Weekend warrior’s dash
Top 10 valley destinations for summer and fall.
Story by Lindsay Foss
After a long week of work, watching the summer sun rise and sink through
your office window, getting out there and rejuvenating your spirit
is probably at the top of your list. But going about choosing an outdoor
activity to make the most of the last days of summer can be a stressful
ordeal. It just so happens that the Ottawa Valley has the cure for
those restless weekend woes. Check out our Top 10 list of hot summer
and cool fall Valley destinations and let loose the adventurer within!
1. RAFTING
If adventure is what you’re looking for, then OWL Rafting is
your destination. Located just 90 minutes west of Ottawa in Forester
Falls, Ontario, OWL Rafting takes you on a journey down the Ottawa
River’s famed rapids. Now in its 25th season, OWL Rafting offers something for everyone,
from a first-time rafter to a white-water enthusiast. In addition to
riding the rapids, guests receive a meal aboard a large pontoon boat
that carries them back to the OWL Centre from the last rapid, along
the beautiful Ottawa River.
If rafting isn’t your forte, the beachfront at the pavilion
offers kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and four volleyball courts.
But with everything OWL Rafting has to offer, it is the ambience
that brings
the guests back each year.
“People that have been coming back for 15 to 20 years say it’s
because of the family atmosphere,” said Dan Kirvan, guide manager
at OWL rafting.
Location: 40 OWL Lane, Foresters Falls, Ontario
Pricing: $100 mid-week; $115 Saturday; $105 Sunday
Contact: tel. (613) 646-2263; e-mail (raft@owl-mkc.ca)
Website: www.owl-mkc.ca/owl/
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2. CAMPING
For the rustic adventurer, the Ottawa Valley’s beautiful
landscape provides the perfect backdrop for any camper.
Algonquin Park, Ontario’s oldest and largest park, is 7,725
square kilometres of lush forests, beautiful lakes and rivers and
is accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway. The park features
eight separate campgrounds equipped for tents or trailers. If you
don’t
own either, you can rent a yurt — an eight-sided, five-metre-wide
tent-like structure. Each yurt is equipped with electric heat,
insulated floors, bunk beds and much more. There are eight yurts
available to
rent at Algonquin Park for $70 per night.
If “roughing it” isn’t exactly what you had in mind,
then a stay at one of Algonquin Park’s three lodges is the perfect
alternative. Each lodge is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and
offers a variety of amenities, including entrance to the Park, access
to all trails, museums, beaches, picnic grounds, and facilities.
Location: Snug between Highway 60 and 17 ( see map)
Pricing: Ranges from $24 to $33 per night
Contact: tel. (705) 633-5572; e-mail (info@algonquinpark.on.ca)
Website: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
3. SKYDIVING
Take the plunge with Mile High Parachuting and satisfy your thrill-seeking
urges. Experienced, licensed and certified instructors and pilots prepare
you for the ultimate leap of faith. Located at the south Renfrew Municipal
Airport in Arnprior, Mile High Parachuting provides training for first-time
jumpers, as well as jumps for experienced skydivers.
First-time jumpers are taken over three kilometres above ground level
and, while attached to their instructor, experience 30 seconds of free
fall before the parachute opens. More experienced jumpers can choose
between a wide variety of levels and combinations.
Location: 40 minutes west of Ottawa on VanDusan Drive ( see map )
Pricing: From $20 to $250, depending on experience, level and height
Contact: tel. 613-836-1256; e-mail (milehighparachuting@yahoo.ca)
Website: www.milehighparachuting.com
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4. HIKING
Stepping back into nature can be a peaceful experience. And one can
expect no less from the hiking trails within the Ottawa Valley.
Trails are divided into three regions: The
Ottawa River and Algonquin Park hiking paths stretch along
bays and beaches, marinas and white-water shores, and finally
into the
forested heart of Algonquin Park. The
Bonnechere River and Valley trails lead you through small
towns and country roads, and Madawaska
and Highland Tours show off the Valley’s beautiful
splendour in fall. Each region provides spectacular views and
beautiful scenery.
Location: Upper Ottawa Valley
Pricing: Free!
Website: www.valleyexplore.com/walk.htm
5. BIKING
As with hiking, there are many biking trails located in the Ottawa
Valley, ranging from easy to more challenging terrain. The trails are
also divided into the same three regions as the hiking routes.
Take in the picturesque scenery and discover the many historical sites
the Valley has to offer.
Location: Upper Ottawa Valley
Pricing: Free!
Website: www.valleyexplore.com/bike.htm
6. CANOEING
The Ottawa Valley is brimming with lakes and rivers, as well as stunning
vistas and an abundance of wildlife.
Whether it’s rapids, waterfalls or gliding on top of the glassy
surface, the routes in the Ottawa Valley are perfect for any beginner
or skillful canoeist.
Location: Upper Ottawa Valley
Pricing: Free!
Website: www.valleyexplore.com/canoe.htm
7. DRIVING
Hop in the car and discover the beauty and charm of the Ottawa Valley.
With several routes to choose from, all designed for a day trip or
the lingering explorer, the experience gives a whole new meaning to
a Sunday drive.
Take your time and uncover the historical elegance of the Valley and
take advantage of the breathtaking views at locations such as Shrine
Hill in Wilno and the Westmeath Lookout.
Location: Upper Ottawa Valley
Pricing: Free!
Website: www.valleyexplore.com/drive.htm
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8. HOT AIR BALLOON
For a change of scenery, and altitude, take a ride in a hot air balloon.
Windborne Ballooning began in 1985 and offers a bird’s eye view
of the nation’s capital aboard a traditional Champagne hot air
balloon.
The ride usually lasts about one hour and is available for individuals,
couples or groups – you can even take your kids to see the reds,
oranges and yellows of Ottawa’s fall foliage.
Pricing: $180 per person; $350 per couple; $150 per child
Contact: tel. (613) 739-7388; e-mail (flights@windborneballooning.com)
Website: www.magmacom.com/windborneballooning/
9. ATV
Explore the Madawaska Highlands while driving your own all-terrain
vehicle (ATV) at Top of the Mountain Tours in Killaloe, Ontario. There
is no experience required and instructions are provided, along with
safety equipment and a snack.
Location: 31 High Crest Lane , R.R. 3, Killaloe, Ontario
Pricing: $165 for four hours. Check out the fall
rates
Hours: tel. 613-757-0288; e-mail (info@topofthemountaintours.com)
Website: www.topofthemountaintours.com
10. GOLFING
In 1983, a golf course was constructed with the intention of preserving
the natural landscape of the area, without altering the topography.
This resulted in the development of a challenging course.
The Calabogie Highlands Golf Resort offers a nine-hole course,
as well as a 6,735-yard, 18-hole Championship course.
Location: 981 Barryvale Road, Calabogie, Ontario
Pricing: $16 to $18 for nine holes; $16 to $35 for 18 holes
Contact: tel. 613-752-1234; e-mail (info@calabogiehighlandsgolf.com)
Website: www.calabogiehighlandsgolf.com
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