Rock
Climbing the
Niagara Escarpment on
Manitoulin Island
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The Cup & Saucer is private land, located East of West Bay
(southwest of Little Current) on Hwy. 541.
This is approx. 30 km. from BBay, in the heart of
Manitoulin Island.
There are numerous hiking trails through
hardwood forests in this area, and is one of the most favorite climbing
places on the Island.
Numerous climbing clubs from the region schedule special trips
to Manitoulin Island to enjoy their sport.
The Cup & Saucer offers numerous climbing opportunities,
starting from Class 1, and up to "Class 5.13a"
in difficulty:
- bouldering, top roping, sport leading, trad leading, & free
climbing (for the most experienced climbers or the foolish,
not recommended)
- shear, vertical, clear rock with few handholds
- vertical, fissured rock with many simple ledges, hand, &
toeholds
- more gentle slopes that do not need climbing gear
- paths with cut steps and cable assist that young & old
climbers can tackle. I have done this with a 3 month old in a baby
backpack, as well as a 3 yr. old (close to Papa) climbing on their own
(Class 1 to 4)
- hiking paths suitable for the very young & very old, sport
wheelchairs, etc.
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The picture on the left shows the
limestone & dolomite escarpment overlooking the woods and lakes of
Manitoulin Island. This rock formation is the same as the Niagara
Escarpment in South Western Ontario, as well as the Bruce Peninsula (this
part of the escarpment is a peninsula that divides Georgian Bay from Lake
Huron).
At some locations, there are sheer cliffs with a vertical drop over 180
ft. to the forest below.
In other areas, the rock moraine sloughing off the cliff has created a
more gentle slope. There are some areas where people in wheelchairs,
crutches, or walkers can gain access to the top. |
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Have a front row seat with a
great view. You can see the North Channel, 25 km
away at the horizon.
Bring a camera, bread, cheese, and your favorite
beverage. Watch the sunrise (or sunset) from a great vantage point.
Be sure to bring a flashlight, as it's quite dark up the path through the
forest on one half of your travels.
The smooth, sheer limestone makes for a challenging
climb.
The overhang adds a great finish; maximizing the
difficulty just when you are the most tired.
For the less adventuresome, this same seat can be
reached by a path up through the forest. |
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