Imagine: You reach the top of a cliff face after an intense climb. You unhook your harness and stand tall. Stretch your back and shake out limbs and fingers. You breathe deeply. Look out over an unbelievable vista. Finally, lift your face to the sun and let the euphoria of your accomplishment wash over you.
Welcome to the rush of rock climbing. Ontario’s got the goods to get you hooked.
At Superior Exploration, Adventure & Climbing Co., guide Shawn Parent is a climbing legend. With over 30 years of experience under his harness, scaling rock faces runs in his veins and he is the author of climbing area guidebooks. If you’re looking for the ultimate climb in Ontario, Shawn is your man.
Based in Batchawana Bay, on the southeast coast of the Lake Superior about an hour north of Sault Ste. Marie, Shawn has explored and developed climbing sites throughout the heart of Algoma wilderness. River Bend Rock is a solid climb, offering a number of routes reaching up to 30 metres and with varying degrees of difficulty. Learn multi-pitch techniques on the Summerian Slabs, with heights up to 130 metres. Alien Wall presents a more challenging climb up 140 metres. In addition, great sites at Montreal River Harbour include Ranwick Rock and Keetes Bluff.
Form novice to expert, every level of instruction and guiding is available. All climbing and safety equipment is provided for the Rock 1 and Rock 2 programs, with intermediate and advanced course climbers expected to bring their own gear.
Where to stay: Call ahead to ask about the Bed & Breakfast experience on the property. Voyageur Lodge and Cookhouse is a family run resort right in Batchawana Bay or opt for accommodations in Sault Ste. Marie.
Rock on with more climbing outfitters in Ontario:
One Axe Pursuits
Designed for the total beginner or avid gym climber, Once Axe will guide you up the cliffs at Rattlesnake Point near Milton, equipment included. Additional guided climbs offered in Elora.
Liv Outside
Paddle into Muskoka’s wilderness along the Muskoka River, stop to swim under waterfalls and rappel down a vertical granite drop of 120 ft. Equipment, gear and guide included.
Outdoor Skills And Thrills
Teaching the fundamentals, allowing the intermediate climber looking to improve or an expert looking for the hidden gems in the Thunder Bay region.
Yours Outdoors
Reach new heights in the Haliburton Highlands with guided rock climbing packages offered by Yours Outdoors in partnership with Base Camp 35.
Discover more epic outdoor adventures in Ontario at ontariotravel.net/outdoor.
Top photo credit: Superior Exploration, Adventure & Climbing Co.