The Core Climbing Gym

Fantastic experience: We had my son's 9th birthday party here tonight and the kids all had a great time! Andrew was our host and very friendly and helpful with the kids and adults! They had walls set up for every skill level. Great experience!

Fantastic experience: My son has been a big fan of this place for a while. We even signed him up for a summer camp there this year, where he basically spent all day having fun with friends, climbing, and getting a lot of good exercise. Staff was awesome, site always seems clean when I drop him off/pick him off, prices are very reasonable compared to some other places. Doesn't have quite as many paths as some of the bigger places, but it's a fantastic place for beginners and intermediates. Definitely recommend checking it out if you or your little ones are fans of climbing! I know a veteran climber that is just getting back into it after years off, and he's really enjoying Core as well.

Fantastic experience: 8 year old had a birthday here with friends. They had a blast and the staff were amazing. Highly recommended.

Positive experience: Fun routes, boulder only. Does need new boulder mats, they are super stiff.

Fantastic experience: Very nice place to have some fun for all ages. Discovered I have a little fear of heights and not enough upper body strength . Nice place though. Front desk was very helpful and welcoming. Definitely recommend

Positive experience: This place is good for people who want an alternative to the traditional gym environment feel good and accomplished in a different way

Fantastic experience: This is great bouldering place with lots of different levels for every climber. We went with our cubs and the staff were friendly and helpful. We will definitely return.

Fantastic experience: The gym is a vibe, staff always happy to help and the playlist slaps! started a couple of months ago and it’s cool to see a lively and growing community

Negative experience: Don’t not have a birthday party here! Was singing happy birthday and got told to be quiet! The kids are 10 did not enjoy the rock climbing tried to make it fun for them and the teenage staff was rude and consistently telling us to be quiet was scared to even talk ! Will call manager on Monday not cool when paying for the party room

Fantastic experience: Love the gym and the variety of setting. Amazing customer service by Noah. Would definitely revisit when I’m in the area.

Fantastic experience: Great place if you like boulders, the routes are well put together. Update after going here a couple times. The Core is certainly a fitting name, every time I go here I feel like I may not wake up the next day. The routes are maticiously put together to obliterate your body and push you to the limits. Though I find I am hard stuck blue only being able to do one red whereas other gyms I can usually do a little more, I feel like some reds here should at least be orange. The routes setter also looks like Keanu Reeves if you get a chance to see him.

Fantastic experience: My kids ages 7-12 have been going here for a few years and love it! The price is good and the staff are really friendly and helpful.

Fantastic experience: Andrew is a great coach! It’s a welcoming and positive environment

Fantastic experience: It's a hidden gem, best climbing gym I have ever been to. It's usually not too crowded so perfect for introverts like me. The staff are very friendly with extraordinary taste of music.

Negative experience: 1st time visit, took my 3g. Daughter's for a family-friendly experience, the staff was very friendly and nice. We were all disappointed, I was not informed until AFTER I HAD PAID, and everyone had changed, etc. that the entire place had been set up for a competition. There was very little the children could utilize or participate doing. It was very discouraging for the children, was very expensive disappointing experience. I mentIoned to the staff who had checked us in, I was disappointed he never shared when we came in the entire place was set up for PRO EVENT, his response was, that's not my job! Up to that point he had been very polite and accommodating. Seriously, it's totally his job to share the venue is not user friendly for small children before allowing someone to drop almost $100. for an hour of frustration. Was considering a membership there, but not after this experience. Won't be going back, don't recommend this business. Also, the entire place is very dirty.

Positive experience: Decent climbing gym. There isn't a ton of walls (I climbed most of the routes in the 2 difficulty levels closest to my ability in a single visit) but what is there is nicely laid out with good route setting. The facility was safe and well maintained. Staff were friendly.

Fantastic experience: Great staff, thanks Andrew!

Fantastic experience: Best climbing gym I have ever been. The facility is clean, well organized. The stuff are AMAZING! They create such a welcoming, diverse and encouraging environment. They update the routes pretty often so you can expose to different settings, I progressed so fast in this gym! Everyone is so nice. I absolutely love it here and I feel so lucky to find the gym, it definitely worth the drive!

Fantastic experience: Trainers and front desk workers are so friendly and helpful!

Fantastic experience: Very friendly staff and fun problems. The walls are a bit tall which I like. Great workout area

Fantastic experience: We have been for drop-in, their crushers program and now a birthday party. I have been nothing but impressed with their facilities, but moreso with their people. Always really friendly and kind with kids. Awesome community feel here.

Fantastic experience: Great place to climb!

Fantastic experience: Love this place!

Fantastic experience: Awesome place with lots of climbing paths!! Clean locker rooms and very good members etiquette when it comes to down ladders and space between climbers, etc.

Fantastic experience: Best bouldering gym in the area!!!

Fantastic experience: Everyone's friendly. Fun community and fun way to stay fit

Fantastic experience: I had a wonderful time with my daughter and her friends here. She climbs here all the time And because I love top rope she brought me as Mother's Day outing. I love it. It is very spacious, has many levels of difficulty and each level is numbered. I find this much harder to do. There is a lot of parking spots and the washrooms inside. They also provide climbing shoes. The staff was so friendly and helpful. I had a great time.

Fantastic experience: Very fun for the whole family. Staff are awesome too

Fantastic experience: Came from out of town with a group of friends. Had a blast. The staff were really awesome.

Fantastic experience: My husband and I visited core for the first time and had an absolute blast. The route setting is super fun and playful. The grading might be easier than some gyms around but I think it adds to the fun when you’re sending a lot lol. The staff are VERY FRIENDLY and helpful! We spent 2.5 hrs and wanted to keep climbing. Great gym all around.

Positive experience: Decent climbing gym, the mats are a bit firm. However, there are some interesting climbs.

Fantastic experience: One of the best gyms in the area. All of the climbers and staff are kind - I have been to other gyms where there’s a toxic “gym bro” vibe. The setting is a healthy balance of old-school pulling and modern competition boulders that span all grade levels. I mainly use this gym to train for outdoors. The spray wall is at a nice 22 (or so) degree slight overhand with an abundance of crimps, slopers, and pinches. If not for the lovely 2017 Moonboard, this would be my go-to tool. The gym is also equipped with 4 campus ladders (sloper-jug, and 3 ledge sizes), as well as multiple hangboards. The fully decked out weights area (squat/bench rack, dumbbells, rings, grip blocks, etc.) is sure to elevate your fitness level. I might be nit-picky, but one downside is the unusual grading system composed of numbers 1-9 (maybe). They don’t correlate to the V-grades which makes it a little confusing at first. All in all, this is my favourite gym in the area (KW-Cambridge).

Fantastic experience: My kids love this place every time we go! The staff are knowledgeable and take care of the guests. Went around 2pm on a Saturday and it wasn't too busy for the kids to try everything. This is a climbing for adults as well. Will return! Would be good for 10+ but they also have guided classes for younger climbers to learn the basics. My youngest took those and loved it.

Fantastic experience: Classes are a good way to learn how to climb and for a experienced climbers climbs have a good range.

Fantastic experience: Super fun and easy going for first timers. The staff were really helpful too

Fantastic experience: I attended the " Intro to Bouldering Class" just to try out indoor climbing (bouldering). It was a great experience, my Coach Jose was very calm, assuring and detailed. We started with warm-up, climbed, and ended with cool down. Highly recommended to everyone who just want to try it, or pick up a new sport ^______^

Positive experience: Great place! A variety of pricing makes it worthwhile to go a few times. Lots of fun! This place appears to be busy. Most of the climbers were regulars. They also offer lessons. They sell healthy snacks and drinks but also have water fountains. Plenty of parking.

Positive experience: Nice place for indoor mountain climbing, difficult at the start and had sore forearms and hands. A good workout for your core and back. The pricing was ok couple of years ago not sure what is the current pricing.

Fantastic experience: Awesome staff. Great gym. The routes were fun and well diverse in style. I'm 5'-7" with a +1 and there were a few routes that consistently felt reachy but that could have been it's my first time at this gym and I'm not used to the style. I would still recommend this gym to anyone. People were friendly, sociable, and supportive. Thank you setters for the fun climbs and a good time. I'll have to visit again next time I'm in the area.

Fantastic experience: Very good climbing gym with loads of boulder options. Staff is great and super friendly. Awesome place

Fantastic experience: I am giving Core 5 stars for these reasons: -Friendly staff -Climbs are good for all skill levels -Clean bathrooms -great sense of community The only things I wish would improve are: (didn’t remove a star for these things as overall the gym is great) - I wish the gym opened earlier because I would get more use out of my membership. I am a morning person and after a long day of work I don’t feel like bringing myself to the gym. I would love for Core to consider opening up early morning hours at least once per week during week days :) - I wish Core would reduce the amount of comp climbs at the gym, every time I have gone since the summer there has been majority comp climbs which reduces the value as a normal membership holder. I personally don’t like comp climbs and would rather there be a normal rating. I am only saying this because I swear the comp climbs take up around 60% of the gym, which in my opinion is a lot. I know this happens after competitions but those climbs aren’t changed for weeks after.

Fantastic experience: My kids and I really enjoy coming here to climb. We are not very experienced but there are routes set for all skill levels. Rental shoes are available for about 5 bucks if you don't have your own. I like the environment at Core as it is laid back and I think that the bouldering format is great for all skill levels and ages. With no harnesses, it is much easier for kids to explore the gym, and with a few clear rules it is easy to keep them in line and respectful for the other climbers. I have not used it, but there is also a nice training area for members with weighs, squat rack, campus board and finger boards etc.

Fantastic experience: Had a wonderful experience. The girl at the desk tonight was very polite and took the time to show me the facility. She also showed me some techniques. The crowd was very welcoming. Very easy place to walk in and feel welcomed and able to join in on a group . I will definitely return .

Fantastic experience: Love this place! Very clean, always something new to work on, a squat rack and some DBs/etc available, and affordable too!!

Fantastic experience: My son just loves this place, a great way to burn energy

Fantastic experience: Cool bouldering gym with a wide array of fun problems. Place was clean and had nice A/C.

Fantastic experience: First visit tonight took my 2 sons .What a excellent workout beyond impressed the manager was awesome to deal with very informative and professional walked us through all of the safety procedures and climbing etiquette. So impressed we signed up for the Family package. If you want a workout with your family or friends this is the place and so much fun.

Positive experience: Overall pretty good gym. The atmosphere isn't the best but the community seems to be very strong and kudos to staff for facilitating that. Overall the gym is smaller than it looks in pictures and the desity is pretty low not sure if that's just cause of the comp but there seems to be walls pretty baren. The style of setting is fairly good with a decent mix of different routes I just wish there were more of them! The orientation was good as an experienced climber I thought it was a bit long on the rules of climbing (no safety stuff) the safety aspect of it was good I would have like to see the falls covered especially with such an in depth on rules (such as 2 hand finish and hold colors). No major complaints just not the best gym out there if ur in the area definitely worth keeping.

Fantastic experience: My first experience ever bouldering was an intro class at the Core and I was instantly hooked. It was a great way to get started and learn some basics, and having climbed at other gyms this place is one of the best. The staff are incredibly friendly, they change the sets often, the space has lots of light, and they have a wide variety of climbs that are really creatively designed or sometimes straight-up whacky. I always have a good time when I climb here!

Positive experience: Love it here! I'm new to climbing and they made me feel totally welcome.

Fantastic experience: One of the best places to climb. They change the problems regularly. Very inclusive. Always clean.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic space and atmosphere!

Fantastic experience: The only place to climb in Canada (inside).

Fantastic experience: When I joined this gym I was -Stage 2 hypertension -Unable to do a single pull-up -Unable to do most/all of the V2's -Losing a fight with depression Thanks to the staff, patrons, team kids, adult "team", coaches, time and effort I am -Med free for blood pressure -Able to do enough pullups to make my non gym friends think I'm great lul -Able to send V2s while a few grades higher will occasionally go. -Winning a fight with depression -Married to someone I met at the gym The people at the Core will never know how much I owe all of them. From making meaningful friendships with others to projecting with a stranger for 15 minutes and never seeing them again. Some days I REALLY needed that session with someone. They all changed my life. If you're looking for a gym that's inclusive, accepting, helpful, and all around loving then The Core Climbing Gym is it. For those looking to get an idea of what the overall facilities are Setting is 9/10 commercial setting. If you like a bit more outdoor in your gym experience id say 7/10 but they have a moonboard. The head setter sets like a painter and has more unrealized potential than realized. Not a slight just predicting even more impressive things. I always learn something climbing here. Cleanliness is 10/10. The staff cleans daily and often. Alt Rock Barrie and The Core Climbing Gym should teach seminars to other gyms on how to keep a space clean. The larger gyms always site how much larger they are but never seem to hire more staff to compensate. The price is comparable to most Ontario gyms while falling on the more affordable side of average. My door will forever be open to The Core Climbing Gyms people.

Fantastic experience: I love this place.

Fantastic experience: Well maintained, and clean! New problems each week!!

Positive experience: Great experience for the Grand Kids!

Fantastic experience: First time for kids, excellent staff, warm and happy environment. Great activity for all ages. Family friendly

Fantastic experience: My favourite place to climb Nice place, great people.

Fantastic experience: Phenomenal time, thoroughly enjoyed and plan to come regularly!

Fantastic experience: Lots of fun. Covid measures in place. Very friendly staff willing to help out the young ones reach new heights!

Positive experience: Nice setup. I've only been twice so far, they seem to set routes fairly frequently. Down side - little kids seem to be allowed to just run around everywhere.

Fantastic experience: Friendly service and a fun, clean facility.

Fantastic experience: Jordan & team we’re awesome making us feel welcome, the atmosphere definitely added to a great first impression

Fantastic experience: Lot's of fun and the staff are very helpful and engaging

Fantastic experience: Bouldering only, but tons of it! Very approachable staff. Found it welcoming as a beginner.

Fantastic experience: Core is a very clean facility with great airflow. The boulder problems are well graded and consistent. The weightlifting area is equipped with a squat rack and space for chest press. There are free weights and elastics. The Moon Wall is enjoyed by experienced climbers. The change rooms are clean and spacious. If you are in Waterloo, Cambridge, Kitchener, or Guelph, this is the place to be. The staff are kind and courteous, and the workout is exceptional.

Fantastic experience: Tons of fun climbing all the time! I only wish they reset a little more often.

Positive experience: Haven't been inside but from widow and the people claim looks like it uld be some fun

Fantastic experience: Affordable membership, friendly crowed there, as well as staff, and as I've gotten to explore a few other climbing gyms around I've come to really appreciate how well they lay out the walls when they set them.

Fantastic experience: Been there five times, if you bring your own shoes, will be cheaper.

Fantastic experience: Amazing bouldering gym, always have new courses to keep things interesting.

Positive experience: Great gym

Fantastic experience: Just took my boys for the first time. Great staff, super friendly, everyone is really nice and the atmosphere is super positive. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Don't get to visit as often as I'd like. Great workout!

Fantastic experience: Challenging routes, friendly staff, and handles the amount of people well (never felt crowded or had to wait long for any routes)

Fantastic experience: My granddaughter has improved her strength, agility, and confidence. I love watching her, and she appreciates the support she gets from staff!

Fantastic experience: The staff are great and the space is well designed. I always enjoy my experience

Fantastic experience: Great climbing experience for first timer. Simple enough into and then just hard work! Friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: Great for all levels of climbers. Lovely staff. Great with kids.

Fantastic experience: Place is amazing. Staff were super friendly and helpful. I had a friend who wasn't feeling good, they let her in just to watch without paying. They answered all our questions and were just very friendly /chipper. The facility is great. There's a great variety of courses and difficulties. If I lived closer, I would absolutely sign up for a membership at this place. It also has a smaller area where people can also just enjoy a work out with weights, training benches, pull up bars, etc.

Fantastic experience: Standard walltopia kind of gym, bit well designed and lots of space.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic climbing gym for bouldering. Great variety, regularly updated, caters for beginners through to experienced climbers. Also a friendly community. Hours of operations are good too.

Fantastic experience: Clean and staff are friendly and climbing is a great activity for everyone. I buy a 10 pass which works well for my boys and I. What I love about climbing is that it teaches you it is okay to fail and then try again and solve the problem.

Fantastic experience: The Core is a place you can feel comfortable and not judged for being you. Whatever it is you deal with ie, weight issues, LGBTQ, women or disabilities etc. You can go to the Core and get training for whatever your skill level and not be judged. I love the friendly staff as much as the other climbers. A really amazing community at The Core. :)

Fantastic experience: Very Friendly place, great environment for learning/ training!

Fantastic experience: Settings great, gym is clean and the people are awesome.

Positive experience: Nice place. Bright clean and open gym with a lot of problems to solve. The grading system is unique but eventually you get used to it.

Fantastic experience: This is a great family friendly bouldering gym! Go for the climb stay for the community!!

Fantastic experience: Bouldering only. Good free weights. Good challenging courses too. I am amateur, not a pro sp lots I could not do

Fantastic experience: Started going here about 2 months ago. Staff is super friendly and other climbers are engaging and encouraging. Lots of diverse climbs for beginners and more experienced climbers. Can be very busy some nights but it just means I spend more hours there lol! Got a membership after a month as it pays for itself in 2 visits. Can't argue with the pricing. Climbs change weekly so you don't get bored, and it's in an ideal location only a few minutes off the 401! Will be keeping my membership for a long while.

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff. Great workout. Great for kids too.

Positive experience: So much fun, I bought a Groupon been there 2 times now and can't wait to go again. Fellow climbers of all experience are so encouraging.

Positive experience: New to this sport. Great personal service.

Fantastic experience: Tones of walls and lower ranked climbs (1,2,3's) that a newbie like myself truly appreciates. But also has lots of interesting higher combinations that my hubby loves as well.

Fantastic experience: Great kids program

Positive experience: Fun climbing gym to kill an hour or 2 with friends.

Fantastic experience: Awesome

Positive experience: Very very challenging good experience.

Fantastic experience: Great spot, good progression of problems and a friendly atmosphere