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.
After completing her degree, Jackie gained experience managing and visiting gyms across Canada and the US. Armed with knowledge and a dream, she teamed up with David, who believed in her vision and provided the resources to make East Peak Climbing a reality. We searched high and low for the ideal space with sufficient height and open area for our climbing gym, and that’s when we stumbled upon the former Oxford Theatre building at 6408 Quinpool Road. It captured our hearts immediately. The building’s history, charm, and central location made it the perfect canvas for our state-of-the-art climbing facility. The renovation of the old Oxford Theatre building took two years of meticulous planning, number crunching, securing loans, and transforming the space into what it is today. The renovation included important elements such as universal change rooms, barrier-free access, the restoration of the concession area to preserve its historic charm, and the construction of climbing structures ranging from 30 to 40 feet. We even had to demolish the sloped floor and pour a new slab to create the necessary height for the climbing wall structure!
On February 29, 2020, East Peak Climbing finally opened its doors. The corner where the Oxford Theatre stood was once again filled with life and excitement. As if destiny played a role, our opening day coincided with the 83rd anniversary of the Oxford Theatre’s grand opening in 1937. Families, couples, and friends of all ages lined up around the corner, ready to embark on a new adventure. Instead of picking up popcorn and snacks, they were now grabbing climbing harnesses and shoes, ready to experience the joy of climbing. The first couple of weeks were a dream come true for Jackie and the entire team.
With our renovation completed and doors opened we thought our biggest challenges were behind us , but we were wrong. After 16 days of operation, we were forced to close our doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the next two and a half years, we fought tooth and nail to keep East Peak Climbing alive. We reimagined our entire business plan, problem-solved, and relied on the support of our dedicated members and team. Their unwavering belief in our vision and mission allowed us to weather the storm and emerge stronger.
Today, as we reflect on the journey from dream to reality, we are grateful for the challenges we faced along the way. These challenges have taught us invaluable lessons about business, community, and the resilience of the human spirit. They have shaped who we are and will continue to guide us as we build and grow East Peak Climbing.
But our story doesn’t end there. We are proud to call the former Oxford Theatre building our home. This historic icon has been a gathering place for Haligonians for over 80 years. Our goal is to ensure that this building remains a place where people can create new memories for at least another 80 years.
As a local business committed to our community, we have put down our roots and built our business around our values. We are more than just a climbing gym. We are a community-driven business that values authenticity, people, experiences, and the environment.
At East Peak we embrace the spirit of East Coast hospitality. We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel like they’re coming home. Whether you’re an experienced climber or taking your first steps on the wall, we welcome you with open arms. Our mission is to create a climbing experience where everybody feels included, supported, and inspired.
So, come on in, make yourself at home, and let’s climb together. We can’t wait to catch up with old friends and make new ones. At East Peak Climbing, you’re more than just a climber—you’re part of our story.