Welcome to Boulderz! We’re excited to have you join the climbing community, and we’ve made it super simple for you to get started. Here’s what you need to know before your first visit:
Before you Arrive
Save time at check-in by completing your waiver online beforehand. It’s quick and easy.
If it’s your first time at Boulderz, we recommend one of these two great options to get started:
- Single Visit: Pay for admission and rent any gear you need—perfect if you want to try it out for a day.
- Intro to Boulderz: For the price of just two visits, enjoy unlimited climbing for two weeks! Rentals are included for the entire duration, making it the best value for beginners.
View our pricing options for each gym:
Don’t worry if you don’t have gear — we’ve got you covered! We rent out climbing shoes, harnesses, and chalk. Just remember to bring socks for rental shoes.
Check out our Rental prices for each gym below:
Wear light, stretchy clothes that allow you to move freely. Comfort is key!
Get Familiar with Our Gyms
Each Boulderz location offers unique climbing experiences, from beginner-friendly spaces to advanced training walls. Explore our facilities, learn about the features at each gym, and find the perfect spot to start your climb.
Once you’re Here
Orientation
Every new climber will start with a brief Ground School Orientation. It’s just a quick intro to help you learn the basics and get comfortable in the gym. Then, you’re ready to start climbing!
Climbing Options for You
Bouldering
Bouldering is a form of climbing that takes place on lower walls without ropes. The climbs (called “problems”) are lower to the ground, ranging from 8-15 feet high and are done over a mat to cushion your landing. Since no ropes or harnesses are involved, bouldering is a great entry point for beginners who want to focus on movement and technique.
- Why it’s great for beginners: No need to learn how to use ropes or harnesses; just climb! You can start with beginner-level routes and progress at your own pace.
- How difficulty is measured: Bouldering routes are graded with “B” for beginners, while “V” grades (starting from V0) indicate progressively more challenging climbs.
Learning and practicing to fall is a fundamental part of this form of climbing. Bouldering can be dangerous and an unexpected fall can cause injury, so ensure that you are climbing at the level you are able to jump down from.
Check out Bouldering 101 – Our Beginner Bouldering Lesson
Auto Belay
Auto belay is a type of climbing where you use an automatic device that catches you and gently lowers you to the ground if you fall or finish a climb. You don’t need a partner to belay you, which makes it an excellent option for beginners who want to try climbing higher walls without a climbing buddy.
Why it’s great for beginners: It’s simple and easy to use, and you don’t need a partner. Once clipped into the auto-belay system, you can climb high and be lowered automatically.
What you need to know: Children under the age of 14 will require their adult present to clip them in to the device or supervise clipping in them in.
Where you’ll find it at Boulderz: Boulderz Etobicoke and the Junction location.
Not clipping in properly can result in serious injury due to falling. Its imperative that you pay attention to the proper procedure to clipping in and to ask a staff member if you are uncertain about anything.
Top Rope
Top rope climbing involves climbing with a rope that’s already anchored at the top of the wall. You’ll climb while your belayer (a climbing partner) controls the rope from below, keeping it tight and catching you if you fall. Top rope climbing allows you to climb much higher walls than bouldering.
Why it’s great for beginners: It’s a great way to experience climbing higher walls, and you’ll have a partner supporting you. You can focus on learning climbing techniques with the safety of the rope system.
What you need to know: This requires that you take a lesson or come with someone who has passed a test to use the ropes. Misuse of the top rope system can be dangerous and you must check in with staff regarding their use.
Where you’ll find it at Boulderz: Top rope climbing is available at Boulderz Etobicoke, which has over 100 top rope lines.
Check out Ropes 101 – Our Beginner Top Rope Lesson
Explore More at Boulderz
Beginner Adult Programs
If you’re interested in learning more about climbing techniques, book a Beginner Bouldering Lesson or Top Rope Belay Lesson with one of our experienced instructors.
Guided Group Climbs
Looking for a fun and structured way to climb with your friends? Our Guided Group Climbs are perfect for groups. With expert instructors leading the way, the whole group can enjoy two hours of climbing with all gear included—ideal for beginners or anyone looking to improve their technique in a safe, supervised environment.
We can’t wait to see you at Boulderz! Let’s climb!