This past weekend, I took my friends to Camp Fortune to zipline. I’m happy to report, we’re still friends. Last year, I started a new tradition with my girlfriends: once a year, they all make the trek to my house in Ottawa. As the host, I have three goals. One, spoil them with good food and a relaxing environment because they deserve it. Two, throw a party they won’t forget. And three, make them poop their pants just a teensy bit. What? Not every goal in life needs to be noble.
The reality is that as Gen-X women, despite the fact that we definitely don’t act our age, the calendar keeps trying to tell us we’re getting old. Personally, I believe that the best way to age is to push back on the things that start to scare us. Last year, I took my besties white water rafting on the legendary Ottawa River. So this year the pressure was on to find something suitably adventurous. The choice was a no-brainer: ziplining, of course, at Camp Fortune.
Why Camp Fortune Zipline?
Camp Fortune’s zipline is perfect for adrenaline junkies seeking a thrill, but it also has a lot to offer for those who might be a bit nervous about heights. Yes, the first zip is long, and the views are breathtaking, but what really sets this experience apart is the automatic braking system. It’s designed to ensure a smooth and controlled finish, so even if you’ve heard about or witnessed less-than-ideal ziplining experiences elsewhere, you can feel confident that you’re in good hands here.
To give you a sense of what to expect, the first zipline is a whopping 2,500 feet long, stretching across the two peaks of the Camp Fortune valley, with a height of 120 feet at the highest point. This means you’ll be soaring well above the trees. The next zipline is 1,500 feet, and the final one is 500 feet. What’s great is that participants don’t need any special skills for this zip tour—just a sense of adventure! You’ll be harnessed up, clipped in, and sent “flying” at speeds up to 80 km/hr, all while enjoying those incredible views. The tour kicks off with a scenic chairlift ride and ends with a drop tower, which, for some, is the “scariest” part of the adventure.
And for anyone who’s heard the rumour that Ottawa is boring, let me set the record straight. That stereotype couldn’t be more wrong. We just like to fly under the radar because, well, Canadian. Sorry, not sorry. Camp Fortune is only 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, making it the perfect spot for some adventure when you’re visiting the area.
The Drop Tower: The Real Test
Speaking of the drop tower, this was, without a doubt, the “scariest part” of the whole experience for me. Ziplining at 80 km/hr over a hundred feet off the ground? Check. Doing a controlled 50-foot drop off a tower? Um, I’m going to need a minute to think about that.
As I stood on the edge, a lot went through my head. Do I chicken out and take the stairs? Do I go for the 1-meter or 2-meter drop? In the end, peer pressure won, and I went with the group’s choice: the 2-meter drop. Here’s my advice—don’t overthink it, don’t look down, and just take a step (no leaps here) of faith. Trust that all will be fine (because it will be).
If dropping from a tower isn’t your thing, Camp Fortune has you covered with a “no free fall” option called True Blue, which lowers you the entire way down without that initial drop. And if you’re really not feeling it, there’s always the stairs walk of shame.
More Thrills: The Mountain Coaster
After our ziplining adventure, we headed to the Mountain Coaster, which, despite being suitable for kids as young as 8, was surprisingly exhilarating. It barrels along at speeds up to 40 km/hr, and although that might seem agonizingly slow in a car (or maybe that’s just me), it’s a totally different story when you’re a mere 12 inches off the ground and hurtling down a mountain.
This coaster is a great follow-up to the zipline—enough of a thrill to keep the adrenaline going but with less of the heart-stopping fear factor.
Ottawa: A Hub for Adventure
So, for those who think Ottawa has a reputation for being boring, I’m here to set the record straight. We might like to fly under the radar, but this city is anything but boring, especially if you’re looking for heart-pounding adventures. Now, the only question is, what will we do next year?
If you’re looking for more adrenaline inducing activities in the Ottawa area be sure to check out Wilderness Tours for White Water Rafting or Skydiving with GoSkyDive.
Bushmills Things to Do: A Wee Village with Big Adventures
Linda
Awesome adventure and would highly recommend! The views are spectacular and it’s super fun!
Bernadette Erb
that looks like so much fun! I’d like to do that with my girls!