Indoor Rock Climbing Club
Indoor Rock Climbing is one of Canada’s fastest growing sports and Garrison Petawawa’s Indoor Rock Climbing Club offers the best climbing in the Ottawa Valley!
The Indoor Rock Climbing Club (IRCC) operates two walls at Garrison Petawawa, offering 17 climbing lanes in a range of techniques and styles to challenge climbers of every level! The season typically runs from October to May of the following year, and activities include regular climbing hours two nights a week, as well as groups and events on occasion.
All participants must complete the course ‘Intro to Belay’ and/or a Skills Test prior to climbing during Open Gym hours.
To register for the course, email us at [email protected].
For experienced top rope belayers or participants who have completed the course within the last 12 months, you can choose to proceed directly to the Skill Test.
Participants have the option of paying a drop-in fee or purchasing a membership for the season. See below for details
HOURS OF OPERATION
Open Gym
Dundonald Hall
Mondays to Wednesdays, 5-8 pm
DROP-IN / MEMBERSHIP RATES
Memberships are available for purchase ONLINE or in-person at the Recreation Complex during regular operating hours.
Non PSP Plan Members who purchase online will need to obtain a membership card from the Recreation Complex.
Drop-In
Individual: $16
Family: $29
Monthly Membership
Individual: $24
Family: $43
Seasonal Membership
Individual: $140
Family: $250
*Note: For Non PSP Plan Members an initial administration fee of $45 applies when the membership is activated. If you choose to purchase a monthly plan, you will need to register each month. Memberships are not auto-renewable.
**Children must be accompanied by a parent and/or guardian**
GEAR RENTAL
Harnesses, belay devices, and shoes are available for no additional cost.
GROUPS
Group bookings can be accommodated, subject to volunteer availability.
Email [email protected] to make arrangements.
Programs
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Intro to Belay
A complimentary and MANDATORY course required for all participants. This course will provide the necessary skills to top rope belay using either a passive or active belay device, in a safe and controlled environment. Devices are provided by the club or you can bring your own subject to inspection and approval.
Following the completion of this course, participants will:- Understand the equipment used for climbing top rope including shoes, harness, passive belay device, and rope management.
- How to tie a figure eight knot.
- Use basic techniques to climb beginner routes
- Be able to belay in a safe and controlled manner
FREE for all participants including members, drop-ins, and special events. Children under 14 years of age are not eligible to take this course. Children are welcome to climb with a parent/guardian who has completed the course and/or skills test.
Course Dates
Every Wednesday during open season (Oct - May).Timings (approx. 1hr)
6-7pm & 7-8pmTo register for one of the above time slots, email [email protected] and an instructor will be assigned to you.
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Intro to Lead
The lead climbing course is for climbers who are already skilled at climbing in top rope. Over 2 days (3 hrs/day) this course allows you to learn a different belay technique (more advanced), how to take a controlled and safe fall and how to clip yourself to the wall during the progressive ascent.
Prerequisites
Completion of Intro to Belay course and climb a level 5.10 easily.
To pass the course, participant must be able to demonstrate:- Proper clipping technique
- Safe and controlled belay technique
- How to take/catch a fall
- Describe errors that can occur and how to correct them
Course Dates
Saturday & Sunday 10:00am to 2:00pm | 22 & 23 February 2025
Costs
PSP Plan Members $65
Note: For Non PSP Plan Members an administration fee of $45 applies.
Register Now -
Youth Program
Ages 6-12 yrs
This is a six week course designed to introduce participants to climbing using basic techniques, games and skills-based exercises to build confidence in a fun and safe environment with certified instructors.
Maximum capacity is 12 participants per session.Costs
PSP Plan Member $140 | Non PSP Plan $185
Note: Parents must be in attendance for the duration of the course due to the nature of the sport.Course Dates - Thursdays
Fall Sessions (Oct-Nov)
Winter Sessions (Jan-Feb)
Spring Sessions (Mar-Apr)Register Online
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do I wear? What shoes do I need? What do I bring?
Unrestrictive clothing that allows for free movement is recommended - think athletic, exercise, or yoga wear. Children under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. Harnesses, belay devices, shoes and children’s helmets are available during Open Gym hours at the Recreation Complex. Bring a water bottle as bottled water is not available. Water fountains are available in the facility to fill personal water bottles.
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Do I need a partner?
Not necessarily; lots of clients come independently. Petawawa has a great climbing community - feel free to ask around for a catch! Club volunteers will also help pair clients up when possible.
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Are other facilities' tests or military qualifications (i.e. BMO/CTO) accepted?
Sorry, no! All climbers new to the IRCC will be tested for belay skills, regardless of experience. There is no fee for a belay test.
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Can I visit the climbing walls outside of IRCC hours?
Authorised and qualified IRCC volunteers are able to open the climbing walls outside of club hours. If clients are interested in volunteering with the IRCC, email for more information. Military members with a climbing qualification (i.e. CTO, CTL, AMO, CANSOFCOM), visit the Front Desk at Dundonald Hall for details on access.
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Can I book the climbing wall for training and/or events?
To book either climbing wall for military training, reach out to your Unit Training Officer and/or the Facility Coordinator for the respective building. To book for an event, read the “Groups” section above.
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Can I bring my children? How old do they have to be to climb?
There is no minimum age for climbing. There has been members as young as 3 years old!
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Do I need to remain on site while my child/children climb?
Yes! The club is not responsible for the supervision of children. Adults must remain on site and participate by learning how to belay. All children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian.
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Do I have to belay my child/children?
Yes. While volunteers are available to answer any questions, they do not have the capacity to directly supervise children on club nights. If clients do not know how to belay, intro lessons are available every week and take a minimum of one hour to complete - see “Programs” above for details.
