According to the Huffington Post, there are more reasons to rock climb than just getting to a gorgeous view – in fact, it can lead to a happier, healthier life by boosting brain function, reducing stress, and teaching focus, balance and determination. Here are a few more reasons to give rock climbing on the Niagara Escarpment a try.
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Easy access for beginners
Milton’s Rattlesnake Point is a popular climbing destination that’s just a short drive from Toronto. Even if you’ve never climbed in an indoor gym, beginner courses offered by outfitters like One Axe Pursuits and Zen Climb are a great way to give the sport a try without having to invest in any equipment. Here’s a sneak peek and a video of what you can expect from One Axe Pursuits’ Beginner Course.
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Get outside
If you’ve got some indoor climbing experience and are looking to take your skills to the next level, learning how to set up top rope anchors and climb outdoors on your own is a natural next step.
Zen Climb’s one-day Gym to Crag course at Rattlesnake Point will teach you the necessary skills to manage challenges at the top and bottom of the cliff and all points in between. Be prepared for some homework before the course, including learning 10 different knots and hitches. One Axe Pursuits’ Top Rope Anchors Course, also at Rattlesnake Point, will teach you to properly and safely set up anchors, belay with a variety of devices and tie essential climbing knots.
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Hundreds of routes
Once you’ve got the right experience and equipment, it’s easy to set out on your own for a day of climbing on the Niagara Escarpment. In addition to the 235 routes at Rattlesnake Point, Conservation Halton permits climbing at Mount Nemo on over 200 routes.
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Climb on... and on
If you think you might make more than one climbing trip, save big with a Conservation Halton Parks Membership. For one price you can enjoy admission to all seven of Conservation Halton’s parks for a full year as well as other great perks, including discounts on campsite bookings and equipment rentals. Supersize your rock climbing trip into an overnight camping trip. Rattlesnake Point has 17 group campsites for tent camping with picnic tables and fire pits.
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Show your icy side
You don’t have to travel to Mount Everest to experience amazing ice climbing. Winter local outfitter, One Axe Pursuits, offers a six-hour Introduction to Ice Climbing course that will have you scaling the frozen cascade of Ancaster’s Tiffany Falls. Suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced indoor gym climbers, you’ll be provided with all the equipment you need to get a feel for this invigorating winter sport. Get a preview of what’s in store by watching this Tiffany Falls ice climbing video.
