Rock Room

Rock Room

Rock Room is a bouldering gym on Victoria Avenue East in Thunder Bay, set up by two local climbing partners so that the city wouldn't be without a climbing gym for long after Boulder Bear closed in autumn 2024. They set out to make it a community space with a focus on inclusion, where climbers of every background, body type and ability feel welcome.

Climbing

The gym is split into two spaces so that different groups can climb at the same time. Two large bouldering walls fill the bright main room, with a range of angles and shapes for beginners through to experts, including a large dihedral for the balancy, vertical style of climbing found at the region's crags. The steeper side has the steepest walls, a long slab and a training area with two adjustable training boards, and breakout areas beside the mats on both sides give room to rest and watch.

Programmes

Ninety-minute Begin-to-Boulder classes run by appointment for children aged 4 to 17, families and adults. Femmes and Thems Night, for women, femmes, non-binary and queer climbers of every level, takes over the gym every Monday evening, and PA-day camps for 7 to 13-year-olds run through the school year. Birthday parties and visits from schools, non-profits and workplaces can also be booked.

Visiting

An adult day pass is $24, with cheaper rates for students and youth, and every membership includes a monthly guest pass for a first-time climber. Waivers can be signed online before a first visit.