Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is currently open at Rattlesnake Point only.
Rock climbing provides a rush of adrenaline that has lured adventurous souls to the Niagara Escarpment for years.
Some of the best climbing cliffs in Ontario are located at Conservation Halton parks that are known in climbing circles for terrific views and a wide variety of climbing levels.
Where can I rock climb?
Rattlesnake Point
- Instructional and recreational climbing
- Traditional climbing
- Top roping allowed
- No wrapping of trees; use the installed anchors
- East Wall has 50 plus routes
- West Wall has 80 plus routes
- Both sport and traditional climbs
- Top roping allowed
- No wrapping of trees; use the installed anchors
- There are 15 plus routes
- Traditional climbing
- Top roping allowed
- No wrapping of trees; use the installed anchors
- There are 90 plus routes
Kelso
Rock climbing is not currently open at Kelso.
- Both traditional and sport climbing
- TOP ROPE BAN in effect; no wrapping of trees
Mount Nemo
- Both traditional and sport climbing
- TOP ROPE BAN in effect; no wrapping of trees
- Quarry area is closed to climbing
- Instructional climbing not permitted
Environmental Ethics and Rock Climbing Etiquette
The escarpment habitat at Rattlesnake Point and Mount Nemo is unique and fragile. The crevices and fissures have numerous ferns and mosses while ancient cedars cling to edges and walls of cliffs. Climbers should recognize this and use environmentally conscious climbing practices such as using designated routes and tiedowns and not removing or damaging vegetation.
Rock Climbing Safety
Rock climbing is a high risk sport that requires special equipment and training. Rock climbers need helmets, harnesses, climbing shoes, and a variety of ropes and protection devices to ensure safe climbing. For beginner rock climbers, it is highly recommended that lessons be taken from a certified professional. Conservation Halton encourages safe and environmentally conscious rock climbing. Recreational climbers do not require a permit. Waiver forms warning individuals that rock climbing can be dangerous and is done at the climber’s own risk must also be signed by all instructional groups and submitted to Conservation Halton prior to climbing.
- Insurance Certificate naming The Halton Region Conservation Authority (HRCA) as additional insured. Certificate must state a policy of 5 million (minimum) per occurrence.
- Each participant must sign a HRCA waiver and waiver must be submitted to gatehouse prior to any climbing taking place (blank waivers are available at the gatehouse or can be e mailed to instructor prior to event).
Number of Permits* | Fee (HST Included) | Instructional Fee (HST Included) |
1 permit | $30.00 | $6.00/participant |
1 to 10 permits | $285.00 | |
10 to 30 permits | $370.00 | |
30 or more permits | $485.00 |
External Rock Climbing Links
- Adventureworks! Associates Inc. - adventureworks.org
- The Alpine Club of Canada - alpineclubofcanada.ca
- Escarpment Outdoor Adventures - escarpmentclimbing.com
- On the Rocks Cimbing - ontherocksclimbing.com
- One Axe Pursuits - oneaxepursuits.com
- Ontario Alliance of Climbers - ontarioallianceofclimbers.ca
- Zen Climb - zenclimb.com