Gunton Quarry

Updated: 2002/07/09 Tue

Gunton Quarry

UPDATE July 9, 2002: I've been informed that Gunton quarry has been closed to the public. Please visit: The Alpine Club of Canada's NW Ontario/SE Manitoba Climbing Guide for possible alternate sites.

Gunton is a small community about 50km N of Winnipeg. Tucked away in the bush are two abandoned quarries with perfect rock faces for climbing. Although their height is limited to 30 feet at most they offer a range of levels from 5.2 to 5.11 and higher. Bolts are set in at strategic points along the top of climbing areas although belayers will need to find their own anchor. How to get there: If you're in Winnipeg you can head N on Route 90 (Kenaston/King Edward) for about an half hour beyond city limits. Gunton will be a turn off to the W. Drive through Gunton until you hit a set of railway tracks with a dirt path running beside them. Head S for about 2km--until you pass the remains of a stone building, you can't miss it. Since this is a former quarry the only equipment you'll find there are bolts in the rocks above the cliffs--you'll need to supply the rest.

There are a variety of faces to tackle. For some you don't even need to move your rope--simply going up the left or right side will determine the difficulty of the climb.

There are numerous cracks running throughout many of the faces. Gunton is truly impressive in the variety of challenges that it presents to novice and experience climber alike.

The height of cliffs are also enough that it's very easy to rappel down several of them. One particular face is such that there's a very easy trail leading back to the top right beside the face itself.

Return to Climbing.