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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 |
| 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
Top of Page
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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