Of Rock and Chalk

Of Rock and Chalk on Ontario Street in Newmarket is one of the province's oldest climbing gyms, according to Gripped. It was opened to introduce York Region to climbing, and many Canadian climbers got their start on its walls, Sonnie Trotter among them in the mid-1990s. Destination Ontario lists it among the best indoor climbing gyms in the province.

The gym offers over 46 routes from 10 to 37 feet high, with simulated rock faces, chimney and crack climbing, and top rope and lead areas. Ten auto belays let climbers head up the high walls without a partner, and Destination Ontario counts six dedicated bouldering areas. Every Thursday evening an adult social climb ends with a group trip down the street for a bite or a pint. The gym also runs youth lessons, a Learn the Ropes belay course, a lead course, and summer and March Break camps. A day pass is $26 plus HST.