Take a Canopy Tour This Summer!
Of all the exciting things to do in Newfoundland this summer, there is probably only one that will get your blood flowing. It will get you psyched and pumped up even though it is fairly new in the tourism industry. Behold the zip line canopy tour. What’s great about this tour, or zip lining as it is commonly known, is that it is something that the whole family can enjoy. You don’t have to be extremely athletic but you do have to be adventurous or a desire to be adventurous. So when my family was looking for fresh and exciting things to do in Newfoundland, we found it on our visit to the west coast of the province.
At first we were a little apprehensive about stepping off those launching pads at the top of Steady Brook falls just outside Corner Brook. But we just went for it and took the plunge, gaining more confidence as we made our way over nine zip lines that were about 285 ft. in the air. Driving 30 kms an hour in a car is slow (unless you are driving through town) but flying down a zip line canopy tour at the same speed is exhilarating and breathtaking. We were looking for exciting things to do in Newfoundland but what we got was more than what we expected.
If safety on the zip line is a big concern for you, as it should be, don’t fret. We were given a detailed safety talk by the guides; they made absolutely certain, always double checking, that our harnesses and other gear were in excellent working condition. The guides provided us with a helmet. We got nothing but the best care as we stood at the top of Steady Brook falls, all geared up to go, but still a little afraid. The reassurances with the aim of putting us as ease as well as the wit and humour that went along with it took away some of our apprehension.
The safety procedures didn’t just address equipment but there was also a strict policy regarding alcohol and drugs. It was reassuring to know that if a participant had an issue with alcohol, drugs or smoking that might endanger other people on the tour, it would not start or would not be completed until the individual was dealt with.
If the day you choose to take your canopy tour turns out to be overcast or even a little rain, don’t worry, your tour will still go ahead as planned. We were so lucky to have a beautiful sunny day. The temperature was not too high (about 13 degrees) but the weather was still gorgeous enough enjoy the tour. If you don’t have your own rain gear, the guides will provide you with some. You can expect that a canopy tour will operate seven days a week; rain, shine, hail or snow – it doesn’t matter, everything is still a go!
From the top of the zip line to the bottom, you can expect a two-hour tour that will be the best adventure of your life! Prepare yourself for the most incredible views that will absolutely take your breath away. The views of the Humber Valley and the Steady Brook Falls are spectacular and the possibility of seeing wildlife like moose will only add to your excitement.
When it was all over, we can safely say that, of all the things to do in Newfoundland at any time of the year, the canopy tour was the most adventurous and exhilarating experience we’ve had in our lives!
