Train at your level
climb to the next
We’ve Reset the Standard... Literally.
We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates coming to the Core as we take a bold step back to our roots - re-establishing ourselves as a training-focused climbing facility, while continuing to welcome climbers of all levels and backgrounds.
Our goal is to foster a stronger, more vibrant community that supports both
high-performance athletes and new climbers alike. Here’s what you can expect:
What's new?
We will no longer be using the same circuit grading as the Grotto. To return to our original roots as a training-focused climbing gym, our setters will be focusing their time on setting Comp Style problems for folks to train on.
Dedicated Comp Circuits
The Whale + Comp Wall
Casual Circuit
(Pink Tags) Designed for youth and newer climbers, boulder problems will require thoughtful movement on a variety of hold types. Difficulty will range from our previous circuit level Green to upper Red but all will now be tagged with Pink as part of the “casual circuit”.
Competitive Circuit
(White Tags) Targeted at high-performance climbers, this circuit will range from previous circuit level hard Orange to HARD Black. All will be tagged with White as part of the "competitive circuit”.
*There will be “zones” to replicate a competition environment, and add another element of fun and challenge!
**There will be additional youth friendly climbs amongst these new circuits for folks who are still growing and building up to the Casual Circuit
SPRAY WALL EXPANSION
The Beach
We’re turning the “Beach” into one of Ontario’s largest spray walls! This will be a gradual build-up, starting with an expanded spray section and a mix of standard circuits as we work toward a full wall of holds. (the Beach is the left-most wall when you enter the gym, to the left of the Moon Board area)
​
-
This will cater to advanced climbers and beginners, with plenty of positive (big grip) holds for warm-ups and aspiring climbers.
-
Offers endless training opportunities as the wall fills in over time.
-
We will have a little party once the full beach is covered to celebrate!
-
Setters plan to start this growth as of June 11.
faster turnaround time
Our incredible setters are taking us from a 5 week turnaround to roughly a 2 week turnaround for boulder problems (that's really fast).
​
-
Giving us a 14-day full circuit turnover, one of the fastest in Ontario!
-
There will be fresh climbs for you to take your climbing to the next level.
Frequently asked questions
What is the change happening at the Core?
-
The setting style is getting a makeover as we return to our roots as a training-focused climbing facility. Climbs will now be “comp-style”, meaning there will be a different feel to the movement on each climb, and more bigger holds will be seen in the facility!
-
We are removing the previous circuit system and replacing this with 2 circuits: Casual (pink tags), and Competitive (white tags).
When will the new Circuits be in place?
-
Answer: As of Saturday June 7th, 2025
-
Come out to our Birthday Party on Saturday June 7 to be the first to check out the new sets!
-
What does “Train at your level, climb to the next” mean to us?
-
Answer: we are re-establishing ourselves as a training-focused climbing facility, while continuing to welcome climbers of all levels and backgrounds. We will focus on fostering a gym and a setting style that attracts high performance athletes as well as folks who want to try out climbing for the first time!
Will there be any indication of what grade each climb is? Tell me more about these new circuits.
-
Answer: We will not be posting grading of our climbs. Instead we’ll be using the following climbing circuits at the Core.
-
Casual Circuit (Pink Tags) – Designed for youth and newer climbers , boulder problems will require thoughtful movement on a variety of hold types. Difficulty will range from our previous circuit level Green to upper Red but all will now be tagged with Pink as part of the “casual circuit”.
-
Note: there will be additional youth friendly climbs set between these new circuits for folks who are still growing and building up to the Casual Circuit.
-
-
Competitive Circuit (White Tags) – Targeted at high-performance climbers, this circuit will range from previous circuit level hard Orange to HARDER Black. All will be tagged with White as part of the "competitive circuit”.
-
As we try out this new setting style at the Core, we want your feedback!! Look for feedback areas in the gym to let everyone know what you think.
-
-
Why are there no climbing grades on our climbs?
-
Answer: You won’t know the grade of the climbs so that it invites creativity and the chance to try something new while climbing. This is a proven way for climbers to push themselves and try different styles of climbing that they are not typically drawn to. This also allows for folks to focus on their climbing techniques instead of “chasing grades” to develop well rounded climbers.
What will be different about the Boulder Problems?
-
Answer: Boulder problems will feel different because they will be more “comp style”, with lots of movement and fun! There will also be “zone” holds to replicate a competition environment, and adding another element of fun and challenge!
Will the Boulder Problems be all dynamic and powerful moves?
-
Answer: No. Boulder Problems will not always include a dynamic or powerful move - different problems will challenge a variety of different climbing aspects and techniques.
Does this mean that the Core is only for “high performing athletes” now?
-
Answer: Absolutely not! The Core remains a place for all climbing abilities. We are just shifting our focus back to our roots - as a space dedicated to support climbing training, strength and improvement!
What is a Spray Wall?
-
Answer: A Spray Wall is a climbing wall densely packed with climbing holds of various shapes and sizes, without predetermined routes. Climbers create their own challenges by choosing which holds to use in a sequence.
-
They are typically used for training power, endurance, and problem-solving skills.
-
Once filled, ours will be one of Ontario's LARGEST spray walls!!
-
Is the Spray Wall only for “high performing athletes”?
-
Answer: No, our Spray Wall will be filled with holds and angles for all levels of climbers to train and create their own climbs on!
How long are the circuit climbs up for?
​
- Answer: Circuit climbs will be up for 2 weeks - we are going from a 5 week turnaround time to a 2 week turnaround time!!!
-
(in a typical setting week - events and comps may effect this time)
-
What does this mean if I have a multi-gym membership with the Grotto?
-
Answer: Our multi-gym membership just got sweeter!! The grading system will no longer be the same at both gyms
-
The Grotto Circuit will remain the same
-
The Core Circuits will be the following
-
Casual Circuit (Pink Tags)
-
Competitive Circuit (White Tags)
-
-
You will have a larger variety of climbing styles to choose from with your multi-gym membership!
-
We encourage your feedback and want to know what you think!
Come check out the new sets and provide your input in person at the gym.