Guide to ice climbing in Ontario

Northwest Ontario

Northwest Ontario boasts some of the best ice climbing in Ontario.

Freezing waterfalls and exposed cliffs turn into spectacular vertical ice routes, attracting climbers from across the province. There are more and larger icy walls than anywhere else east of the Rockies. This is also one of the coldest corners of the province, creating perfect conditions for icefalls so thick that the ice lasts well into spring.

From Thunder Bay and Red Rock to Orient Bay on Lake Nipigon, dozens of ice-clad routes reach heights of over 100 metres.

Outdoor Skills and Thrills

Based in Thunder Bay, Outdoor Skills and Thrills offers fully outfitted and guided ice climbing excursions at sites across Northwest Ontario, including Orient Bay, Kama Bay, Dorion, Red Rock and Nipigon. Founder Aric Fishman is certified by the Professional Climbing Guides Institute and authored a Thunder Bay climbing guidebook—so you know you’ll be climbing the region’s top routes and best-kept secrets.

You don’t need any ice climbing experience to join the Beginners Ice Climbing Adventure. Other guided trips are more challenging and focus on more advanced techniques for experienced climbers. Most outings are between six and eight hours long.

Location: based in Thunder Bay

Nipigon Ice Fest

Join a warm and welcoming community of ice climbers at Canada’s longest-running, premier ice climbing festival. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Nipigon Ice Fest in early March 2026 with a full day of ice climbing clinics followed by inspiring presentations and a legendary gear swap and raffle.

Beginner, intermediate and women’s/LGBTQIA+ ice climbing clinics, a mixed rock and ice climbing clinic and equipment rentals will be available. Participants can expect to climb on some of the area’s most exhilarating ice, including Mazukama Falls, Cascade Falls and the Ice Palace.

The indoor portion of the event is held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 32.

Location: 102 5th Street, Nipigon

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Just a short drive from Sault Ste. Marie, the ancient, glaciated mountains of the Algoma Highlands conceal scores of secret icefalls.

Head to Goulais River, Batchawana Bay or Searchmont for routes with evocative names like Wind Tower Wall and Land of the Giants or join a guided backcountry adventure in the breathtaking Agawa Canyon.

Steve Foster Adventure Instruction

With over 25 years of ice climbing experience, Steve Foster offers a fully inclusive, half-day ice climbing tour with professional equipment, warm clothing and instruction. Excursions can be catered to beginners as well as more experienced climbers.

Follow Steve Foster on Facebook for up-to-date information and upcoming ice climbing excursions.

Location: based in Sault Ste. Marie

Northeastern Ontario

Thanks in part to the opening of the ARC indoor climbing gym in Sudbury, the climbing community in Northeastern Ontario continues to grow. More climbers mean more outdoor climbing areas being developed.

Long Lake is an ice climbing hot spot just south of the city. Or make the drive to Windy Lake near Onaping Falls for the highest local ice climbs, reaching over 30 metres. Just a few minutes away, you can stay in a heated yurt at Windy Lake Provincial Park.

Heading west along the North Channel, climb the towering ice cliffs of Granary Lake or choose from nearly a dozen icy 20- to 30-metre-high routes at Lake Lauzon, near the town of Blind River.

Climb Sudbury

Check out the volunteer-run Climb Sudbury, an indispensable virtual guide with details on the climbs listed above, as well as many more of the finest rock and ice climbing locations within striking distance of the city.

Location: based in Greater Sudbury

Muskoka and Haliburton Highlands

Easy access, beautiful natural settings and a choice of experienced local outfitters make Muskoka and the Haliburton Highlands great places for beginners to swing an ice axe.

Liv Outside

Experience ultimate ice adventure in Muskoka or the Haliburton Highlands with Liv Outside. Based in Bracebridge, this outfitting company will guide you to some of the best routes of ice-covered granite cliffs deep in Ontario’s hardwood forests.

Select from full-day intro courses for beginners to excursions designed for intermediate climbers. Tours include all required equipment and climbers will challenge up to four different climbing routes.

Location: 271 Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge

Muskoka Mountainworks

Encounter frozen landscapes and ice formations throughout the area, including Muskoka, Haliburton, Madawaska, Bancroft and along the Niagara Escarpment.

Certified climbing guide Jonathan Nunes tailors these full-day ice climbing excursions to your experience and comfort level. Focus on skill development or simply enjoy a day of guided ice climbing.

Location: based in Muskoka

Haliburton Forest

Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve offers half-day ice climbing excursions at West Shore Crag, a naturally formed ice wall not far from the main gates.

This guided adventure is designed for beginners, so no experience is necessary and all equipment is provided. You’ll learn the basics of ice climbing and experience the thrill of the sport.

Location: 1095 Redkenn Road, Haliburton 

Bancroft to the Ottawa Valley

Snowy hills, frozen lakes and ice-clad cliffs of the Madawaska Highlands stretch east from the town of Bancroft to the Ottawa Valley. This sparsely populated region holds some of the best ice climbing in Southern Ontario, including classic locations like Eagle’s Nest and Bow Lake in Bancroft.

Farther east, a selection of beginner-friendly climbs and easy access to the top of the cliff make Diamond Lake a popular ice climbing destination near Combermere.

Madawaska Ice Fest

Fans of the now-defunct Southern Ontario Ice Climbing Festival—or anyone else looking to experience ice climbing in Ontario’s Highlands—should check out this new event, which debuted in 2025.

Organized and hosted by the Toronto section of the Alpine Club of Canada, Madawaska Ice Fest invites participants of all skill levels and abilities to enjoy a weekend of climbing and community on some of the region’s best ice.

Held in late February, the festival features two full days of ice climbing clinics at Diamond and Papineau lakes, plus a social dinner and games at The Arlington in Maynooth. Clinics range from intro to ice climbing to advanced climbing and steep ice techniques.

Visit Madawaska Ice Fest on Facebook for details and updates on the upcoming festival.

Location: Maynooth area

Alpine Club of Canada, Ottawa chapter

If you’re looking to experience ice climbing beyond a guided tour, joining a regional chapter of the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) is a fantastic way to have fun, learn the sport and most importantly, be safe.

Register with the Ottawa chapter of the ACC and get connected with knowledgeable people who can show you the ropes. This inexpensive yearly membership gives you access to club events, organized group activities and unique training opportunities like intermediate and advanced ice climbing courses.

Location: Ottawa region

Alpine Club of Canada, Toronto chapter

In winter, spectacular ice structures form on the 100-metre-high cliffs of Mazinaw Rock at Bon Echo Provincial Park. The exposure and length of the ice climbs at Bon Echo make for an adventure unlike any other in Southern Ontario.

The Toronto section of the Alpine Club of Canada maintains a comfortable hut for members to use on Mazinaw Lake, an excellent place to meet other climbers and get information on climbs. They also organize ice climbing and winter camping weekends at the park.

Location: North Frontenac

Elora Gorge

Experience ice climbing just a short drive from the Greater Toronto Area. While the routes along the Elora Gorge can’t compare to the grandeur of ice climbing destinations in Northern Ontario, this is a great place to start if you’re looking for an icy thrill close to the city.

One Axe Pursuits

Based out of the picturesque town of Elora, One Axe Pursuits offers guided ice climbing adventures not far from Toronto in the historic Elora Gorge.

The six-hour beginner program climbs ice routes up to 15 metres high and can cater to small groups. No prior experience is required and all necessary gear is provided.

Location: 24 Henderson Street, Elora

Ice climbing safety tips

Inexperienced and beginner climbers often ask if ice climbing is dangerous.

While ice climbing does require some specialized equipment and knowledge to participate in safely, Ontario’s certified climbing guides offer beginner-friendly programs and instruction to make this exciting winter activity safe and accessible for all levels of experience.

All ice climbing participants must wear a properly fitted helmet and climbing harness. Your climbing guide will set the ropes and ensure anchors are safely secured. They will also provide instruction on climbing fundamentals like how to use crampons and ice tools, move efficiently on ice and manage essential safety systems.

Ice climbing grades

Understanding ice climbing grades—which differ from those used in rock climbing—is key to selecting an appropriate climbing route. Ontario ice climbs use a scale from WI 1 to WI 8. WI stands for water ice.

Harder routes (higher numbers) are steeper and more technical, offering fewer rests and fewer options for protection. Water ice forms when seasonal water flows freeze in the cold months of the year and can range from thick pillars to smooth, thinly veiled rock faces.

Because ice, unlike rock, is an ever-changing medium, keep in mind that any published ice climbing grade isn’t “set in stone” and the route difficulty can vary widely depending on the ice conditions on the day of your climb.

Ice climbing equipment

In addition to technical ice climbing equipment like rope, ice screws, belay devices and climbing tools, a fun day on the ice begins with wearing suitable winter clothing. Dress in insulating layers and a waterproof shell to keep warm, comfortable and dry while scaling icy—and sometimes dripping—cliffs.

Make sure you have (or are provided with) the following ice climbing gear, equipment and clothing:

Helmet

A climbing helmet is critical. It will protect you from falling ice chunks, rocks or other objects. Helmets designed for other sports, like ski helmets, are typically not suitable for climbing since they are designed to protect against different types of impacts (side impacts rather than impacts from above).

Clothing

The best jacket to wear is waterproof and fits well over your other layers. It’s better to dress in a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer and a lightweight jacket rather than a heavy coat.

Make sure your clothing layers are made from materials such as wool, polyester or synthetic fleece that will wick away sweat, insulate when damp and dry quickly. Avoid cotton as it will get wet and make you cold.

Bring an extra big down or synthetic puffy coat to throw over everything and keep you warm between climbs; you’ll cool down quickly on the ground once the adrenaline wears off. Pack extra gloves in case your main pair gets wet, and another toasty warm pair of gloves or mitts for belaying and hanging out.

Harness

Your climbing harness must fit you properly to ensure a safe climb—rock-climbing harnesses work well for ice climbing, especially for beginners and shorter climbs.

Ropes, anchors, belay devices and ice tools

Your climbing guides generally provide these tools.

Crampons

Ice climbing crampons are the sharp teeth that attach to your boots for ice climbing. They come in three forms: strap-on, step-in and hybrid. Ask your guide or a professional about which crampons are best for you.

Boots

The best ice climbing boots are crampon-compatible mountaineering boots. Look for leather or synthetic-leather boots for greater comfort and flexibility or opt for tough plastic ski boots (although they’re not as ideal).

Other items and safety tips

In your backpack, you’ll want to carry essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, water bottles, dry socks, chemical heat packs, an extra change of clothes and anything else you think you may need—it’s best to be prepared.

Rent ice climbing gear from a local Ontario outdoor shop, such as Wilderness Supply in Thunder Bay or Exclusive Sport Rentals in Toronto. Many ice climbing outfitters and operators also rent the required gear. Most beginner ice climbing courses in Ontario include all the necessary technical gear you’ll need to participate safely. Check with your guide beforehand to find out which items are included and which ones you’ll need to supply yourself.

Finally, make sure you’re fully covered. Verify personal insurance, review the operator’s policy and confirm insurance details before booking any adventure activity.

Ontario’s rugged landscapes, cascading waters and frosty winters are the perfect ingredients for ice climbing bliss. With some of the world’s best ice climbing locations and expert guides to support every level of climber, there’s no better place to experience the wonder of topping out on a spectacular frozen waterfall. Visit Ontario Trails to find more ice climbing locations and clubs throughout the province.