Did you know you there are climbing crags driving distance EAST of Regina?! There are six crags all in close proximity, so come join us in the Canadian Shield of northwestern Ontario for some fantastic climbing.

The crags, parking, and camping are approximately 3 hours from Winnipeg, 1 hour from Kenora, and 9.5 hours from Regina. The grades at the Goosenecks range from 5.6 to 5.12, so there’s fun for everyone. This crags are also accessible from the top, so leaders can set up top-rope routes at higher grades than we would lead, which means people can try some different grades and styles of climbing that you don’t often see in the gym. Leaders will be available to mentor participants on setting up and cleaning anchors, if desired. The approach is approximately 5 minutes from the parking spots, traversing over level ground.

The crags: Roadside and Lakeside (at Main Cliff), South Cliff, Paisley Park, Paisley Park West, and Cave Cliff.

Accommodations/camping: Camping is available for free at the “Hilton” and “Bellagio,” located approximately 5 minutes from the cliff down Cygnet Lake Road. The road is viewable on mapping applications for easy access, but directions and photos will also be provided to participants in the pre-trip communications. This is Crown land and there is no fee for access. The camping area has space for approximately 15 tents, a pit toilet, and fire pit. The area also edges onto Gooseneck Lake and people can bathe/cool off in the lake so long as biodegradable materials are used.

For camping with more amenities, camping is available at Cygnet Lake Lodge for $30/night. https://cygnetlake.com. Tents and RVs are welcome, and shower house and outhouse are available. A group rate may be available if enough people are staying (tenting or cabins) at the lodge.

There is a pit toilet near most crags; these were installed with the help of the ACC to minimize the impact of climbers on the local environment.

Travel: Carpooling will be encouraged. Meeting place on day 1 will be the campsite, unless participants/leaders indicate another location (e.g., Kenora or Minaki) is preferred.

Dates:

• Friday 9 August – drive Regina to the Hilton camping area
• Saturday 10 August – set up climbs at South Cliff or Roadside, depending on temperatures
• Sunday 11 August – set up climbs at Paisley Park or Paisley Park West
• Monday 12 August – return to Regina.

Food: Participants will provide for themselves. Meal planning will not be included by the trip leaders. Minaki has a small convenience store with limited supplies, so you should plan to bring groceries with you or purchase them along the way.

Gear: Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, carabiner, belay device, and helmet. The club has a limited number of harnesses and helmets available at no cost to participants on a first-come first-served basis. Please indicate on your trip application if you wish to borrow club gear. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.

Participant costs: $50 trip fee to cover equipment. Camping costs are the choice of the participant (free or at the lodge). Fuel and food costs to be covered by participants.

Participants and trip sign-up: This trip is capped at 12 participants and is beginner friendly (gym top-rope experience required, outdoor and lead experience not required). Participants must have a current ACC Great Plains Section membership. Sign up will be on a first-come first-served basis at the discretion of the trip leaders.

To express interest, contact Brianna at briannawyn@icloud.com with the subject line ACC KENORA AUGUST and provide the following information:

1. First and last name
2. Phone number
3. ACC Membership Number (must be registered with the Great Plains Section)
4. Emergency contact name and phone number
5. Rock climbing experience
6. Camping preference: Indicate if you plan to tent at “The Hilton” (free) or Cygnet Lake Lodge ($$).
7. Any gear you would like to borrow (helmet, harness, etc.)