Basecamp - Bloor West

Basecamp

677 Bloor St West, Toronto ON M5H 1H7 

Call: (416) 855 0430 

Today we have something that is a bit different than our normal type of location. Basecamp is a climbing gym located in the Koreatown neighborhood, downtown Toronto. I will start by saying it is not perfectly accessible to all. However, given that they have really made an effort and the uniqueness of the site I wanted to highlight it here. I hope we have provided enough details for you to decide if what they offer will work for you or not. I also hope I can continue to bring more unique sites soon.  

Although I don’t personally climb, I have taken my son to this location twice now, the staff have been great, and it allows a parent with a disability access to a kid friendly activity.  

The front entrance on Bloor has one step which is solved by our friends at Stopgap. The front door is not powered but there are desk staff right at the front who can assist. Once inside there is level access to a gender natural single stall washroom. The door to the washroom is not powered and is 92 CM wide. There are no automatic features in the washroom but there are grab bars to the side and behind the toilet.  

From the front desk area to the climbing walls there are more stop gap ramps which are 94cm wide. The entire floor of the climbing area is very soft in case of a fall. I found it very hard to wheel on but was able to make my way across when I want to. This is going to be a very personal thing depending on your mobility device or needs. On the other side there is yet another ramp down into a small area that has bench seating and cubbies where climbers can put their outdoor shoes or bags. I was able to hang out in this area for a while I watched the kids climb. The second floor which features a bouldering area is not accessible by elevator sadly.  

The closest wheelchair accessible subway station is Bathurst (check out the bakery) and there is some on street parking as well. In all I think there is room for improvement to make the gym even more accessible. Powered doors would be a big help. But in a neighborhood that is older where many store fronts are not accessible at all I think they are on the right path. My son has a blast climbing as well and I appreciate the independence being able to take him them myself.