Toronto Star

Rock climbing

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Karen McGilvray began climbing in the late ’80s, be- fore the advent of dedicated rock gyms. “We climbed outside on real rock,” she says. “I love the movement of climbing and exploring the outdoor environmen­t.”

But as the popularity of the activity continues to grow in Toronto, outdoor climbing — especially in the GTA — is not always convenient. There’s also the risk from uneven terrain, falling rock, bugs, weather and sun, says McGilvray, the owner and operator of The Rock Oasis.

Her indoor rock gym preserves the best part of clim- bing, says McGilvray, “the camaraderi­e between climbers who enjoy helping each other to navigate their way up.” For this reason, it’s a great family activity. “We often watch as the children grow up and they can climb harder and harder routes until they are out- climbing their parents.”

The 25-year-old gym features 100 different roped climbing routes and, on the lower walls, 100 different boulder problems. “We change the routes and boul- ders constantly,” she says, “so there is always some- thing new.”

The Rock Oasis

204-388 Carlaw Ave., Toronto rockoasis.com

 ?? ANDREW FRANCIS WALLACE TORONTO STAR ??
ANDREW FRANCIS WALLACE TORONTO STAR

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