With the costly onset of HST in Ontario and coming off the heels off a recession, the affordability of fun isn't what it used to be.
While it's tempting to bust out the plastic for an overseas adventure, by getting creative with your playtime you can save you a lot of dough and reap the rewards of an invigorating getaway at the same time.
Recently I ventured off to visit the slopes at Horseshoe Adventure Park, located in Barrie, Ont., about an hour north of the GTA and based on the grounds of Horseshoe Resort.
Balmy summer days spent out on the slopes, you ask?
If you've visited Horseshoe in the past, chances are you packed on the winter layers, loaded up your skis and hit the snowy slopes. This time, you can leave the heavy gear behind, for the latest developments happening there are transforming the park into a year-round, adrenaline-pumping destination. The park is shaking things up - literally.
One of the most exciting launches is the first-ever zorb rides to arrive in the province, which has long been a popular pastime among locals and tourists alike in New Zealand and Switzerland.
Don't know what a zorb is? The best way I can describe it like a giant hamster ball meets womb.
Basically, you jump through a hole in a three-metre high ball made of inflatable transparent plastic, which contains some warm water inside, and slosh around as you roll down trails down a hill. It might sound ridiculous, but for grown-ups, I promise you this blast of hilarity will zero in on your inner child in mere seconds and you'll find yourself laughing the entire way down.
If that's not your thing (but I can't imagine that it wouldn't be), there are all sorts of action-packed, family-friendly options popping up on the sprawling landscape, backed up by a $4.25-million dollar investment rolling out this year and next, giving day-trippers the chance to step into a harness and defy gravity on Southern Ontario's longest zip line, reaching speeds up to 45 km. an hour or reach new heights on the new rock climbing wall.
Try out some daring tricks at the outdoor skateboard park or feel the rush of cruising down the hilly mountain bike terrain. Many of these sky-high vantage points offer thrill seekers a sight-seeing feast filled with the breathtaking views of Georgian Valley.
If you're looking to make a weekend out of your visit, there is an hotel on site and upscale and casual dining options. For price information or to plan your summer reprieve, visit: horseshoeresort.com.
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