Of Rock and Chalk — Local services in Newmarket

This is a great place to go on a date for the day. We got a great deal from Groupon that included harness and shoe rentals it allowed us to use all the autobelay and bouldering routes/problems.

Being our 'first' visit the staff made sure our harnesses were worn properly before we got our safety instructions. They seemed a little oversimplified just explaining the carabiner and where not to stand, well it's really just that simple; hook your harness into the carabiner and climb. When you fall or jump off the wall the autobelay catches you.

We're going to sign up for their beginners course and make it a regular thing.

Why not five stars? (I AM NOT A CLIMBER) This facility is a little rough around the edges. It's old which is part of the appeal for me I actually used to go there as a kid. But there is a lot of wear and tear. We found a few of the holds were lose and the whole place looks like it needs a fresh coat of paint and a good scrubbing. Staff interaction. There isn't anything negative here but there was some room for improvement. I would have appreciated them to hang around during our first climb so you're comfortable with the autobelay, approach us an hour or so later to see how you're doing and follow that up when you're leaving. We exchanged our shoes at the end and didn't get a "Thanks for coming in today", "Hey hope to see you guys again", "How was it?" All we got was a "Can you describe...

Just had an amazing experience at this business and did not even get to climb. I checked the Canada day hours, it said open. My brother and I are looking into returning to climbing again. I was told " scope " out this place as it has been years since I have climbed here, he also used the word "bet" a lot not sure but there is an 11 year gap in our age so that may explain it. How ever long story short I did not call to confirm these hours ! My fault totally. However after parking and walking up it seemed open only not really. So I did what anyone would do and tried the door. It opened!! However judging from crouching Terry I believe his name is, the place was under renovation. Did I get to climb no, why sucha great review ? I was offered a discount for my time and my mistake, Terry was extremely friendly and went above and beyond for customer satisfaction and I was not even a customer yet. They had clearly been working hard and super busy which shows they are putting the time and care into the place to keep it nice and rock worthy! Still after working hard on Canada day when most of the country is relaxing they took time to talk me, give offers to me and answer all my questions. Honestly seems like a pretty legit place or " bet " place. I'd have to check with my brother on that one. I look forward to returning to Of Rock and Chalk very soon. Customer service top notch!...

Terrible experience with the Youth Class We were told to come in for a trial class (btw its not free its $30 - which is fine except...), we arrived at 4:25 did the waiver etc etc.

My daughter stood there for an hour with no one instructing her. There weren't enough ropes for kids - there wasn't enough instructors. One instructor had one student climb up and down 3 or 4 times while my daughter just stood there waiting.

At 5:35 I finally went to the front desk to complain and explain how this was a waste of my money (the class ends at 6pm my daughter got a harness on at 5:20) They finally took the one girl who kept going up and down off (instructor clearly knew this girl) and clipped my daughter in for a quick 1 min climb. She got unclipped and she stood to the side again - I had enough I took her harness off myself and we left.

I emailed the owner and no one has responded back. I spoke with a few local mom friends (wish i did this earlier) and they said the same thing - ignored the kids. My daughter had a 2 min lesson, where I had to put her harness on and it cost $30. This is unacceptable - and to not email me back at all when you were SOO keen for me to come to your "trial' class is appalling. I would NEVER...