Written by Allison Kennedy Davies.

Living along the Niagara Escarpment, we’re blessed with some of the best climbing terrain in the East. In 2013, Jennie Elmslie of Free Spirit Tours and Leslie Timms of On The Rocks Climbing teamed up to host the first ever Beaver Valley Climbing Festival. It drew hundreds and raised thousands for the Ontario Access Coalition – a non-profit organization that works with the climbing community, landowners, conservation authorities and property managers to keep climbing and bouldering areas open in an environmentally responsible manner. The Festival returns for its third year on Saturday, July 11 in the heart of the Beaver Valley.

Events range from traditional and sport climbing competitions to climbing clinics and workshops, yoga, caving, slacklining, health workshops, bike demos, massage therapy, an Aerial Silks performance, and youth programs. On-site vendors will be selling everything from climbing gear to jewellery.

Activities run from around 9:30am to 4:30pm. The festival then heads to nearby Rob Roy where the party continues with dinner catered by The Flying Chestnut; live bands; raffles, games with prizes and more. Camping available on-site for a small fee.

All details here. Headline sponsors: On the Rocks Climbing, Bolderz Climbing Centre, Climbers Corner. Major Sponsors: MEC, The Landscape Company, True North Climbing, Living in Balance, Creative Paradox Photography, Alpine Club Toronto, Flashed. Prize sponsors include: G6 Climbing, Outland Adventure Gear, Free Spirit Tours, MEC, Patagonia, La Sportiva.