Best indoor rock climbing gyms in Ontario
Bracebridge | Climb Muskoka
Most climbers will agree that the more challenging the climb, the more rewarding it is.
Rock climbing is an exhilarating sport that requires a combination of skills, from strength and agility to creativity and problem-solving.
Indoor rock climbing facilities are a great way to get started in rock climbing as they offer climbing routes for all ages and abilities, training, guidance and gear rentals.
They’re also popular among experienced climbers who want to practice their climbing, belaying and bouldering techniques when the weather doesn’t permit outdoor climbing.
Learn the ropes, literally, at these indoor climbing facilities to build up the skill to take on some of Ontario’s challenging outdoor climbs.
Rock climbing basics
The three main types of climbing you’ll typically find at rock climbing gyms are bouldering, top-rope climbing and lead climbing. Here are a few definitions of basic rock climbing terms and equipment:
The three main types of climbing you’ll typically find at rock climbing gyms are bouldering, top-rope climbing and lead climbing. Here are a few definitions of basic rock climbing terms and equipment:
- Bouldering: “Free” climbing or climbing without a harness and rope, usually on lower rock formations.
- Top-rope climbing: Climbing with the support of a rope that is looped through an anchor at the top of the climb and runs the length of the route, with a climbing partner below controlling the feed with a belay device.
- Lead climbing: The most difficult climbing style involves the climber carrying the rope and attaching it to anchors along their climb, with a climbing partner below controlling the feed with a belay device.
Key rock climbing equipment includes:
- Belay, ropes and anchors: A system of controlling the feed of the supporting rope rock climbers use. The person operating the belay device is called the “belayer.”
- Harness: Nylon straps around the waist and legs connect to the supporting rope with a figure-eight knot, allowing the climber the ability to “sit” in mid-air while the belayer controls the climbing rope.
- Rock climbing shoes: Flexible and light, featuring special rubber soles designed to provide excellent traction and grip.
- Chalk bag: Moisture on the hands can cause fingers to slip, so climbers wear a small bag of loose chalk to rub on their hands, keeping them dry and securing a safer grip. Chalk bags are worn holstered to a belt or clipped to the harness with a carabiner.
Toronto and nearby
The Rock Oasis
Open daily with 7,600 square metres of climbing surface, the Rock Oasis in Toronto is one of the most popular Toronto rock climbing gyms. It offers ample of bouldering space, auto-belay stations and easier courses for beginners.
Check out Rock Oasis’ “Boulder 101” lessons for additional support and guidance when bouldering for the first time.
Locations:
75 Centennial Road, Ajax (inside Ajax Community Centre)
Basecamp Climbing
Basecamp’s theatre-turned climbing gym in Toronto’s Koreatown boasts some of the highest indoor climbs in the city, with a selection of walls from flat to overhang. Or check out Basecamp’s most central rock climbing gym in Toronto to practise your bouldering.
Locations:
677 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Boulderz Climbing Centre
Boulderz is a beginner-friendly climbing centre with advanced walls to cater to every type of climber.
The gym has three locations and specializes in bouldering on smaller rock formations without harnesses, raising grip strength and training to a whole new level. It also offers roped climbing and a wide range of classes for all levels.
Locations:
1444 Dupont Street Unit #16, Toronto
80 The East Mall Unit 9, Etobicoke
1705 Argentia Road, Unit 5, Mississauga
Joe Rockhead’s Indoor Rock Climbing
Canada’s first-ever rock climbing gym, Joe Rockhead’s, opened in 1990 and has been going strong ever since. It features plenty of excellent bouldering, top-roping, lead climbing, belay stations and more, as well as classes for all ages and skill levels.
Location: 29 Fraser Avenue, Toronto
Hub Climbing
Hub Climbing has locations in both Markham and Mississauga.
Both locations primarily focus on bouldering, but feature yoga classes and in-house workouts as well, targeting strength and flexibility for climbers looking to take their climbing skills to the next level.
Locations:
3636 Hawkestone Road Unit 1, Mississauga
Toronto Climbing Academy
Since 1993, Toronto Climbing Academy has been a great gym to transition between indoor and outdoor climbing. Special textured walls, simulated rock surfaces and natural light from the sky window are designed to replicate outdoor climbing.
Programs, lessons and camps are available for all ages, year-round.
Location: 11 Curity Avenue, East York
Pinnacle Indoor Climbing
Pinnacle Indoor Climbing fronts 371 square metres of climbing, over 12-metre tall climbing walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. All your rock climbing needs are met with auto-belay climbing, lead climbing, top-rope climbing, bouldering and one of only two certified Olympic-style speed walls.
Location: 330 Lake Road, Bowmanville
Of Rock and Chalk
Of Rock and Chalk has everything you need to level up your climbing. With over 40 climbing routes ranging from three to over ten metres high, six dedicated bouldering areas, and ten auto-belay systems perfect for solo sessions, there's no shortage of ways to challenge yourself and improve.
Location: 482 Ontario Street, Newmarket
Aspire Climbing
Aspire Climbing is a great place to start climbing. With two convenient locations with various bouldering experiences, uniquely designed climbing walls and friendly, knowledgeable staff, your first visit has greatness in store.
Locations:
104 Bronte Street North, Unit 2, Milton
1400 Victoria Street East, Unit 4, Whitby
Ottawa
Coyote Rock Gym
Founded in 1992, this was the first rock climbing gym in Ottawa. It has since grown to nearly 5,200 square metres of climbing surface, with five dedicated bouldering areas and programs for both kids and adults.
Location: 1737B St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa
Kanata Altitude Gym
The Kanata Altitude Gym in Ottawa is outfitted with a Délire surface, made of Baltic birch wood, and specially crafted for indoor climbing. The venue offers bouldering, top rope with auto-belay, speed wall and more.
Location: 501 Palladium Drive #0E5, Ottawa
Southern Ontario
Climber’s Rock
Offering bouldering, top rope and lead climbing, as well as lessons and equipment rental, Climber’s Rock is a great spot to get started in rock climbing.
Location: 5155 Harvester Road #1, Burlington
Junction Climbing Centre
Junction Climbing Centre is one of the top climbing gyms in southern Ontario. Fun lead walls with steep sections, bouldering areas and more provide climbers with an easy day or some exciting challenges––if that’s what you’re looking for.
Location: 1030 Elias Street, London
Guelph Grotto
Located on Victoria Road South in Guelph, the Guelph Grotto features nearly 2,300 square metres of climbing space with a 15-plus metre lead roof. The gym offers five auto-belays, 15,000 moon board problems, two large bouldering areas and 45 top rope routes. Climbing programs for kids and adults are also available.
Climbing programs for kids and adults are also available.
Location: 199 Victoria Road South, Guelph
Central and Northern Ontario
Climb Muskoka
In addition to bouldering, lead and top-rope climbing, this Bracebridge facility features a training area with cardio equipment to work on core strength.
Location: 24 Kirkhill Drive, Bracebridge
ARC Climbing & Yoga Fitness
With rock climbing, yoga and fitness programs, this indoor facility will “transform the way you move.” Climbing walls, bouldering and classes are offered for a variety of skill levels and ages. Climbing is by drop-in, so check out the climbing occupancy widget on the website or call ahead.
Location: 1981 Old Burwash Road, Greater Sudbury
Indoor rock climbing gyms across the province offer the perfect place to climb higher, train harder and connect with a passionate community. Each gym has unique walls, vibe and challenges, yet all have one thing in common: the joy of reaching new heights. Chalk up, clip in and get ready to discover your next favourite indoor adventure.
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Last updated: August 11, 2025