Barrie, Ontario is full of beautiful parks and nature trails to walk through. But that’s such a passive way to enjoy the outdoors. Take your outdoor adventures to the next level and consider Treetop Trekking.
“In general it’s a zip line and aerial game trek,” says Mike Stiell, Marketing Director for Treetop Trekking. “We get lots of families out for a day of fun. We get groups of friends of all ages, birthday parties, corporate groups; really anyone looking for a fun day outside.”
The Treetop Zip Line Aerial Game Trek is the premier activity at all five Ontario locations. A treetop obstacle course, you trek from tree to tree on fun games like suspended bridges, Tarzan swings, swinging logs, cable traverses, and zip lines. It’s three hours long, but don’t worry if you’re a beginner. Stiell says, “The variety of games and levels makes it suitable for just about anyone.”
The course is graduated, with levels ranging from easy to advanced. Choose your own pace and progression, too. “It’s not like other activities, like downhill skiing, where you need years of lessons to get good at it.” So no matter if it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’ll be at a level that you’re comfortable with.
If a three-hour trek isn’t what you’re after, there’s plenty of other activities to try. “I’ve climbed at all the parks and started as a guide 5 years ago,” says Stiell. That makes it tricky to pick a favorite. “In Barrie the Big Zip is pretty amazing. If you’re looking for a quick trip and shot of adrenaline, that’s a good one.”
Despite the anxiety some might experience being so high up, he promises that everything is completely safe. “It’s definitely not dangerous. The zip line industry, particularly in Ontario, is highly regulated.” Safety is key when it comes to Treetop Trekking. It takes a ton of training to become a guide, and they check over all the equipment every day.
It’s also an incredibly rewarding experience, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t typically do these sorts of things. Stiell says, “Nine times out of ten, the people who are scared at first are laughing by the end.” He explains that while they get plenty of adrenaline junkies, there are lots of people who do it to prove something to themselves. “For a large part of our customers, it’s the accomplishment. They did something they didn’t think they could do. I know certainly for our staff that’s the best one.”
Treetop Trekking is the kind of thing that seems outrageous at first but quickly becomes a regular occurrence. “We get lots of families out for a day of fun. We get groups of friends of all ages, birthday parties, corporate groups, really anyone looking for a fun day outside.”
There are five locations in Ontario, and they have a sister company in Quebec called Abraska. “The Barrie park was our first location in Ontario,” Stiell says. “It’s the first park of its kind in Ontario.” And while similar parks have popped up, Barrie’s still going strong, with new activities constantly being planned and added.
So if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy nature, it’s certainly worth checking out. According to Stiell, “Treetop Trekking is the perfect adventure for anyone looking for a fun and active day outside.”
-By Ettractions Digital Content Editor, ALLISON BENNETT
Other States: Ontario
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