These are the rules for climbing at Tiffany Falls

Tiffany Falls is part of the Hamilton Conservation Authority. I contacted them regarding the rules to climbing at Tiffany.

The basic rule is this.... you must be a member of the Alpine club of Canada or in a course with a school that has reached an agreement with HCA. (Such as One Axe Pursuits)

You also need a $35 seasonal permit which takes a week to get.

This is the fact sheet.....

While ice climbing may be in its formative stages in other Ontario locations, climbers have been enjoying the sport at Hamilton Conservation Authority crags for almost 25 years.

Warmer weather in the Hamilton area and the salt run-off from encroaching urban development means that ice forms less reliably than it does farther north. Still, a day spent climbing in the winter wilderness among the snow-covered hills and frozen streams, the silence broken by only the distant voices of a few Bruce Trail hikers, or perhaps the sharp calls of blue jays and brave retort of chickadees, is an experience that is not to be missed.

The Alpine Club of Canada (ACCess Committee) and the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) have reached an understanding on access to ice climbing on lands administered by the HCA. Signed waivers to permit climbing are mandatory. Climbing is currently limited to two HCA areas, Tiffany Falls Conservation Area and Tews Falls in the Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area. Please note ice climbing is prohibited at Webster's Falls.

The Alpine Club of Canada ACCess Committee and Hamilton

Conservation Authority (HCA) have reached an understanding

on access to ice climbing on lands administered by the HCA.

Memorandums Of Understanding (MOU) have been signed

between the HCA, the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC), and

certain schools conducting classes.

Forwarding a signed liability waiver as application is mandatory

to receive a permit to climb. There is an administration fee of

$35.00 plus HST, for processing each application-waiver. Methods of payment are

listed below.

The HCA encourages people to visit these areas along the Niagara Escarpment and has

undertaken projects that will reduce the impact of Conservation Area users. Ice climbing

will be secondary to the protection of the Niagara Escarpment’s important geological,

biological and cultural heritage. A “leave no trace” ethic will be the guiding principle that

will help ensure climbers continue to have access to ice climbing in the Hamilton region.

 All HCA lands are closed to climbing except for ice climbing between 1st

December and 31st March each year.

 Ice climbing is permitted only at Tiffany Falls Conservation Area, Felker’s Falls

Conservation Area, and Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area (climbing prohibited

at Webster’s Falls but permitted at Tews Falls).

 Installation of permanent anchors on the face or top of the escarpment is

prohibited.

 Individual climbers must be members of the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC), or be

attending an ice climbing class with a school that has signed a Memorandum of

Understanding with HCA.

 Schools will be required to provide a satisfactory certificate of liability insurance.

ACC members attending a Toronto section-climbing day are covered by a

certificate issued by the ACC office in Canmore. You may contact the ACCess

Committee Chairperson for more information.

 Crampons or similar devices must be removed from footwear while crossing the

two access trail bridges to prevent damage to the wood deck.

All persons ice climbing on HCA lands must sign a seasonal Release of Legal

Liability Waiver and obtain a permit. HCA asks that at least one full week be

allowed for processing and issue of permits. An administrative fee of $35.00, plus

HST, per application will apply. Seasonal permits are available (1st Dec-31st Mar)

from the HCA at the following address;

Hamilton Conservation Authority

P.O. Box 80167, 838 Mineral Springs Road,

Ancaster, ON, L9G 4X1.

Attention: Sandra Winninger

Tel# 905-525-2181 extension 114

Fax# 905-525-2214

 In addition, permits may on some occasions be obtained on site from a member

of the ACCess Committee, if present.

 HCA field staff will ask to see season permits when they encounter climbers on

HCA lands.

 Waiver forms may be downloaded from the HCA website. Further details on

matters such as fees, updates, contact people and numbers, or other

information may be obtained from either HCA at 905-648-4427 extension

114 or from the ACC website.

 Waiver forms will act as applications to permit climbing. Depending on the

method of payment you choose, the forms may be mailed directly to the HCA or

faxed with an order form available on our website.

 Methods of payment include cheque, payable to Hamilton Conservation

Authority, Visa, MasterCard, or America Express. Use our handy order form if

you wish to fax your waiver and charge the administration fee to your credit card.

Ice climbing is a dangerous activity with inherent risks. All persons ice climbing

must be prepared to accept the consequences of his/her actions and understand

that this activity may result in injury, or even death. The Hamilton Conservation

Authority accepts no responsibility for any accidents, injuries, deaths or loss or

damage to personal property resulting from the use of its property for ice climbing

howsoever caused. By entering HCA lands you assume all risks associated with

the activity of ice climbing.

Climb safely and have fun!