Montreal is usually known for its food. At least, that was my take when researching the Canadian city. The French thing, as a Californian, scared me a little bit because I thought I would feel like I would be lost in a foreign country. I guess, in a sense, I was.
But when it comes to a good adrenaline rush, there are no language barriers because Montreal knows how to have a good time.
As an avid hiker, I'd always desired going rock climbing. Of course, outside in the wild always seemed a little too dangerous for me. So, when it was suggested that I try out one of North America's largest indoor climbing centers, Horizon Roc in Montreal, I jumped into it blindfolded and harnessed. More on that in a second.
I'd heard whispers of its immense scale and diverse offerings, so I was eager to put its reputation to the test. Would it live up to the hype or would its sheer size overwhelm my senses? I was about to find out.
My journey to Horizon Roc was seamless, a quick metro ride followed by a short, brisk walk through a quiet neighborhood. (This was a media visit, so of course I had a direct contact at the venue in case I got lost along the way.)
From the outside, the building appeared unassuming, yet stepping through its doors revealed a truly monumental space. My first impression was one of sheer awe. The climbing walls soared upwards, seemingly disappearing into the rafters, adorned with a kaleidoscope of holds in every conceivable shape and colour.
The air buzzed with a focused energy – a symphony of quiet concentration, friendly chatter and the rhythmic scrape of climbing shoes on textured surfaces. The reception area, though busy, was a hub of efficiency, and the staff were incredibly welcoming, guiding me through the registration and gear rental process with genuine smiles and helpful advice. (Again, comped as an invited guest! Thanks, bosses!)
I was given a tour of the property by the PR person and assigned an employee who would be with me for part of the time and then check on me throughout the visit. (It's a little odd going to a fun place like this by yourself, not gonna lie.) I could stay as long or as short as I wanted.
I began the experience in the expansive bouldering area, a fantastic space for warming up and tackling knotty "problems" without the need for ropes. Horizon Roc's bouldering section was a dream, featuring an impressive array of routes catering to all skill levels. I spent a good hour here, moving between different sections, solving intricate puzzles set by their skilled route setters. Each problem felt unique, demanding a blend of strength, balance and strategic thinking. The thick, reassuring crash pads allowed me to push my limits with confidence, experimenting with different techniques and movements.
Next, I transitioned to the towering top-roping and auto-belay walls. This is where Horizon Roc truly shone for a solo climber like myself. The sheer number of auto-belay lines was a godsend, allowing me to clip in and ascend independently, knowing the device would safely lower me back down. I spent hours navigating various wall angles – from delicate slabs requiring precise footwork to challenging overhangs demanding full-body engagement. The routes were thoughtfully designed, offering a rewarding blend of technicality and physical exertion. I particularly enjoyed scaling one of the taller walls, well over 50 feet, which offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire gym below – a truly exhilarating moment.
While I didn't lead climb on this visit, I couldn't help but admire the graceful ascent of more seasoned climbers on the dedicated lead walls, alongside specialized training areas like campus boards, which highlighted the gym's commitment to all levels of climbers, from novice to expert.
After I felt like I had the hang of the sport, my chaperone challenged my cockiness. He said to put on a blindfold and see how quickly I could get up one of the walls. Challenge: accepted! I'll admit, it was a weird experience at first because fear set in immediately. You're reaching blindly -- literally -- and moving up slower and slower as your hands reach and feet swing back and forth to find the next "hold." At the same time, fear sets in when you realize you have no idea how high you are. It's not a fear of heights so much as it is the worry you could fall a great distance. (Of course, you're harnessed in and being guided so tragedy isn't likely to strike.)
Horizon Roc is far more than just a climbing gym; it's a comprehensive athletic facility. I briefly explored their well-equipped fitness area, ideal for supplementary workouts (although after hours of climbing, the last thing you want is another workout), and browsed the pro shop, stocked with a wide range of climbing gear from shoes to chalk bags and guidebooks.
While I opted for a quick snack, a small cafe area offered a chance to refuel. What truly resonated with me, however, was the palpable sense of community. Despite its enormous size, the atmosphere was incredibly supportive and inclusive. (Is that a Canadian thing? I think it is.) Climbers of all backgrounds readily offered encouragement or shared "beta" (climbing advice), fostering a genuinely positive environment that made me feel instantly at home.
My day at Horizon Roc was undeniably a standout memory of my Montreal trip. It was a potent blend of physical challenge, personal accomplishment and immersion in a vibrant, welcoming community. I left feeling pleasantly sore, invigorated and with a renewed zest for the vertical world.
This is definitely a place to check out in Montreal if you're looking for a body-challenging adventure. It’s an opportunity to literally and figuratively reach new heights and I'm already looking forward to my next ascent there!
