We're climbing the zip line to heaven

Oh wow, how could I forget to include the most anticipated activity at Scenic Caves: zip lining. There is no doubt that one of the main selling points for the EcoAdventure is the opportunity to zoom down two, possibly even three, zip lines. Unfortunately for us we had time only for two. Nevertheless, we had a great time.

The first zip line was the finale of the fantastic tree-top walk we already discussed earlier in this blog. It  measured only about 100m and we didn't fly through the air particularly fast but some still felt it was too intense for them. However, in our opinion it was just a teaser for the larger zip line still to come.


Saving the best for last, our day concluded with a 55km/h run down a 300m zip line that shoots you over the trees at the peak of their color change. The park staff had to take extra precaution with this zip line by attaching us to weight-adjusted breaks to make sure we didn't fly all the way into Georgian Bay.

Our tour guide explaining the safety precautions

Getting hooked up

We all waited in anticipation on the platform high above the forest as person after person leapt off and disappeared into the distance. Whether you flew down the line forward or backward, upside down or right side up, it was an absolutely exhilarating experience.

Can't even see our final destination below

The view at 55km/h

It was amusing to see how people reacted differently to the height and distance of the zip line. But it's also a good barometer of who should and shouldn't graduate to harder adventures. It would have been interesting to see who could handle the 800m Thunderbird Twin Zip. After seeing several other tours zoom down at speeds we could only imagine our mouths started to salivate for an opportunity to try it. But unfortunately we ran out of time. We definitely need to pencil in some time on that zip line during our next trip which, based on how much we enjoyed our visit, will be very soon.

A few suggestions...

As much as we enjoyed Scenic Caves, we felt that there were a few things they could do to improve the experience for the customer and preserve the environment...

• Food should be available on reusable dishware. Everything eaten there came in disposable wrappers, foil, or plastic wrap.
• They need to streamline the process for large groups to reduce wait times between segments.
• They should have a shuttle from town. The hill to get there puts a lot of strain on vehicles and forces them to burn excessive gas, which is not very Eco-friendly.

Some Afterthoughts

Our trip to Scenic Caves in Collingwood turned out to be a fun, adventurous way to learn about the history of the region and its former inhabitants while experiencing a variety of soft adventure activities. Specifically, the EcoAdventure tour was an eye-opening lesson on how a company can operate a successful adventure tourism business without sacrificing any aspect of the triple bottom line.

Perhaps the most important variable of the triple bottom line is environmental awareness. Without the environment there wouldn’t be the physical location for people to enjoy and for the company to make a profit. Our guides made this point clear when they emphasized that each of Scenic Caves’ adventure activities, nature hikes, and guided tours were designed to minimize environmental impact. For example, we learned that the suspension bridge was carefully constructed without spoiling the forest floor or the trees. To lay out the suspension cables that support the bridge, an archer spent several days trying to fire an arrow with fishing line across the gulf into a hay bale. Once the fishing line was across, they tied it to a rope, then a chain, and finally the 8,000lb cable. It was definitely a difficult, intricate process but it demonstrates their dedication to preserving the environment.

But don’t you worry, adventure seekers. Scenic Caves hasn’t forgotten about the importance of incorporating excitement and adventure to keep their guests coming back. The suspension bridge, tree-top walk, zip line, and cave hike are only a few of the activities that brought us closer to nature while still delivering the dose of adrenaline and exhilaration we all were seeking.

Scenic Caves wouldn’t be able to offer all of their great activities and programs without doing what every company needs to do: make a profit. Although Scenic Caves profits from the environment, the money is invested back into the environment by maintaining its pristine nature and conserving its fragile ecosystem. This is just another way Scenic Caves successfully adheres to the guidelines for sustainable tourism.



Well, loyal readers, that was our trip to Scenic Caves. It truly was an unforgettable experience. Happy travels everyone and stay tuned as we continue to hunt for more thrilling adventures throughout Ontario and beyond.

Ekarenniondi, Fatman's Misery, and History Lessons

Scenic Caves is an incredible place for anyone looking for an adventure. The third component of the Eco-Adventure Tour is a guided walk through the caves, led by a pair of knowledgeable guides. The cave system is home to the Fat Man’s Misery – an astonishingly tight cave. If you are claustrophobic, there is no need to worry! You can take the easier route, but be careful, it can be slippery.

The exit of the Fatman's Misery

Our guide Skip taught us all about the history of the Native people in the area, including the towering stone structure called Ekarenniondi, the village of the souls.This area is full of fascinating facts! The Natives had actually used the natural defense of the caves as a fortress against invaders.



Ekarenniondi

We were also given a brief lesson on the geology of this area, with regards to the glacial effects on the Niagara Escarpment.  An amazing tour for any person with an interest in hiking and history!

Learning about geology!

Tree Top Canopy Walk

Waiting for Skip and Kevin to finish inspecting everyone's safety gear before we go up into the trees.

Perhaps the most exciting and nerve-wracking activity was the tree top walk through a forest full of 200 year old oak trees. Before we started the walk, the guides ensured that our harness and helmet was securely fastened and that everyone successfully completed a quick practice run on ground level. We could tell right off the bat that this was going to be strictly soft adventure because there was minimal risk involved. However, risk or no risk, it didn't diminish the adrenaline and euphoria (and even panic in one person) everyone felt during the entire shaky walk.

The walk consisted of 16 platforms that gradually got higher and higher until we were able to view the forest floor from more than 50 feet above the ground. To our surprise, the walk was more difficult, exhilarating, and physically demanding than we had anticipated and it took a lot more concentration to keep our balance on the wobbly 10 inch wide planks. During a couple breaks between platforms, we got the chance to look up from our feet and take in the view of the vibrant changing leaves.

Scenic Caves Adventure: Pre-trip Jitters

Tomorrow marks our first trip to Scenic Caves in Collingwood, Ontario. For those who don't know, Scenic Caves is a unique recreational experience that offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to appreciate Ontario's natural environment through education, leisure and soft adventure activities. 

Scenic Caves will undoubtedly be an exciting and unforgettable travel experience based on the interrelationship between education and adventure. Not only are we going to learn about the environment and how Ontario offers many different niche and soft adventure activities, we are going to experience them first hand. We are excited (and a little bit nervous) to hike along trails and dive through caves; walk across long, wobbly bridges suspended high above the trees; and zoom through the air on three different ziplines, each faster and more imposing than the last.

Although some of us are inexperienced with adventure travel and have a slight fear of heights, we will throw caution to the wind and swing across that bridge, dive in those caves, and fly down that zipline!

Stay  tuned for updates detailed updates about our adventures and, most importantly, get excited for Scenic Caves!