The Ultimate Guide to Altitude Gym in Ottawa-Gatineau for When You Want to Soar to New Heights
I got roped in by a couple of friends for a fun activity one weekend, and judging by how they described it, I’d be regretting not doing enough upper-body workouts.
The destination was Altitude Gym, which basically felt like a playground on steroids. I thought I’d just try a few things, climb a little bit, and maybe take a cool selfie with a harness.
I looked like a stressed-out koala on one of the boulder courses, while people zipped past me like Spider-Man. But hey, at least they told me I was doing a “good job”.
Then there was the Ninja Warrior course. “Oh, this looks fun”, I thought as I grabbed onto a rope and attempted to swing to the next one. But alas, I don’t possess ninja-like grip strength and fell into the soft and comforting foam pit.
Sure, I may have looked like a flailing doll through most of it, but that’s half the fun at a place like this. And you can have your fun fix too while knowing what to expect through this guide!
What is the Altitude Gym?
Altitude Gym is a series of bouldering and rock climbing centers located in Ottawa and Gatineau. It also features a Ninja Warrior obstacle course in the Kanata branch.
Ever since 2010, the Altitude Gym has made climbing activities accessible for all levels, whether you’re just starting to learn the basics or are an experienced climber looking for more challenges.
From thousands of square feet of dedicated bouldering areas to training spaces filled to the brim with advanced equipment, it has a lot of amenities for you to reach new heights.
Its state-of-the-art facilities are only a part of the experience. With a team of expert coaches and a warm and inclusive community, Altitude Gym is one of the premier destinations for the sport of climbing in Ottawa.
Activities and Attractions
Climbing Gym
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Altitude’s climbing gym features many opportunities to try out different types of climbing, from bouldering to auto-belay climbing.
The routes vary widely depending on the location, with the newest Orleans branch having the most space dedicated to bouldering at 17,000 square feet.
If you’re a beginner, you can start with one of the easy routes for bouldering, which are short and low routes that don’t require any safety ropes. The areas come with cushioned pads and a spotter to protect you from falls.
Their auto-belay climbing routes allow you to tackle much higher courses with the assistance of a rope. The device will automatically retract the rope as you progress through the climb, then slowly rappel you down.
The routes can reach more than 30 feet above the ground, and the difficulty varies between the adult climbing walls and those made for children.
The Kanata and Gatineau locations offer several great top-rope routes for a more hands-on challenge. It’s a nice way to spend time learning the ropes with a partner as you try out sections.
Instead of an automatic mechanism, you’ll be relying on your partner to manage the rope as you ascend and descend the wall. While it’s still beginner-friendly, it requires learning proper belaying techniques.
Ninja Warrior Courses
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Aside from bouldering and rope climbing routes, Altitude Gym has built a Ninja Warrior section with multiple difficulty levels, which is perfect for when you want to move about even more.
Fast-paced and packed with action, the Ninja Warrior courses feature many challenging obstacles to test your strength, agility, and mental fortitude.
You can expect to see different elements such as swinging ropes, climbing walls, balance beams, and a range of other challenges designed to engage your entire body.
Some of our favorite sections include the Salmon Ladder, which is a large pull-up bar with rungs that you need to hop onto, and the Quintuple Steps, a set of angled platforms that you run and jump across.
The entire area is well-protected with padded zones and thick foam mats, and certain higher-impact obstacles have foam pits underneath to cushion your landing.
There’s also a scaled-down version of the course that’s perfect for kids, featuring smaller and lighter obstacles that are easier to navigate.
At the time of writing, only the Kanata location has Ninja Warrior courses, so if you’re planning to take a crack at it, you know where to go.
Altitude Gym occasionally hosts timed ninja warrior competitions, which is a great opportunity to test your speed against your friends.
The Quarry – Family Zone
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The Quarry is a special area in the Altitude Gym’s Kanata location that’s geared towards families and children. It’s designed to be more approachable yet still fun for first-timers.
The overall vibe of the section is bright, open, and very colorful, giving it a distinct atmosphere from the more advanced climbing walls.
There are many interactive elements and creative designs scattered throughout the zone, such as bridges, ladders, and different shapes.
The main features are a mix of things similar to the rest of the gym, including a kid-safe bouldering area, auto-belay walls, beginner-friendly routes, and a Ninja Warrior course.
One of the highlights of the Quarry is its augmented reality climbing wall, which is like a game-ified version of a normal wall that’s equipped with a motion recognition system.
Through the feature, visitors can play different games either as a single player or with two players.
We can say they made it easy for parents to supervise their kids due to the clear sightlines across the area. It also tends to be quieter and less crowded compared to the advanced walls.
Birthday celebrations and parties also often take place in the Quarry, and there are even instructors who facilitate climbing games and challenges.
Alt Cafe Bistro
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If you’re looking for a nice place to chill out after an intense climbing session, you can head over to the Alt Cafe Bistro, Altitude Gym’s own little hub.
Imagine a nice cafe and bakeshop in one, where you can get a variety of snacks like sandwiches, wraps, protein bars, fruit, and even salads.
Their paninis are one of their best baked goods. They’re always fresh out of the oven and quite flavorful in every bite.
Alt Cafe Bistro is also known for its nice selection of drinks. The coffee menu alone includes drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos – perfect for early-morning climbers.
We found that the cold beverages go quite nicely with their snacks, like fresh smoothies, protein shakes, and other sources of hydration.
Be sure to stop by now and then to try out their seasonal drinks, such as iced matcha in the summer or pumpkin spice in the fall.
Aside from the food and drinks, the overall vibe of the place is warm, casual, and modern with its bar-style seating. It’s a simple yet soothing way to recharge and socialize.
Planning Your Visit
Locations and Hours
Altitude Gym Gatineau
Address: 35 Saint-Raymond Blvd, Gatineau, QC
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 9:00am – 11:00pm
- Sat – Sun: 9:00am – 10:00pm
Features:
- 6,000 square feet of area for bouldering
- 100+ top rope and lead rope routes
- 12 auto-belay stations
- Dedicated training area with weights and Moonwall
- Kid’s zone
- Climbing gear and apparel shop
- Outdoor bouldering park
Altitude Gym Kanata
Address: 501 Palladium Drive, Stittsville
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 9:00am – 11:00pm
- Sat – Sun: 9:00am – 10:00pm
Features:
- 13,500 square feet of area for bouldering
- Family and beginner-friendly boulder section
- 30-foot auto-belay routes
- Training area with Moonwall and Platinum Rig
- Full Ninja Warrior obstacle course
Altitude Gym Orleans
Address: 265 Centrum Blvd, Orleans
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 9:00am – 11:00pm
- Sat – Sun: 9:00am – 10:00pm
Features:
- 17,000 square feet of area for bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing
- Fitness and training area with free weights and boards
- Auto-belay stations
- Kid-friendly climbing zone
- Alt Cafe Bistro relaxation area
Admissions and Packages
Below are the various admission rates and packages available for all Altitude Gym branches.
Basic Daily Rates
Adult/General Admission: $21.50
Student: $18.50
12 & Under: $15.50
Companion for 12 & Under: $9.00
Punchcard Passes (10 Visits)
Adult: $200
Student: $160
12 & Under: $120
Rentals
Shoes: $6.50
Harness: $6
Ropes: $6
Belays: $5
Memberships
1 Month: $105
3 Months: $280
12 Months: $840
Family Memberships (1 Parent & 1 Child Minimum)
12 Months First Member: $840
12 Months Additional Parent: $740
12 Months Additional Child (19 & Under): $550
All Included Package (Admission, Shoe Rental, Harness Rental)
Adult/General Admission: $30.50
Student: $27.50
12 & Under: $26
Birthday Package
8 Participants and 2 Chaperones: $300 + tax (includes 2 pizzas, 8 juices, 2 bowls of popcorn, party host, access to party room)