The Hive Winnipeg

Manitoba Gets a New Bouldering Gym

The Hive is one of B.C.’S most popular bouldering gyms, with three locations in the Vancouver area, and they’re now heading east to Winnipeg. The Hive Winnipeg is another example of climbers going from standalone facilities to chains.

The opening was delayed until the end of August because of covid-19, but when the new Hive location opened, it introduced many Winnipeggers to the sport of climbing for their first time. The climber behind the new location is Kori Cuthbert, who partnered up with Vancouverite Andrew Coffey, who owns and operates three Hives in B.C. The space will be 12,000 square-feet and will be located at 960 Lorimer Blvd, Unit 7.

Cuthbert has been climbing for two decades and has wanted to open his own place for over 10 years. His first climbing experience was at the University of Manitoba Climbing Club during his time at the school studying kinesiology. After visiting The Hive in Vancouver, he touched base with Coffey to talk about opening a gym in the Prairies. Coffey established the first Hive in 2012 and the gym has become a must-visit for west coast climbers. The Hive North Shore hosted the Youth Boulder Nationals in February 2020.

Winnipeg is close to some great rock climbing, such as Kenora and Lac du Bonnet, but the seasons are short and the drives are long. Having a top-of-the-line bouldering gym in Winnipeg seems like it’s been a long time coming.

Montreal company Onsite is building the walls and Flashed is installing the padded floor. Kate Bell from The Hive has told us, “We also have a fifth gym slated to open in the next year in Port Coquitlam, B.c.”—gripped