Ontario Adventure Trips

Your Hot Air Balloon adventure begins when you meet your Pilot and Flight Crew approximately a 1/2-hour before sunrise or 2 hours before sunset in a quaint little town known as Elora. At the launch site, your flight crew will brief you on your upcoming balloon adventure. Then, you will watch with awe as your balloon takes shape before your eyes, ultimately standing more than 10 stories tall. Once fully inflated and ready for take off, you will climb into the gondola and begin your Hot air ballooning adventure that will give new meaning to the word serenity. If you are wondering how cold it will be, what we suggest is simply dressing as if going skiing or snowshoeing and we guarantee you will be toasty warm which indeed will make you forget all about Winter's cold and become enchanted at the gorgeous Winter scenery!

During your flight you will get a spectacular bird's eye view of the picturesque Elora and Fergus Winter sights as you gently drift over the countryside where you will watch out for wildlife and take in the magnificent views. Depending on wind direction you may gently drift over the Elora Gorge, and follow the river as it winds and carves the landscape. Here you will have many opportunities to take pictures of the marvelous country winter views.

After about an hour in the air, your pilot will be on the look out for a safe landing spot. This will add to this exciting experience as you slowly and gently glide down towards the ground, here the balloon may almost skim tree tops and corn fields which definitely gives you a glimpse of the 'bird eye view'. Once on the ground, together with your crew, you will share in the oldest of ballooning traditions; a winter version of the champagne toast; delicious hot chocolate with a splash of Bailey's Irish Creme liquer! After the celebration your crew, pilot will be shuttled back to the original meeting spot where you can make your way home or enjoy a wonderful meal in some of Elora's finest restaurants.

Flights are approximately 1 hour in length, however we do require you for up to 3 1/2hours.

Should your flight be cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, simply call our office and reschedule your flight at your convenience for the next available flight of the same value. Upon reservation we will send you travel documents outlining, the precise meeting spot, a map, items your should bring with you as well as what you should wear. Should you have any questions in regards to your tour give us a call and we will be happy to answer! At the bottom of the page you will find the FAQ (frequently asked questions) section that may have the answer you are looking for. We look forward to flying with you soon!

Can you imagine yourself climbing the Khumba Icefall on Mount Everest? Luckily, you don't have to go to Nepal for some excellent ice climbing. Only an hour from Toronto, you'll find some of the most astounding ice in southern Ontario. Hack your way up an icefall with ice axes and dig your crampons into the blue ice. On this course you will learn to tie into the rope, belay, proper uses of crampons and ice axes, and ice climbing technique. No experience is necessary for this beginner program.

Time, Location and Itinerary

Meeting time is 10:00 am. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early.

Location is Tiffany Falls in Ancaster, Ontario (major cross streets are Wilson St. and Rousseaux). You will see the ONE AXE vehicle parked on the right side of the pull out. Depending on weather, the course may be available in Elora, Ontario or up in Rosseau, Ontario (near Huntsville).

General Itinerary (may vary depending on group size, speed and promptness).

10:00 a.m. – Instructors meet you at the designated ONE AXE vehicle. Participants are required to sign waivers.
10:05 a.m. – Participants are given harnesses, helmets, boots, crampons and axes.
10:30 a.m. – Participants are escorted to the frozen waterfall.
12:00 p.m. – Break for lunch and perhaps return to cars to warm up.
12:30 p.m. – Continue to climb routes and increase technique.
3:30 p.m. – Last climb
4:00 p.m. – Return to parked vehicles.

Clothing, Equipment and Meals
We provide all the technical equipment such as helmets, harnesses, boots, crampons, axes and other required gear. Wear weather-appropriate clothing. Remember that you will be outside all day and standing around belaying. A down jacket for when you belay and a lighter insulated jacket for when you climb are recommended. Quick dry clothing (polyester or nylon) is recommended. The best system is to layer your clothing. Make sure to wear clothing you are not worried about getting dirty or ripped. It is recommended that you wear a waterproof jacket and pants over your warm clothing because the ice will become wet as the day warms up. Bring at least two pairs of gloves or mitts because they will get wet. It is also a good idea to bring extra warm clothing and leave it in your car in case you need it. Hiking boots or plastic boots are appropriate for the day. Pack water, a hot beverage in your thermos and your lunch in a small backpack.

Waiver
The guides in charge of this program operate with your safety in mind. However, ice climbing entails a certain degree of danger. Before signing up for the program, you must understand that you assume all responsibility. You will be required to sign a liability waiver before starting the program. If you don't comply with safety guidelines, the guides will have the right to suspend your participation in the program without compensation. Please see your physician if you have any medical problems.

Payment and Cancellation
Payment is due in full at the time of reservation. If you cancel your reservation after you have paid, no refund will be issued. However, you can transfer your reservation to another person within one week of the trip departure date. The administrative cost for this is $25 per person.

Weather
The program will only be cancelled if weather conditions are dangerous. Unless you receive a phone call cancelling the program, assume the course will run rain or shine.