See below for answers to a number of frequently asked questions about the Beaver Valley Climbing Festival:
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- Is this a fundraiser event?
- When and where is the festival?
- Do I need to buy a ticket to attend?
- What’s included in the cost of a ticket?
- What isn’t included in the cost of a ticket?
- Is parking available on site?
- So what should I bring to the festival?
- Do I need to bring my own climbing gear?
- Do kids need to buy a ticket?
- Do I need to sign up separately for clinics?
- What is the refund policy?
- How do I transfer a ticket to someone else?
- What if it rains?
- Do I need to be an experienced climber to attend?
- Can I bring my dog?
- What’s the situation with toilets, drinking water and garbage?
- What’s for dinner on Saturday?
Is this a fundraiser event?
It is! The Beaver Valley Climbing Festival provides financial support for the Ontario Alliance of Climbers. The OAC is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to advocating for access to outdoor climbing areas by building relationships with land owners, land managers and government, and engaging with Ontario’s climbing community. Learn more about what we do here.
When and where is the festival?
The Beaver Valley Climbing Festival runs from August 14 – 16, 2026. It will be held at McNichol Farm, at
588004 9th Sideroad
Ravenna, Ontario
N0H 2E0
Returning festivalgoers will remember McNichol Farm as the venue of the 2024 BVCF.
Do I need to buy a ticket to attend?
Yes. OAC members will pay a special reduced rate. We will offer two types of tickets:
- Overnight camping tickets
- Saturday day tickets, which provide access to the festival on Saturday, including dinner.
Tickets are available here.
What’s included in the cost of a camping ticket?
- Two nights of camping (camping tickets only)
- Dinner on Saturday
- Access to gear demos, friendly competitions and local vendors
- Evening music, bonfires and community connections
- All proceeds go to the OAC to support Ontario climbing access
- Parking for one vehicle
The full festival schedule will be available soon.
What is NOT included in the cost of a ticket?
Not included in the cost of a ticket are climbing clinics, transportation, camping equipment and food (with the exception of dinner on Saturday).
Is parking available on site?
Yes, parking will be available. It will be free this year, unlike the 2025 Festival.
So what should I bring to the festival?
Prepare as you would for car camping. Bring your tent, sleeping bag, water bottle, utensils, camping plates, cooler, headlamp, etc. Bring warm clothes, as cool evenings are possible even in the middle of August. Please do not bring glassware.
Do I need to bring my own climbing gear?
You should be prepared to bring your personal climbing gear including, but not limited to: helmet, climbing shoes, harness, belay device, pack, water, food, clothing layers, sun protection.
What is the refund policy?
This is a rain or shine event and tickets are non-refundable. Tickets may be resold or transferred.
How do I transfer a ticket to someone else?
To transfer a ticket, please email us at info@ontarioallianceofclimbers.ca with the name and email address of the person you’d like your ticket transferred to.
Note that tickets purchased by active OAC members can only be transferred to other active members, as OAC members receive a discounted rate.
What if it rains?
This is a rain or shine event, so prepare appropriately. Even on years when there have been brief downpours, climbing has continued, and the party raged on!
Do I need to be an experienced climber to attend?
No! We welcome all abilities and skill levels and offer clinics that range from introduction to climbing and gym to crag, to more advanced classes for those with more experience.
Note that the Beaver Valley has very limited bouldering opportunities and most climbs are only accessible for parties with a lead climber (i.e. top roping is not feasible unless someone first leads the route). If you or your partners are unable to lead, we recommend signing up for a clinic or checking out the ACC topropes!
Can I bring my dog?
We are not prohibiting dogs from the festival grounds, but owners must remain in control and pick up after their dogs, and dogs must be well behaved. If dogs are disruptive to the festival, you will be asked to leave.
What’s the situation with toilets, drinking water and garbage?
We will have porta potties on-site, with handwashing stations.
Drinking water will also be available, though festival attendees will need to ensure they bring a container (i.e. water bottle).
You do not need to pack out your garbage from the festival grounds as there will be garbage bins available. But please help us by putting your garbage in the bins and not littering!
What’s for dinner on Saturday?
Collingwood’s Baked and Pickled will once again be providing dinner for all festival ticket holders.
Previous festivals have featured a loaded taco bar, including meat and vegan options, homemade frijoles, Mexi green rice, pico de gallo, tortilla chips, guacamole and a variety of tortillas.
To minimize garbage, attendees are encouraged to bring their own plates and cutlery, although disposable options will be available.