.
Thunder Bay is one of Canada’s hidden climbing gems, offering some of the best multi-pitch routes, world-class ice climbs, and untapped cliffs. Nestled along the rugged north shore of Lake Superior, the region is home to a passionate and welcoming climbing community.
In winter, Thunder Bay transforms into Ontario’s best ice climbing destination. Freezing waterfalls and exposed cliffs turn into spectacular vertical ice routes, attracting climbers from across the province and from the northern United States.
Just an hour’s drive from Thunder Bay, Nipigon hosts North America’s longest-running ice festival—the Nipigon Ice Fest—founded by Shaun Parent and now organized by Aric Fishman of Outdoor Skills and Thrills. We covered several of the ice climbing locations featured in last year’s festival.
Bouldering in Thunder Bay is gaining popularity thanks to scattered fields of glacially polished rock and accessible problems. While less developed than roped climbing, there’s a growing collection of established problems for those seeking short, powerful climbs.
To give you an idea of the scale of some of the cliffs in the area, check out the video below! Aric Fishman has also begun chronicling all the rock climbs in his comprehensive guidebook, “Thunder Bay Climbing: A Guide To Northwest Ontario’s Best Kept Secret“.
On Climb Onsight, you’ll find professional guides who have been guiding rock and ice climbing in Ontario for years! These guides can show you remote parts of the province, while teaching you the basics of rock climbing or advanced rope rescue skills. These Ontario-based guides bring unmatched local knowledge, technical expertise, and a deep passion for the outdoors.
All of our Ontario guiding companies have been taking people out since at least the 2010s (or longer) and are highly reviewed for ensuring a safe and high-quality experience.
If you’re looking to rock climb in Northern or Southern Ontario, taking a lesson with a qualified guide is the best way to get the most out of the day. The instructor will ensure you climb safely and use the right technique, so you can focus on mastering your skills, whilst appreciating the scenic views at the best climbing locations in Ontario. Through booking with Climb Onsight, you’ll get a climbing instructor who is very knowledgeable about Ontario’s best outdoor rock climbing locations. They’ll advise you on what equipment you’ll need to climb, show you how to climb safely, and most of all ensure you have lots of fun.
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