Toronto rock climbing gyms

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4 places recommended by KatTancock

Expert Fit & Healthy

Created on May 17 2009

Interested in climbing, but don't know where to start? Grab your funnest friends and check out one of these local climbing gyms for an introduction to the sport.

Boulderz Climbing Centre

1444 Dupont St. Unit #16, Toronto, ON, M6P 4H3

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posted Apr 8 2009

Bouldering comes first: Judging by the crowds at local gyms, rock climbing is increasing in popularity. Boulderz is the newest and most unique gym in town. It opened in late 2008 and although it does offer some roped climbing, its focus has always been bouldering - shorter, lower routes that are climbed without ropes. This focus means that some of the more dedicated of Toronto boulderers like to hang out here, and also means that owner Andrew McBurney is constantly refreshing the problems you can try. Changerooms and lockers are available, and rumour has it there will be A/C come summer. McBurney even incorporated a kids' climbing area (complete with slide) and if you come after 9:30 on weeknights (they're open till 11), you can boulder for only $7. (Thanks to Patrick Finerty for the photo.)

Rock Oasis

27 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, M5V2P1

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posted May 17 2009

The tallest walls in Toronto: Rock Oasis is where I started climbing and I continue to go back regularly. It's a great place for beginners - call ahead to book a lesson - and they offer kids' birthday parties (which I do recommend avoiding if you're not part of the party). They have the highest climbing routes of any of the indoor gyms in the city, in two 60-foot towers, and several bouldering areas. The changing area includes lockers (bring your own lock), changerooms, washrooms and showers, and they sell some snacks and drinks at the front desk. Beginners can rent shoes (bring a pair of thin socks) and a harness.

Joe Rockheads Climbing Gym

29 Fraser Ave, Toronto, ON, M6K1Y7

Rated this place:

posted May 17 2009

Open spaces: The story goes that climbers who want to be strong climb at Rockhead's. I don't know how true that is but the attitude in the gym is definitely one where they take themselves seriously. The gym is spacious and offers a variety of routes for beginners through experts. There are also areas for bouldering only. Changerooms are clean and include lockers (although the presence of only two hooks in the women's perplexes me).

Toronto Climbing Academy

100A Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON, M4M3H3

Rated this place:

posted May 17 2009

Go east: As a west-ender, I've only made it to this other-side-of-the-Don gym once, but I had a good experience and would definitely visit more if it were in my neighbourhood. They offer all the standards: climbing and bouldering, changerooms and lockers, courses for beginners and challenges for advanced climbers. Longstanding rumour has it they'll be relocating due to condo development but I've yet to hear any firm information.

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