Where to go climbing in the Outaouais
Get ready to look up and push your limits by going climbing in the Outaouais. Whether you want to scale a tower, tackle impressive rock faces, try your hand at bouldering or take private lessons, the region has plenty of opportunities for a vertical getaway.
Rock climbing: Conquering the landscape
Base de plein air Air-Eau-Bois
Located on the shore of the Poisson Blanc Reservoir, the Base de plein air Air-Eau-Bois is a real natural sanctuary. Adults and children alike can try their hand at climbing. Tackle the climbing wall that matches your level of experience: there’s one equipped with artificial holds, one combining artificial and natural holds, and a completely natural route for those looking for a challenge!
32 Chemin de la Base de Plein Air, Denholm
$25 per person
This activity is available by reservation only and for groups of 12 or more. | Closed-toe shoes must be worn. | In case of rain or thunder, the activity may be cancelled or postponed.
Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park is ideal for experienced climbers! Bring your own equipment and immerse yourself in the heart of the forest as you climb one of the eight accessible rock faces. Consult the map of official rock climbing sectors to plan your expedition in the Home Cliff, Twin Ribs or Western Cwm sector. Hours of fun in the great outdoors!
33 Scott Road, Chelsea
Free
Ensure your safety at all times and respect the code of conduct. | To avoid damaging the rock face, mixed climbing is not allowed.
Outdoor climbing tower: Adventure all the way
Kenauk Nature
Six storeys high and with a breathtaking view of Lac du Poisson Blanc, Kenauk Nature’s outdoor climbing tower is definitely worth the effort. Purpose–built, it has 210 square metres (2,250 square feet) of climbing surface. With friends or family, challenge yourself on the 9 routes, ranging from 5.6 to 5.11 and including 3 automatic belays.
1000 Kenauk Road, Montebello
Reservations are required at all times. | Groups can book exclusive use of the site.
Indoor climbing: Top-roping, bouldering and lead climbing
Klimat Fitness & Bouldering
On rainy days or when you’re up for a challenge, join a community of climbing enthusiasts at Klimat! Discover state-of-the-art facilities and solve over 80 problems on 300 square metres (3,200 square feet) of bouldering walls. On the second floor, there’s a specialized training centre with a Kilter Board, Campus Board, climbing beam, rings, bars, and much more.
911-A Riverside Road, Wakefield
Day pass: Age 14+ – $18; Age 8–13 – $15; Age 5–7 – $12 | One- and three-month memberships are available.
There are climbing programs for children age 5 to 12 and 13 to 17. | Personal climbing coaches are also available.
Centre d’escalade - Bloc 9.81
Bloc 9.81 climbing gym in Gatineau features high quality boulders that are constantly being updated and changed to keep things interesting. In a dynamic, relaxed atmosphere, you can perfect your climbing techniques from visit to visit. For true enthusiasts, there’s a monthly Full Moon Night friendly climbing competition. After your climb, you can chat over a beer or a hearty meal in the on-site bistro.
79 De la Gappe Blvd., Gatineau
Day pass: Adult – $20.50; Student/Child: $18.50 | Shoe rental: $5.50 | Prepaid memberships, recurring monthly memberships, and 10-entry punch cards are available.
Routesetting is done on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, giving a complete gym rotation every 2 to 3 weeks. | Workshops and group lessons are available.
Altitude Gym
Discover Altitude Gym, a unique climbing centre offering over 100 top roping and/or lead climbing routes, plus a 600–square–metre bouldering area. You can also enjoy the outdoor bouldering park in warm weather. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you’ll enjoy the gym’s diverse climbing challenges.
35 Saint-Raymond Blvd., Gatineau
Day pass: Regular – $21.50; Student/Senior (65+) – $18.50; Age 12 and under – $15.50; Accompanying parent (compulsory for children 12 and under) – $9.00 | Memberships (1, 3 and 12 months) are available.
A new block space will be available by mid-June. | Climbing shoes must be worn and are available for rent. | Group rates, training programs and day camps are available.
Guided climbing trips
École d’escalade de l’Outaouais
Test your limits with experienced instructors at the École d’escalade de l’Outaouais. Sign up for guided outings to several exceptional sites: Panorama (Bowman Forest Regional Park), Gatineau Park (Eardley Escarpment sector), and Lonestar (Montebello). Whatever your training needs, you’ll be well supported!
Chemin du Lac du Brochet, Val-des-Bois
Email the guides (EscaladeOutaouais@gmail.com) for rates and reservations.
Have we inspired you to start climbing or perfect your technique? Share your knowledge and connect with fellow climbing enthusiasts on the Club alpin Outaouais Facebook page (affiliated with the Alpine Club of Canada).
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