Ice climbing in Ontario

Ice Climbing Adventure
Introduce yourself to the challenge and thrill of Ice Climbing in the natural beauty of the Muskoka Lakes and Halliburton with Southern Ontario longest running Ice Climbing School.  Our program is located less than an hour from Bracebridge on one of Muskoka's best climbing areas. You will experience the adventure of hiking through our winter landscape to ascend 5 routes on up to 3 of the best natural Ice Falls in Ontario. Our experienced Guides will instruct you on various climbing techniques while utilizing the latest in Ice Climbing equipment. Join us for a fun and exciting day outdoors, and see why this sport is so addictive.

Location
We use a few great locations in the Muskoka area and because we are local we know which areas offer the best conditions, plus in most cases we are ready to go well before you arrive for your day of climbing. One of our favourites is Kushog Lake.

Where are you guys located?
We are located in Bracebridge, right in the heart of Muskoka. The area is well known as a cottage escape and is one of the finest recreational areas for the outdoor enthusiast. Our area receives the largest average amount of snow in Ontario and great conditions are always guaranteed from as early as mid December to as late as mid April.

How do I get there?
Our store is located at 271 Ecclestone Drive in Bracebridge, Ontario.  See Map to our Location. Our climbing trips are located around the Muskoka area within an average 30-45 minute drive from our store. When you have been notified which site you will be climbing at view the map link associated to the site and follow google directions.

Where can we stay and where do we eat?
There are many good places to stay and dine around Bracebridge close to our store.  For food we have our favourites, including Wabora for Sushi, Bo’s Thai, and the Old Station for regular fare. Download (link) our area map here or pick up a printed copy at Riverside Inn or at the shop.

Bracebridge Accomodations <http://www.bracebridge.com/accommodation.html

Bracebridge Dining http://www.bracebridge.com/dining_restaurants.html

I have never ice climbed before in my life. Can I take this course?
Absolutely! Introduction to ice climbing courses are specifically designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in ice climbing. These courses cater to beginners, providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and guidance to safely and confidently engage in this thrilling winter sport.

Who should take an intermediate course ?
Intermediate ice climbing is a course designed for those who have taken our Intro course or feel they are fit and capable enough to take on a more difficult challenge. It is ideal for those who have done indoor or outdoor climbing and would like to try it outdoor on frozen waterfalls for the first time. Some of our clients come out every year  or this course even if they have climbed before because they like to know that our top-notch instructors set the routes they are climbing and we provide all the best gear.

What if I arrive Late?
If you arrive late please contact your guide with the mobile phone# provided and arrangements can be made to assist you in joining the group. Due to the nature of this activity if you are more than a ½ hour late the group cannot wait for your arrival and you will miss out on your adventure.

How many people are in the course?
In order to ensure clients get as much instruction time as possible we maintain a Guide to Client ratio of a Maximum 1 Guide to 4 clients. Most adventures are 6 to 8 participants.

What equipment is provided?
All Technical Climbing gear is provided including Ice Axes, Ice boots, Crampons, Harnesses, Helmets, Belay Devices, ropes etc. We only use the newest gear available and believe this offers you the best modern Ice Climbing experience.  If you have any of your own equipment you would like to use please feel free and advise our staff when you are booking. We now offer rentals of gaiters and mitts. Please Inquire.

What are we required to bring?
We recommend layered clothing that is weatherproof and breathable. Include warm mitts as well as a pair of thinner gloves for climbing, proper headwear which will fit underneath helmets and 2 pairs of socks. We also recommend snow gaiters and sunglasses on sunny days. Our store offers a great selection of proper clothing and equipment. Everything you may need is available at a 10% discount to clients. If you would like to do some shopping you may order online or by phone and we can bring it to the site or better yet arrive the day before your climb to do some shopping in store and our experienced staff can provide the best advice.

Are there washrooms?
Please plan for no washroom facilities available. You may want to make a pit-stop before you arrive. Your Guide will carry some TP for any call of nature.

Should I bring a lunch?
For this trip we recommend that you bring a Medium sized pack with a lunch and energy snacks and at least 2L of water. We recommend a thermos of hot liquids to help keep warm.

How long does the course last?
Please check start and end time in the information bookled sent to you prior to the course.

How difficult are the climbs?
Ice climbing is rated on a WI scale, (Water Ice).  It starts at WI 1 (Ice Walking) and progresses all the way to the top end of the scale at WI 7+ (Professional).  Our Intermediate course will spend the day climbing WI3 to WI4. See our Intro course for easier grade climbing.

I am scared of heights. Can I do this course?
Some people have a natural fear of heights and they have found the course thrilling because of that exciting fear. You probably know yourself well and if ice climbing intrigues you, we welcome you.

I am a big guy. Will the ropes hold me?
The ropes are designed so that they can hold your truck. Unless you are as heavy as a truck, there should not be a problem. Our equipment is regularly checked between climbing days and our ropes are renewed on a regular basis.

What if I don't have a strong upper body?
Ice climbing is a combination of using your feet as well as your arms. These climbs are rated from medium to challenging so they are more vertical and will require more from your upper body. We recommend you start with our Intro course before giving this adventure a try.

How high are the frozen Icefalls?
The frozen Icefalls range from 70 feet to 90 feet.For the Intro Course we climb routes of 60 to 70 feet.

What if I get hurt or have an injury?
While fairly uncommon during these activities our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and carry a medical kit at all times. In the event of an injury you are our first priority. Steps will be taken to ensure you are safely cared for and transported should you need further attention.

Can I get a copy of the photos and video the instructor took?
The photos taken by the instructors are uploaded to our  page for you to access after your climb. We will send you an invite to view your photos once we have put them up. If you would prefer to not have your images uploaded or photos taken please let your guide know. Liv reserves the right during any of it’s courses to take images for it’s marketing purposes.

Can I organize my own group?
Yes! We gladly accept personal and corporate groups and offer discounts for group bookings. We can offer any date that works with your schedule. Email or call us for details.

Do you have gift certificates?
Yes, we can provide gift certificates for our courses. We also have a special holiday gift certificates for our ice courses. In order for these to arrive on time for the holidays please request prior to December 7

What Equipment do you Offer?
Our store offer a wide range of climbing equipment and outdoor apparel. We have everything to get you started on your own climbing pursuits and guarantee the best pricing on gear and apparel for our clients. We also offer equipment for rental to get you started.

I would love to become involved in Climbing. Can I learn with your guides?
Yes! We love to see our clients take climbing from an adventure to a regular passion and if you would like to help out with our courses you can learn rope set ups, help new climbers and become an assistant guide as well as get some more climbing in. Contact us after your climbing day and we’ll let you know how to apply.