You’ve had your fill of plastic holds and now you’re craving some real rock outdoors? Here are a few interesting destinations, depending on the type of weather you might encounter during the fall. Of course, having access to transportation or friends who do is something to consider.
The thermometer stubbornly remains high? No worries.
Bas Saint-Laurent
A good way to seek out cooler weather is to head to Bas Saint-Laurent, where a fresh breeze sweeps through while the rest of Quebec is sweltering. The bouldering here is of good quality, and the approach hikes can be quite short, depending on the area. And the scenery and food? A winning combination.
Photo by Ben Bouchard
Smuggler’s Notch
If it’s hot, don’t hesitate to head south to neighboring Vermont. Since “Smuggs” is at a higher altitude, you’ll shave off a few degrees even if it’s summer elsewhere. It’s a paradise for climbers of all levels: some V4s are stunning, and just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find V12s with heinous crimps. The growing popularity of this destination has led to new developments in recent years, so there’s a wide range of options available. With minimal approach hikes, it’s hard to ask for more!
Photo by tshiele
Finally, the good conditions are here. Quickly, go explore these destinations!
The Laurentians
Of course, there’s Val-David, with its slopers and classic problems that will leave your fingers more raw than ever. But the great boulders don’t stop there! A bit further north, Kanata offers numerous problems to explore. And that’s not to mention other sites—where access is not an issue—where you can find a variety of problems, angles, and hold types that will give you a broad repertoire of boulders.
Photo by Yves Gravelle
Snowy Mountain
This is a unique experience in the Northeast United States: granite, sculpted by the wind, sometimes resembling Swiss cheese. Many problems are quite gymnastic and will remind you of what you might find in an indoor climbing gym. The site isn’t very large, but there’s enough to play around on these rocks for a few days without getting bored. Not to mention the enchanting fall scenery.
Photo by Tomas Donoso
In the “I Can’t Feel My Fingers” Category
It’s now quite cold in the province, and bundling up in multiple coats, armed with hand warmers and lots of coffee in a thermos doesn’t appeal to you? Here are some destinations that will warm your climber’s heart… though a few hours of driving will be necessary to savor this rocky nectar.
Niagara Glen
It’s said that local climbers here go at it year-round. Certainly, there’s a way to escape the freezing temperatures found here in this slightly milder area. The place boasts plenty of problems to explore—700 to be exact, which should keep you busy! Not to mention the exotic aspect: the limestone will definitely present a different challenge!
Gunks
Officially known as Shawangunks, but everyone says “the Gunks.” The place saw the rise of traditional climbing in the 70s, but the boulders at the base of the cliffs are of excellent quality. And there are plenty of them. The guidebooks only cover a small fraction of what can be climbed. A bit of sun in February with good conditions, and you could be climbing in a sweater. Nice plan, right? Plus, the nearby town of New Paltz is very charming. That said, it’s far from Quebec’s granite. The quartz conglomerate that shapes the local rocks requires some adjustment, and picky climbers might not enjoy it at all.
Photo by Jesse Jiryu Davis