Rock Climbing

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

rock climbing at rattlesnake point

There’s a reason Rattlesnake Point is one of the most popular rock climbing spots in Ontario. You can see the brochure on rock climbing at Rattlesnake Point here. There are three designated sites with more than 235 routes where experienced rock climbers can scale challenging cliffs under a canopy of rich woods.
Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area:
  • 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 
Nassagaweya Lookout at Rattlesnake Point:
  • Both sport and traditional climbs
  • Top roping allowed
  • No wrapping of trees; use the installed anchors
  • There are 15 plus routes 
Buffalo Crag at Rattlesnake Point:
  • Traditional climbing
  • Top roping allowed
  • No wrapping of trees; use the installed anchors
  • There are 90 plus routes

Kelso

rock climbing at kelso

  • Both traditional and sport climbing
  • TOP ROPE BAN in effect; no wrapping of trees

Mount Nemo

rock climbing at mount nemo

Nothing is better than conquering a difficult climb and being rewarded by the fantastic views Mount Nemo offers. You can see our brochure for rock climbing at Mount Nemo here. There are more than 200 routes for you to scale the escarpment. 
  • 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.

All instructional groups require a permit and must submit a request for a permit prior to climbing date. Instructional climbing is only permitted at Rattlesnake Point.  In addition, we require the following:
  1. Insurance Certificate naming The Halton Region Conservation Authority (HRCA) as additional insured. Certificate must state a policy of 5 million (minimum) per occurrence.
  2. 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). 
Instructional permit fees are as follows:
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
*permits purchased in bulk packages can only be applied within calendar year

External Rock Climbing Links