Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to take a lesson?
If you are not an experienced climber then you must take a lesson to learn the basic safety procedures. This is for your own safety and only costs $10 more than the cost of climbing and renting the equipment. The lesson is very interactive; we get you climbing the walls as soon as possible.

2. Do I have to book my lesson?
Yes. Please call 416-703-3434 to make a booking for your lesson. Most of our lessons fill up so we do not have space for walk-ins.

3. Can I climb alone?
Climbing is done in pairs: one climbs and one belays (manages the safety rope) and then they switch. Singles can join others for the lesson. After the lesson you can meet climbing partners at the gym or from our partner list on the bulletin board.

4. What should I wear?
Wear loose gym clothing. For example sweat pants, tights or shorts and a T-shirt. In the winter, a sweater or sweat shirt is helpful. Please bring thin socks for the climbing shoes.

5. How old does one need to be to climb?
All ages can climb. We have members from age 4 to age 70. However, in order to belay (manage the safety rope) you must be 14 years old or over. Generally, children begin to enjoy climbing around the age of 6.

6. Do I have to be very strong to climb?
If you can climb a ladder you can climb our easy walls. We have routes of varying difficulty from very easy to next-to-impossible.

7. Is there parking at The Rock Oasis?
There are a few parking spots directly in front of The Rock Oasis. There is free parking on the west side of Bathurst except between 4pm and 6pm on weekdays. Other parking can be found on side streets in the neighborhood. There is a Green P parking lot on the corner of Front and Portland (one block east of Front and Bathurst).

8. Can I bring my children to climb?
Children love climbing. Children over 12 can take the introductory lesson and learn to belay. Children under 12 can be belayed by their parent or our staff. Please call to book an instructor to get you started. All climbers under 18 must have their own parent read and sign our liability waiver. Please click on "Kids & Youth" for more information.