6Outdoor adventures to try this summer

Whitewater Rafting

sailing

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT ♦ There’s nothing like the wind blowing, your boat on edge, and the mist cooling you as you skip along the surface of the water. Really, it’s a complete rush. Try it once, go for the day, even get certified. You’ll definitely get hooked. Call any of these companies: Britannia Yacht Club www.byc.ca; Nepean Sailing Club www.nsc.ca; Ottawa New Edinburgh Club www.onec.ca; Ottawa Sailing School www.boattraining.com; Barry’s Bay Outfitters www.barrysbayoutfitters.com

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT ♦ Just look at the photo!!! Yahoooo! There’s several outfitters nearby that are ready to take you, your friends or your family for a great adventure. Call any of these companies: Wilderness Tours www.wildernesstours.com; RiverRunners www.riverrunners.com; Owl Rafting www.owlrafting.com; New World Rafting www.newworld.ca

PHOTO BY NCC

PHOTO BY JESSE HENDERSON/CURVED SPACE STUDIOS

caving

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT ♦ To quote one of our writers (Heather Burke) “. . . just when you start to work up a sweat, you arrive at the caves and the comfort of their natural air conditioning. Spend lots of time wandering, crawling, splashing and swimming through the ancient cavities, appreciating the quiet beauty.” That’s why you’ll love it. Call any of these companies: Lusk Caves (Gatineau Park) www.capcan.ca/gatineau/nature/luskcaves_e.asp; Bonnechere Caves www.bonnecherecaves.com; Lafleche Caves www.aventurelafleche.ca

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT ♦ It’s totally social with great instructors with you to help you along. Kayaking right on the waves is an unique experience we know you’re going to love.

And once you nail your roll, there’s nothing cooler. Lots of courses are offered by different companies, but here are a few to get you started: Liquid Skills Kayaking www.liquidskills.com; Down to Earth Kayaking www.downtoearthkayak.com;

Wilderness Tours www.wildernesstours.com; Equinox Adventures www.equinoxadventures.com; Riverrun Whitewater Resort www.riverunners.com

aerial PARK

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT ♦ Firstly, because you’ve probably never seen something like this. Secondly, we think it’s a great adventure because you’re up exploring and having fun in the trees. It’s great for you, or for the family as they often have two or three different levels of routes. Look to enjoy suspension bridges; Tarzan ropes; wooden footbridges, nets and giant zip trek lines. Both companies are ready to show you the way. Camp Fortune www.campfortune.com; Lafleche Caves www.aventurelafleche.ca

PHOTOS BY YANNIS SOURIS (AERIAL PARK) DAVID KAWAI (BOULDERING) PHOTO BY LAFLECHE CAVES (LEFT) DAVE KAWAI (RIGHT)

18-feet above a small crash pad, Leah Butcher trusts her hand and foot holds on a high-ball boulder problem in Niagara Glen, Ontario.

Whitewater kayaking

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT ♦ Outdoor Rock Climbing can be a very rewarding activity. Just as physically challenging as gym climbing but substantially more complex and ultimately more engaging. You can inquire about guide services and places to climb at an outdoor equipment store, or better yet, consider getting in touch with some of these nearby instruction businesses: Equinox Adventures www.equinoxadventures.com Adirondack Rock and River www.rockandriver.com Passe Montagne Climbing www.passemontagne.com Outward Bound www.outwardbound.ca TryThat Adventure Sports www.trythat.ca

PHOTO BY WILDERNESS TOURS PHOTO BY WILDERNESS TOURS (LEFT)