Explore Our Outdoor Recreation Programming
We offer McMaster University students, staff, faculty and community groups the opportunity to experience the natural environment and gain valuable life and outdoor skills. Our three primary goals are to help participants enjoy the many beautiful natural areas around Hamilton and throughout North America, engage people in adventure programming to enrich personal and group efficacy and provide outdoor skill and recreation programs.
We offer a variety of outdoor recreation options so there is truly something for everyone! For more information, you can browse the information on this page or email our team at altitud@mcmaster.ca.
Discover Our Outdoor Facilities
Alpine Tower
The Alpine Tower creates the ideal setting for fostering teambuilding, improving communication, and developing self-esteem. Visually dramatic, our most popular...
ALTITUDE Bonfire Pit
Great social time and group experience 2-3 hrs – groups of 10-150 people Firewood is provided and a staff person...
Feather Family Climbing Gym
Located within The Pulse Fitness Centre, our state-of-the-art Climbing Gym offers a large space for Top Rope Climbing and Bouldering....
Outdoor Fitness Circuit
With donations through the Student Life Enhancement Fund, the Outdoor Activity Space was installed at the north end of the...
Testimonials
“The display of teamwork blew me off my feet. The collaboration, determination and cooperation within the team was incredible. On behalf of my team, I would like to thank you and your staff for bringing our team closer together. Your program is definitely one that I would recommend to all teams out there.”
“It was AWESOME! [The staff] made everything very safe, professional and fun! They encouraged us…despite fear of heights …all the way to the top.”
“This experience for the participants has started a new conversation around the need and importance of post-secondary and the tons of opportunities to be obtained”
Nature at McMaster
Interested in nature and getting involved in stewardship projects? Nature at McMaster manages McMaster’s natural areas and hosts events such as interpretive hikes, tree plantings, invasive removals and performs species surveys.
ALTITUDE Team Development Programs
ALTITUDE (Achieving Leadership Through Integrating Teamwork, Unity, Dedication and Empowerment) is a program designed to offer leadership, experiential education and team-building experiences to students, youth, adults, sports teams, business organizations and more. Our goal is to educate participants about group dynamics, the role and expectations of a leader and how members of a team/group can function most effectively — empowering individuals and groups through the use of adventure programming, team building and leadership development initiatives.
ALTITUDE programs are customized based on your group’s goals, dynamics and available time. We can provide customized experiences for a variety of groups including:
- School groups
- Sports teams
- McMaster groups (student, staff and faculty)
- Community groups
- Corporate groups
- Family and friend events
Our Facilities, Equipment and Safety:
- We climb on our Feather Family Climbing Wall and/or an Alpine Tower, both built and maintained by ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) licensed vendor Adventureworks, one of two Canadian vendors.
- Low-ropes challenge course and structures.
- We operate under OPHEA safety guidelines at all times.
Parking Fees are $7 per day on weekends and evenings, $20 on weekdays (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Our Staff:
- All our staff are selected for their leadership qualities and ability to engage participants. They are university students and positive role models.
- Our staff are all up to date with ACCT certifications and first aid qualifications.
- There is always a Lead Ropes Course Practitioner on site, who has the highest level of certification offered by the ACCT.
- We operate on a “challenge by choice” basis; opting out of any activities is allowed by any participants at any time.
Weather Conditions and Clothing Suggestions:
- Dress appropriately for the weather, remembering you will be outside all day.
- Footwear is important! Please wear something that you can be active in.
- Sunscreen is highly recommended! Sunglasses are a good idea as well. Tower portions of the day will be cancelled in the event of:
- Thunder and lightning storms
- Severe heat, cold, wind, air quality (as indicated by Environment Canada – e.g., smog alerts, extreme wind chill, etc.)
- Note: In the event that Tower portions of the day are cancelled due to weather, they will be substituted with Indoor Climbing and group initiatives at an alternate indoor location.
Water/Drinks/Food/Snacks:
- Bring lots of water all year round.
- If you are participating in a full-day program, please bring a lunch and snacks.
- Remember you may eat more than normal as your program day will be an active one.
- Arrangements for lunch (e.g., pizza) must be coordinated with your Group’s organizer.
The Day’s Schedule:
- Every day at ALTITUDE is unique — custom-tailored to your group’s goals and requested activities. Please ensure you arrive on time!
Paperwork:
- Please ensure all forms are filled out entirely and brought with you on the day of the program.
- Consent Waiver
- Medical Form
Browse Our Current Program Offerings
Note: Prices may change and do not include taxes.
Focus on Fun
- Overview: Designed for all ages and abilities, our program includes climbing, group development initiatives, hiking and more!
- Duration: 4–6 hours
- Participants: 10–100
- Activities: Climbing (Alpine Tower or Feather Family Climbing Gym), Adventure-Based Challenges (ABC’s) and Field Initiatives.
- Optional Add-Ons: (Extra cost) Swimming, Nature Hike, Planetarium Visit and Pizza or Pita Lunch. Note: Add-ons depend on group size and stay duration.
- Cost: $45 + tax per participant
- Additional Info: Reduced rates for HWDSB High-Priority schools.
Team Leader/Player
- Overview: Designed to provide groups with valuable teamwork and leadership skills in a safe and fun environment!
- Duration: 4–6 hours
- Participants: 10–100
- Activities: Climbing (Alpine Tower or Feather Family Climbing Gym), Low Challenge Elements and Team Building Initiatives.
- Optional Add-Ons: (Extra cost) Nature Hike and Pizza or Pita Lunch. Note: Add-ons depend on group size and stay duration.
- Cost: $45 + tax per participant
- Additional Info: Reduced rates for HWDSB high-priority schools.
Multisport
- Overview: Available for students of all ages and abilities. During May & June, we welcome Grades 3–8 for a joyful day of movement and kinesthetic learning! Participate in a full day of healthy social and physical activity led by McMaster ALTITUDE Staff.
- Duration: 4–6 hours
- Participants: 10–100
- Activities: Group Development Initiatives, 2 Traditional Sports and 1 Non-Traditional Sport.
- Cost: $29 + tax per participant
- Additional Info: Reduced rates for HWDSB high-priority schools.
Team Development Initiatives
- Overview: Our half-day program at the ALTITUDE Compound offers excellent opportunities for developing group dynamics and leadership skills. Participants will explore our low ropes course and team development initiatives to discover more about themselves and their group.
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Participants: 10–100
- Activities: Low Challenge Elements and Field Initiatives.
- Cost: $25 + tax per participant
- Additional Info: Reduced rates for HWDSB high-priority schools.
ALTITUDE Sport
- Overview: An innovative program designed to teach the foundations of leadership and teamwork as it relates to sport. A great start for younger athletes to understand the importance of team dynamics.
- Duration: 4–6 hours
- Participants: 10–20
- Activities: Climbing (Alpine Tower or Feather Family Climbing Gym), Giant Swing option (additional $5/participant), Low Challenge Elements, Team Building Initiatives, Bonfire and final group debrief, and optional 1-hour workout in the HPA (additional $10/participant).
- Cost: $49 + tax per participant
Group Ascent
- Overview: Participants can climb at either the outdoor Alpine Tower or indoor Feather Family Climbing Gym.
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Participants: 10–35
- Activities: Climbing (Alpine Tower or Feather Family Climbing Gym).
- Cost: $29 per participant
Hiking
- Overview: Take a journey through the Royal Botanical Gardens Cootes Paradise Sanctuary, located just behind McMaster University! During this interpretive hike, participants will learn about trail safety, hiking etiquette, invasive species and edible plants.
- Duration: 0.5–2 hours
- Participants: 10–100
- Activities: Guided hike through the Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Cost: Determined at time of booking
Bonfires
- Overview: Enjoy a relaxing bonfire at our ALTITUDE facility. We provide the wood, group activities and staff to ensure the campfire is started by your arrival and stoked throughout the program. Groups are encouraged to bring campfire snacks, musical instruments and their best campfire stories!
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Participants: Minimum 10
- Activities: ALTITUDE Bonfire Pit and group initiatives.
- Cost: (Based on group size)
- <50 participants: $175
- 50–100 participants: $225
- 100–150 participants: $275
- 150+ participants: $350
About Outdoor Recreation Clubs
Learn how to get involved in one of McMaster’s outdoor recreation clubs.
The McMaster Climbing Club is dedicated to providing its members with a comprehensive climbing experience. We offer weekly member-only practices tailored to different skill levels: one aimed at getting beginner climbers comfortable on the wall and another which works with more intermediate climbers looking to push their climbing to the next level. We lead trips to local climbing spots, both to build climbers’ confidence and show them what southern Ontario has to offer. Throughout the year, we also host a variety of events not only for our members but also for the alumni and staff, fostering a vibrant climbing culture for all to enjoy.
Find us on Instagram or Facebook (@McMasterClimbing), email mcmasterclimbingclub@gmail.com or sign up for the newsletter
Learn more by visiting the Outdoor Club website or emailing outdoor@mcmaster.ca.
The Youth Climbing Club is a fun and challenging introduction to top roping and bouldering. This course is designed for youth ages 5–15, with a desire to climb and learn the skills to get started in the world of climbing. Children outside of that age range may participate at the discretion of the instructors. You will learn how to tie knots, climbing techniques and team skills, all under the guidance of experienced rock climbers. Designed for both experienced and non-experienced youth climbers. The course runs from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays for a total of eight sessions. Sign up in the David Braley Athletic Centre business office or online.
For more information, contact Wayne Terryberry: 905-746-4060 or email mcmasterclimbingclub@gmail.com.
About Outdoor Recreation Courses
The Outdoor Recreation program offers many ways to gain or enhance outdoor skills, including training courses. Most courses include McMaster or external certification. Most courses are offered based on demand, so they may not be scheduled each year. Please contact altitud@mcmaster.ca for course content or schedule questions.
The Standard Hike Leader is aimed at group hike leaders who typically want to develop leadership skills for leading day hikes from 5 to 20km along blazed hiking trails in Ontario.
Topics include:
- Group dynamics
- Hike planning
- Risk avoidance
- Leadership
- Trail etiquette
This course includes a certification from Hike Ontario, our province’s keenest community hiking organization. The course includes the Hike Ontario manual.
The ORCKA Canoeing Program consists of four canoeing disciplines, each with three skill levels. It begins with canoeing fundamentals (Basic Canoeing) and progresses to the highest canoeing skills level (Level 3).
The ORCKA Canoeing Program is the only provincially and nationally accepted canoeing program used within the province of Ontario.
This workshop is designed to help trip leaders recognize, assess, manage and avoid situations of potential risk in remote settings. We will also review the importance of establishing and maintaining a healthy group atmosphere, techniques for establishing clear goals and expectations within a trip group, and the subtleties of group dynamics. Upon successful completion of the workshop, a certificate will be awarded.
We offer a variety of wilderness first aid certifications through our partners at Wilderness Medical Associates. All courses require pre-registration and full payment upon registration. Please register at the DBAC Registration Office.
For those coming from outside of Hamilton, we also offer camping facilities to assist with your stay and during your time taking the courses. Please inquire for more information. Contact Wayne Terryberry: 905-525-9140 Ext. 2638, terryber@mcmaster.ca.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
A valued priority at ALTITUDE in developing leadership is ensuring all aspects of our environment are accessible. With our highly trained staff, we provide solutions to your accessibility needs to make the program successful. Our equipment is available and ready to use both outside at the Alpine Tower as well as in our climbing gym. If you anticipate any accessibility needs during your day at ALTITUDE, contact us beforehand so our staff can be prepared before your day starts; rest assured, all our staff are trained and ready to support your or your child’s adaptive activities.
What is the focus of ALTITUDE programming?
Your group will be participating in an active, experiential learning program. Programming is designed to facilitate team development, leadership, cooperation and communication skills in a fun and safe environment.
What training and qualifications do the ALTITUDE staff have?
The ALTITUDE staff are a professional group of enthusiastic and highly trained McMaster students and alumni. Staff are certified in the following:
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C
- High-Ropes Challenge Course Facilitation (ACCT Certification)
- Team Development Facilitation
- Vulnerable Sector Screening
Your ALTITUDE Lead Staff member will be responsible for overseeing the entire program. If you have any concerns throughout the day, please consult the Lead Staff member.
What should participants bring?
To ensure participants are prepared for the day, they should dress appropriately for the weather and activities. Each participant must complete and hand in the participant consent form sent to you in your confirmation email required by McMaster University to participate in ALTITUDE programming. Participants should bring a lunch, snacks and water. There are water bottle refill stations located within the Alpine Tower facility.
Please see the Participant and Guardian Information document that addresses the steps to prepare for the day.
Are there washrooms on site?
There are portable washrooms at the Alpine Tower facility, and flush toilet facilities in the Ivor Wynne Centre (IWC) and the David Braley Athletic Centre (DBAC).
Where can I park?
There is paid parking on site. The closest parking lot to the Alpine Tower facility is Lot H.
What is the emergency procedure?
Safety is our number one priority. Our staff members have immediate access to a first aid kit, and are trained in emergency procedures. If there is an incident or emergency during your day, it should be taken up immediately with the Lead Staff member. Your Lead Staff are to direct all emergency protocols and procedures. If there is an emergency at any time and the Lead Staff is not immediately present, please call 905-522-4135, or dial 88 from a McMaster phone to reach the emergency services.
What are the options for food and catering?
You are welcome to bring your own food, order pizza ($7 per participant + HST) or pitas ($12 per participant + HST), or order catering through McMaster’s Paradise Catering service. If you choose to order catering, please order directly through the catering service in advance of the program.
How do I book a program?
ALTITUDE programming must be booked in advance. You can book online. You will be asked to confirm your total number of expected participants 1 week prior to your program to ensure proper staffing of the program.
What is the payment policy?
You will be invoiced via email approximately 1 week following the program. Details of payment will be provided when invoiced. Accepted payment methods include cash, credit card, cheque, and internal account transfer (McMaster organizations only). Please provide payment within the 2 weeks following the program.
What is the cancellation policy?
For cancellations made 72 hours before the start time of your program there will be no charge incurred. Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the start time of your program or failure to attend the program will result in a 50% fee based off of total costs.
What is the bad weather policy?
ALTITUDE programming will run rain or shine. In the event of a rainy day or extreme weather (high winds, thunderstorms, heat warnings, wildfire smoke), climbing and initiatives can be moved indoors to the Feather Family Climbing Wall and gym. In certain circumstances, the group contact and ALTITUDE Program Coordinator will collectively decide whether or not to move forward with programming.
