Discover The Monkey Vault: Toronto's Ultimate Parkour Playground
Updated: Jan 21
If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring across rooftops, vaulting over obstacles, or simply mastering your body’s movement in creative ways, The Monkey Vault, located in North York, Toronto, is a space you need to know about. A mecca for parkour enthusiasts, free runners, and movement practitioners, The Monkey Vault is more than just a gym—it’s a thriving community hub where people of all ages and fitness levels come together to explore, learn, and push their limits.
Updated: January 20, 2025
Location: 75 Carl Hall Rd Unit 15, North York, ON M3K 2B9
Website: https://www.themonkeyvault.com/
The Monkey Vault, Toronto
What is The Monkey Vault?
The Monkey Vault is Canada’s largest parkour and movement facility, offering a safe and inclusive environment for people to practice parkour, freerunning, tricking, tumbling, and other forms of physical movement. Founded by parkour practitioners, the facility is designed to mimic urban environments, allowing participants to replicate real-world challenges while learning proper techniques and improving their coordination, strength, and confidence.
The Monkey Vault is not just about physical fitness—it's about creativity, problem-solving, and building a supportive community. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner just starting your movement journey, the space caters to all skill levels.
What to Expect at The Monkey Vault
Stepping into The Monkey Vault is like entering a playground for adults and kids alike. The facility is packed with a variety of structures, obstacles, and spaces that can help you train for almost any type of movement.
Features and Equipment
Custom-Built Obstacles: The gym replicates urban and natural environments with walls, rails, platforms, and bars of varying heights and sizes. These obstacles are perfect for practicing parkour techniques like vaulting, climbing, swinging, and precision jumping.
Spring Floors and Foam Pits: For beginners or those practicing high-risk moves, The Monkey Vault has spring floors and foam pits to ensure a safe landing. These areas are perfect for tricking, flips, and acrobatics.
Outdoor Training Spaces: During warmer months, The Monkey Vault extends its training to outdoor locations, offering participants the opportunity to practice parkour in real-world environments.
Climbing and Swinging Areas: The facility includes monkey bars, ropes, and climbing walls to help you build upper body strength and master techniques like lache (swinging from one bar to another).
Dedicated Beginner Spaces: If you’re new to parkour or movement training, there are beginner-friendly areas and equipment to help you ease into the discipline.
Community Vibe: Beyond the physical equipment, the real strength of The Monkey Vault lies in its welcoming community. The instructors and regular visitors are always ready to share tips, cheer each other on, and celebrate progress.
Classes and Programs at The Monkey Vault
The Monkey Vault offers a wide variety of classes and programs designed to help participants build foundational skills, master advanced techniques, and explore creative movement disciplines. Whether you’re completely new to parkour or a seasoned athlete looking to refine your craft, there’s a class for you.
CAMPS
1. Weekly Camps
Overview:
Action-packed parkour camps during March Break, Winter Break, and Summer.
Designed to build skills, foster friendships, and create lasting memories.
Provides an exciting way for kids to stay active during school breaks.
2. Private Day Camp
Overview:
Tailored parkour experience for private groups, ideal for:
Birthday parties.
Homeschool group activities.
A fun day out with friends.
Includes personalized coaching and customized activities.
3. PA Day Camps (Professional Activity Day)
Overview:
Single-day parkour sessions during school PA days.
Includes fun challenges and expert coaching to help kids improve their skills.
Open to the general public.
OPEN GYM
Open Gym provides access to the facility for non-instructional, self-guided use of the space.
Includes access to:
Gymnastic floor
Foam pit
Mats
Weight training section
Various obstacles
Promotes a community atmosphere, welcoming movers from dancers to fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking to have fun.
CORE PROGRAMS
1. Athletic Program
Designed to improve strength, speed, and resilience for parkour, acrobatics, and overall athleticism.
Suitable for kids, teens, and adults.
2. Recreational Program
Focuses on fun and relaxed learning of parkour and acrobatics.
Suitable for participants of all ages and skill levels.
3. Private Classes
Introduction Class
A scalable, one-time private lesson for beginners, covering parkour basics and safety guidelines.
Private Classes
Tailored, goal-oriented sessions for individuals or small groups.
Flexible scheduling.
SPECIALIZED CLASSES
1. Flip Classes
Focused solely on acrobatics and flipping skills.
Levels:
Flip Class - Level 1 (Beginner): Covers front flip, back flip, and side flip basics.
Flip Class - Level 2 (Intermediate): Advanced variations of front, back, and side flips.
2. Calisthenics
Bodyweight training program for building strength, endurance, and joint health.
Suitable for all fitness levels.
Options:
Calisthenics - Teens & Adults
Calisthenics - Women’s Only
3. Tricking
Combines martial arts, gymnastics, and breakdancing to create dynamic, acrobatic sequences.
Options:
Tricking - Teens & Adults
PARTNERSHIP CLASSES
1. Stick Fighting Toronto
Focuses on Taboada Balintawak, a Filipino martial art with single-stick techniques.
Options:
Stick Fighting - Adults
2. Martial Arts
Options:
Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling: Ground fighting, submissions, and self-defense.
Boxing and Muay Thai: Focus on striking techniques (punches, kicks, knees).
Suitable for Teens (16+) and Adults.
3. Aerial Silks Workshop
Beginner-friendly workshop teaching aerial silks techniques.
What to Expect:
Fun challenges and strength-building exercises.
Development of movement flows.
Why Take Classes at The Monkey Vault?
The Monkey Vault’s classes and programs are designed to meet the needs of movement enthusiasts at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re a beginner building foundational skills, a creative athlete exploring new styles, or a seasoned practitioner refining advanced techniques, the diversity of offerings ensures there’s something for everyone. The expert instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and vibrant community make each session a rewarding and empowering experience.
So, whether you’re looking to conquer obstacles, master acrobatics, or simply have fun, The Monkey Vault’s classes are your gateway to a world of movement and adventure!
Why Visit The Monkey Vault?
1. A Unique Fitness Experience
Unlike traditional gyms, The Monkey Vault offers a mix of fitness, creativity, and fun. You’re not just lifting weights or running on a treadmill—you’re learning to move your body in new, dynamic ways.
2. Supportive Community
The Monkey Vault’s community is one of its biggest draws. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find people who are supportive, encouraging, and passionate about movement.
3. Real-Life Applications
Parkour isn’t just about cool tricks; it teaches you practical skills like balance, coordination, and the ability to navigate obstacles in real-life environments.
4. Mental Growth
Parkour is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. It pushes you to problem-solve, overcome fear, and build resilience—skills that carry over into everyday life.
Are you spending some time in and around Toronto, Ontario, Canada? Here are some other places to visit nearby:
Who Can Join?
Anyone can join The Monkey Vault, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. The facility is designed to be inclusive and adaptable, ensuring that everyone—from kids to adults—feels welcome. If you’re unsure about where to start, the team at The Monkey Vault can guide you toward the right classes and programs for your goals.
Events and Competitions
In addition to regular classes and open gym sessions, The Monkey Vault hosts a range of events and competitions throughout the year. These events offer opportunities to showcase your skills, learn from top athletes, and immerse yourself in the parkour community.
Location and Accessibility
Conveniently located in Toronto, The Monkey Vault is easily accessible by public transportation and offers ample parking. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in parkour and movement training.
The Monkey Vault is more than a gym—it’s a community-focused space where movement, creativity, and fitness come together. Whether you’re looking to learn parkour, improve your athletic abilities, or simply have fun, The Monkey Vault is the perfect place to start. With its expert coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no surprise that it has become a cornerstone for movement enthusiasts in Toronto.
So why not give it a try? Visit The Monkey Vault and take the first leap into an exciting world of movement and self-discovery. You just might surprise yourself with what your body—and mind—are capable of achieving!
Parkour Workouts Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is parkour?
Parkour is a training discipline that involves moving through urban or natural environments by running, jumping, climbing, and vaulting over obstacles. It emphasizes efficiency, creativity, and adaptability in movement.
2. Is parkour safe for beginners?
Yes, parkour can be safe for beginners if practiced responsibly. Start with basic movements, warm up properly, and progress gradually. Always practice in a safe environment and consider training under the guidance of an experienced coach or in a group setting.
3. What physical benefits does parkour provide?
Parkour improves:
Strength (especially in the upper body and core)
Flexibility
Balance and coordination
Cardiovascular endurance
Problem-solving skills (finding creative ways to overcome obstacles)
4. Do I need any special equipment for parkour?
Parkour requires minimal equipment. Comfortable, flexible clothing and durable, lightweight shoes with good grip are sufficient. Avoid shoes with heavy soles or poor traction. Protective gear like gloves or knee pads is optional for beginners.
5. Can I do parkour indoors?
Yes, many gyms and training centers offer indoor parkour facilities. These are great for practicing in a controlled environment with padded obstacles and professional guidance.
6. How do I start training for parkour?
Here are some tips for getting started:
Focus on basic movements like rolls, vaults, and precision jumps.
Build strength and agility with bodyweight exercises (e.g., push-ups, pull-ups, squats).
Practice balance by walking on narrow surfaces.
Join a local parkour group or find online tutorials for guidance.
Gradually increase the difficulty of your training as your skills improve.
7. What are some common parkour techniques for beginners?
Beginners should learn these foundational techniques:
Rolls: Absorb impact from jumps or falls.
Precision jumps: Jump from one point to another with accuracy.
Vaults: Clear obstacles using your hands and legs.
Climbing: Scale walls or other vertical obstacles.
Landing: Land safely and softly to minimize impact.
8. Is parkour only for young people?
No, parkour is for everyone! While younger individuals may recover faster and have higher energy levels, people of all ages can enjoy parkour. Start at your own pace, and prioritize safety and proper technique.
9. Can I lose weight by doing parkour?
Yes, parkour is an excellent full-body workout that burns calories and builds muscle. It combines cardio and strength training, making it effective for weight loss when combined with a healthy diet.
10. Do I need to be in shape to start parkour?
No prior fitness level is required to start parkour. Beginners can start with simple exercises and movements to build strength and coordination. Over time, parkour itself will improve your fitness.
11. What should I avoid when doing parkour?
Do not attempt advanced tricks or jumps without proper training.
Avoid practicing on wet or unstable surfaces.
Do not ignore warm-ups or cool-downs.
Avoid overtraining or pushing yourself too hard to prevent injuries.
12. Where can I practice parkour?
You can practice parkour in:
Urban areas with structures like benches, rails, and walls
Parks with natural obstacles like rocks and logs
Indoor training centers or gyms equipped for parkour
Always ensure that the area is safe, legal, and free of hazards.
13. How can I prevent injuries in parkour?
Warm up thoroughly before every session.
Practice proper landing and rolling techniques.
Progress gradually and avoid skipping foundational skills.
Listen to your body and rest if you feel pain or fatigue.
Train with a group or coach who can provide feedback on your technique.
14. Is there a competitive aspect to parkour?
While parkour is traditionally non-competitive and focused on personal growth, some events and competitions (like speed runs and freestyle showcases) exist. These emphasize creativity, skill, and efficiency rather than direct competition.
