If you’re looking to go ice climbing in Thunder Bay, I’ve got all the details for you. Winter isn’t my favourite time of the year. In fact I do what I can to avoid most of it (hello SPAIN!) but surprisingly enough, being Canadian and growing up doing many outdoor activities, sometimes even I indulge in a little winter fun.
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Thunder Bay Ice Climbing
I do find it quite ironic because I’m ‘not a winter person’ that I’m about to give you your guide to ice climbing in Thunder Bay. That’s what happens when you live in Northern Ontario and winters are incredibly long. You indulge in things you might normally never try and I’m really happy I did it. I’m sure you will be too. Anyways, let’s get into it.
Nipigon Ice Fest
Really all I need to say about ice climbing in Thunder Bay is two words: Aric Fishman. Aric is the owner of Outdoor Skills & Thrills, an outdoor adventure company based out of Thunder Bay. He’s definitely the go-to guy in the city when it comes to anything climbing related. Every year he puts on the Nipigon Ice Fest event. This is the event Derek & I attended and it’s where we learned the ins and outs of ice climbing near Thunder Bay in Nipigon, ON.
This event is perfect for beginners because there are a few climbing guides present and a full group of climbers with different skill levels. I was a complete beginner and never felt out of place which was a relief.
As part of the event, they provide all the ice climbing gear you need, including helmets, and have everything set up for the day. They also make sure safety is a top priority by pairing beginners with more experienced guides and they go over everything in detail. I was super impressed with how welcoming everyone was. Having very little climbing experience and zero ice climbing experience, I never once felt out of place or like it was annoying that I was such a beginner. I find that’s usually how these activities go. I worry that I won’t have enough experience and the hosts are so passionate about climbing that they’re incredibly happy to be sharing it with you.
Mazukama Falls Ice Climbing
Some of the best places for ice climbing in Northern Ontario is at Mazukama Falls. This is one of my favourite Northwestern Ontario waterfalls which is about 1 hour from Thunder Bay. This is where the Nipigon Ice Fest event takes place.
There’s a parking lot at the bottom where you will meet the rest of the group, grab your gear and then start the hike up to the falls where the ice climbing takes place. The hike in takes about 30 minutes and is really beautiful. It’s actually one of my favourite hikes and best waterfalls in Northern Ontario (so come back in the summer!).
Once you get to the falls you’ll see where you’ll be ice climbing. It’s a great spot because there’s an opening where the sun beams in (hopefully) and everyone can hang out in between climbs. Depending on the year (yes, I’ve gone twice so far!), the amount of ice could be different. So depending on where most of the ice is, that’s where they’ll be set up to get you started climbing. I like that there’s different sections to climb where some are shorter than others. When you get to the top of Mazukama falls, don’t forget to look behind you. In my opinion, it’s one of the best views of Lake Superior.
My main tip for ice climbing at Mazukama Falls is to dress for the weather with lots of layers and if you tend to get cold hands, I would definitely pack some hand warmers. Ice climbing is notorious for cold hands because your hands are always positioned up and it drains the heat from them. Once your hands are cold, it can be hard to hold the pick which is obviously an important part of ice climbing.
Ice climbing near Thunder Bay at Mazukama Falls was a great experience and one that I highly recommend.
