Our good friend Chris Keyes was down at this years Toronto Sportsmen’s Show and was kind enough to cover the event for us as we’ve never ha dthe opportunity to make the trip down the QEW for the event.

Running 64 years strong, the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show has recently been setup in the Metro Toronto Convention Center in downtown Toronto due to it’s ever growing popularity and support.

The show is held in both the North and South buildings, and can be accessed by the public at both entrances. We found some parking in an underground lot right across the street, only $8 for the day. An adult ticket for the show will ring you around $18 (without an online coupon)

Throughout the day there are ‘mini shows’ going on, anything from trying your hand with a fly fishing rod, to watching a live dog show with jumps and tunnels. Lots of cool displays.

All of the best fishing vendors are centered in the North building, selling discounted tackel, rods and specialty gear. It’s great having the company employee’s explaining how their stuff works, opposed to just buying it off the shelf.

If you like powersports you’ll see the latest models of snowmobiles, ATV’s, UTV’s, boats and sea-doo’s.  Honda and Yamaha both had loads of floor space this year, sportin’ some beautiful machines.

There are rows of popular travel vendors with vacation info to check out. We scooped some French River info, great place.

So if you just like relaxing at the cottage or like to go hunting on the weekends, this is THE show to check out, and if you’ve already been you need to keep going! Who knows what they’ll bring out next year?

For more of the amazing pictures Chris took at the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, check out the Facebook Fan Page.

We’d like to thank Chris for his wonderful contribution to the site and for our readers. Hopefully we can see more of Chris as a regular contributor to OntarioAlive.com

I’m a huge fan of eating , cooking and food in general, so I can’t tell you how hyped I was when we had the opportunity to attend a recreational cooking lesson at the Ontario College of Health & Technology just outside Stoney Creek. However that excitement was soon diminished when we were greeted by the first channel of contact – the receptionist. After introducing ourselves on arrival it was met with confusion and rather ‘cold’ treatment, as if they had no idea we were coming or what we’ll be doing this night. We had made plans previously with one of the school administrators and was assured that we could come down to do this feature. Additionally I confirmed that in keeping with the format of this website, we’d be doing this as a family and there would be two of us, a few days before the actual cooking lesson. Our readers have come to expect the manner in which we do our features as they become part of our adventures… especially since many of our readers travel with their families and like knowing what to expect.

With a confused state we waited in the sitting area at the front, before we were told to go up to the class and ‘set up”. Quick introductions and we were chatting with the chef/teacher for tonight’s cooking class. A wonderful gentleman who showed passion in what he’s doing and very open to the questions we had. It was a few minutes before the class started so we could tell he was busy with his final preparations for the class itself.

The class is designed as teaching kitchen with a counter which doubles as the main staging area for the teacher and directly behind is a new stack of stove tops which didn’t show much sign of use. In front of it all are tables set up for students with space for four students per table (see pics below), which is brightly lit and very professional looking. During our chat we learned that the nightly recreational cooking class was somewhat new, but always well attended. At this point we asked where we should sit/stand for tonight’s class. Here’s where things got even more confusing as the instructor had a puzzled look on his face as if to say “you guys are part of this?”. It seems he wasn’t told that we were going to be part of the class (how else would we get first hand info to share with our readers?), so he said you guys can set up anywhere. At this point Caron could sense that we were not expected, so she headed back to the car. I wanted to make the most of this (gas is expensive these days), so I stuck around and took some pics and got a feel for the class itself, though I had my reservations about being here.

The cooking lesson this night was all about herbs and spices and how to implement then in your dishes successfully. With discussions on purchasing, storing and handling this part was very informative but seemed to move too quickly for most of the students. The class was indeed packed and every table was occupied, so this confirmed that our attendance was not registered or there was a break in communication somewhere.

After a quick demo on seasoning a chicken breast with fresh herbs and spices and how to pan cook it on the stove. An Asian inspired roll was prepared for the ‘students’ to see and duplicate. With a lovely and simple accompanying sauce prepared to tie everything together.The students then paired up and collected what they needed to prepare what they just saw. I felt it was time to ride out… after-all, my partner was sitting outside in the car and I could feel as sense of uneasiness with the students as I took pictures and video clips.

I tried my best not to be over-critical (even though you may think different as you read this post), but I hate it when we’re not treated with any sort of professionalism, as it shows a lack of respect for what we do. We were quite clear as to what we were hoping to accomplish this night, in our correspondence to school officials and even confirmed this days before our visit.

Overall the concept is a good one and the chef/teacher was excellent in his delivery of the content. However I could not quite grasp who this cooking lesson was designed for. With the wealth of info and the speed at which it was meant to be digested, I feel the everyday person who wants to learn to cook may get overwhelmed. But again, I was only there for the first 30 minutes of the class, so one can only hope the pace settled down a bit as the class progressed. Personally I would do a sort of ice-breaking exercise as is done first day of school, so the students get to know each other and simmer down the tense vibe I got at the start.

If you’re interested in any of the cooking lessons offered at Ontario College of Health & Technology, with dates, classes offered, pricing and making reservations, check out there website at: http://www.ocht.ca/culinary-courses.php

You can also contact then at:

1040 South Service Rd | Stoney Creek, Ontario  L8E 6G3

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BTW, with your registration comes a free apron or a discount on another cooking lesson at the Ontario College of Health & Technology.

]]> http://ontarioalive.com/cooking-lesson-at-ontario-college-of-health-technology/feed/ 0 http://ontarioalive.com/skydiving-with-skydive-swoop-in-dundas-ontario/ http://ontarioalive.com/skydiving-with-skydive-swoop-in-dundas-ontario/#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:08:00 +0000 admin http://ontarioalive.com/?p=1935

I  always wondered what possesses a sane person to strap on some fabric held together by string and jump out of a perfectly functioning airplane at an insane height in the air. If you’ve had the same thought run through your mind, I’m hoping my experience at Skydive Swoop in Dundas Ontario will help you understand. I was in contact with Skydive Swoop via email a few weeks back when I inquired about coming up to do the feature for the site. And from that day until I landed safely on the ground as the sun was setting in the background on this outstanding Saturday evening, I was not only treated with a high level of professionalism, but with a sort of mentoring way that assured me that I was in good hands.

Hey! I’m the son, brother, cousin, husband, father, uncle and friend to many people who all showed concern when I mentioned that I was going skydiving… I didn’t even tell my mom about what I had planned as I knew she would protest. At home, I was lucky to have Caron and our daughter’s full support. Tehya even accompanied me this faithful day with camera in hand and excitement in her steps as I did, as Caron my usual partner in crime was at work.

We arrived a couple hours early for my scheduled jump time as I wanted to get a feel for the place, the people who run it and those in attendance who were scheduled to skydive like me. After meeting with Sandro (aka fez) who I’ve been chatting with online since I first made contact, he gave me a quick tour of the facilities. There’s the main reception area which is housed in what looked like used shipping containers, the video and classroom area as well as an outfitting area where you get dressed in the fancy jump suits. Tehya told me when she saw us head to the plane before take-off that I looked like an astronaut heading out to the shuttle. I’ll be honest… it did fell friggin cool!

To the right of the office/reception area are a few benches (park like) where just about everyone gathers before and after jumping and to the back there are a couple domed tents which are used as staging areas. Basically used as a hang out for members of the club and for inspecting and packing the parachutes. Remember to arrive early so you can walk around and see how they prepare before jumps.

Since each skydive is determined by weather and many other factors it’s recommended that even if you have a scheduled jump time, that you not only arrive early to go through the pre-jump training, but be prepared to have your jump time pushed back. As in my case, storm clouds rolled in so we had to wait an additional 40 minutes or so for things to clear up. Safety takes priority!

While chatting with Fez I just had to ask, why? Why do you and everyone here take this risk on a daily basis? If I recall correctly he said something like this… ” It allows me to concentrate on one thing and blank everything else out of my head. I have so much focus on the jump itself that all other stress and worries takes a back seat for the few minutes… it’s all about appreciating life and the moment” he said. Now I can certainly relate to what he told me.

After our on-ground training and briefing session I was then introduced to the fella who I’d be doing the tandem jump with, Brian. He took me into the outfitting area where I got dressed into the cool blue jumpsuit. I’m a pretty big fella, so after everything was tightened and strapped on, I felt like a sausage ready to burst through it’s casing. As I mentioned above, safety is the number one priority at Skydive Swoop, so every strap on the harness was checked and double checked to ensure they were secured correctly.  If you choose to have the video package, this is when you’d start seeing the paparazzi start following you. I highly recommend you do get the video and still pics… it’s something I know I will cherish the rest of my life. Can’t wait to have people over so I can show off.

Since each tandem master has their own way of body positioning etc, we went through the steps we covered earlier in the general briefing once again and by this time I could see that we were being waved on to the tarmac where the plane was waiting. Everything up to this point was pretty normal, but as we walked to the plane (point of no return?) I could feel my pulse get quicker and I had a sort of nervous walk.. or was that the tight fitting harness which felt like a thong gone wrong.

Being the only person without a parachute on the plane, as I got into position with my back facing the pilot, I was strapped on with a seat belt. As we began to climb all I could think about was “I’m actually doing this?”. I think this is when it hit me that I was actually about to skydive. What seemed like forever we climbed and climbed. Brian and cameraman who happened to be Fez engaged me in conversation which took my mind away from what lay ahead. A quick peek at one of the gauges and we were only at 5,000 feet.. we had another 5000 to go. The images below started getting much smaller and you could see for miles in every direction. The temperature of the air dropped a few degrees and though I was wearing the jumpsuit over my street clothes, I could feel a slight chill. At this point we once again went through the jump routine and it was time to get strapped on to my tandem master, Brian. The tight area in the plane combined with my large size made this a bit tricky, but with the on-ground training we had earlier… it went smoothly.  The door slammed open with the rush of air and it was “go” time. BTW, as I was being connected to the tandem master I could feel my pulse really take off and I started to hyperventilate a bit… same thing happened to me a few years back while snorkeling in Cuba so I knew I had to control my breathing and relax.

Maneuvering to get in position when the door opens and you’re hit with that rush of cold air is not as easy as you practiced on the ground. But with the expert help of Brian we were quickly in position. With hands tucked into my chest as instructed, we were off… within seconds of leaving the plane and free-falling at about 120 mph I found myself asking.. “why the f*@k am I doing this?… never again!” The rush is truly unbelievable and for the 5000 feet or so of the free fall, you’re in a world I’m sure you’ve never been. It’s very difficult to describe, but as quickly as I questioned why I was doing this I got the feeling of conquering not only my fear of heights but  being in charge of my life and surroundings. I was doing something I never thought I’d ever be crazy enough to attempt. It felt like facing your worst nightmare head on!

After playing around during free-fall to sync with Fez and his camera, we broke off and deployed the parachute. There’s a sort of jerk as the canopy opens above you and with my weight I could feel a bit of pressure on my shoulders/arm pits. I guess this is where most of my weight was distributed with the harness and how I was hooked up to Brian. As the canopy opens things really slow down, as you’re not free-falling at the same insane rate any longer. This is when you can really get a grasp of things. How high you are, the beauty of what’s below you and the fact that you’re soaring like an eagle.. until! That’s when Brian handed me the controls and told me to pull down with my left hand. WOW! I think this causes you to release air from the canopy and not only do you start a mini free fall again, but you start a sort of corkscrew motion in the direction of the side you pulled down on. Yes I was now in control of this flight and after the left side, you know I had to try the right. Not sure if it was the adrenaline or not, but any fear or question I may have had about why I was doing this was completely removed from my thoughts. There’s been some very special moments in my life, like witnessing the birth of our three daughters, seeing Caron for the first time (I can still remember the location, time, temperature, what she was wearing and what she said to me), seeing my youngest sister get married, seeing my mom after not seeing her for about 10 years.. there’s been some cherished moments that’s permanently engraved in my thoughts, and this experience is a welcome addition to my special moments.

We once again went through the landing procedure and as the sun set in the background, we made way for the ground. Darn that gravity.. stealing such a wonderful experience from me so quickly.

It’s now been about 3 weeks since my jump and to be honest, I’m still on a natural high. The feeling of accomplishment is something that reignites every time some asks me about the skydiving experience, when I look at pictures and though I couldn’t understand why Caron cried when she watched the DVD of the jump.. I too got choked-up when I watched it a few nights ago. We returned to Skydive Swoop a week later to get the digital pics and video footage that Fez provided and being there at the jump zone certainly aroused my desire to suit up and get back up in the air. Let’s be clear.. I’m not an adrenaline junky or someone going though any mid-life crisis… but I’ll say this – I now know why people jump out of planes for fun!

I’m elated to know that my first time skydiving was through Skydive Swoop in Dundas Ontario. From the minute I stepped onto their property I got the feeling of belonging. Everyone there was super friendly and I guess with the experience they have, they know how to make you feel safe and confident about what you’re about to do. There wasn’t a person up there without a smile and ready to answer any question you may have. The club is like an extended family… well that’s the vibe I got. Fun loving people who are safety conscious, there for a general good time. and willing to share what they know to help grow the sport.

We were even invited to stick around and camp that night, but due to other commitments we had to pass.. it would have been nice to sit around the campfire and chat about the days activities and hear some old ‘war’ stories which I’m sure the members would be willing to share.

Some quick facts about Skydive Swoop in Dundas Ontario.

Jump Zone Location
Dundas Air Plaza,
461 Highway #5 West.,
4.5km West of Highway #6
Dundas, Ontario

SWOOP averages more than 3,000 skydives annually

SWOOP is one of the oldest member-run skydiving clubs in North America, celebrating their 30th season in 2009.

The main difference between Skydive SWOOP and the other skydiving operations in the area, is that they are a non-profit organization and club with the desire to share the sport with others. The fact that they are small, allows them to spend more time with customers and give them a far more personal experience. Maybe this is why I got the sort of “family” vibe as I mentioned above.

Go dressed comfortably…running shoes (bring an extra pair just in case you lose a shoe in free fall), jeans is fine as long as they are not too tight and restricting. If the weather is still ultra hot on the day you’re booked, feel free to wear shorts and a T-shirt. You’ll have the option to wear a jumpsuit if you wish. I highly recommend wearing the jumpsuit as it gives you a better appreciation once you’re in gear.

You can bring food and drink and note that there’s a ZERO alcohol tolerance during jumping hours. There’s a Wendys and Tim Hortons just down the street at Clappison’s Corners where you can easily run over to if you’re hungry.

You’ll have to arrive at least an hour prior to your scheduled jump so you can fill out the waiver, review a safety video, and the instructor will go over a few basic things you’ll need to know…..same procedure we do with all our students. I encourage you to arrive early and walk around, see whats being done in the prep tents and do make conversation with staff and fellow jumpers.

If you’re thinking about doing a tandem skydive or an instructor assisted deployment skydive or a progressive free fall skydive, there’s no other place you should consider doing so than with SWOOP. If you have any doubts I’m sure they would welcome you to come up for a visit and watch as many people of all ages take the leap. I cannot tell you how comfortable and welcomed we felt while at the jump zone at SWOOP and the same can be said for the other first timers we chat with that day. The individual attention you get gives you a level of comfort I feel is necessary when you have terrified people wanting to do something they’ve never done before. Something many people would never even consider.

I went from never thinking I would ever skydive to wanting to give it another try the first opportunity I get. Next time Tehya and I will be suiting up as I know she wants to follow in her papas footsteps and be like superman even if for a few minutes. I now know why people jump out of a perfectly functioning plane.

Special thanks to Sandro (aka Fez), Brian and everyone at Skydive SWOOP in Dundas for such an exciting time. I think it would be almost impossible to top this experience.

For more info on the tandem skydive with SWOOP in Dundas Ontario, including schedules, booking a jump and possible discounts, do check out their website at: http://www.swoop.on.ca/

P.S. I now have my first jump certificate hanging on the wall in front of desk where I can see it daily as a reminder of what I’ve accomplished with the help of my new friends at SWOOP.

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from my tandem skydiving with SWOOP) and do tune in to our videos (escapades) on the youtube channel we’ve created.

]]> http://ontarioalive.com/skydiving-with-skydive-swoop-in-dundas-ontario/feed/ 1 http://ontarioalive.com/whirlpool-aero-car-niagara-falls/ http://ontarioalive.com/whirlpool-aero-car-niagara-falls/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:14:25 +0000 admin http://ontarioalive.com/?p=1879

Our third stop of the day at Niagara Falls, saw us at the Whirlpool Aero Car. When we did the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour a couple weeks back, Caron swore that there’s no way she would ever be suspended that high over the Niagara Whirlpool, as we did some maneuvers directly below the Spanish Aero Car attraction. As she put it “why would any sane person go on that contraption connected to those little lines.. what if it breaks?” Funny enough she was one of the first people to board the Aero car and besides the other passengers who were particularly rude, she quite enjoyed it. It still baffles us how people have no concept of personal space or the reason for lines and how to respect the fact that when people queue in front of you, it means they get to go in first.

I must confess that I have a fear of heights and though I had a “macho” way about me when Caron asked if I would be ok with this ride, I was a bit apprehensive. However I’m also one to do just about anything if I have someone else doing it with me. I don’t consider myself a follower by any means, but if I’m going down I’d like to have company

After checking in with the attendant at guest services for a reservation (even if you have tickets already purchased, you must check in to get a slotted time) we realize that it would be another 20 minutes before our group would get to board, so we headed next door to the gift shop. You’ll find your typical tourist gear here and expensive soft drinks (it was a super hot day so we had no choice but to pay the prices), but if you go out the rear doors you’ll not only have a breathtaking view of the Niagara Whirlpool, but you’re perched n a great spot to see the Aero Car as it moves from one point to another.

It can get crowded on this balcony with everyone juggling for space to take that perfect picture with the wonderful background, so it can get a bit unsettling. Niagara Falls is a tourist town so be prepared for crowds when you visit any of the attractions.

I didn’t really check but I don’t think this attraction is wheelchair accessible as you must make your way down some stairs to get to the loading zone and from the layout I don’t recall seeing any elevators. The space on the Aero car itself is very narrow and there’s not much room for a wheelchair or motorized vehicle (but I could be wrong, so do check with the Niagara Parks before booking).

After the gates are opened by staff, you make your way down a flight o stairs, then enter the Aero Car starting from the left side and when this area is filled the right and center is used. From the look of things it seems they try to balance the weight for even distribution. With a loud bang and jerk the car released from it’s dock (you’re told to expect this by the attendant) and you’re on your way over the whirlpool for the return one kilometer (3,600 feet) trip which took about 10 minutes in total. We were placed on the left side of the car and was a bit concerned as we didn’t have a good view of the river and gorge from our position. The attendant did ease our concern when she mentioned that the people on the left side should not worry as on the return part of the trip we would move to the right side. This way everyone gets a chance to see both sides of the gorge/whirlpool.

It was a warm and fairly calm day so the ride was smooth for the most part, except when you leave the docking area and return. Would be interesting to see what happens under windy conditions…  maybe they don’t run it on extremely windy days? The view is simply breathtaking and it’s amazing how you go from one point to another for that long a distance and you’re still in Canada, due to the curve created by the whirlpool basin. I’m not good with averaging heights but I would guess you’re about 300 ft up, but the high walls around the basket and that fact that you’re surrounded by so much steel, gives you a sense of safety. I believe the ride can hold as much as 35 people standing, but that can be a bit crowded if it was at capacity.

The Whirlpool Aero car was designed by a Spanish engineer, Leonardo Torres Quevedo and has been in operation since 1916. Since then there’s been upgrades in 1961, 1967 and 1984 so though the age is a bit scary (age shows with some areas having rust spots etc) when you really think about it, it’s reassuring knowing that regular maintenance is done.

As I mentioned above I’m scared of heights, but this ride is not intimidating as you would think by seeing pictures or viewing it from the balcony area behind the gift shop. Do bring along your camera for some amazing pictures and video clips, but don’t forget to take in the moment while on the ride. It’s very easy to get caught-up taking pictures and if you’re like me… most of travels will only be seen through the viewfinder of a camera.

Location of the Whirlpool Aero Car in Niagara Falls: 3850 Niagara Parkway  Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Admission prices are shown in Canadian dollars and do not include taxes.

$12.25 Adults (13+ years), $7.95 Children (6 to 12 years). Children 5 and under are FREE!

Dates of Operation:

April 7th to June 6th daily 10am – 5pm

April 23rd & 24th Saturday/Sunday 10am – 6pm (Easter Weekend)

May 7th & May 8th Saturday/Sunday 10am – 6pm

May 14th & 15th Saturday/Sunday 9am – 6pm

May 21st & 22nd Saturday/Sunday 9am – 7pm (Victoria Weekend)

May 28th & 29th Saturday/Sunday 9am – 7pm

May 30th to June 24th Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm

June 4th to June 19th Saturday – Sunday 10am – 6pm

June 25th to September 4th Daily 9am – 8pm

September 5th to October 2nd Daily 10 am to 5 pm

October 3rd to October 7th Monday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm

October 8th to October 9th Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 6 pm

October 10th to November 5th Daily 10 am – 5 pm

November 5th (Last Day of Business for the 2011 season)

Last trip of the day leaves ½ hr before closing time listed

Gift Shop hours will remain the same as the Attraction.

Updated prices, coupons and discounts for the Whirlpool Aero Car can be found at at http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/whirlpool-aero-car.html

Almost forgot to mention that the Aero Car is a stop on the people mover transit system in Niagara Falls and it’s one of the best thing we can recommend you do when visiting Niagara Falls. Park your car for the day and purchase a day pass for the people mover. So easy not having to worry about finding parking.. sit back relax and be driven to all the cool locations.

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from our day at the Whirlpool Aero Car) and do tune in to our videos (escapades) on the youtube channel we’ve created.

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Why couldn’t history class be an adrenaline rush as the high-speed ride upriver into the Niagara Gorge, through the Devil’s Hole rapids on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour? Last Sunday we were invited by Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours to board one of their super-fast jetboats and take the trek up the Niagara river, for what turned out to be the most fun we’ve had to date  in our travels across Ontario. So where did the comparison to history class comes into effect? While on the slow part of the ride where the boat is not allowed to cause wake on the surrounding marinas, we were given a brief (but informative) history of the area. The different forts, the hydro plants and the part Sir Isaac Brock played in the war of 1812.

We had plans later in the day to visit Niagara On the Lake so we made our reservations for the 11.30 am departure, which I believe was the first run for the day. We’re so happy we did, as we had a packed boat which made for even more fun when everyone was yelling, screaming and just enjoying the rush.

About 15 minutes before departure everyone gathers to the back of the main check-in building (on bleachers), for a brief introduction to the crew, what you could expect from the ride and most importantly… a safety drill. Basically to let you know how to react in the event something was to happen. But with the safety standards and equipment in place, we never felt worried or had any reservations about what was in store.You are required to sign a waiver before you’re officially checked-in for the tour, so do give yourself time for doing this when planning your trip.

As a group you’re led over to the dock area where there were several boats waiting to be boarded. Being early summer and the cold/long winter we had we figured it was going to be cold so we took full advantage of the gear which were provided. First went on the fleece sweaters, followed by the sort of rain poncho, then the life jackets. Since flip flops are not allowed (they will get washed away guaranteed), you’re also provided with water shoes. We came prepared with our running shoes, as I’m a bit freaky about wearing shoes others wore… yea same problem I have when bowling. But at the end of the trip we saw them being washed in soapy water before being used by anyone else. Be Warned! even with all that gear you WILL get soaked, so do bring along a change of clothes. there are change rooms provided.

We then settled into our respective positions in the boat and were on our way up the river. This is when the history lesson started and I must say that the guide/teacher is full of energy and makes everything exciting. Even when his mic malfunctioned, he took full advantage of his loud voice to keep us entertained. These guys know how to have fun and pretty soon you’ll find that you’ll come out of your shell and join in. The first 10 minutes or so is somewhat slow, since there are marinas and homes alongside the water, so out of courtesy (probably law as well) they don’t cause any wake.

Then the fun started! You could hear the horses kick in and the boat started to skim the water, you could feel the cold spray on your face. The pilot (or is it captain?) gave us a test stunt, so we could prepare ourselves for what was in store. WOW! The first mini-run and we could already tell that this was going to be fun. As we powered up the gorge the different category rapids were pointed out to us and you will be well advised to know that you will go through some class 5. Which means, whitewater, large waves, continuous rapids, large rocks and hazards, maybe a large drop, precise maneuvering (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience). That didn’t really scare us as we were protected by this powerful boat with an experienced crew. We also came to the edge of a class 6 area, but it’s illegal for them to trek that area.. so we’re told.

I do apologize for the quality of pics as I was forced to leave the SLR in the car and pull out the waterproof point and shoot (well Kieana’s). You’ll also notice that it seems like a dark and overcast day and to certain extent it was, but a lot of it had to do with the settings on the camera.

We were also able to get some video footage… again a bit dark and grainy due to the camera we were using, but you can certainly watch that video at the Facebook fan page or the Youtube channel. The speed at which we were going compounded by the many turns, twists and action of the rapids didn’t make it easy to get videos clips. It’s like being on a super-fast roller coaster with many turns and loops and still trying not to be shaky! When you get to the edge of the area called the whirlpool where the class 6 rapids area you have an amazing view of the Whirlpool Aero Car directly above. Though tame compared to what we were doing, that ride did look like it would also be fun. Maybe we’ll try to cover that soon… but I do have a fear of heights!

After learning (these guys are full of info) how dangerous and powerful  the whirlpool area is, we then head back down river to the “Devil’s Hole” where the fun really starts. You start at the top of the class 5 rapids, with the boat under full power, then as a belly forms in the water’s flow you could hear a difference in the hum of the boat’s engine and the front of the boat is dipped… causing a wicked upward motion followed by a downward fall and a wall of water hits you smack in the face. Without time to really recoup, you go through the same motion again, with that massive blast of water coming right at you. This is when you get the real feel for things when 40 + people around you are all screaming, even though they’re short of breath. You then go back up the rapids to the right where is a bit more calm and repeat the ride back down the class 5 rapids. After the first run, you’d sit there hoping this would never end.. it’s so much fun.

The tours takes about 1 hour in total, but it’s one of of unimaginable fun that well worth the price you pay.

Some tips…

- unless it’s been a hot summer and the water is possibly warm, get the fleece sweater or you’ll be cold

- when you’re briefed on shore and told to leave everything that not attached to you, do so. Caron had hoop earrings on and they were gone. The boat is designed to take in water and at the same time allow for it to flow out. This means anything that comes off you will end up in the drink.

- for the best experience try to sit upfront and if possible, at one of the corners. I had the seat to the far left of the boat upfront and it was simply amazing. But be prepared to get wet!

- yes you will get SOAKED, no question.. even with the poncho on.

- from what we saw, try to get on the first trip (11.30 am) that’s when the boat is packed and as I mentioned above.. more fun. The boat leaving after we arrived back was barely full. But I could be totally wrong as we were here at the start of the season.

- there’s a lock box provided back at home base where you can leave your keys.. make use of this!

- if it’s a sunny day we would recommend using some waterproof sunblock as you’ll be in direct sunlight.

Caron wanted me to ad that though there are change rooms provided, they are a bit cramped, no doors but curtains and there’s no mirrors. However the bathrooms inside the building do have mirrors.

We learned that there were two locations to catch the jet boat tour, one on the US side and the other which we used on Canadian side. For currents rates, including how to get discounts/coupons, check out the website for Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours – Rates.

Canadian Departure Locations

Niagara on the Lake, ON
61 Melville Street, PO BOX 1215
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
L0S 1J0

Niagara Falls, ON
Whirlpool Aero Car
3850 Niagara Parkway
Niagara Falls, Ontario

U.S. Departure Location

Lewiston, NY
115 South Water St,
Lewiston, New York
14092

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours Performance Centre and winter operating office
7 Henegan St.
Virgil, Ontario
L0S 1T0

Phone: 905-468-4800
Toll Free: (outside 905 area code): 1-888-438-4444
Fax: (905) 468-7004
Website: www.whirlpooljet.com
Email: trips@whirlpooljet.com

We highly recommend the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours for it’s attention to safety, friendly and outgoing staff and most of all… the experience of a lifetime. Put this on your to-do list this summer and be sure to tell them that Chris and Caron from OntarioAlive sent you.

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Unlike the other posts where we try to go into detail about whatever we review, this one is basically a picture post. Originally this was supposed to be posted back in December, but when I got home and saw the low quality light on the pics, I had seconds thoughts. The goal was to go back down on a sunny day and get some better pics, but that never materialized. I do apologize for the pics and I promise to get some high quality videos to add to the Youtube Channel.

Here’s a news release when the park was first opened…

The Hamilton Waterfront Trust is pleased to announce the opening of the new outdoor ice rink located behind the Williams Fresh Café at 47 Discovery Dr. The NHL size outdoor rink will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The ice rink was made possible with funding from the City of Hamilton and land provided by Parks Canada.

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Couple things I must mention to you before you head down to enjoy some good family time. The wind off the lake can be a bit brisk, so do dress extra warm and with the Williams coffee house being on the grounds, you may want to pack some money for a hot chocolate or coffee after. One more thing before I go… the coolest part is seeing the Zamboni coming out to clean the ice surface. but that could just be the kid in me.

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This past Fall we spent an afternoon exploring the the Crawford Lake Conservation Area, including the 15th century Iroquoian Village that has been reconstructed on it’s original site. As with all the parks managed by Conservation Halton you’re expected to pay an entry fee, which I personally think is overly priced. However from the excellent way the upkeep their conservation areas, you can see where the fess are going to. You can check out the updated park entrance fee at: http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1303

I recommend that you head up the driveway after paying and use the parking lot that’s directly in front of the Visitors Center, as  it’s a great starting point for both the walk around the Lake, the trails and/or the Iroquoian Village. It was a somewhat cool day and there was a brisk wind (typical Fall weather), but that didn’t keep the visitors away. However there were tons of empty parking spots (included with admission fee), so that wasn’t an issue.

We started off down the trail past the Visitor’s Center and made our way to the boardwalk that surrounds the lake (see pics below). It takes about 30 minutes or so to walk the entire boardwalk and that includes time spent stopping to take pics and enjoy the scenery. The lake itself looks very pristine and there are several spots to stop and just take in the beautiful natural setting. We then took advantage of the trails that surround the lake, for a wonderful hike. With the ground covered with the fallen leaves and the cool clean fall air, there was a sort of peace that we’ve not enjoyed in all our hikes during the summer. The trails are will marked (color tags) and they are not challenging, but there are times when you do go through rocky parts that can be a bit tricky.

Note: Due to the sensitive nature of Crawford Lake, biking on park trails or swimming, boating or fishing in the lake at any time is prohibited.

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We met quite a few friendly people along the way and how could I forget the dog that wanted us to play fetch with us. After completing the trail we headed over to the 15th century Iroquoian Village that was supposed to be my highlight of the day. The pics above should give you an idea of what you can expect and I really wish that the temperature didn’t dip and make it a bit uncomfortable to really browse as I would normally do. I guess this a reason for another trip during the warmer months.

BTW, there’s a lookout spot that you get to along the trail that overlooks the Nassagaweya Canyon where our friends said that during their visit over the summer months, they had a wonderful view of Turkey Vultures soaring through the air. So take your camera for an up-close snapshot.

Crawford Lake Conservation Area.

Tel: 905.854.0234
Customer Service: Extension 221
Fax: 905.854.2448

Park Address: 3115 Conservation Road (formerly Steeles Avenue)
Milton, ON L9T 2X3

GPS Coordinates: 43.47 -79.951

For current park hours  to Crawford Lake Conservation Area: http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1451

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It was a hot and humid summer’s day when we arrived at the entrance to the Mt Nemo trails and after checking in at the unmanned gates we proceeded to the parking area which would act as our base for the few hours we were going to be exploring the area. We had planned this trip a couple weeks before, so we had no idea we were going to be in a heat wave, however we had enough water, sun block and an enthusiastic bunch of hikers with us.

We used the gravel access road to get to the marked trails and proceeded through the beautiful natural setting, with tall trees and the occasional sound of birds and other critters in the background. Though it was very hot in the open, under the canopy of the tress it was a bit cooler, but just as humid. We proceeded to do the loop that would see us hike for about 2 hrs as a fairly brisk pace. However there were many occasions to stop and take in the scenery and natural rock formation.

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There are two main loops to explore, the North Loop and the South Loop .  Heading out on the North loop will take you on a 2 ½ km tour along old quarry road to the Brock Harris Lookout and then back through the forest along the escarpment. The views from the lookout are quite stunning (see pics above), but it can be a bit scary if you have a fear of heights as I do.  Remember to pack a camera that has a timer so you can get a pic of your entire group with the lookout as the backdrop. From the Brock Harris Lookout, provided that you have a nice clear day, you may even be able to see the CN Tower, but due to humidity and haze we were not so lucky.  At almost 3 km, the other trail choice to the South will start you off along the same old quarry road but then veer off along the edge of the escarpment in the opposite direction to the North Loop .  This loop steers away from the cliffs and guides you through a variety of settings, including fields and meadows, an old quarry and some densely forested paths.  Both loops eventually bring you back to the old quarry road.

Overall, one of the better trails in the area, with much to see and talk about. The deep cracks or crevasses are very interesting and  we wished we had packed a flash light to get a better idea of how deep they were. The views off the cliff are stunning and in the distance you can get clear views of the golf course as well as many farms. Including many cows out in the fields grazing. There’s a couple spots that require climbing and it moderately demanding for someone like me who’s overweight. * If you’re lucky you’ll even come across raspberry bushes laden with juicy red berries just waiting to be harvested.

About the Park:

Hours of Operation

Park entrance gates open daily at 8:30 a.m. all year round.
Park entrance gate closing times vary by season and are as follows:

June/July/August – 9 p.m.
September/October – 7:30 p.m.
November/December/January – 5 p.m.
February / March – 6:30 p.m.

Mount Nemo Contact Information
Tel: 905.854.0262
Fax: 905.854.2303

Address: 5317 Guelph Line Burlington, ON

Mailing Address: 2596 Britannia Road West Burlington, ON L7P 0G3

GPS Coordinates: 43.417 -79.882

For an updated listing of entry fees, you have to check out their official page. Mt Nemo Entrance Fees.

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The last boat show we attended was the Toronto Boat Show and this is going back about 13 years ago. So when we decided to attend the Port Credit In Water Boat Show, you can only imagine the excitement that filled me. This is the summer I reserved to learn to sail, so I’ve been daydreaming about owning my very own catamaran and sailing up and down the Caribbean islands, stopping every few days to refill on rum  

From learning to sail, buying your first boat, taking the cruise, anchoring or heading the boat south for the winter or longer – the Port Credit- In-Water Boat Show 2010 has something for every boater. There are 19 seminars held over the 3 days.

We arrived around 12.30 and it seems that most people were only just making their way into the show and finding free parking was easy enough, but the crowds quickly thickened and there was a nice “summer” vibe about the show. The organizers couldn’t have asked for a better day as it was the perfect combination of a sunny, hot but not humid day.

As you walked though the main gates and pay the $8 entry fee (see below for more pricing options) you’re greeted by the many booths set up by retailers and others involved in the boating world (under a huge tent). As you make your way out the tent there were several other vendors set up in the outdoor area and to the right side is where the seminar tent was set up. Though we didn’t attend any of the workshops presented at the seminar tent, it did seem to be well attended from the crowds we saw inside.

Additionally, as you exited the main tent (where you enter the event) if you go to the left you’d come across some of the fast food options that were available, as well as the live entertainment. In the pics below you’ll see that we did take advantage of the weather, entertainment and food options and had a great outdoor lunch.

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There were two entrances to the dock area where the boats were on display and we opted to enter through the right side gates as this section was less crowded. But within an hour of arriving the entire area was packed solid. This was the power boat section and there were some beauties on display for sale. If this is your first time attending the Port credit In Water Boat Show, you should be prepared for:

- remove your shoes to go on-board the boats

- some boats require appointments with the broker before you can take a tour (signs will be posted)

- the dock area can be a bit narrow, so taking a baby stroller is out of the question

- it’s outdoor so wear a hat and sunblock

- be prepared for crowds

- have some patience since there may be a wait to tour boats

We toured a few of the power boats on display and though they were quite exquisite inside, I was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to tour some of the sail boats on the other side of the docks. Sadly there was only one catamaran to tour this day, but after speaking with the broker Wim Zegers, he offered to take us out for a test sail if we wanted in a couple weeks. Super cool!

Caron, Tehya and I fell in love with the 50ft Hunter, and though it’s a single hull this boat had me giddy. Absolutely stunning in and out and I can only imagine how much fun we would have on this vessel as we go island hopping through the Caribbean. Seeing pictures and videos online of these boats does not do them justice. However you must be prepared to shell out the big bucks to own one of these beauties ($500,000), they’re well appointed and tastefully decorated. Even the woodwork is stunning!

Overall we had a great time at the Port Credit Boat Show… with wonderful weather, friendly people (for the most part) and the opportunity to tour some amazing boats. Even if you’re not a boater, we recommend attending next year as it gives you the opportunity to take a peek into the boating world. Caron, Tehya, Marco, Toni and I all had a great time and I’m sure it will be on our agenda next summer again.

Address

Port Credit Harbour Marina – 1 Port Street East
Port Credit, ON L5G 4N1

Telephone: (905) 278-7005
Fax: (905) 278-5758

Exhibitors at the Port Credit Boat Show

Show Times (2010 show):

Friday, August 27 – 10AM to 7PM
Saturday, August  28 – 10AM to 6PM
Sunday, August 29 – 10AM to 5PM

Admission Fees: (Cash Only)

General Admission (age 16 – 64) $8,
3 Day Weekend Pass $15
Seniors (65 +) $5,
Children under 15 are free!

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Absolutely one of the best 18 hole miniature golf course I’ve ever played. It was one of those hot and humid days where you just didn’t want to leave the refreshing cool air inside the car to venture out, however our visit to Adventure Village was put off the last two times we planned a visit, due to poor weather conditions and nothing was going to stop us having a great time today. I just wished I had on shorts instead of the jeans I was wearing. Our girls were a bit smarter and dressed cool and with a good dose of sunscreen on, we were off to challenge the 18 hole mini putt golf course, climb the 24 foot rock wall, hit some balls at the batting cages, toss and twirl on the bungee trampoline and finish off with a crash derby on the Krazy Kars bumper cars.

It was around noon when we arrived and the miniature golf area was just starting to get a bit busy, so we opted to start off our day at the batting cages. With the long winters we have, this heat wasn’t going to keep people from enjoying the summer. I had never played baseball nor have I ever hit balls in a batting cage before, so Andrew was going to be our guinea pig. I was allowed behind the machine that delivered the balls, so you can see a few action shots in the picture gallery below. Basically you grab a bat and helmet and go into the designated enclosed area to start hitting the balls. The system is fully automated and delivery of the ball makes for an excellent opportunity to really pound away at the balls. Great for fine tuning your technique and hitting power, but controlled enough that anyone can safely hit some balls.

* There are 4 slow softball, 1 medium softball, 1 fast softball, 1 medium baseball, 1 fast baseball, 1 very fast baseball batting cages. Safe for everyone over 4 years old and a great way to get that extra practice.

We then headed over to the Bungee Trampoline which seems to be fairly new as I don’t recall this being here when we visited a couple years back. Tehya being a former provincial level gymnast and current competitive cheerleader, she was eager to give this a try. After being weighed in (yes you have to get on a scale – there may be weight and height restrictions) you’re securely harnessed in and then elevated a bit via the bungee cords and off you go. With the help of the assistant (he adds extra weight as you bounce to really propel you up) , you really start going high and you’re free to do tricks you’re comfortable with. If I were to guess I’d say Tehya reached heights over 25 ft in the air and from the pics you can see all the flips etc she was doing. As we looked on, we could tell that it was fun and something you must try when you visit Adventure Village.

With the heat and humidity (felt like 44 C) we had to take a break to get hydrated a bit, after which we headed over to the rock climbing area. Both Andrew and Kieana got strapped in and after a quick “how to” by the attendant, they began their climb. The route starts off easy and the more you move around the wall in a clockwise direction the hard the route got. Again, a fun event with just as much excitement for us on the ground as onlookers. You could see them struggle as they tried to navigate their way up and as the beads of sweat trickled down their faces, you could see the true determination to reach the top. This attraction is safe for all ages, as you’re secured via ropes and a harness system and the attendant is there with you every step of the way. On coming back down you could tell that Kieana was tired as her legs jiggled under her and she landed up on the ground on her bum. Laughter broke out from us in the peanut gallery and it was all in good fun.

Break two not only included cool drinks, but this time we were attracted by the scent of grilling and deep frying from Big Al’s Cookhouse , so we took a longer break than the last and enjoyed some burgers and poutine. There’s a fairly good menu to choose from and the food to my amazement was much better than I expected. There”s a a huge outdoor seating area where you can kick back and relax while enjoying any of the meals they have on sale. The food is reasonably priced and quite tasty as I mentioned. (good buy are the combos and monthly specials)

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It was now time for the real challenge. 18 holes to prove who’s the best mini putt golfer in the family and we all had our game faces on. We can be very competitive family, but by the time we hit hole 13 the heat had taken it’s toll on us. If you’re looking for a course that attractive, well maintained and challenging, but well suited for any age  or skill level, this one is for you. Without a doubt, this course is the best I’ve played in Southern Ontario.

“An elaborate multi-level 18 hole miniature golf course built over two acres of rapids, waterfalls, shipwrecks, and a train trestle. Every hole provides you with a little history of Southern Ontario and a different challenge.”

The winner this day will remain anonymous as the heat forced us to call it a draw! We’ll be back for another round next week to finally prove who’s the champ!

Our day ended at the Krazy Kars bumper cars area where the cars can actually go 360 degrees and there are no poles attached, so you can really enforce a good pounding on others. With all the harnesses etc we’ve seen in use at Adventure Village we could clearly see that personal safety is one of their main concerns and they work very hard to maintain a safe and enjoyable park for visitors. That said… you’re once again harnessed (strapped) into the cars, then when it’s safe you’re given the green light to start using levers to control your direction and speed. As with everything at adventure Village, the Krazy Kars can be maneuvered by just about anyone. So kids (and big kids) can have the same amount of fun and not worry about anything being complicated to use.

Overall we had an excellent time and if not for the blistering heat we would have tried the out door laser tag and the arcade room as both areas also seemed like tons of fun. For the younger kids, there’s Big Al’s Mining Camp, where kids can experience the excitement of panning for semi-precious gemstones in a sluiceway of rushing waters similar to the Alaska gold rush days.

Adventure Village
580 Van Wagners Beach Road
Hamilton, Ontario L8E 3L8

Toll Free: 1.800.387.8727
Telephone: 905.549.9444

What a great place to come with all your friends and family. Adventure Village is a great place to go for a great school trip, church picnic, camp outing, or let the whole office unwind at the end of a busy day! they cater to:

* Company Outings
* Camp Day Trips
* Team Parties
* School Trips
* Church Picnics
* Senior Outings

For up to date info on pricing and time of operation, check out the links below:

Hours: http://www.adventure-village.com/hours.html
Price List: http://www.adventure-village.com/price_list.html

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NOTE: Special thanks to Denise Ralph and her team at Adventure Village for extending this invitation and for making us feel so welcome.

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