Do you need a complete break from your day to day life? Has fun been in short supply? How would you like to scare yourself – just a little bit? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I’d suggest a few hours doing the Treetop Trekking Ganaraska in Northumberland County’s Ganaraska Forest. I asked John what he liked best. The Treetop Trekking Ganaraska adventure was his number one choice.
Treetop trekking in Ganaraska – where safety comes first
You don’t have to have any experience with climbing, knot tying or ziplining to have fun at Treetop Trekking Ganaraska. You are walked through the process to get safely onto the courses every step of the way.
We were in the first group on a weekend and that has its advantages as you get a head start on the course – without any waiting. But first you must pass a safety test and be able to get yourself back on a steel cable, in case you fall off. You must also be able to attach to the zip line and complete the short zip line course safely.
Once up in the trees, the staff will monitor your movements. If you are caught without a carabiner clipped in you are given a warning and a green wristband.
If they catch you again, they will let you finish the course you’re on and then they’ll ask you to remove your safety harness and call it a day. They take your safety very seriously.
Adventure in the treetop
John and I completed the first couple of courses in about 45 minutes. Some of the “games” were a snap while others required your full concentration – as you can see on my face in the photos below. There was one game – swinging like Tarzan into a net on a rope – that got a scream out of me. I highly recommend it but expect to be sore from muscle use. (Really – when was the last time you swung on a rope?)
The Timberwolf Course
After completing the easier courses we opted to do Timberwolf – called the most challenging course of any aerial park in Ontario. They suggested we allow at least 45 minutes to complete it. (It took me an hour.)
John and I were the first ones on it that day. Most visitors go nowhere near this course – which is great in a way as you don’t have the pressure of someone behind you. This course is amazing for it really tests you and your upper body conditioning. Apparently I am not the finely tuned athlete I thought I was, as I was very sore for three days afterwards – in a good way mind you.
On Timberwolf you start by getting very high into the trees. From there you’ve got ziplines and some challenging games that have you trying to keep your balance as you move across swinging blocks for example.
At the end of the hour I was exhilarated and very pleased that we went forward with this course.
Where is Ganaraska Treetop Trekking?
The Ganaraska Treetop Trekking adventure is located in the Greater Toronto area between Port Hope and Peterborough. It’s open until early November and then again at the beginning of April. You must reserve in advance. For more information visit their website.
The price per adult is $59.99 plus tax – and that allows you to use the course for three hours. It’s the perfect team building activity, but it’s also fun for couples and families with kids that are 9 or older and 55 inches or taller.
Further reading on things to do in the Northumberland Region
- A Hike on the Ganaraska Trail – Northumberland Section
- Island Spirits: An Off Grid Vacation Experience on Rice Lake
- Cycling in Northumberland County: Two of the Best Trails to Bike
Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
A huge thank you to Northumberland Tourism for arranging this activity. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.