Defying gravity is the name of the game when you set out to tackle the jagged limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. Stretching 725 kilometres from Tobermory to Niagara, the Escarpment’s sedimentary rock faces are a climber’s paradise, from the 450-million-year-old fossils in the rock to the turkey vultures soaring majestically overhead. If you’re a beginner, Rattlesnake Point, just 45 minutes west of Toronto, offers easy-to-intermediate top-rope and traditional lead-climbing routes with spectacular views of the Nassagaweya Canyon. For a more challenging outing farther from home, Devil’s Glen and Metcalfe Rock, both 2.5 hours north of Toronto near Collingwood, offer a range of routes in different climbing styles for the intrepid climber.
More info: Zen Climb
What’s nearby: Hiking enthusiasts can hike the Bruce Trail from Rattlesnake Point to the restored Iroquois village at Crawford Lake Conservation Area. The park is just north of Milton, Ontario, where you can park for free and stroll down the historic main street.
How to get there: Take the 401 to Regional Road 25, turn left at Route 25 south, right onto Steels Avenue, and left on Appleby Road.
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