Rock climbing and bouldering (harness-free) can be done any time of year and many locations also run birthday parties and day camps during school breaks. It’s definitely good exercise but also a great way for your kids to challenge themselves, work off some excess energy and have fun! So climb into our Guide to the Best Rock Climbing Gyms in Toronto & the GTA…
Basecamp Climbing
Basecamp proves that rock climbing can happen anywhere, even a repurposed movie theatre. Their Annex location offers 7,000 square feet with over 100 different routes, and they also have a location right downtown on Spadina near Queen West.
Where: 677 Bloor St. West, Toronto; 186 Spadina Avenue, Toronto
Website: www.basecampclimbing.ca
Boulder Parc
Along with a wide-open climbing area, Boulder Parc in Scarborough also offers yoga classes, workshops and private events plus a café lounge area with wifi.
Where: 1415 Morningside Ave., Scarborough
Website: www.boulderparc.com
Boulderz
With two west end locations in Junction Triangle and Etobicoke, Boulderz offers roped climbing as well as bouldering for all levels. It’s great for both veterans or those new to the activity.
Where: 1444 Dupont St #16, Toronto; 80 The East Mall, Unit 9, Etobicoke
Website: www.boulderzclimbing.com
Joe Rockhead’s
One of the first climbing gyms in Toronto. Joe’s has a lofty warehouse space in Liberty Village and has many climbing options, such as classes and plenty of routes.
Where: 29 Fraser Avenue, Toronto
Website: www.joerockheads.com
The Rock Oasis
This popular spot in Leslieville has everything from a Kidszone, bouldering, auto-belay (independent system) as well as roped climbing.
Where: 388 Carlaw Avenue, Suite 204, Toronto
Website: www.rockoasis.com
Rock On Climbing
This new 24-hour bouldering facility is located in the Canary District, east of downtown. It is a smaller space than some but is well-equipped and fully accessible. Note: Admission is limited to those 10 and older, with the exception of private bookings.
Where: 474 Front Street East, Unit 4, Toronto
Website: www.rockonclimbing.ca
Toronto Climbing Academy
This gym features 11 climbing areas, from caves, overhangs and cracks to campus boards and a fully equipped training area.
Where: 11 Curity Avenue, East York
Website: www.climbingacademy.com
True North
This massive facility features 15,000 square feet of climbing terrain, more than 100 top-rope routes, on walls up to 36 feet in height. This gym also features the world’s largest indoor stalactite.
Where: 75 Carl Hall Rd #14, North York
Website: www.truenorthclimbing.com
Aspire Climbing
With locations in Milton and Whitby, these climbing areas aspire to offer something for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned veterans. They also offer climbing and ninja programs, and kids camps.
Where: 104 Bronte St. North, Unit 2, Milton; 1400 Victoria St. East, Whitby
Website: www.aspireclimbing.com
The Cave
This is a bouldering-only option, therefore there are no ropes or harnesses needed, and you can either boulder with a friend or on your own.
Where: 1705 Argentia Rd #5, Mississauga
Website: www.climbingthecave.ca
Hub Climbing
These family-friendly centres in Markham and Mississauga offer both bouldering and 22 auto-belays.
Where: 165 McIntosh Drive, Markham; 3636 Hawkestone Road, Unit 1, Mississauga
Website: www.hubclimbing.com
Steel Peak Climbing & Ninja
Not only does Steel Peak have climbing facilities with a 23-foot auto belay and boulder course, you can also bust out your ninja skills with various obstacles and a warped wall.
Where: 231 Trade Valley Drive, Units D-F, Vaughan
Website: www.steelpeakclimbing.com
Toprock Climbing
Topock’s dedicated and experienced rock-climbing staff help families have a fun day activity with bouldering walls, kid-favourite auto-belay walls, and a small workout area.
Where: 284 Orenda Road, Unit 8, Brampton
Website: www.toprockclimbing.ca
Up The Bloc
This 11,000 square foot facility features two bouldering walls with varied angles with over 120 boulder problems to challenge both beginners and experts.
Where: 1224 Dundas St E #28, Mississauga
Website: www.upthebloc.com
Looking for more ideas for a birthday party venue? Check out our list here!
