Summary of Adventures
Best Adventures for Weekend Warriors
If you want to transform your life during summer, consider engaging in one or more of these hobbies. These experiences can truly turn you into an adventurer. Although we might not carry the title of “adventurer“, we have undoubtedly embraced a life full of adventure. Let’s dive in!
1. Scuba Diving
Dave and I learned to scuba dive in Lake Simcoe, located north of Toronto. We took our open water course in the chilly waters of early summer in Canada and spent the rest of the year exploring the Great Lakes and the Muskokas. The Great Lakes are an underwater graveyard for ships, offering some of the best wreck diving on Earth. We progressed to drift diving in the St. Lawrence River, deep diving, and even icy dives in the frigid waters off Tobermory in Lake Huron. Once you’ve experienced scuba diving in waters with a thermocline, you can truly call yourself an adventure diver. This background made diving in the Caribbean a breeze!
2. Rock Climbing
Our rock climbing journey began on the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario. Surrounded by some of the best climbers in Canada, we tackled challenging locations like Rattlesnake Point and Lions Head. Local climbing gyms are excellent venues for beginners before progressing to outdoor climbs. This hobby is as commendable as it is enjoyable! Once you invest in your gear, climbing becomes affordable and opens up exploration opportunities around your region.
3. Whitewater Kayaking
Whitewater kayaking is one of the top adventure sports that we’ve incorporated into our travels across seven continents. Mastering this skill allows for thrilling expeditions in incredible locations like Antarctica and Greenland. We took our whitewater kayaking course on the Madawaska River at MKC, which is renowned as the world’s first whitewater kayaking school. This week-long course transformed our kayaking experience, teaching us essential skills like rolling and riding the rapids. We genuinely feel like true adventurers every time we hit the water.
4. Orienteering
While this adventure might not appear as thrilling, it is undeniably vital. In an era of widespread reliance on GPS and Google Maps, the ability to read a map and compass remains crucial, especially in the wilderness. It’s a skill that’s invaluable for canoe trips and backcountry hiking. For instance, during our multi-day canoe trip in Algonquin Park, our map reading skills enabled us to navigate lakes and portages seamlessly. This is a lifelong skill worth mastering.
5. Camping
Camping might not sound thrilling, but it is a foundational skill for any adventurer. Before embarking on extensive travels, we camped every weekend, learning what gear suited us best and how to weather the elements. We honed our camp cooking skills, preparing delicious meals on our camp stove. The more you camp, the more adept you become at staying comfortable and well-fed in the wilderness, making it an enriching and budget-friendly adventure.
Bonus Winter Camping Adventure
For those eager to elevate their camping skills, winter camping adds a formidable challenge. Surviving a night in minus 40-degree weather is an achievement that distinguishes true adventurers. However, hiring an expert or participating in a survival course is advisable for a safe and enjoyable experience.
6. Mountain Biking
Our passion for cycling began with mountain biking, which taught us invaluable skills such as balance, endurance, and technical riding over obstacles. These experiences laid the groundwork for our cycling tours in various countries. Regardless of fitness levels or conditions, our mountain biking background equips us to tackle challenging cycling routes with confidence.
7. Snowboarding or Skiing
No adventurer’s resume is complete without winter sports! Both snowboarding and skiing are exhilarating activities that become integral to your winter routine. While snowboarding may be easier to learn quickly, skiing can lead to rapid improvements once the fundamentals are grasped. Whichever path you choose, embracing winter sports enhances your adventurous lifestyle!
8. Cross Country Skiing
Watching adventurers conquer the backcountry often highlights cross country skiing skills. This sport enables swift access into deeper terrains while allowing you to carry more gear. However, navigating downhill slopes on long skis requires skill and practice. Attending a course can enhance your abilities, making every snowy expedition even more rewarding.
9. Horseback Riding
Our horseback riding adventures across diverse regions such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan have been profound. This skill not only enriches the travel experience but also requires learning subtle cues to communicate with your horse effectively. Initial lessons are often beneficial to grasp riding techniques and become proficient.
10. Canoe
Besides kayaking, mastering canoeing is essential for any adventurer. Canoeing involves single-bladed paddles and offers an entirely different paddling experience. Anyone can enjoy fun adventures on serene backcountry lakes, making cada canoe expedition a unique journey.
11. Spelunking
For the thrill-seekers, spelunking is an exhilarating option. Exploring caves under the earth’s surface presents challenges and adventures. With proper guidance, you can safely traverse through caves, allowing you to experience the wonders hidden beneath.
12. Backcountry Hiking
Backcountry hiking provides a step beyond standard hikes. Ontario’s Bruce Trail spans 900 km, offering hikers the chance to immerse themselves into nature. Transitioning from day hikes to multi-day adventures with overnight camping equips hikers with unique experiences and skills that contribute to personal growth.
13. Surfing
Surfing is not only a popular activity among thrill-seekers but also boasts a social aspect, as it provides the chance to showcase your skills to friends. Whether near the ocean or on the Great Lakes, trying surfing adds a vivacious element to your adventure repertoire.
14. Try a Triathlon
After acquiring various skills, channel your energies toward an epic goal—participating in a triathlon. These events can be customized to your fitness level, providing an exhilarating culmination to your summer adventures.
In summary, if you’re motivated to amplify the adventure in your life, try any of these outdoor hobbies. With every endeavor, you’ll find the thrill of adventure calling you back for more. As we’ve experienced, adding new skills has transformed our lives and filled our summers with excitement. Dive into the year ahead and make your dream life a reality!
