Remember when your whole summer was devoted to swimming, playing, catching frogs, and finding adventures? At one time, this was an entire season fueled by ice cream, Freezies, and hot dogs. August always felt so short, and by the time it rolled around you’d scramble to finish your summer bucket list, savouring each shortened day as the dreaded Labour Day loomed.
Oh, to feel like a kid again…the good news is you can!
Do yourself a favour this year and take a day off or a weekend road trip and do something adrenaline-pumping that makes you feel like you’re 10 years old without a care in the world. Here are a few ways you can achieve that carefree feeling in Ontario’s Highlands.
Cure Your Need for Speed
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. Get behind the wheel of a go-kart and strap yourself in for some laps around the Minden Experience adventure park, or, step it up a notch and head to Calabogie Motorsports Park to take their souped-up, 350-horsepower Mustang for a spin around the track.
Who knows if it’s the speed or the pure joy but a smile is sure to be plastered on your face the whole time! If you prefer traversing forested trails, you can also book an ATV tour of the Algonquin Highlands with Back Country Tours.
Ride the Rapids
You know the feeling of rushing down a waterslide, twisting and turning as you cling to your inner tube, laughing and sputtering as you go? Imagine an entirely natural version of that.
Rafting down the mighty Ottawa River is an exhilarating experience that has you (and your friends) navigating the class II and IV rapids in a giant, inflatable raft, with a professional guide at the helm. Both Wilderness Tours and OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River will take you and a few friends out on the water this year to get your thrills!
Get on the Water
If you like to be out on the water, but prefer the calmer variety, consider renting a boat that you can take at your own speed. Perth Outfitters can set you up with a canoe or kayak right on the Tay River, which will take you to the town of Perth, and beyond. If you’re seeking a faster pace, try out a jet ski from Ski-Mazing Watersports, operating out of the Bonnie View Inn in Minden.
Touch the Sky
Imagine walking above the forest, so close to the sky you feel like you could reach up and touch it. canopy Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve’s canopy tour is the longest canopy walkway in the world, and will give you a bird’s eye view of the forest below. Once you’re up on the walkway your heart will definitely be racing! We challenge you to keep from smiling on this fun, interactive tour. Please check with the reserve before heading out to get the full details on tour times and safety guidelines.