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jumpingrock
Nov 2, 2003, 10:30 PM
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What is the climbing scene like in Toronto? How far to the nearest decent crag etc. I have a potentail job opportunity in Toronto so I am wondering if it is worth going for it.
Thanks,
David
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geezergecko
Nov 2, 2003, 10:55 PM
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Well, you could check out the routes section under Canada->Ontario. Lots of climbing gyms. The Niagara Escarpment with lots of single pitch limestone is within an hours drive. Sport, trad, and top rope. Lots of top rope. Except for Nemo and Baldy. Not allowed there. Multi-pitch trad at Bon Echo which is 3 or 4 or so hours away. Actually, the climbing scene in Toronto sucks. Stay away. Sorry, selfish alter ego kicked in. It's not British Columbia or Alberta but then it's not Saskatchewan either.
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stevo
Nov 3, 2003, 12:11 AM
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Maybe the job is real good, but if its not don't waste your time.
The trad climbs are ok, but real short, like a half pitch. The problems are the topropers, they are everywhere, like everywhere, cloggin up every route. Then you have to deal with the whole toronto attitude thing. Maybe i just had bad experiences, but whenever I go home the last thing i want to do is climb. And that is saying alot.
I shouldn't really say anything more, cause I don't have any thing good to say. Oh but, the paddling kicks some serious ass.
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jumpingrock
Nov 3, 2003, 2:35 AM
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Righto. Stay in Edmonton would be a better choice. The job is simply one of many opportunities. I am going to apply anyway but it will not be one of my top choices. Thanks.
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ecocliffchick
Nov 4, 2003, 2:26 PM
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There is actually some spectacular climbing here in Ontario, if you avoid a couple of disasterous areas (i.e. Rattlesnake and Buffalo crags). Up on the Bruce Peninsula (less than a 2 hour drive from TO) there is spectacular limestone jutting out over georgian bay (at leat 5 crags up there), in one of the most scenic areas I've ever seen.
Locally, Nemo is a fun area with tons of trad lines, and some great sport routes. Yes, climbing on the Escarpment is one-pitch only (for the most part), but the variety that you can find in a single pitch in Ontario is tremendous.
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ericfrommichigan
Nov 4, 2003, 2:50 PM
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Agreed, for me a 6 hour drive, but Lions Head is definitely worth the 6 (or the 2 from Toronto) hours in the car. HMMMM been quite a few years since my last trip up there..... Getting an itch..... I am up in Toronto quite a bit for work and usually get zapped by the weather demons, so lately my main crag up there has been the "Rock Oasis" but by and far an awesome gym with Outdoor climbing in mind as far as route setting goes.
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findingit
Nov 4, 2003, 2:50 PM
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Although I'm native to Calgary and itchin to get back, I have to defend Toronto:
Don't listen to the nay sayers.....true the Toronto area doesn't have gangs of multi-pitch or splitter hand cracks. And true some people you meet in the gym don't fit that "western climbing scene mentality". But as for the climbing, there is high quality single pitch limestone that will keep you busy for many seasons. I've climbed trad routes within an hour of Toronto that compare to any of the classics in Kentucky or the Gunks (except for the height of the gunks). And you will seldom be able to find climbing that offers as much exposure and excitement as in Bon Echo or up at Lion's Head. Beautiful cliffs soaring up out of the lakes, hanging belays, belaying out of the boat and all that great sh*t. I wouldn't pass up the oportunity to come check out the rock here.
Drop me a line if you come out here, I'll do my best to make sure you don't go away disapointed, but I won't have to work very hard. Once you rap down to the belay at Lion's Head the first time, you'll be hooked.
For me as a Canadian, climbing at Lion's Head is something akin to climbing the Yam.......you have to do it atleast once just to experience something classic.
Good luck with your decision......
later
clint.
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findingit
Nov 4, 2003, 2:53 PM
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oh and that comment about top ropers cloggin all the routes is horse sh*t, I've never once experienced this.
Ok so it's unecessary for me to get beligerent, but I really don't like someone painting such a broad negative stroke. Every region has that area where all the outdoor tour co.s go with their TRs and whatnot.....that area comprises about 1% of Ontario rock. You can go many places where you may not see anyone all day.
Let's get real here, Ontario kicks ass. :twisted:
come on out and see for yourself.
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jumpingrock
Jan 16, 2004, 11:22 PM
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All right well it's a differant job but same result. Looks like there is a good chance I will be heading for Toronto. Kinda (very) nervous.
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obsessed
Jan 18, 2004, 4:46 AM
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Registered: Sep 26, 2003
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I noticed no one mentioned the Niagara Glen for bouldering...Only an hour and a half from Toronto is the best bouldering in Ontario!!! You really should go check it out when you get here...even if your not really into bouldering, you may get hooked!! If you need someone to show you around there, let me know :)
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henryflaig
Aug 26, 2008, 1:36 AM
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Registered: Aug 25, 2008
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yo thats sounds strait i have some family in toronto and georgian bay.. is there any good climbing near g bay barrie area or just bruce point
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binrat
Aug 26, 2008, 2:35 AM
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henryflaig wrote: yo thats sounds strait i have some family in toronto and georgian bay.. is there any good climbing near g bay barrie area or just bruce point
lots ofclimbing in the area. check it out in the routes area.
binrat
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granite_grrl
Aug 26, 2008, 11:40 AM
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Registered: Oct 25, 2002
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Wow, blast from the past. David has already come and gone from the Toronto area.
Concerning S.Ontario climbing the easiest thing is to pick up the two main guide books (the sport one and the other general one) and see what's out there.
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