• Watch Ontario’s top arborists compete in the 2026 Ontario Tree Climbing Championship at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens on September 11 and 12
• Cheer on the province’s top climbers as they compete for a spot in the Masters’ Challenge and the opportunity to represent Ontario at national and international championships
• Visitors can learn how trees are cultivated and cared for by industry professionals, explore an outdoor trade show and even try tree climbing under the guidance of an expert
• Media assets are available here
Niagara Falls, ON – Niagara Parks is proud to welcome the 2026 Ontario Tree Climbing Championship, bringing together some of the province’s most skilled arborists for two days of competition, education and family-friendly fun at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens on September 11 and 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Ontario Chapter, this free public event offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the exciting world of arboriculture while learning about the vital role trees play in healthy communities and natural environments.
Watch Ontario’s Top Arborists Put Their Skills to the Test
Organized by the ISA Ontario Chapter, the Ontario Tree Climbing Championship showcases the expertise, athleticism and technical precision professional arborists rely on every day to safely care for trees. Designed around real-world work scenarios, the competition highlights the skills, safety practices and problem-solving abilities required to work efficiently in the canopy while protecting both people and trees.
Up to 54 competitors from across Ontario will compete in a series of timed and skill-based challenges designed to replicate real-world arboricultural work, each testing a competitor’s ability to navigate trees safely and efficiently. Events include a speed climb, targeted throwline, a work climb, an ascent event using specialized equipment and an aerial rescue.
Top-performing climbers will advance to the Masters’ Challenge championship round that crowns Ontario’s top male and female arborists. The winners will earn the opportunity to represent Ontario at both national and international tree climbing competitions.
Beyond watching the action during the competition, the event offers something for visitors of all ages. Guests will have the opportunity to meet arborists, connect with industry experts, explore a tradeshow featuring tree care equipment and services, as well as participate in educational demonstrations focused on tree safety and care. For those looking for a hands-on adventure, the Fun Climb Station will give tree climbing enthusiasts the chance to experience tree climbing firsthand, under the guidance of certified professionals.
Schedule of Events
Friday, September 11
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Competition preliminary events
Public viewing, educational demonstrations, an outdoor trade show and Fun Climb Station will be available throughout the day.
Saturday, September 12
8 a.m. – Competition resumes
11 a.m. – Arbour Challenge Ground Games
1:30 p.m. – Masters’ Challenge Championship
5 p.m. – Closing Ceremonies, awarding of the Ontario Championships
A Legacy of Horticulture, Conservation and Education at Niagara Parks
Hosting the championship at the Botanical Gardens highlights Niagara Parks’ longstanding commitment to horticultural excellence, environmental stewardship and public education. Home to one of Canada’s most celebrated public gardens and the renowned Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026, Niagara Parks provides an ideal setting for an event that celebrates professional tree care and the people dedicated to preserving healthy urban and natural forests.
About ISA Ontario
ISA Ontario, a chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, promotes industry best practices, arborist education and training, research and public engagement. ISA Ontario represents a diverse membership of commercial, municipal and utility arborists, as well as educators, students and affiliated professionals. To learn more about ISA Ontario, visit isaontario.com.
Media assets are available here.
Close and