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Scenic Caves in Blue Mountain Collingwood
Scenic Caves
In 1850, when an intrepid visitor journeyed up Blue
Mountain and left his initials in the caves, the trip would have been
an adventure indeed. Today, Scenic Caves offers more than simply thrilling
caves... more than spectacular scenery and awe-inspiring views... more
than unspoiled nature.
Located in the Town of the Blue Mountains
, just 20 minutes from Wasaga Beach, and less than two hours north of
Toronto , make it a must to explore Scenic Caves Nature Adventures.
Standing near the highest point of the Niagara Escarpment
-- more than 300 metres in elevation above Georgian Bay -- the new suspension
footbridge at Scenic Caves is Ontario 's newest feature attraction.
Take a breathtaking 126-metre hike across a narrow bridge, which arcs
25 metres above a treed valley. And thanks to its location, you'll feel
as if you're suspended above the world!
The Hurons told of a sacred place some eight leagues
distant. There, stood a rock called Ekarenniondi, marking the path to
the Village of the Souls.
Nearby could be found the cabin of
Oscotarach, who gazed Eastward toward the approaching souls, and who
drew away their memories so they could cross to the afterlife unencumbered.
Since Jean de Brébeuf recorded these tales in 1636, adventurers,
archaeologists and historians have sought the legendary crossing place.
They finally found it here, high atop Blue Mountain .
Now you
can explore it for yourself, and step through the very portal of the
underworld.
Explore a labyrinth of caves and crevices. Search
near Ekarenniondi for the shadows which marked paths to the mysterious
underworld. Explore the hidden natural fortress which sheltered the
Petun people from their enemies. Descend into the ice cave - a crevasse
so deep and cold that snow and ice often remain here through early summer.
Step to the edge of the limestone cliff to look
down on 10,000 square kilometers of beautiful countryside and the deep
blue expanse of Georgian Bay, over 300 meters below.
The Niagara Escarpment has been designated a biosphere
reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO). Beneath a canopy of sugar maples and red oak, admire each
season's display - clusters of white birch, forest berries, wildflowers,
trilliums and such rarities as the Maidenhair fern.
You step slowly onto the platform and grip the handrail
tightly. A gust of Blue Mountain wind sends tremors down the rail and
up through the deck. And you begin the long, long walk.
Through
the trees, you catch glimpses of the valley floor far beneath your feet.
But it seems you're suspended even higher in the air. Far below, Georgian
Bay sparkles in the sunlight, and spread before you lies a 10,000-square-kms
view.
From your vantage point, over 300 meters above the Bay,
you gaze down Blue Mountain toward Collingwood, and across the Bay to
Wasaga Beach , Christian Island , and the distant shores of the Penetanguishene
Peninsula . You try not to think that a mere 8 centimeters of timber
is all there is between you and the ground.
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PARK ADMISSION
- 2 HOUR ADVENTURE 2009
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| Adults (18 yrs and over)
(caves, suspension bridge) |
$19.00 |
| Seniors (65 yrs and over) (caves,
suspension bridge) |
$16.75 |
| Youth (5-17 yrs) (caves, supsension
bridge) |
$15.00 |
| Children (4 yrs and under) |
FREE |
| Prices include tax |
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Free of the earth, suspended high above the ground,
you have the most spectacular view possible of Georgian Bay and the
surrounding countryside. With a sturdy wire fence lining the walkway,
even the smallest adventurer can see everything.
Expect all the excitement of a daring crossing -
a narrow walkway high above the ground, the sensation of being suspended
in space, the slight shiver of the wind beneath your feet.
Getting
to the bridge is a breeze: take a short stroll down the slope, or hitch
a ride on our country wagon.
ECO ADVENTURE TOURS
A Three Hour Guided Tour Including
Suspension
Bridge - Treetop Walk - Zip Line - Cave Tour
High among 200 year-old
oak trees, up to 60 feet above the ground, get ready for an experience
like no other. Explore the beauty and wildlife of the picturesque forest
valley at the top of Blue Mountain, as you become one with the birds.
Throughout your tour, your guides will deliver interesting facts and
information about the history of the area and about the unique ecology
of the Niagara Escarpment.
Your 3-hour adventure begins with
gear outfitting (all provided for you) and introductions to your guides.
You will then take a short hike to our 410 foot suspension bridge overlooking
a 10 000 square kilometer view of Collingwood and Georgian Bay. A tractor
and wagon ride through the forest will give you a glimpse of the unique
ecology of the Niagara Escarpment before you journey up into the trees.
Your treetop walk will take you 600 meters across 10 inch wide bridges
suspended as close to the treetops as possible.
Of course, it
is absolutely safe, but the excitement of being so high above the ground
overlooking the huge vistas gives a physical experience unlike anything
else. The sway of the bridges and cables causes you to constantly re-adjust
your balance, and you become aware of your own courage. Treetop walking
certainly delivers a thrill. You end the treetop walk with an incredible
ride on a 300 foot zip line or a ladder return to the ground.
Finish your journey with a hike through a large cavern where unique
ferns live, squeeze through "Fat Man's Misery" cave, and explore the
rest of the Scenic Caves nature trails, trout pond, gemstone mining
and gift shop.
Tours are conducted in intimate groups of 14 people,
with the assistance of 2 qualified instructors per group.
Our
priority is to provide each guest with a safe and enjoyable experience.
All guides are fully trained to use the equipment and to follow safety
procedures. Canopy and zips are designed to exceed industry standards.
All personal protection equipment (harness, helmet, etc.) are fully
inspected daily, as is the treetop walk and zip line. We have also been
approved by the Technical Standards and Safety Association.
Height / Weight Restrictions
Guests must be over 85 lbs and under 250 lbs.
Guests must be over 4'8" tall.
Weather
Tours run in most weather conditions. In the case
of a thunderstorm, high winds or heavy rain, we may be forced to cancel
a tour. If we decide to cancel, any deposits made for that tour will
be reimbursed.
Waiver
A waiver must be signed by all EcoAdventure Tour
guests. This waiver is completed upon your arrival. For a copy of this
waiver, so that you may review it in advance, please click below.
 What
to Wear and Bring
Provided for You
Each EcoAdventure Tour guest
is provided with the following:
Personal protection equipment
- harness, helmet, safety lanyards, zip line pulley
Water
Energy
bar
What You Should Bring
Running shoes or hiking boots
Dress for the day's weather, remembering that it can change quickly
and unexpectedly. It is best to dress in layers
For cool days in
early spring and late fall, some guests like to wear gloves. As you
still need the use of your hands, only tight fitting gloves will do.
Camera - you cannot hold a camera in your hand at all times. Cameras
should either be in a case with a strap that can go around your neck
or be tied to your harness, or the camera must fit inside a pocket.
We do not recommend that you bring a backpack with you on your tour.
If necessary, a small bag that can be strapped to the body (such as
a fanny pack) would be okay.
Reservations
Reservations are Required
We highly recommend
that you make reservations for your tour. We are open from May through
to October, though depending on availability, we may not have tours
running every day during the spring and autumn months. Also, we are
often fully booked for a weekend as much as a week in advance.
A 50% non-refundable deposit will be taken upon booking. The remaining
balance must be paid upon your arrival for your tour.
If you
have already purchased a LIFE EXPERIENCES GIFT CARD from SHOPPER'S DRUG
MART, you cannot book online. You must complete your booking over the
phone and provide the card number to the reservation agent. You can
reach us at 705-446-0256, ext. 227
Reservations can be made online by clicking the
reservation link below, or by calling 705-446-0256, ext. 227
***PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST CHECK IN AT THE ECO ADVENTURE LOG CABIN
30 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR TOUR IS SCHEDULED TO START!!!!*** After checking
in you will need to complete a waiver, get harnessed up by your guides
and then the tour will begin at the scheduled starting time.
Adults (18-64 yrs): $95.00
Seniors (65 and over):
$85.00
Youth 17 - 10 yr olds : $75.00 • All rates are subject to
GST
Directions
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures has two entrances.
When coming up Scenic Caves Rd. from Collingwood, EcoAdventurers should
enter the first driveway which has an "EcoAdventure Tour" sign at the
road. You can sign in for your tour at the log cabin. Click here for
directions.
Come for an hour ... Stay for a day
Challenge
the whole family to 18 holes of golfing fun! Young and old can play
the Scenic Cave Miniature Golf park located on-site, in a wondrous natural
setting.
Mini Golf Rates
Adults $4.50
Children $4.00
Trout Pond and Picnic Area
Take a stroll around our picturesque trout pond
and manicured gardens and share a family picnic. Bring a camera and
capture the special family moments on film. Our resident wild ducks,
geese and swans will often pose for a shot or two. Feed the fish in
the pond and see, up close, their glistening rainbow scales shimmering
in the sunlight. Sorry no fishing is permitted.
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
P.O. Box 215, Collingwood, Ontario Canada L9Y 3Z5
phone: (705) 446-0256
email:
info@sceniccaves.com
http://www.sceniccaves.com
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Do
You Dare? Cross Ontario's Longest Suspension Footbridge!
Brave
the Heights For a Spectacular View
Fun
and Adventure at the Highest Point on the Niagara Escarpment