written by: Kelly Waterhouse

If it’s adventure you seek, we can help you ‘up your game’ with some extreme experiences. All you have to do is hang on, or let go. But whatever you do, don’t look down.

Extreme Fun!

If it’s adventure you seek, we can help you ‘up your game’ with some extreme experiences. All you have to do is hang on, or let go. But whatever you do, don’t look down.

Air U:

Take the leap in an indoor trampoline facility designed for the whole family. Bounce, fly and flip at the Air U Guelph Trampoline Park that has all the equipment and space to accommodate public events, private parties and Dodgeball tournaments. And if you just want to come try it out for fun, you can jump in on the action. (airu-guelph.com).

Guelph Grotto:

The Guelph Grotto is the ultimate climber’s gym. With over two decades of experience, the site is designed and run by climbers who want to share their passion for the sport by creating challenging experiences for anyone from the beginner climbers to the pros. With all the gear and a host of packages to get you started, this is an all-ages venue that pushes people to reach for the top. (guelphgrotto.com)

 Elora Gorge Tubing:

This summer, make a splash you are sure to remember. Try tubing through the white water rapids of the Grand River that meander through the limestone cliffs of the Elora Gorge, part of the Grand River Conservation Authority.  You can rent all the gear you need and hit the open water for an experience like no other. Expect an adventure. This is true river tubing. Just minutes north of Guelph, the Elora Gorge offers a beautiful view, with serious adventure. (grandriver.ca)

Stand-Up Paddle Guelph:

Make your own waves. Stand up and get paddling with SUP Guelph, and you can test out the waters at nearby Guelph Lake, or even see the city’s sights from the waters of the Speed River, as you wind through our downtown. Everything you need to explore Guelph’s main watercourses is available to rent for the half hour, or half and full day water sports. From beginners to experienced paddlers, there are lessons too. Paddle on. (standuppaddleguelph.com)

ONE AXE Pursuits:

We said don’t look down, right? We weren’t kidding. If it’s heights you seek, ONE AXE Pursuits will have you zip-lining 200 feet across the Irvine River of the Elora Gorge. Skyrider Zipline is an extreme adventure open to anyone aged 3 and up, completely accessible to everyone, regardless of mobility issues. And if that isn’t adrenaline enough for you, try the Zipline Extreme; a full day of ziplining and rappelling off the limestone cliffs of the Elora Gorge. Check out some of the ancient caves, and then drop down from the zipline itself, to the rocks and water 80 feet below. Face first is the way to go. Okay, you have to look down for that one, but you’ll enjoy the view. (oneaxepursuits.com)

Grand River Raceway: It’s a good time. Bet on it.

When Grand River Raceway says “expect an experience” they mean it. Imagine being seated in a sulky, next to a professional driver, behind a real race horse and taking a half-mile turn around one of Ontario’s finest harness racing tracks. No seatbelts. No stopping. Hold the reins and go. If you love horse racing, or just horses in general, and you don’t mind a little dirt in your mouth, you’ve got to do this. We dare you not to grin.

Experience the world of horse racing from the best seat in the house. It’s a visceral experience, from the sound of the horse’s hooves, the adrenaline of the speed and strength of these majestic creatures, all under the guidance of a winning driver who has it all under control. Harness racing is an adventure unlike any other. And this is the place to do it.

Grand River Raceway is one of the best race tracks in Southern Ontario to experience live harness racing, with incredible views of the entire track from the Captain’s Quarter’s Dining Room, to the covered viewing area, or with the crowd trackside. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere and there is always something happening on the tarmac to keep racing fans entertained.

Join them for the Grand River Raceway Open House on May 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and get on board to take your turn around the track. Watch their website, grandriverraceway.com throughout the year for other “Hands on Horses” events. You’ll never look at racing the same way again. Hold on and remember to smile. And then maybe spit.