The Gym

Ontario’s Newest Bouldering Gym

Boulder Parc, Toronto

At the start of 2020, Ontario’s newest bouldering gym opened its doors. Boulder Parc in Scarborough is owned by Michael But, Edwin Chang, Mike Chien, Mabel Law and Benson Li. They came together with routesetters Jason Dionisio, Marsha Chan, Wes Moore and Matt Chapman to create a cutting-edge facility close to the heart of the province’s capital. Chapman is also the head coach of the gym’s competitive team. One of the main attractions are the Impact Climbing walls that are built in Milton. The dark stain promotes a natural esthetic that creates a chill but inspiring environment.

The facility has a base of On Site mats, which are also Canadian made and come from Montreal. “We want to grow the Canadian climbing community,” said Chang. “We feel proud to support Canadian business.” Scattered around the mats are bags with free chalk. The check-in area and most of the training area were constructed in-house by Dionisio and his local business Mosaic Maker Works. There are four campus boards that are located adjacent to an inverted staircase. The training tool is one of the only upside-down staircases in the Toronto area and features campus rungs attached to the steps.

Boulder Parc also features a regulation, hydraulically adjustable tension board with wooden holds. The routesetting focuses on holds and static moves, not just compstyle parkour problems. The volumes serve to change the angle of the wall instead of operating as holds themselves, like in many comps. The grading is accurate – within half-a-grade of what is posted.

Along with the old-school setting, Boulder Parc also has competition-style boulders of all difficulties. The fourpoint starts are marked by pink tape and offer a fun way to test your skills. There is also a 40 -degree spray wall that features the Stokt app, so climbers can make and record their own problems. The training area includes three of the best hangboards in the world: the Beastmaker 2000, the Tension Grindstone Pro and the Transgression Board. With other athletic equipment and a metal cage for calisthenics training, the facility is more than ready to meet the needs of the modern gym climber.

After you’re done climbing, feel free to lounge in the seating area. Boulder Parc also sells premium coffee and snacks. Although it’s already home to some of Ontario’s strongest climbers, it’s a place of equality and comfort between people of all backgrounds and climbing levels. It is definitely worth a visit.