Summer Activities

July 10, 2007

1. Tour the Niagara Wine Region by Bike

Why not put two of your favourite activities together for an afternoon? Throw the bikes on the car rack and make the 90 minute trek to our very own wine mecca. Or, if you don’t care to drive, why not roll on down to Union Station, and let VIA do the driving for you? In its’ first year of service, (on a trial run), Bike Train will get you there and back!

Whether you choose to spend an afternoon or weekend in Niagara, you will have the unforgettable experience exploring its diverse landscapes, towns, cities and attractions by bike.

The Bike Train will introduce bike racks onboard select VIA Rail departures between Toronto and Niagara Falls this summer. Price per person for a round-trip on the BikeTrain is $59 including taxes. One-way is $35 including taxes.

Reservations:

>>> PHONE: 1-888-619-5987

>>> ONLINE: www.niagaraonthelake.com

The existing VIA Rail train schedule allows for short day trips. You will enjoy more time cycling and exploring Niagara if you choose to stay overnight. There are many accommodation and camping options available – inquire upon booking.

For more information and to view the Pilot Year schedule, visit www.biketrain.ca.

This summer take the train – bring your bike!

PLEASE NOTE:

*VIA Rail will not be taking any Bike Train reservations.


2. Treetop Adventures

“Me – Tarzan! You – Jane!” Can be heard periodically at this family fun park located just west of Barrie, about an hour away from Toronto. Visit their website at:

http://www.horseshoeresort.com/adventures/TreeTop_Trekking.asp

3. Hike the Niagara Escarpment

When was the last time you had your hiking boots on? With dozens of trails with varying degrees of difficulty, there is a trail out there with your name on it!

http://www.brucetrail.org/explorethetrail.asp?id={6E6F3132-C066-4A0A-86BD-C1E236033AA6}

I’ve personally hiked the trails around Rattlesnake Point, and know it to be a fantastic experience. Here’s the link:

http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1091

Update: July 17, 2007

Hiked the trails around Limehouse on Sunday. Here’s the link:

http://www.brucetrail.org/explorethetrail.asp?id={7C37DF5E-946E-4043-BF4B-AAA52E5F9CEA}

It is the “Hole in the Wall” trail.

This 2.3 km stretch of the Bruce Trail is relatively tame. I would feel comfortable walking there with any of my older clients. When I was there, it was a little buggy – it was July after all, and we were under cover of massive foliage. While the sun did shine beautifully in the openings in the trees, it was remarkably cool.

4. Walk The Dog

These fun-loving creatures want nothing more than a half an hour with some human companionship. And guess what? You can do this for them. It’s easy! It will take no more than an hour out of your day, and it will mean the world to some lucky boy or girl.

http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/canine/dogwalkers.asp