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Home » Recent posts » Chalk it up: What are the top rock-climbing spots in Ottawa? 

Chalk it up: What are the top rock-climbing spots in Ottawa? 

Chalk it up What are the top rock-climbing spots in Ottawa

Ottawa might have a reputation for Parliament Hill and polite residents, but don’t let that fool you. This city’s got a hidden pulse of adrenaline waiting to be unleashed – through a ton of rock-climbing spots! 

Ottawa’s rock climbing scene is ready to turn your workout upside down (literally!). So, let’s find out where you can channel your inner Spiderman and leave those boring gym routines behind. Let’s start with the indoor ones, then go to the outdoor options!

Indoor Options for Rock Climbing in Ottawa

Altitude Gym

Media from altitudegym

Location: 501 Palladium Dr #0E5, Stittsville, ON K2V 0E5, Canada

Contact: +1 613-903-5989

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Website

Altitude Gym is a rock-climbing wonderland, with over 13,500 square feet of crazy routes and challenges begging to be conquered. 

Whether you’re a seasoned climber with calloused hands or a newbie who thinks a “crimp” is a fancy potato chip, this place has your back. They’re all about making climbing fun for everyone, with a welcoming zone where you can learn the ropes (literally). 

Now, for the seriously awesome twist – smack dab in the middle of the gym and you’ll find Canada’s biggest Ninja Warrior Course. So, if you’re looking for a workout in Ottawa that’ll leave you grinning and pumped up with excitement, then Altitude Gym is your one-stop shop. 

Coyote Rock Gym

Media from thecoyoterockgym

Location: 1737B St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1G 3V4, Canada

Contact: +1 613-216-4640

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Website

This place is where less polished chrome and more chalk-dusted holds with stories to tell. With over 17,000 square feet of pure climbing, you won’t find any juice bars or meditation zones, just the sweet symphony of carabiners clinking and climbers pushing their limits.

Expect over 40 top-rope routes, spaces to hone your technique, and a mix of old-school classics and modern test pieces. Whether you’ve been climbing since the dawn of time or are fresh-faced and eager, Coyote welcomes you.

Plus, they offer tons of programs for kids and adults, so you can level up your skills or introduce the whole family to the joy of climbing.

Klimat

Media from klimatwakefield

Location: 911-A Chem. Riverside, Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0, Canada

Contact: +1 819-246-0981

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Website

Klimat is absolutely packed with facilities to help you train hard and climb harder. We’re talking over 8,400 square feet of climbing and training goodness! They’ve got an entire floor dedicated to rock climbing, featuring over 80 finely crafted problems to keep you challenged. 

Their second floor boasts a training zone that is loaded with Kilterboard, hang boards, rings, and campus boards – everything you need to build those climbing muscles. Plus, they’ve got a fully equipped fitness area with cardio, weights, and more, so you can round out your workouts. 

And when those climbing muscles need some TLC, they’ve even got a loft area with all the recovery tools you need.

Bloc 9.81

Media from bloc9.81

Location: 79 Bd de la Gappe c3, Gatineau, Quebec J8T 0B5, Canada

Contact: +1 8192460981

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Website

If you crave a pure and unfiltered rock-climbing experience, then make a short trip to Gatineau (it’s just a 5-minute drive away from Ottawa, promise!) and discover Bloc 9.81. This gem boasts over 5,000 square feet of high-quality problems designed to make you think and sweat.

This place is always switching up the routes, so boredom isn’t an option. Think slabs, overhangs, tricky volumes – all the good stuff to keep those climbing muscles firing on all cylinders. 

They’re also a community hangout where you can crush and drink some local brews, taste food from their bistro and share stories with fellow climbers.

Outdoor Options for Rock-Climbing in Ottawa

Ottawa River Cliffs

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Location: Located along the Ottawa River

Website

This place is the real deal – solid rock, a mix of routes to test your mettle, and breathtaking scenery straight out of an adventure postcard. Imagine scaling up to 80 feet, the rush of the river below, and the adrenaline coursing through your veins.

Whether you’re a beginner eager to test your limits on real rock or a seasoned veteran seeking a fresh challenge, these cliffs have something for you. And here’s the thing: it’s a whole experience where you’re surrounded by nature and you get to share laughs with fellow climbers!

Calabogie 

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Location: Renfrew County, Eastern Ontario, Canada

Website

Just a short drive from the city, Calabogie is a feast for the senses: stunning granite cliffs overlooking the glassy surface of Calabogie Lake, fresh air filling your lungs and the Canadian Shield beneath you. 

The crown jewel here is the Main Cliff – a continuous stretch of gneiss rock that’s been experiencing a route development boom since 2019. Here, there are over 177 climbs of all shapes and sizes, from beginner-friendly slabs to finger-shredding overhangs and everything in between.

Hogs Back Falls

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Location: Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Website

This hidden gem is where urban climbing meets stunning nature. Don’t let its size fool you – this small cliff packs a punch with 14 unique rock-climbing problems waiting to be conquered. 

Imagine tackling creative climbs right next to the crashing Rideau River, the spray misting your face as you conquer tricky holds. The best part? The grades are on the softer side, so it’s perfect for all levels. 

This place is like your new favourite rock climbing gym but with a seriously epic soundtrack and a view that’ll blow your Instagram followers away. Just a heads up: water levels can affect the climbs, so check the conditions before you head out.