Outdoor Adventures

Look, No Hands Issue: Spring/Summer 2012 Author(s): Susan R. Pollack Thrill-seekers are flocking to Toronto, Ontario’s iconic CN Tower to live life on the edge. They’re literally hanging out on a five-foot wide ledge around the observation deck at a dizzying 116 stories — or 1,168 feet — above ground. EdgeWalk , the new attraction on one of the planet’s tallest buildings, is the first of its kind in North America. It’s billed as the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk. From May to October, adventurous types ages 13 and up can don red spacesuit-like uniforms and ...

Steppin’ Out Issue: Spring/Summer 2012 Author(s): Jenny Pavlasek You’re in a travel rut. And the only prescription is some serious adventure. The recently opened New River Gorge Bridge Walk in Lansing, West Virginia , is just what you need. Already famous as a playground for whitewater rafters, climbers, birders and other outdoor types, the 70,000 acres surrounding the New River Gorge National River delivers some of the state’s most spectacular scenery. The bridge tour, which takes you across the New River Bridge via a 24-inch-wide catwalk, is a chance for visitors t...

Destination on the Dunes Issue: Spring/Summer 2012 Author(s): Susan R. Pollack The redesigned Manitou Passage Golf Club makes for a memorable morning or afternoon on the links in Cedar, Michigan . Ranked among Golfweek ’s “Best New Courses” of 2010, the Arnold Palmer signature design is a challenging romp — 6,734 yards from the back tees — through rolling northern Michigan terrain. With spectacular elevation changes on hillsides and ridges, fairways lined with trees and native grasses, deep sandy bunkers and manicured greens, it’s a favorite of celebrity chef Mario Batali, who sum...

Just Zipping By Issue: Spring/Summer 2012 Author(s): Becky Linhardt Screams of terror and delight echo through Louisville, Kentucky’s Mega Cavern when participants clip onto the zipline and launch themselves over the dimly lit depths of the only underground zipline course in the United States. This means no treetops or sunlight, but also no worry about having your zip canceled because of weather. Would-be “Indiana Jones” adventurers must sign a waiver and wear proper clothing: athletic shoes are a must and long jeans and jackets are advised, even in the summer. The temp...

Peaceful Paradise Issue: Spring/Summer 2012 Author(s): Emily Tennyson “Awwooo…” pierces the night air. What’s that faint reply? “Ahwooo…” rises through the trees. The crowd calls more loudly, “AHWOOO!” “Ahwooo,” the wail returns. No, it’s not voodoo, but a wolf howl in Algonquin Provincial Park , where visitors gather in the dark to commune with nature. Invariably, wolves and cubs answer their human protectors. Wolf howls are only one of the many activities attracting hordes of visitors to Algonquin. In a plugged-in modern society, Algonquin Park is the perfect place for ...

Wild West (Virginia) Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Christina Ipavec There’s no time like the fall to visit New River Gorge National River Park in West Virginia. Of course, whitewater rafting is the major draw, and ziplining offers an ethereal experience when the leaves change colors. Hiking along the more than 6,000 acres of trail will impress visitors, too, but those wishing to really rough it will enjoy overnight horseback riding, which incorporates sightseeing and primitive camping for a true family-bonding experience.   One of the few area outfitters to offer ov...

Pony Up Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Jane Ammeson Before UPS and Fed Ex, mail arrived by Pony Express. And, though it lasted less than two years, this western legend endures. Fast forward a century or so to the rural hamlet of Canaan, Indiana , where horseback riders have hit the trail since 1967 to celebrate this early mail service during the Canaan Fall Festival’s Pony Express Mail Run . Their goal? The delivery of hundreds of letters, hand-stamped with the onetime only “Special Pictorial Cancellation,” to Madison, a charming Ohio River town located 1...

Cold Case Issue: Fall/Winter 2011 Author(s): Jane Ammeson Shards of ice break free from the banks of the Sturgeon River and, twinkling like frozen diamonds in the sunlight, float away. Catching my look of apprehension as we bob in the wintry roiling waters, Scott Anderson, co-owner of Big Bear Adventures in Indian River, Michigan , tells me that no one taking their winter rafting trips has ever gone for an unexpected swim. It’s the perfect reassurance for someone like me, who thinks a winter sport is après-ski sans skiing. So what am I doing out in the cold, pe...