Aspire Climbing Whitby aims to inspire Durham's youth by providing a safe space to try something new.

Aspire Climbing Whitby is a multi-purpose, full-service Indoor Rock Climbing and Ninja Warrior Facility located at 1400 Victoria Street East. In addition to Rock Climbing (Top Rope, Bouldering, Auto Belay, Lead Climbing), the 14,000+ sq. ft. facility offers up a Ninja Warrior Course as well. Ninja Warrior is a competitive obstacle course that combines the running, jumping and dynamics of parkour with the strength, balance and agility of climbing. Aspire Whitby changes up the course on a consistent basis to keep the obstacles fresh and challenging.  For both Rock Climbing and Ninja Warrior, Aspire Whitby offers recreational programming, adult lessons, birthday parties, camps, and more. It’s a versatile place where first-time experiences meet competitive training.

Living in Whitby wasn’t the only reason co-owners Bob & Sarah Kostadinov decided to open a business here. With Durham Region being such an active and sport-minded community, the Kostadinovs knew an indoor rock climbing facility would resonate well. They also felt that being in the geographic centre of Durham Region would be advantageous for their business:

We thought [Whitby] would be the perfect place to open Aspire Whitby due to the growing population of the various communities within Durham Region. To be that go-to destination for Top Rope, Bouldering, Lead Climbing, Ninja Warrior, Camps and more within Durham was a key factor in deciding where to open. Not to mention, Durham was due for a full-service rock climbing facility.

Sarah Kostadinov, Co-owner, Aspire Climbing Whitby, 2022

One of the biggest motivations for opening Aspire Whitby was to inspire the youth of Durham Region, as well as to provide them with a welcoming and encouraging space. Emphasis was placed on giving Durham’s youth an outlet to be active in a recreational and cost-effective environment. Since opening their doors, they have witnessed many first timers get hooked on climbing and Ninja Warrior and discover a passion for a sport they knew nothing about before Aspire Whitby opened.

Aspire Whitby has also been certified to run Adaptive Climbing programs for those living with a disability. They aspire to be an accessible place where people living with a disability can explore and enjoy the gym. Adaptive Climbing programming will begin this fall and so far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

The versatility in their clientele is one of the things that Sarah loves about co-owning Aspire Whitby. Sarah notes that the kindness and encouragement from within the climbing community throughout the pandemic was remarkable. Sarah believes that climbers are a strong group of people who congregate to support each other and work together.

Aspire Whitby’s Youth Recreation Programming is a key focus this fall as more classes are scheduled to open due to popular demand. Both the School of Hard Rock and League of Ninja Classes are designed to get kids involved in an active, supportive environment that challenges them in a fun and engaging way. Although classes are filling up, there are still spots left for kids to take part this fall. Learn more at aspireclimbing.com/whitby.

In addition to this, Aspire Whitby has been focusing on increasing brand awareness.  They have partnered with local organisations, including Kidspired, The Durham Community Foundation, Canadian Mental Health Association in Durham, and the Canadian Adaptive Climbing Society. Aspire Whitby has also made appearances at schools across the Region to help drive awareness of the location and the school programs they have to offer. As they make up for the lost time in 2020 and 2021, Aspire Whitby hopes to propel their growth in 2022.

Written by Samantha Cavallari
CDMS, Ontario Tech U

Interested in sharing the story of your local business? Contact Whitby Economic Development to participate in future business stories.