Our Story
Welcome to East Peak Climbing, where our story is one of passion, perseverance, and community. Let us take you on a journey of how we became a pillar in our community and a beacon for climbers in Halifax.
Our CEO, Jackie Turner, discovered her love for climbing during her time at Memorial University. Recognizing the rapid growth of the climbing industry and the need for a full-service climbing gym in Halifax, Jackie was determined to bring this level of climbing to her hometown.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create connection through climbing, fostering an inclusive community that celebrates personal growth, friendship, and shared adventure.
At East Peak Climbing it’s about more than crushing hard grades and getting a good pump on, it’s about connecting with ourselves and the people around us in an environment that is a safe and inclusive space for all who want to join in.
Core Values
create connection
We strive to connect with every person who comes through our doors and provide a personalized experience that helps connect them to the sport and the community.
be inclusive
We respect and value all people, we strive to create diversity and equity in the workplace and in climbing.
support our Community
We believe in the power of the community, collaboration within the community, and giving back to the community.
Foster Sustainable Growth
We believe in ethical and responsible business practices, prioritizing people and planet over profit, ensuring our business succeeds in a way that makes sense and makes us proud.
Our Facility
Welcome to our facility, the ultimate destination for adventure seekers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Nestled within the historic walls of the iconic Oxford Theatre, our 6,700 square foot climbing gym stands as a testament to the vibrant transformation of this old movie theatre. With a breathtaking renovation, we have breathed new life into this beloved landmark, creating a space that embraces the spirit of exploration and community.
As you step into our facility, you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring climbing area, a true haven for climbers of all levels. Our full-service climbing area offers a diverse range of climbing experiences, including auto belays, top rope climbing, lead climbing, and bouldering. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner looking to test your skills, we have everything you need to challenge yourself and reach new heights.
To cater to your climbing preferences, we boast five rotating auto belays, ensuring there’s always a fresh challenge awaiting you. Additionally, our bouldering area features 20 carefully crafted problems, designed to push your strength, technique, and problem-solving abilities. For those seeking a different kind of ascent, we offer an impressive selection of 50 climbing routes, each offering its own unique thrill.
But our facility doesn’t stop at climbing. We believe in providing a holistic fitness experience, which is why we’ve created a full fitness area designed to complement your climbing journey. Equipped with state-of-the-art cardio equipment, weights, a rig, and hang boards, our fitness area is a haven for cross-training and building the strength necessary for conquering any challenge. The best part? It’s completely free for our members, ensuring you have all the tools to achieve your fitness goals.
Beyond the thrill of climbing and the burn of a great workout, our facility offers some social and multi use space. For moments of relaxation, socialization, or focused work, our member lounge provides a welcoming and comfortable environment. Take a seat, unwind, and connect with fellow climbers in this cozy space designed for camaraderie. The Mountain Room, our versatile multi-purpose room, where friendships are forged and memories are made. Whether you’re attending lessons, celebrating a birthday party, hosting a meeting, or engaging in any other community event, the Mountain Room provides a comfortable and inviting space for all your needs. Just outside the mountain room you can find our member’s lounge which offers a social space to catch up with friends, meet new people or get some work done between climbs!
Ready to invest in your own climbing gear? Look no further than our Gear Shop, where you’ll find all the climbing essentials you need to gear up for your adventures. All of our staff are climbers and a lot of them are gear junkies, we can help you find the best products to meet your needs!
When it’s time to unwind and relax, step outside to the charming patio to visit our neighbours. Take a seat, soak up the sun, and savour a delicious beer from the Oxford Taproom or indulge in a refreshing coffee from West Ender.
Our facility is more than just a climbing gym; it’s a place where community, adventure, and relaxation seamlessly come together.
Come take a look at what we have to offer through our virtual tour!
Our Team
Jackie
CEO + Founder
She/Her
Truly a Jack(ie) of all trades and does a little bit of everything at East Peak. She has a background in recreation therapy, and recreation programming. She loves big ideas, problem solving, connecting with others and helping them learn in a way that best suits their abilities. When she’s not working she is probably on a climbing trip in another country.
Jacob
Operations Manager
He/Him
Jacob used to be a frequent climber at East Peak, and loved it so much he wound up working here too! He is sure to put a smile on your face and offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. You can often find him singing along to the gym soundtrack.
Parvin
Head Setter & Coach
She/Her
Parvin used to coach the Iranian youth team but we snagged this crusher when she moved to Canada. Parvin’s worst nightmare is a day without physical activity, she’s always on the move. 10/10 guaranteed to do more pullups than you without breaking a sweat.
Ben
Shift Manager
He/Him
A veteran in the climbing industry, and a true climbing encyclopedia. Ben has done every job there is to do in the climbing industry and now spends his days sharing his knowledge. When he’s not working in the gym you can find him crushing outdoor climbs or chilling with his cat Hermes.
Ali
Coach & Route Setter
They/Them
We are not sure where Ali finds time to be a full time student in addition to all the hours they spend working at East Peak and hanging out at the Oxford taproom but they some how juggle it all! Ali does literally every job at East Peak and is extraordinary at all of them but coaching the youth development team is when you can really see their passion and experience in action.
TAMARA
She/Her
Tamara is one of our staff hailing from Ontario. She has tons of experience climbing and splits her time between exploring the outdoors and looking after her little one
Ivan
He/They
Ivan loves meeting new people and always brings the best vibes. If you have a climbing lesson or birthday party booking with them, then there will surely be smiles all around! Watch out for when they go “goblin-mode” on the climbing wall.
MOLLY
She/Her
Molly’s love for climbing and outdoor adventure go hand in hand. She loves coastal hikes with her fluffy friend Nelson, finding new boulders to play on, or having a beer at one of the many awesome breweries of Halifax. One of her favorite things about climbing is the good vibes and upbeat community that comes along with it!
Thomas
He/Him
Thomas is wrapping up his degree in Oceanography and Sustainability at Dalhousie University. When he’s out of the library he’s bound to be climbing, biking, or plotting future endeavours with his friends.
ELLE
She/Her
After flying into Halifax in September 2019, Elle sought out East Peak as a new climbing home. She’s studying commerce at Dalhousie, with an interest in Public Health, so she’s on her way to… who knows yet!
Likes include Nutella, sunsets, and obsessing over cute dogs. Dislikes include spiders (excluding Spiderman!)
VAL
She/Her
ANI
She/They
Ani started climbing out west on Vancouver Island rock (read: moss) and for the past 6 years, climbing’s been a pillar of their joy and community. The availability of gyms in Halifax was the reason they moved across the country, and they plan to stick around for a while after finishing a double major in Sustainability and History at DAL. Ani is always happy to talk about Valley Uprising, and will never be caught without a funky gym playlist!
CHARLIE
He/Him
Charlie has been climbing at East Peak since 2021, and working here since summer 2023. He is currently a student at Dalhousie.
In his free time, Charlie like to write and code games. He loves climbing, the East Peak community, and especially loves coaching people to rock climb.
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