Contact Us
DBAC W125
1280 Main St W
Hamilton ON, L8S 4K1
905-525-9140 x26384 or x23879
outdoor@mcmaster.ca
About Us
The Outdoor Recreation program of the McMaster University Department of Athletics and Recreation is mandated to give students and staff at McMaster University and members of the local community an opportunity to experience and explore the outdoors and develop leadership and outdoor skills . We strive to help participants in our programs enjoy the many beautiful areas around Hamilton and throughout North America.
Outdoor trips are run through our Outdoor Recreation clubs and range from local trips, to weekend trips to longer wilderness expeditions. Our skill development courses are designed to help students gain skills for recreating in the outdoors, with certification programs available to help students and community members gain seasonal and professional employment. Leadership and team building programs are run through our ALTITUDE program, while the Feather Family Climbing Wall provides climbing and fitness opportunities for members and groups.
Our Programs
Outdoor Club
The McMaster Outdoor Club, since its inception in 1960, has been devoted to helping people explore and enjoy the natural world through exciting trips, courses and activities. The Club offers a wide range of events from dog sledding to canoe tripping, heritage events to rock climbing and overnight trips to day hikes all around Ontario - for all skill levels.
ALTITUDE
ALTITUDE is a team development and leadership program, featuring the Alpine Tower (a high-ropes course) and professionally trained and certified facilitation staff.
Outdoor Leadership and Certification Courses
These courses provide opportunities to gain valuable outdoor skills and certificates. The courses offered this year include ORCKA Canoe Tripping 1 & 2, Wilderness First Aid (Beginner and Advanced), ACCT Challenge Course Technician, Group Leadership and Risk management Workshops and the Natural Areas of Hamilton Tour. These courses are all taught by instructors with extensive outdoor recreation and wilderness tripping experience.
Peak Performance
Peak performance is an innovative program designed to teach the foundations of leadership, teamwork, nutrition, movement skills, exercise progression, sport specific training and more.
Feather Family Climbing Wall
An indoor climbing wall, 30 feet wide and 36 feet high, located in the fitness facility will offer members an opportunity to reach new heights in fitness.
Climbing Club
McMaster's Climbing Club is a new initiative to promote climbing and bouldering within the McMaster Community. The club hosts frequent climbing excursions to the Niagara Glen, Rattlesnake Point, and many local climbing gyms for added variety!
Whitewater Club
McMaster Whitewater is for both experienced and novice kayakers. The club offers skill development courses for beginner kayakers in fall and winter and kayaking trips for all skill levels. Club members can expect trips ranging from 1 to 3 days, to places like the Ottawa River, Elora Gorge, Gull River or Madawaska River.
