The Guelph Grotto is situated on the territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Attiwonderonk (Neutral), Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Mississauga. Guelph’s colonial borders also hold history of the Haldimand Treaty of 1784, Treaty 3 of 1792, and Anishinaabe language. The Guelph Grotto profits and operates on land that we acknowledge and respect as Indigenous to what is currently Canada.
9 Week Youth Programs
9 Week Youth Programs
Our 2023 youth program season starts the week of September 11th, grab your spot NOW!
Alpine Stream
The Alpine Stream groups kids into similar age brackets for 9 weeks to create a setting that naturally fosters friendship and socialization through activities and games.
Beta Stream
Each course in the Beta stream is designed to teach kids different skills based on their experience, as opposed to solely their age, over the course of 9 weeks.
A WORLD OF OPTIONS
A WORLD OF OPTIONS
CLIMBING AND BEYOND, WE'VE GOT SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
AT THE GYM
AT THE GYM
“We strive to create a positive environment where everyone can have fun and crush climbs! We have an amazing community of climbers that have shaped the Grotto into the supportive and welcoming gym we love."
– Dave Perozzo, Owner
What we offer
What we offer
HERE'S A BRIEF LOOK AT WHAT TO EXPECT
BOULDERING
BOULDERING
AUTO BELAY
AUTO BELAY
Bouldering is the simplest form of climbing, requiring you to bring nothing but clean, closed toed indoor shoes! Since there are no ropes in bouldering, every fall off the boulder results in the climber falling to the protective mats below.
Bouldering routes, or “problems”, are typically very short, requiring a handful of powerful moves to complete, and is an ideal option for climbers looking to climb on their own or with friends.
Auto Belays are a great way to experience some of our taller wall climbing without the need for an experienced climbing partner operating a rope belay system (a form of climbing known as Top Rope).
The climber uses a carabiner to attach the belay system to their harness. As they begin to climb, the webbing they're attached to retracts back into the device at the top of the wall.
If the climber falls, or if they reach the top and let go, the auto belay magnets kick in to provide a smooth descent back to the ground, where the climber can try again or disconnect.
Ropes
Ropes
Advanced
Training
Advanced Training
Top Rope
Top rope climbing is a great choice if you have an experienced climbing partner who is belay certified at either the Guelph Grotto or the Junction climbing center in London.
If you already know how to belay, you must pass a belay test in order to become certified at our gym (our belay tests are free). If you do not know how to belay, you can either book a Top Rope Belay Lesson or a Just Climb session with one of our team members!
Lead Climbing
Before lead climbing/belaying at the Guelph Grotto, you must pass our lead test. Lead certification from other facilities does not qualify you to climb at the Grotto.
Already know how to top rope belay and climb confidently? Take the next step and sign up for a Lead Belay Course!
Kilter Board
The light-up app-controlled Kilter Board connects you to a worldwide database of boulder problems! With its adjustable wall angle, our Kilter Board is ideal for folks looking to improve their climbing techniques.
Moon Board
Our wooden Moon Board provides intermediate to advanced training options for climbers that are in search of demanding problems and tough move sequences.
Exercise Area
Our Exercise Area is a great space for climbers to warm up, cool down, or target specific strength training exercises to improve your overall climbing.
Please note, advanced training areas are open to those 16+
OUR PRICES
DAY PASS
DAY PASS
$21
RENTAL PACKAGE
RENTAL PACKAGE
$10.65
All day passes are good for the entire day, and include in and out privileges.
Day passes do not include gear rentals.
Rental Packages: Come with 1 harness and 1 pair of shoes
READY TO GET STARTED?
READY TO GET STARTED?
SAVE TIME WHEN YOU ARRIVE BY SIGNING YOUR WAIVER NOW
THINGS TO KNOW
THINGS TO KNOW
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AT THE GYM
Individuals under 13 years of age must be actively supervised by an adult over the age of 16 at all times.
Waivers must be completed for both climbers and individuals not climbing. Individuals under 18 years of age must have a legal parent/guardian sign a waiver on their behalf. Waivers expire after 2 years or once someone turns 18 years old.
To top rope belay (use the hanging ropes in the gym), a climber must pass a belay test at the Grotto or at Junction Climbing Centre in London. The belayer must supply their own climber. The belayer must be 13 years of age or older.
To lead climb, a climber must pass a lead test at the Grotto or at Junction Climbing Centre in London. For lead tests, each belayer must supply their own dynamic rope, GriGri, locking carabiner, and climber. Lead climbers/belayers must be 16 years of age or older. Those aged 16 and 17 must have a parental permission form signed. Lead tests may be available on a walk in basis but are not guaranteed. Contact the front desk to book a time slot at 519-767-0838.
All climbers and participants new to the facility must complete an orientation prior to entering the gym.
Clean dry shoes must be worn in the facility. Please avoid wearing light-up or flashing shoes.
We recommend becoming familiar with Grotto policies, available on our website.
