As you follow Highway 17 north from Sault Ste. Marie in Northern Ontario, you weave between the ocean-like Lake Superior on one side and rolling cliffs on the other. You pass the Wawa Goose Statue, the Winnie the Pooh Statue, the Terry Fox monument. And, as a reward for these breathtaking views and monuments, you land in the hidden gem of rock and ice climbing in Ontario: Thunder Bay.
The Thunder Bay area boasts a wide variety of rock and ice routes that challenge both beginners and seasoned veterans. Aric Fishman, of Outdoor Skills and Thrills, catalogued many of these routes in the Thunder Bay Climbing guidebook. And every year, Outdoor Skills and Thrills hosts the Nipigon Ice Fest, the longest-running ice climbing festival in Canada, which was founded by Shaun Parent.
This year, the Nipigon Ice Fest held ice climbing clinics at three locations: Mazukama Falls, Cascade Falls, and the Ice Palace. Each of these spots offers a unique experience, stunning scenery, and exhilarating climbing opportunities. On your next visit to Thunder Bay, start with these three locations, and then go on and explore the thousands of single and multi-pitch rock and ice climbs, both known and unknown.
Mazukama Falls is a breathtaking ice wall that has captivated climbers for years (it has even served as my phone background for the past year!). This massive formation is an excellent spot for beginners, though the climbs are still quite challenging, ranging from WI2-3 to WI4-.
The approach to Mazukama Falls involves a roughly 30-minute hike through a picturesque cedar forest, making the journey almost as rewarding as the climb itself. Once you arrive, you’re met with an imposing 100-foot (30-meter) ice face. While it is considered a beginner-friendly area, first-timers shouldn’t expect to top out on every route—the routes demand technique and endurance.
Easily accessible from the highway, Cascade Falls is another classic destination for beginner ice climbers. At approximately 130 feet (40 meters) tall, Cascade Falls provides a thrilling vertical challenge. The routes here vary in difficulty, ranging from WI2 to WI4, with some lines being slightly easier than those at Mazukama Falls.
Its convenient location and varied routes make it a go-to for climbers looking to develop their skills while enjoying the stunning ice formations of Thunder Bay.
Unlike the wide ice sheets of Mazukama and Cascade Falls, the Ice Palace presents a different kind of adventure. This area features a mix of pure ice climbs and mixed routes, with grades ranging from WI4 to M8. The climbs here stretch up to an impressive 180 feet (55 meters), making the Ice Palace a prime spot for those looking to push their limits.
The diversity of climbing options at the Ice Palace makes it an exciting place for intermediate ice and dry-tooling climbers. Although, this year a few first-timers made their inaugural dents with ice axes at the Ice Palace.
If you’re looking for world-class ice climbing in Ontario, Thunder Bay is the place to be. Whether you’re taking your first swing at an ice tool or pushing into high-grade mixed climbs, these three locations from the 2025 Nipigon Ice Fest are a perfect starting point for your adventure.
