The Mount Nemo Conservation area was created after a conservation authority bought 88 acres of land in 1959 to stop a local quarry from expanding. The quarry shut down, and the Mount Nemo Conservation area was created on the disused land.[1] Mount Nemo is part of theNiagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.[1] The area is home toJefferson salamanders, an endangered species.[1]
In 2004, a local quarry applied to expand its property which some argued would damage the conservation area. In response, Canadian singer-songwriterSarah Harmer formed a non-profit to protest the action and campaign against the quarry's expansion. Since the quarry's initial proposal, campaigners have argued that the conservation area remains under threat.[2] Harmer received the 2025Juno Humanitarian Award for her work to protect the conservation area.[3]
The rock type islimestone and most of the routes climbed aresport climbing. The sport climbing begins with a 5.9 but the majority of climbs fall in the 5.10 to 5.12 range. Due to its proximity to major urban areas, Mount Nemo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in Southwestern Ontario.[6][7]
There are various cave systems running through the rock. Caving is a popular activity at Mount Nemo, with the various caves offering opportunities for enthusiasts from beginner to advanced skill sets.[9]
20 May 2025 – A man died after falling while climbing at Mount Nemo.[10]
16 September 2024 – A woman was rescued from a cliff face in the Mount Nemo Conservation area after injuring her leg at the Brock Harbor lookout.[11]
28 August 2023 – Hikers came across the body of a woman while hiking in the conservation area. She was found near a popular rock climbing spot.[12]
30 July 2023 – A man died after falling from a cliff while hiking with friends.[13]
3 July 2020 – A woman fell 40 feet into a crevasse and was trapped. She was rescued the following day when hikers heard her cries for help.[14]
9 September 2013 – A 42-year-old woman died after falling from the top of the cliff taking a selfie.[15]
23 November 2003 – A woman fell to her death from Mount Nemo. The victim's husband called for help and the death was originally deemed an accident. Later, Milorad Polimac, the victim's husband, was convicted of murder for her homicide.[16][17]
