Ice Climbing on Conservation Lands
While ice climbing may be in its formative stages in other Ontario locations, climbers have been enjoying the sport at Hamilton Conservation Authority crags for almost 25 years.
Warmer weather in the Hamilton area and the salt run-off from encroaching urban development means that ice forms less reliably than it does farther north. Still, a day spent climbing in the winter wilderness among the snow-covered hills and frozen streams, the silence broken by only the distant voices of a few Bruce Trail hikers, or perhaps the sharp calls of blue jays and brave retort of chickadees, is an experience that is not to be missed.
The Alpine Club of Canada (ACCess Committee) and the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) have reached an understanding on access to ice climbing on lands administered by the HCA. Signed waivers to permit climbing are mandatory. Climbing is currently limited to one HCA area, Tiffany Falls Conservation Area.