Boler Mountain: Where London Grew Its Own Mountain (Literally)

[3-minute read]

If you’re looking for the Swiss Alps, keep scrolling. But if you’re looking for something arguably more interesting – a community-built adventure on a dirt-pile – then welcome to Boler Mountain.

That’s right, London, Canada has a mountain. Or, as some might say, a “very ambitious hill.” We prefer “mountain,” thank you very much. Because what Boler lacks in height, it more than makes up for in personality.

The 34-Year Saga

Boler’s main slope, West Hill, is now the tallest point in London. How did it get that way? From 1978 to 2012, it was meticulously constructed from clean fill excavated from construction sites across the city. That’s right. The tallest point in London is essentially made from basement dig-outs and foundation pours. It’s the little hill that could, one truckload at a time.

This beloved 79-year-old non-profit ski hill stands as a monument to what a community can build when it has more attitude than altitude.

Winter is the Main Character, But Summer is the Plot Twist

Yes, winter is Boler’s blockbuster season. The skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are legendary, drawing crowds who know that you don’t need a six-hour drive north to Collingwood for a fun day on the slopes.

But the real genius move was making Boler a four-season attraction. When the snow melts each year, the place transforms into Southwestern Ontario’s most dynamic adventure park.

Here’s what it offers:

The New Chalet

At the base of the hill is a 16,000-square-foot chalet, a full-scale event hub that hosts everything from a quiet dinner to weddings, corporate shindigs, and special occasions.

Boler Mountain is a beautiful paradox.

• It’s a non-profit that operates like a world-class resort.
• It’s a “mountain” built by committee and construction waste.
• It’s a place that is deeply local, yet it pulls people from all over to see what all the fuss is about.

It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need epic geography to have an epic adventure; you just need vision, a little donated dirt, and a whole lot of heart.

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Hi, I’m Lawrence, bicycle tour guide, storyteller, and champion for hidden gems in London.

If reading about Boler’s trails has you itching to explore more of London’s great outdoors, why not see it on two wheels?  I help curious folks like you discover the best parts of our city, from the saddle of my bicycle, of course.

Click here to learn more about my tours!