Adventura / Summer 2014

BLUE FLAG BEACHES IN TORONTO • ALL ABOARD THE SPANISH RIVER • ELORA GORGE • SALMON POINT • FJORD-DU-SAGUENAY PARK • SANDBANKS PROVINCIAL PARK • PLUS: A NON-STOP ADVENTURE IN PANAMA CITY

VoL. 6, no.2 | suMMer 2014 | free | adventuramag.ca

suMMer TriPs

SUPERFOODS,SUPER MYTH?

Superfoods promise a lot, but do they deliver? Be wary of the buzz. [ GEAR ]

Running Shoes: Going to the Maximal Off-the-Beaten-Path Packing

REGISTER NOW | CYCLOSQUEBECOISES.COM

adventuramag.ca summer 2014 3

Contentsummer 2014

04 EDITOR’S NOTE

06 FIELD REPORT

12 DAYTRIPPER

14 Blue Flag Beaches Are Making Waves in Toronto

16 WEEKEND GETAWAY: All Aboard the Spanish River

18 PARKS: In Your Own Backyard: In Search of Dunes

20 LIVING LARGE

22 GLOBETROTTER Night and Day: A Non-stop Adventure in Panama City

GEAR24 Running Shoes: Going to the Maximal 26 Off-the-Beaten-Path Packing

MIND & BODY28 SuPERFOODS, SuPER MYTh?

Why eat ordinary food when there is something more powerful out there? Superfoods promise a lot, but do they deliver? Be wary of the buzz.

30 LAST CALL

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14Paddling in Toronto? Yes it’s possible to rent canoes, kayaks

or stand-up paddleboards, and then start exploring!

4 summer 2014 adventuramag.ca

On April 18, around 6:45 a.m., 16 Sherpas died on the southern slopes of Mount Everest in the deadliest avalanche ever to occur on this legendary mountain. In total, about 30 people were struck by the avalanche while they were installing ropes and ladders on the route taken by almost everyone who wants to go to the top. In the wake of the tragedy, the climbing season has been shut down on the highest mountain in the world.

I’ve never traversed the Khumbu Icefall, but adventurers who dare to cross it want to do so as quickly as possible to avoid the threat of the many unstable seracs above their heads. During a normal ascent of the mountain, climbers will cross this section several times. But the job of the Sherpas is to equip this terrain, and this requires them to spend long periods in this dangerous environment. Th ey are far more exposed to its risks than regular climbers.

What makes this tragedy even sadder is the response of the Nepalese authorities, who gave $400 to the families who lost not only a family member, but a critical source of income as well. For working as a high-mountain guide, a Sherpa can expect a salary of $5,000 annually, while the national average is around $450. Meanwhile, Western climbers pay around $60,000 to get to the summit.

Sherpas are now demanding changes fr om the Nepalese government before they resume their work next year. In addition to the tensions at Base Camp last year, and traffi c congestion near the top, the shutdown of the current season shows that the status quo on the mountain is now unacceptable.

Everest’s increasing popularity as a destination is not the problem. Instead, it’s the way the fl ow of climbers on the “normal route” is managed that needs to be rethought. Th e season is very short on the mountain. Th e windows of opportunity are few, and companies try to maximize the number of clients they put on the summit. But the stories about people who learn to use crampons or ice axes only at Base Camp should not exist. Nor should we ever again hear about Sherpas “pulling” customers to the top to get their cash bonus. Climbing any mountain is risky, and beyond a certain altitude it’s every man for himself. It is therefore essential to know one’s limits, and also those of the mountain. Last year, one of the largest operators at Everest decided that conditions were too dangerous to send their clients and Sherpas to high altitude. Despite the risk of damaging their own business, they nonetheless chose to send everybody home. Th is year, all parties had to leave following the refusal of the Sherpas to continue the climbing season.

Reinhold Messner, the fi rst mountaineer to have climbed Everest (in addition to all the other 8,000-metre peaks!) without the benefi t of oxygen tanks, explained in an interview that those who tackle Everest in the traditional way with commercial expeditions are not to blame.

“Th e climb is always magical,” said Messner, “but anyone looking for an adventure like the one we embarked upon without knowing if it was possible or not, should go elsewhere.”

On many mountains, and not just Everest, the Sherpas are essential to the success of these commercial expeditions, and they have the right to demand bett er working conditions. Too many Sherpas have died this year in their eff orts to fulfi ll the dreams of foreign mountaineers.

Chris Levesque, EditorChris Levesque, Editor @chrislevesque

THE MOUNT EVEREST QUESTION

///EDITOR’S NOTE

Summer 2014 :: Vol. 6 :: No. 2

PUBLISHER: Stéphane Corbeil ([email protected]) EDITOR: Chris Levesque ([email protected])SENIOR EDITOR: Stephania Varalli | [email protected]: Matt Colautt i, Peter Dobos, Bryen Dunn, Patrice halley, Ilona Kauremszky, Shelagh McNally, Kristy Strauss.PROOFREADER: Christopher Korchin TRANSLATOR: Christine Laroche COVER PHOTO: Kayaking in Toronto. @ Goh Iromoto / Ontario TourismADVERTISING: Vincent Cloutier, Sales Manager / [email protected] /

450 672-0052, ext. 401Jon Marcott e, Publications sales / jmarcott [email protected] / 450 672-0052, ext. 426David Mene, Publications sales / [email protected] / 450 672-0052, ext. 428Marie-Ève Raymond, Publications sales coordinator / [email protected] / 450 672-0052, poste 430

DESIGN: Sève Création, seve.caWEBSITE: www.adventuramag.caEDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: 450 672-0052 #422 / [email protected] ADDRESS: Groupe Espaces Inc 6 Desaulniers Blvd, offi ce 500Saint-Lambert (Québec) J4P [email protected]: 60,000 copies distributed to outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. ADVENTuRA is published four times a year by Groupe Espaces Inc., a division of Serdy Media

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: ADVENTuRA welcomes editorial and photo submissions, which must be sent by e-mail only. Contact the Editor to discuss. ADVENTuRA is not responsible for articles, photographs or any other material sent to its att ention. If you do not keep a copy of ADVENTuRA magazine for your personal archives, please give it to a fr iend or recycle it.Th e opinions expressed are those of the authors and are not necessarily shared by Groupe Espaces Inc. Some of the activities reported on in ADVENTuRA could entail injury risks for anyone engaging in them. ADVENTuRA and its reporters, contributors, photographers and other staff members do not recommend the practice of these activities by anyone who does not have the required skills and technique. ADVENTuRA is not responsible for the information contained in advertisements. Any reproduction of material published in ADVENTuRA is prohibited without the expressed consent of Groupe Espaces Inc.

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What’s your formula for winning races? Th ere is a lot of stuff that comes together to win

a race. Between gym training, training on the bike, testing with a great team behind me (Devinci Global Racing) and mentally being ready, a lot of eff orts come together.

How do you psyche yourself up going into a race? Knowing I only have one more run till it’s over is

enough to get my nerves fl ying, and that scared feeling is what gets me to go faster than normal. I know it’s going to happen, so I rely on that.

How do you ride so well under so much pressure? I trust myself. When it’s time to fl y it’s time to fl y, and

if I’m confi dent that I have prepared right, all should work out.

How do you deliver a perfect run? Is there a perfect run?

A perfect run would be the best you could do that day, whether it’s at home or at a race.

How much do you work at riding in any given day? Whether it’s in my thoughts, training or riding, every

day involves working on it. It’s never-ending.

Was there a game-changer in your life that you feel helped put you where you are today?

I think the help of sponsors – and time in general has helped. It has taken time to learn and work towards where I am, and I’d just say it’s a combination of everything.

How many bikes do you go through or use in a year? My race bike is completely rebuilt all the time. My

mechanic doesn’t tell me when he swaps a fr ame, but it depends if I’m crashing lots or riding smooth. I have a lot of bikes over the year, like road bikes, XC 29er, all-mountain 27.5 and 26...

How many do you currently own? Which one’s your favourite at the moment?

My garage has around 10 right now. I can’t pick a fave. Depends what I’m up to that day. I guess I am

a downhill racer, so my Wilson has brought the most fun.

What was your career like 10 years ago? I wouldn’t call it a career 10 years ago. I was just

starting to race mountain bikes and realizing how much I love it.

What advice do you have for the guy who wants to mountain bike but doesn’t have a clue?

Bike shops are always great places to meet some locals, or get advice on an area where to go and see what you’re into. Mountain biking has so much you can do.

What do you hope to see in the future for mountain bike racing, for the sport and for yourself?

Just like any sport, it’s going to grow. Th e younger competition is going to be rising, and this will push racing. I’d love to see more destinations.

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Life on Two WheelsQ&A with Stevie Smith BY ILONA KAuREMSZKY

Field report

StEVIE SMIth’S FAVE MOUntAIn BIKE EVEntSTh e uCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of the oldest world cups out there, and it’s in my home country – velirium.com

Crankworx is a lot of fun and very close to home, with tons going on every day – crankworx.com

CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE RACERS IN THE WORLD, STEVIE SMITH – NICKNAMED THE CHAINSAW MASSACRE ON THE RACING CIRCUIT – DID NOT DISAPPOINT FANS WHEN HE CAPTURED LAST SUMMER’S UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP IN MONT-SAINTE-ANNE, QUEBEC. HE THEN HEADED TO LEOGANG, AUSTRIA, WHERE HE MADE HISTORY AS THE FIRST CANADIAN EVER TO WIN THE OVERALL TITLE OF THE UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP. THE 24-YEAR-OLD FROM CASSIDY, B.C., SUFFERED AN ANKLE INJURY AFTER A HARD LANDING OFF A LONG JUMP, BUT HE’S RECOVERED FROM THE FRACTURED BONES AFTER SURGERY AND IS NOW GETTING READY TO DEFEND HIS TITLE IN MONT-SAINTE-ANNE. WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM FOR SOME RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS CAREER IN THE SPORT HE LOVES.


Have you ever considered an obstacle race, like Tough Mudder or Spartan Race, but backed off because you thought it would be a boys club? While it’s true the sport was initially dominated by testosterone, every year there are more women signing up. Kate Solovieva, or “Solo” in racing circles, ran her fi rst obstacle race in 2009. Since then, the events have been gett ing progressively longer and muddier, and she’s been working her way to the fr ont of the pack. Th is summer, she’s completing Toronto’s Tough Mudder blindfolded, to raise awareness for vision impaired athletes. Still think you have an excuse not to try an obstacle race?

WE ASKED SOLO FOR SOME TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED:

What common mistakes do you see novice racers make? Before the race, most novices train the wrong skills. A typical Tough Mudder prep

boot camp will concentrate on obstacles and body-weight exercises, like burpees.

however, it’s the lack of cardiovascular training that becomes a challenge on race day. During the race, the most common mistake is not carrying fuel. Racers walk away thinking that the race is much more diffi cult than it actually is, when in reality, they hit the wall aft er running with no fuel for a couple of hours.

Some of the obstacles require substantial upper-body strength. Can a reasonably fi t woman complete the majority of the obstacles?

Th e short answer is: yes. Th ings like monkey bars are more challenging for women. however, with training, a reasonably fi t woman can defi nitely conquer any obstacles that come her way. In a race or in life.

Are all the obstacles mandatory? Th at’s a really sticky issue, and it depends on the event that you are doing.

For most fun runs as well as Tough Mudders, you can skip any obstacles. If doing a Spartan Race, obstacles are mandatory, and if you fail an obstacle or have to skip it, you have to do 30 penalty burpees.

Are these races always “Solo” or can you partner up with your BFF and have a go as a team?

Once again, it depends. For example, some Spartan races will specify that elite racers are not allowed to get help fr om volunteers, but can get help fr om other elite racers. More competitive and timed events are usually done solo, but that does not mean that people cannot run together. Many do. In Tough Mudder, participating in the event as a team is part of the experience!

What gear do you need?You do not need a lot of gear for an obstacle race, especially for distances under

10 miles [16 km]. however, your experience will be signifi cantly more pleasant if you wear comfortable trail shoes with some grip, and tight-fi tt ing top and bott oms in a tech fabric, rather than cott on.

Check out solovieva.com to learn more about Solo’s racing, and her initiative Operation Light Within, to help raise awareness for vision impaired athletes.

PArKBUS KEEPS GEttInG BEttErBY MATT COLAuTTI

In 2010, carless city dwellers celebrated the launch of Parkbus, the express bus link between downtown Toronto and Algonquin Provincial Park. Since then, a lot has changed.

Parkbus now connects Torontonians to the Bruce Peninsula, Killarney Provincial Park and the French River. Th e original Algonquin route, with six possible stops along highway 60, continues to grow: 22 round trips are scheduled for 2014. In fact, seats for crucial summer long weekends sold out months in advance. Also for the 2014 season, a new route to honey harbour and Georgian Bay Islands National Park, as well as an Ott awa link to Algonquin, are being trialled.

Th e success is not just limited to new routes. Parkbus continues to develop partnerships with government organizations that provide more long-term funding strategies. Parkbus has also teamed up with Ontario Parks to facilitate Learn to Camp sessions at Grundy Lake Provincial Park. Th e program, geared to people who are new to the wilderness, provides packing information, activities and most equipment rentals.

But perhaps the most promising development is Parkbus’ leadership in establishing a community of campers fr om the city. Th e organization continues to grow a network of volunteers to share their love of the outdoors and staff the buses. Th e Parkbus website is a detailed source of DIY trip-planning information. Parkbus also maintains a colourful blog containing stories, photos and useful advice such as how to choose a good campsite or how to be safe fr om bears.

Th anks to Parkbus, the outdoors have never been closer.

To follow the expeditionparkbus.ca

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Girls, Get dirty. BY PETER DOBOS


Meaning “iron road” in Italian, these manually created climbing zones are a combination of an indoor rock-climbing wall and mountaineering. Typically built along the side of a mountain and overhanging cliff s, some of the more challenging ones also incorporate roped bridges, water passages and ziplines. Secured by a harness, participants traverse their way along a system of secured steel cables (lanyards) connected to iron rungs (stemples), with carved and natural ridges off ering additional support.

Th e Via Ferrata Route off ers a network of courses suitable for novices to experts, sometimes even at the same location. In 2002, alpinist François-Guy Th ivierge installed the fi rst two Via Ferratas in the province, and today his location in Charlevoix remains one of the more challenging. “Les Palissades extends a distance of one kilometre, with a bridge crossing, a lengthy rappel descent and two ziplines across the lake. My other location in Sainte-Anne is great for beginners, and is possible to do without a guide for those with their own equipment,” says Th ivierge.

Th e newest location opened this year at Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, built along the walls of Baie Éternité, with three diff erent routes, fr om beginner to advanced. Typically done as an ascent, the routes vary in grade levels depending on steepness, physical exertion required and diffi culty of manoeuvres.

viaferrataquebec.com

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OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VIA FERRATAS ACROSS THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC – ENOUGH THAT A VIA FERRATA ROUTE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED THAT MAPS OUT EACH LOCATION AND PROVIDES ENTHUSIASTS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN A PASSPORT THAT CAN BE STAMPED UPON COMPLETION OF EACH OF THE 10 COURSES.

FOLLOW THE IRON ROADQUEBEC’S VIA FERRATA ROUTE BY BRYEN DuNN

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Gear: A helmet and appropriate gloves and footwear are recommended.

Passports: Free and available at all locations, with a three-year validity period.

Locations: Th ere are 10 diff erent locations participating in the Via Ferrata Route; four are within Sépaq parks (*).

Arbraska Rawdon: 500 m (2 h)Parc de la rivière Batiscan: 200 m (1 h to 1 h 30)Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux: 700 m (2 h 30)Canyon Sainte-Anne: (3 courses) 300 m (1 h 30) + 250 m (1 h) + 350 m (1 h)Parc national du Mont-Tremblant*: (3 courses) 500 m (3 h) + 800 m (4 h) + 1,000 m (5 h)Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay*: (2 courses) 295 m (2 h 30) + 570 m (4 h)Parc de la Chute-Montmorency*: (3 courses) 200 m (1 h) + 260 (2 h 30) + 130 m + Tyrolean 120 m (1 h 20)Parc des Chutes Coulonge: 600 m (1 h 30 to 2 h)AventureX / Palissades de Charlevoix: 900 m (2 h 30)Parc national des Grands-Jardins*: (2 courses) 350 m (and 4 km of hiking for 3 h 30) + 650 m (and 6 km of hiking for 5 h)

AN OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDTHAT SPANS OVER 30,000 KM2,AND THAT’S NO EXAGERRATION.

BOOK YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN THE OUTAOUAIS REGION NOW!1-800-265-7822 outaouaistourism.com/outdoor

WAKEFIELD MILL HOTEL & SPAAfter a day of bungee jumping, mountain biking or hiking, relax and indulge at the Mill. Located in the Gatineau Park, the Wakefield Mill features 42 guestrooms in both the heritage mill and the LEED-certified Eco River Lodge, two restaurants, a casual bar lounge, an outdoor pool and hot tubs and a full service spa.

819-459-1838 / 1-888-567-1838 WAKEFIELDMILL.COM

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KENAUK NATUREExperience the Canadian wilderness fi rst-hand.Package includes: one night’s accommodation (European plan) in a first-class chalet with room for up to 18 people, private dock, access to sports facilities and indoor pool at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello. * Minimum stay of two nights. Offer valid from July 4 to August 31, 2014. Taxes not included.

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From $329/night*

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ARBRASKA LAFLÈCHE The entire Arbraska Laflèche crew invites you to show off your adventurer side through several courses in the trees! We also offer you a unique experience in the amazing Laflèche Cave!

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Field report

SUBLIME TANKWool for summertime activities, including yoga? Yes – the all-natural fabric has come a long way! With a beautiful blend of 97% wool and 3% Spandex, this tank resists odours naturally and is breathable, to keep its wearer cool. Th e racer back off ers great range of moment and the fl at seams mean no chafi ng, making it a key piece of the summer. ICEBREAKER, Sublime Tank | $89 | ca.icebreaker.com

OPTIC 2.5Instead of the classic confi guration with a door on each end, this tent was designed to give stunning panoramic views with openings along adjacent sides. Att ach the vestibules and you have a spectacular 180-degree vista! Slightly larger than a standard two-person tent, it provides plenty of space to store extra gear (2.64 kg). MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR, OPTIC 2.5 | $249 | mountainhardwear.ca

F-LITE 252With a 3-mm drop fr om back to fr ont, this shoe is designed for runners with a strong natural style looking for minimum protection with maximum comfort. Ideal in the gym, on the road or even on trails, they are lightweight (252 g), have a rather wide toe box to allow movement, and surprising comfort. In other words, they just might be your best running buddy. INOV-8, F-Lite 252 | $149 | inov-8.com

JETPACKIf you’re planning on travelling with your bike this summer, make sure the beast is protected adequately. Our go-to, designed-in-Quebec carrier is halfway between a hardshell plastic case and a relatively soft cardboard variety, and off ers extra protection with infl atable airbags. Compatible with road, triathlon or mountain bikes, Jetpack’s weight (8 kg) and built-in wheels make transportation a cinch. Besides boasting a rigid base, infl atable walls protect the wheels and ensure that your ride doesn’t move. Another major plus? A fl exible top means easy storage, whether at home or in a cramped hotel room. BIKND, Jetpack | $449 | biknd.com

V800To take your training sessions to the next level, a speed-and-pace-enabled GPS watch is a must. Th is model also provides readings for distance travelled, route and number of calories burned, all while using your weight and height for an extra-effi cient workout and recovery. It can also measure heart rate underwater (waterproof to 30 m) with the heart rate sensor (included in the $559 model). And fi nally, the fr ee smartphone app makes planning and analyzing data fr om several workouts easy. POLAR, V800 | $499 | polar.com

GROOVY ZEBRAIdeal for female athletes with fashion-forward fl air, these sunglasses provide a wide fi eld of vision so you don’t miss any of the action. Wide arms keep the shades securely in place on your face, no matt er how intense the activity. Avail-able in black, pink or white. JULBO, Groovy Zebra | $180 | julbo-eyewear.com

THE ESSENTIALS BY ThE EDITORIAL TEAM

SUBLIME TANKWool for summertime activities, including yoga? Yes – the all-natural fabric has come a long way! With a beautiful blend of 97% wool and 3% Spandex, this tank resists odours naturally and is breathable, to keep its wearer cool. Th e racer back off ers great range of moment and the fl at seams mean no chafi ng, making it a key piece of the summer. ICEBREAKER, Sublime Tank | $89 | ca.icebreaker.com

V800To take your training sessions to the next level, a speed-and-pace-enabled GPS watch is a must. Th is model also provides readings for distance travelled, route and number of calories burned, all while using your weight and height for an extra-effi cient workout and recovery. It can also measure heart rate underwater (waterproof to 30 m) with the heart rate sensor (included in the $559 model). And fi nally, the fr ee smartphone app makes planning and analyzing data fr om several workouts easy. POLAR, V800 | $499 | polar.com

home or in a cramped hotel room. BIKND, Jetpack | $449 | biknd.com

OUT. HIKE. The All Out Blaze—Hit the ground running with Uni-FlyTM responsive cushioning and glove-like comfort. Blaze your own trail at merrell.com

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Field reportWitH tHe MUd oF SpriNG FiNAllY drYiNG AWAY, it’S tiMe to BreAtHe iN tHe FUll eFFeCt oF SUMMer. Here Are SoMe ACtiVitieS YoU CAN StArt WHeN tHe SUN riSeS ANd FiNiSH BeFore it SetS.

ToronTo Zoo’s Tundra airways BY BRYEN DuNN

Imagine soaring high above polar bears, reindeer and arctic wolves, separated solely by wired cables and a few metres’ distance. That’s exactly what visitors to the Toronto Zoo have the option of doing this summer with the opening of the new Tundra Airways zipline ride across the award-winning Tundra Trek, featuring a five-acre polar bear habitat and underwater viewing area. With a change in elevation of roughly 30 metres over a distance of 200 metres, the slower backwards climb up allows for opportune viewing of the curious animals below. Once at the top, the two-seater enclosed compartmental ride will then release and quickly make its descent at speeds reaching nearly 50 km/h. The unique design accommodates one or two people in a seat, and this is the only zipline in the world that rides forward and backwards in tandem. The ride was designed and constructed by utah’s Soaring Eagle – the entire experience lasts about two minutes.

Also worth checking out is the Gorilla Climb Ropes Course, which allows visitors to swing, crawl and balance themselves while guiding their way through a 26-section circuit suspended almost three stories above the gorillas below, resulting in a different adventure every time.

The Toronto Zoo is set in the beautiful Rouge Valley, easily accessible by public transit or nearby bike trails. Once on site, there are over 10 km of trails to explore within the 710-acre property. This is one of the largest zoos in the world, with more than 5,000 animals representing over 500 species. Admission includes access to all pavilions, exhibits and daily shows excluding any separately ticketed events, rides and exhibits.

Activity: ZiplineLevel: Beginner, all agesSeason: May to OctoberGetting there: T2000 Meadowvale Rd – By public transit (TTC): 86A from Kennedy Station or 85 Sheppard East from Don Mills Station and Rouge Hill GO Station – By vehicle: Meadowvale Rd. North exit from Highway 401 and follow signs. Cost: Tundra Airways: $10, Gorilla Climb Ropes Course: $8, plus regular zoo admission. Other activities: Discovery Zone, First Nation Art Garden, Splash Island, Waterside TheatreFor more: Ttorontozoo.com, 416-392-5929

ToronTo

urban whiTewaTer rafT BY BRYEN DuNN

There aren’t many urban centres where the thrill of rafting a river can be done beneath the city skyline. Ottawa City Adventures has launched a new venture offering just that, beginning at Britannia Beach on the nearby outskirts of the city limits, just minutes from the downtown core.

The Level 2 and 3 rapids are suitable for most anyone willing to give it a whirl. Less of an adrenalin rush, the journey is more about the magical imagery that can only be had by passing behind the Parliament Buildings and other grandiose structures not visible by any other means but the water. The three-hour tour is done in a 10-person raft, guided by experienced staff who have honed their skills on the much more tumultuous Level 4 and 5 rapids along other roaring sections of the Ottawa River (the company also offers whitewater rafting excursions a couple hours outside of the city, under the name Wilderness Tours).

Participants float downstream through the Des Chênes, Champlain and Remic Rapids from Britannia Beach past Lemieux Island, ending up alongside the Canadian War Museum. They can then opt to catch a shuttle back downtown, or venture off on further explorations in the area. For those up for a bit more time on the water, Ottawa City Adventures offers a selection of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards that can be rented and used on the more sheltered inlets closer to shore. One of the highlights is to venture out toward beautiful Rideau Falls and kayak beneath it.

Corey hewitt, director of programming and group sales, says they will most likely have three or four trips a day to begin, which will be suitable for anyone with a little taste for adventure. They will also be offering multi-day whitewater kayak courses, as well as “Pub and Paddles” and “Full Moon” packages.

Activity: Whitewater Rafting Level: Beginner, all agesSeason: May to OctoberGetting there: Britannia Beach – By transit: Bus 97 direction Bayshore from downtown – By vehicle: follow O’Connor St. (71B) to the Queensway (417) to Pinecrest Rd. exit and follow signs.Cost: $49 for three-hour tour including all equipment and guide.Other activities: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming For more info: ottawacityadventures.com, 877-723-8669

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Exalto is the first urban acrobatic park in Canada, opened this summer at the newly redesigned Olympic Park Esplanade in Montreal. It offers a variety of attractions requiring dexterity and agility for participants of all levels seeking an adrenalin rush. Visitors can experience an outdoor adventure obstacle course suspended in the air with the cityscape as a backdrop. There are three high-altitude acrobatic circuits uniquely constructed out of artificial wood and steel structures that are packed with hurdles and challenges.

The highest challenge takes place nine metres above the ground, the equivalent height of a two-storey building, with more than 20 individual feats to conquer, including a zipline. In addition to two other three-metre-high circuits, this multi-activity park also includes a junior acrobatic course accessible to children aged two and up, as well as two chill-out areas and two dining facilities. All the aerial exploits will take place in a very safe environment equipped with a continuous lifeline system that ensures riders stay attached during the entire duration of the ride.

The Sports Centre is also undergoing a major renovation as part of the Olympic Park’s revitalization project. Aimed at making it a prominent attraction for both visitors and locals, it will include having the largest aquatic centre in Quebec. This follows the reopening of the Esplanade in the summer of 2012, a huge outdoor space of 115,000 square metres, featuring a diverse lineup of events focused on sport and physical activity, sustainable development and cultural performances. Also worth a visit is the Montreal Tower, the tallest inclined tower in the world, built at a height of 165 metres on a 45-degree angle, reached via a glass-encased funicular and offering views of up to 80 kilometres across the horizon.

The first park of its kind in North America, Exalto is an initiative of Groupe Altiplano, which plans to open eight more parks in Canada and the united States in the next five years.

Activity: Aerial Park Level: Beginner to advanced, all ages Season: May to October Cost: $15.75 to $20.50 Getting there: 4545 Pierre-De Coubertin Avenue – By transit: Metro Pie-IX direction Honoré-Beaugrand – By vehicle: Notre-Dame or Sherbrooke East from downtown and follow signs. Other activities: Sports Centre, Montreal Tower, Planetarium, Botanical Gardens For more: parcexalto.com, parcolympique.qc.ca, 514-252-4141 / 877-997-0919

eXaLTo’s aeriaL adVenTures BY BRYEN DuNN

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On a scorching summer day, when the humidity clings to clothing and no amount of air conditioning can seem to cool a vehicle, Toronto’s Key Gardens Beach is a snapshot of a city escaping the heat. A stretch of sand near the water is covered with umbrellas and towels and sun worshippers. A lineup to buy ice cream snakes its way to the boardwalk, which is already full of ambling crowds. In the adjacent bike lane, cyclists and runners of all abilities are slowed to a uniform crawl due to the quantity of foot traffi c. On the shaded grass fi eld on the other side of the boardwalk, extended families are hosting all-day barbecues.

BLUE FLAG BEAChES Are mAKING WAVes

IN TOrONTO BY MATT COLAuTTI

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Yet despite the heat and the crowds, one part of the beach remains perplexingly empty: the water. Such is the unfortunate fate of most of Toronto’s beaches. here, at the shores of one of the world’s largest fr eshwater lakes, with shimmering water clean enough to make the rest of the world jealous, residents are afr aid to go for a swim.

Th is is the reputation that is being challenged by the international Blue Flag Beach designation, a distinction awarded to beaches that meet a set of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety and services. At Blue Flag Beaches, expect to fi nd maps, beach ecosystem information, accessible washrooms, as well as fi rst-aid and lifesaving equipment. In 2013, the NGO responsible for the program in Canada, Environmental Defence, awarded 18 of Toronto’s beaches the Blue Flag.

Th e Blue Flag Beaches campaign began in France in 1985 as a way to commend coastal communities that were active in reducing sewage pollution. Th e program was expanded to the rest of Europe in 1987 by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the same organization responsible for the popular Eco-Schools program. Today, there are 48 countries hosting nearly 4,000 recognized beaches and marinas around the world.

In many cases, the Blue Flag designation simply highlights standards that have been in place for years. Th e Leuty Lifeguard Station has been a pillar of safety at Kew Gardens Beach since 1920.

Sunnyside Beach has had bathrooms for decades. Water quality at all City of Toronto beaches is checked daily during the summer months and shared via a mobile app, with historical data for the past seven years available online (app.toronto.ca/tpha/beaches.html). Even Ontario’s E. coli acceptable limit of 100 units per 100 ml is much more strict than the limit for the rest of Canada (200 units per 100 ml). Th e Blue Flag Program, more than anything, is forcing us to acknowledge that our beaches are safe places to swim and can compare with others around the world.

Changing public perception may turn out to be the most diffi cult challenge, as Toronto’s waterfr ont does have a polluted history. At the turn of the century, industrial plants dott ed the waterfr ont. Th ese facilities dumped a variety of toxic waste, including raw sewage, directly into the lake. Reports of decomposing dead fi sh washing up on shore scared our parents’ generation into avoiding the water altogether. According to one legend, the Lower Don River was such a potent toxic soup, it was possible to use the water to develop camera fi lm.

Fortunately, much has changed since then. Standards have been tightened and environmental plans have been created. Over the past decades, the waterfr ont has parted with its industrial past. Massive water treatment plants, including Canada’s largest, now ensure that water entering the lake is clean. Even aging stormwater management systems, pushed to the limits during fl ooding in recent summers, continue to be improved.

Equally encouraging are the eff orts of Waterfr ont Toronto, the umbrella organization overseeing the redevelopment and repurposing of the waterfr ont. Th eir mandate includes gathering places such as the Spadina Wavedeck, urban beaches such as Sugar Beach, improved bike trails, LEED-certifi ed offi ce and condo buildings, and the Athletes’ Village for the 2015 Pan Am Games. Th e vision of a pedestrian-fr iendly, sustainable and innovative waterfr ont continues to become a reality.

Lake Ontario will always be one of Toronto’s

greatest natural assets, even if it is overlooked by the hordes heading out of the city every summer weekend. With recognition of our Blue Flag Beaches, this may be the moment when the growing downtown population fi nally looks toward the south. What they will fi nd is that whether they’re interested in a lazy aft ernoon in the sun, a ride along the waterfr ont or an adrenalin burst out on the water, there is no shortage of opportunities waiting at the beach. It’s time for us to dive in.

ACtIVItIES FOr tOrOntO’S BEAChES

Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Sunnyside Beach – SuP has exploded in popularity, and a few companies provide flexible rental options at multiple locations (wsuptoronto.ca). Sunnyside Beach remains arguably the best place to try the sport, since a breakwall protects rookies from the Lake Ontario swells. The more adventurous can cross the humber Bay Bridge and paddle up the humber River.

Cycling to Hanlan’s Point – The Toronto Islands are one of the most cycling-friendly places in the city, and also home to four Blue Flag Beaches. Bring your own bicycle across on the ferry, or rent one

on Ward’s Island (torontoislandbicyclerental.com). Enjoy the leisurely ride to hanlan’s Point, a beach famous for its clothing-optional section.

Hiking at Bluffers Park – The Scarborough Bluffs, rising dramatically 65 metres above the lake, form a unique backdrop at Bluffers Park. Walking along the base of the bluffs, which extend for 15 kilometres to the east into Pickering, makes for a surprisingly remote hike considering the proximity to the city.

Volleyball at Woodbine Beach – A vast grid of volleyball nets near Ashbridge’s Bay are packed most summer evenings with beach volleyball games. The Ontario Volleyball Association (ashbridgesvolleyball.com) organizes these leagues, as well as clinics and tournaments. During the

afternoon you’ll usually be able to find a free court, though you will need to bring your own ball and net.

Paddling at HTO Park – hTO Park is one of Toronto’s new urban “swimless” beaches, created as part of Waterfront Toronto’s ambitious plan to connect the city to the lake. Venture to the nearby harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre (paddletoronto.com) to rent canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, and then start exploring.

Kiteboarding at Cherry Beach – For more of an adrenalin rush on the water, look to the burgeoning sport of kiteboarding. Several operators sell equipment and run lessons in the city’s east end (torontokiteclub.com), but Cherry Beach is frequently named as one of the best kite spots in the city.


ALL ABOARD THE SPANISH RIVERBY MATT COLAuTTI

BELOEIL - BROSSARD - BURLINGTON - ETOBICOKE - LAVAL - OSHAWA - OTTAWA - QUEBEC - VAUGHAN

46 other models in store

JETBOIL Flash The Jetboil Flash is a 2 in 1 cooking system, includes a burner and a 1 L cooking cup. The cup clips onto the burner to form a compact, light combination.

remains accessible only by train and canoe. Th e Spanish River is no exception.

Kyle, one of our more experienced canoeists, grabs a canoe. I lift the other side and we join a queue of equipment being hoisted into the “Budd” storage car. Guiding the canoe through the doorway is like guiding a couch around a tight corner. We gingerly place the canoe on a rack along the railcar walls and stash the remainder of our baggage below. Outside, Madonna has brought up a digital copy of the tickets on her cell phone. Th e conductor gruffl y motions for us to board the train.

Th ere is a loud whistle as I sett le into my seat. Our

group scatt ers throughout the railcar amid patiently waiting passengers. I watch Cartier Station disappear behind us.

“It doesn’t take long to be in the middle of nowhere,” says KB, who, like me, is amicably called a “Southerner” by the Sudbury locals. I look out the window and see that any evidence of civilization is long behind us. Th rough the window, a tapestry of trees, rocks and rivers silently passes by. More than a link between two places, train rides have always provided an intimate lens into the landscapes they traverse. Th ey are the land equivalent of a glass-bott omed boat.

Th e Spanish River, in its 300-kilometre journey fr om south of Timmins to Lake huron’s North Channel, meets two major highways. Not considering the time spent sett ing up start and end-point vehicles, it would take eight days to canoe between the two. Th e train adds six additional access points at intervals along the river. In fact, VIA Rail will stop the train at any kilometre marker on the route, provided the arrangement is made in advance.

Th e train eases to a stop. Th e view outside is largely as it has been for the past hour, save for a wooden pole bearing a dilapidated mess of signal wires and a

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“Did you remember to bring the train tickets?”I look at our trip organizer, Madonna, and feel the blood rush to my face. We have just

arrived at Cartier Station, over an hour north of Sudbury. Cars have already been set up at pickup points. A weekend’s worth of equipment – and then some – is strewn over the grass next to the station. Our train was supposed to arrive 10 minutes ago.

“No, I didn’t grab them.” Appropriately, there is a rumbling fr om the south. We reel around to see two silver railcars approaching on the siding. Th ey stop next to the station. A grizzled conductor slides open a door and climbs down the stairs.

“Tickets,” he barks. Our weekend canoe trip down the Spanish River is already off to a good start.

Trains and canoes are two of Canada’s great symbols, embedded in our nation’s exploration and early history. For a long time, both modes of transport have held the promise of adventure across a vast, untamed wilderness. Today, despite simplifi ed travel with airplanes and GPS and service centres, much of the Canadian backcountry


BELOEIL - BROSSARD - BURLINGTON - ETOBICOKE - LAVAL - OSHAWA - OTTAWA - QUEBEC - VAUGHAN

46 other models in store

JETBOIL Flash The Jetboil Flash is a 2 in 1 cooking system, includes a burner and a 1 L cooking cup. The cup clips onto the burner to form a compact, light combination.

weathered yellow sign with the word “Pogamasing.”“Th is is our stop,” says Madonna, “Th e Pog.”We gather our equipment into a neat pile next to the

train. It feels like we are about to be abandoned on the far side of the moon.

“Good luck,” says the conductor with ever so slight a smile. With that, the hulking machine churns to life and continues along the tracks. Th e rumbling of the engine fades and is replaced by the sounds of the river.

Th e train tracks at our feet, just minutes ago so full of importance, reprise their role as nondescript fi xtures in the landscape. It’s easy to forget that these rusting relics were not only part of a valuable transportation network over one hundred years ago, but across the country they continue to serve an important industrial role today.

Th e hudson’s Bay Company established a trading post at Pogamasing Lake in the 1800s, and slowly the Spanish River was exploited for the timber trade. Th e

train route, built in the 1880s, provided the logistical support needed to maintain large-scale logging camps. By one estimate, 2.5 million logs were being felled annually in the 1900s. Nowadays, a large portion of the river, including 200 metres extending out fr om either shore, is protected as a provincial park.

Our fl otilla begins down a series of swift s that make up the fi rst six kilometres of the route. Aft er a morning of

logistics, the rush of adrenalin feels good. Th e skies are blue and the surroundings are impressive: thick coniferous forests rise up fr om the river and end at the base of rocky cliff s. Th e group is in high spirits as morning turns to aft ernoon. Th ere is obligatory splashing of each other’s canoes, a few rounds of singing and a quick beach stop to wolf down a lunch of mini-ciabatt a buns and eggs.

According to legend, a native Anishnabe party once ventured far into the American South and brought back a Spanish-speaking woman. Th e woman taught her children her native tongue. When French fur traders passed through this region in the 17th century, they were surprised to recognize Spanish, and dubbed the locals “Les Espagnols.” Th e name stuck when the British surveyed the region, and today it is the Spanish River that passes through the nearby paper-mill town of Espanola.

Midway through our second day, the Spanish River has turned into Spanish Lake.

“It’s so hot,” I complain. Aft er a lazy morning, the current has slowed to a crawl, and it feels like every stroke is moving us half as far as it did the day before. We pass around left over ciabatt a buns for lunch. Th e beating sun overhead is stifl ing.

“how does a swim sound?” ventures KB fr om one canoe over. Before anyone can say anything, he jumps into the placid water. Madonna wastes no time in following suit. Within minutes we are all swimming in the river. Th e water is much warmer than yesterday, providing a refr eshing break fr om the midday heat. It feels like we are the only people around for kilometres,

and for a moment I am overcome with a deep sense of peace.

Th e moment ends with a jolt of reality when I look at my watch. It is 2 p.m. Ten kilometres lie between us and the takeout. From there, we need to drive 40 minutes along a gravel road to recover our car and then drive 40 minutes back to pick up our canoe. Aft er that, we can look forward to a fi ve-hour drive to end the journey. We’d bett er get moving.

I dip my paddle into the river. Th e only thing that the Spanish River leaves one wanting, it would seem, is a train ride home.

VIA Rail Canoe PolicyTh e best way to arrange a canoe drop-off is to

contact VIA Rail by phone. You’ll be able to confi rm the exact location (kilometre marker) where you want to be dropped off , and your ticket will be pro-rated accordingly. You can also confi rm the canoes as baggage. Be warned: sometimes it takes talking to a few telephone agents before fi nding one who is familiar with the river and procedure.

When boarding the train, VIA Rail staff are supposed

to assist with the loading of canoes, but expect to do some of the lift ing yourself. Confi rm your drop-off location before leaving the station, and make sure you don’t forget anything on the train.

VIA Rail greatly angered the canoeing community when it raised the canoe surcharge to a whopping $100. Fortunately, the surcharge for the Spanish River route, as well as other select routes, is fi xed at $60. As savvy trippers will explain, the train is still much cheaper than hiring a fl oatplane!


IN YOUR OWN IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD BACKYARDIN SEARCH OF DUNES

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ONTARIOLOnG POInt PrOVInCIAL PArK

Long Point Provincial Park is the last piece of vast wilderness left in southern Ontario. Combining woodlands, sand dunes, marshes and beaches, Long Point has an exceptional combination of flora and fauna and is recognized as a uNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It’s most famous for the hundreds of thousands of birds – over 390 species – that land at the park.

It’s all about the beach here – there are no designated trails, just two kilometres of soft sands and warm waters. Perfect for lounging, but you do need to be cautious while swimming, since Lake Erie has a wicked undertow.

Camping here means falling asleep listening to the waves on the beach and the wind in the trees. All of the 258 sand pit campsites have beach views, separated by high sand dunes. The original Cotton Campground has 80 sites, while the newer section contains the Firefly, Monarch’s Rest and Turtle Dunes

campgrounds. here you’ll find the best views of the marshes, Inner Bay and Long Point Bay. The park officially ends near the Turtle Dune Campground, but you can walk the shoreline until you reach the beginning of the Long Point Natural Reserve, which is off limits to humans.

The best way to explore is by water. Long Point Bay has a boat launch and kayak rentals where you can start off exploring the bay before heading out to more open waters that lead deeper into the marshlands of the Big Creek Wildlife Area. Reservations are needed well in advance to camp at this park.

Location: 350 Erie Blvd., Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 Reservations: reservations.ontarioparks.com Contact: 519-586-2133 / 888-ONT-PARK (888-668-7275) For more: ontarioparks.com/park/longpointnorfolktrails.ca/trails/paddling/sea-kayak-routes/long-point

BY ShELAGh MCNALLY

Ontario and Quebec have some exceptional beacheswhere the sand dunes create dramatic beaches to soak up summer.


QUEBECPArC DE COnSErVAtIOn DE LA POIntE tAILLOn

A land born of the water, Parc de conservation de la Pointe Taillon is a sandy delta peninsula jutting out into Lac Saint-Jean. The area has been a protected zone since 1952. A forest encircles its entire perimeter, and in the middle is a bird-foot delta – named for its finger-like deltas that spread out to create bogs, wetlands and marshes. There is magnificent scenery here, since the park’s south shore looks onto Lac Saint-Jean while its north shore is part of the Rivière Péribonka, the lake’s largest tributary.

Ground-up minerals including zircon and garnet have turned the dunes scarlet. Walking the immense sandy shores, you will see many different shades of red. Plage Taillon is a supervised beach with exceptionally calm and warm waters with plenty of creature comforts. A 45-kilometre network of cycle paths connects throughout the park, and since the paths are all relatively flat, biking is suitable for all ages. The 16-kilometre Véloroute des Bleuets passes a large peat bog through birch and pine forests, and goes on to follow the entire coast. Along the way you’ll see beavers, geese, otters, birds, butterflies and perhaps the occasional moose.

Overnight sea kayaking trips include the challenging 44-kilometre Grand Tour starting from Sainte-Monique marina and finishing at Plage Taillon, or the 20-kilometre Petit Tour starting and finishing at the Péribonka marina. Falling in between is the tour of Île Boulian. Rugged overnight camping is available at Pointe Chevrette. Plage Taillon also rents cabins, but reservations well in advance are recommended.

Children will also enjoy the hands-on education exhibits at the Pointe Taillon Discovery and Visitors Centre. This is an extremely fragile environment, so it’s important to respect the areas roped off for protection.

Location: 835 Rang 3 Ouest, Taillon, QC G0W 2X0Contact: 418-347-5371 / 800-665-6527, [email protected]: Entry $6 adults / $2.75 for children. Camping fr om $21.50. Bicycle and kayak rentals available. For more: sepaq.com/pq/pta

QUEBECFJOrD-DU-SAGUEnAY PArK

At the mouth of the Fjord-du-Saguenay are multi-levelled sand dunes left behind by ancient glaciers. Over the centuries the earth and rock have been blown away, leaving behind soft sands shaped into honey-coloured humps. When the tide is low you can walk along the shores, taking in the sheer height of one of the most southerly fjords in the world.

Access to the Fjord-du-Saguenay Park starts off in Tadoussac, also home to the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. The two-kilometre Sentier de la Plage trail follows the mouth of the fjord at Tadoussac Bay. Access is at the east end of town. Turn left at the entrance to take the trail down to the beach to the tidal flats, or take the trail that crosses over the gorge created by the river. When the tide is low, a sandy beach awaits with immense dunes. The trail that climbs straight through the dune will give you a true sense of its height (never hike this trail when the tide is high – it’s too dangerous).

Shorter hiking trails along the mouth of the Fjord offer views of the fjord and St. Lawrence River, where you can picnic and watch whales frolic. The challenging 43-kilometre Sentier du Fjord trail that follows the north shore takes three days to complete, and it’s full of breathtaking views of the dunes and cliffs.

Since the environment is so fragile, you must obtain permission before hiking any trail.

Location: Th ere are three sectors, each with a diff erent access point; directions are available online Contact: 418-272-1556 / 877-272-5229 (for trail reservations)Cost: Day entrance $7.50 adults / $2.50 childrenFor more: sepaq.com/pq/sagtadoussac.com

ONTARIOSAnDBAnKS PrOVInCIAL PArK

Golden beaches with giant sand dunes and sparkling waters are found on the shores of Lake Ontario at Sandbanks Provincial Park. This is the world’s largest freshwater sand barrier and the closest thing to a tropical beach in Canada.

Three beaches make up Sandbanks. Closest to the entrance, Outlet Beach is located at East Lake on a bay overlooking Lake Ontario. The beach here is long and wide with shallow water and a gentle grade. Close to all the amenities, Outlet is the most popular family beach. Nearby campsites include Cedar Camps, overlooking East Lake; Outlet Camp Grounds, located at the mouth of the Outlet River; and Woodlands Campground, off from the entrance. The two-kilometre Cedar Sands Nature Trail follows the Outlet River while the 3.5-kilometre Woodlands Trail leads through meadows to the entrance to Dune Beach. You can cycle or hike both trails.

With its dramatic 25-metre-high dunes, Dune Beach is Sandbanks’ showpiece. You can climb these dunes and then slide straight into the warm water. It’s not safe for young children due to a sudden, swift and deep drop. Inland, the dunes stretch for another eight kilometres, and you can follow the 2.5-kilometre Sandbanks Dunes Trail that also passes along the edge of several pannes (rare wetland habitat).

Sandbanks Beach has the most tropical feel with its white sand and pale turquoise waters. On the Lake Ontario side of the dunes, it has a wide beach and a safe, gradual drop-off. Bring your own lunch and toilet paper – there are no facilities on this beach. Nearby Richardson’s Campground offers a mix of sunny and shady sites, but with no electricity.

West Point lies between Outlet and Sandbanks Beach. Due to strong currents there is no swimming here, but the flat rocks along the shoreline make for an easy hike to shady spots with cool breezes. There are also the ruins of the Lakeshore Lodge to explore.

Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals are available. Sandbanks is dog-friendly. Camping reservations must be made months in advance.

Location: 3004 County Rd. 12, RR#1, Picton, ON K0K 2T0Reservations: reservations.ontarioparks.com Contact: 613-393-3319 / 888-ONT-PARK (888-668-7275) For more: ontarioparks.com/park/sandbanksfr iendsofsandbanks.orgprince-edward-county.com/sandbanks-provincial-park-beaches.

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EntEr thE ELOrA GOrGETORONTO By Matt Colautti The historic town of Elora, with its quaint streets and small shops, does not seem like the sort of place you’d expect to find outdoor adventure. Yet it is here that the Grand River has cut deep into the limestone, creating a narrow river gorge sandwiched between 22-metre rock walls. Riding down the Elora Gorge remains one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets. Combine that with a well-maintained bike trail leading upriver, and Elora will soon become a place you find yourself returning to every summer.R&R Relax right next to the Grand River at the 3 Bears Bed & Breakfast (from $150 per night for two • 866-457-7770 • the3bears.com), located just outside of Elora. This cozy home comes complete with kitchen, pool table and outdoor firepit. And as hosts Garrett Klassen and Melanie Ward boast, world-class fly fishing is just steps away. For something in the centre of town, opt for the Drew House (from $130 per night for two • 519-846-2226 • drewhouse.com), a large, 1850s-era estate with an expansive, tree-shaded property. host Roger Dufau is a celebrated French chef and author of What We Eat; he runs cooking classes and food events on site. EATThere are few places in the county more atmospheric than the Brew House on the Grand (519-843-8871 • brewhouseonthegrand.ca). This brick building, perched over the river, was built in the 1850s and saw its early years as a flour mill. Chef Glenn Aylott is an active member of the community and has created a wide-ranging menu of pub fare. For Elora’s best, try Cork (519-846-8880 • eloracork.com). This fine-dining experience is run by mother-daughter combo Starr and Trella White. As the name implies, the wine list is impressive. But the restaurant also strives to source food from local farms surrounding the town. Come for the live jazz on Saturday nights or the home-cooked brunch on Sunday morning. PLAYBY WATER: The trip down the Elora Gorge on rubber inner tubes hardly qualifies as a lazy-river ride. The run begins at The Chute, a churning Class III rapid that is both an intimidating and exhilarating start to the morning. Experienced tubers

can pull into an eddy and scramble back to the start to run the rapid again. From there, the river meanders for two km through smaller rapids and slower sections. On summer weekends, a bus is waiting at the takeout to shuttle tubers back to the start. The Elora Gorge Conservation Area (entry fee $5.75, tubing package $25 • 877-558-4722 • grandriver.ca/eloratubing) rents tubes and safety equipment, but be sure to arrive early during the busy summer weekends.

BY LAND: For a dry adventure, cycle the Elora Cataract Trailway (trailway.org). Formerly a CP Rail line, the 47-km-long gravel trail heads east out of Elora along the popular Lake Belwood. The small towns of Fergus and Erin make for lively rest stops along the way. The trail reaches its eastern terminus at the Niagara Escarpment in Forks of Credit Provincial Park. Check out the waterfalls before heading back to Elora.

SALMOn POIntOTTAWA/TORONTO By ilona KaureMszKyBlessed with the biggest tailwinds this side of the Bay of Quinte, it’s no wonder kiteboarders and windsurfers are swarming Salmon Point. Jutting out into the northeastern corner of Lake Ontario, it’s located just a few hours’ drive from both Ottawa and Toronto. After you’ve messed up your hair with a windblown look, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for some sweet relaxation by the water.R&R Still Point Yoga Retreat ($140 based on double occupancy • 613-476-8061 • stillpointyogaretreat.com) offers a quiet waterfront oasis overlooking the Bay of Quinte, 20 minutes north of Picton. The bed and breakfast has spacious accommodations spread over three custom-built buildings, including an on-site dry sauna. Browns Manor B&B (from $130 based on double occupancy • 613-476-0248 • brownsmanor.com) is an elegant 19th-century colonial revival home located in downtown Picton. The great room is perfect for curling up in after a hard day’s work of windsurfing. Ask early to enjoy one of the limited-availability complimentary beach packages (park pass, beach chairs and cooler).

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EATTh e pub life is huge thanks to a burgeoning Cheddar and Ale Trail (download an interactive map at tourism.bayofquinte.ca). Th e Port Bistro Pub (613-955-1409 • portbistropub.com) in Trenton is worth the drive north fr om Salmon Point. It’s situated in a restored historic building overlooking the Trent River, and all the gourmet comfort foods on off er are made in house. Try the poutine with crumbled local curds drizzled in gravy ($9, served aft er 10 p.m.) while enjoying some live music and a drink special. In Picton, slug back the suds at Th e Acoustic Grill (613-476-2887 • theacousticgrill.ca), known for the best burgers in town. Try the Acoustic Jam ($10), an Angus burger with all the fi xings, with a pint of the house brew, J-45 ($5.75). Besides an impressive beer and wine list celebrating local producers, the pub’s stage gets raves, too. Plenty of Juno Award winners have performed here over the years, so it’s best to reserve a spot in advance. PLAYWATER: Welcome to your kiteboarding and windsurfi ng paradise. Th e rocky shores of Salmon Point are known for extra-strong gales gushing west to east – on the best days you can see the wind pushing the water right out of the bay. head to Sandbanks Provincial Park waters if you prefer fi nishing your ride by the smooth, sandy beachfr ont around Athol Bay (just be aware there are no outf itt ers nearby – it’s BYO gear there).

DUNING: When you’ve fi nished fl ying along with the wind, get off the water and head to the dunes on the horizon at Sandbanks Provincial Park (walk-in fee $2, day use with vehicle $10.75 • 613-393-3319 • ontarioparks.com/park/sandbanks). Located by the south end of the dunes, the new 2.5-km Sandbanks Looped Trail is considered easy to moderate. Finish the whole experience with a dip at Dunes Beach.

FIDDLEr LAKE rESOrtMONTREAL By Kristy straussMake your escape to the cott age this summer – with all of the luxuries of a classic resort just over an hour’s drive fr om Montreal. Whether you want to kick back at surrounding spas and get a massage, veg out by the pool or get active on the water or on forest trails, many adventures await you at Fiddler Lake Resort in Mille-Isles, Quebec.

R&RWhether you want a getaway with just the family or to pitch in with fr iends, Fiddler Lake Resort off ers extravagant cott ages that will make everyone feel at home. Th e Chalet Bear Trail off ers three to four bedrooms for six to 10 people with sauna, veranda and spectacular views of the lake (fr om $58.65 per person per night • 800-721-0371 • fi ddlerlakeresort.com). Or, if you’re looking for a cott age that will accommodate your large group, take your pick between the fi ve-bedroom Chalet Deer Trail, which off ers a large recreation room with pool table and home entertainment centre (fr om $68.75 per person per night), or the 3,238 sq-ft Chalet Moose Trail (fr om $69 per person per night), which was built with 15-inch logs and includes a spa and private barrel sauna. EATFiddler Lake’s Cuisine Spontanée Traiteur (450-744-0545 • cuisinespontanee.com) off ers exquisite catering services that include menus inspired by local and seasonal products. Chef and owner Fabrice Coutanceau brings his training fr om France to develop creative and harmonious dishes – fr om appetizers such as foie gras with Pineau des Charentes torchon ($35), to mains including beef cheek braised in red wine sauce with roasted root vegetables ($25). If you want to celebrate summer on your patio, pick up some dishes cooked on the charcoal grill at Les Friands Gourmets (450-710-0569 • lesfr iandsgourmets.com). Choose your favourite fl avour of baby back ribs, available in single-serve ($2.65) on up to 40-oz portions ($31.95), or pick fr om the huge variety of skewers and burgers. PLAYHIKE: Steps away fr om your log cabin and nestled in the lower Laurentians, you’ll fi nd 250 acres of sprawling forest where you can spend the day hiking. More seasoned hikers can also extend their adventure to Mont Saint-Sauveur (montsaintsauveur.com). Operating as a ski resort in the winter season, Sauveur is located about 20 kilometres fr om the Fiddler Lake Resort and off ers lift s that will take you all the way to the summit.

CYCLE: Take advantage of the area’s bike rentals and the resort’s nearby cycle paths, including the famous and historic Petit train du Nord (laurentides.com/en/linear-park-le-ptit-train-du-nord-232-km). Formerly a railroad between Bois-des-Filion and Mont-Laurier, this path off ers 232 km of scenic views through the Laurentian region. Cyclists can also bike along Corridor Aérobique (morinheights.com/Corridor-Aerobique-1307), a 58-km linear park also built on an old CN railway track stretching between Morin-heights and Amherst.

CANOE: Summer is the ideal time to get out, enjoy the water and marvel at the scenery. Take advantage of Fiddler Lake for rowing, paddleboating, kayaking and canoeing. Stretching across 2.8 kilometres, it’s surrounded by acres of untouched, sprawling forest.


With only a long weekend to spare, I knew it would be sensible to stick to either an urban or an outdoor theme – trying to fi t it all in would leave no time for sleep. So I was faced with a diffi cult decision: should I balance out rest and recuperation with days in the wilderness, or with nights gone wild?

And then I remembered the immortal words of KISS: I wanna rock and roll all night, and play outside every day! (Okay, not quite, but it goes something like that.)

Th e mantra got me thinking: if a rock star can handle a multi-day, non-stop bender, why couldn’t I? Especially considering I’d be overdosing on nature half the time, and it’s not like my evenings would be gett ing that debaucherous. (I’m old enough to babysit Justin Bieber, so my idea of a late night ends when his begins.) Plus, since there’s no time diff erence, at least I wouldn’t be dealing with jet lag.

My rationale ready, I land in Panama City on Th ursday evening, prepared to take on everything the hot spot can off er.

My fi rst stop is the hard Rock hotel Panama Megapolis, which will be serving as my base of operations for the next few days. Th e rock ’n’ roll theme is a perfect fi t, and I can already pick up on an energetic vibe as I walk into the lobby. I arrive in perfect time to catch the sunset fr om their rooft op lounge, BITS. Th e view of the cityscape fr om the 62nd fl oor is spectacular, which is how I justify sticking around for the next cocktail. And the next one.

I wake up in the morning a litt le, well, let’s call it “groggy,” which makes the winding road to the Anton Valley all the more adventurous. I’m quickly revitalized by the view out the window, and my anticipation grows as the cityscape fades into a sweeping panorama of green mountains.

///GLOBE-TROTTER

PANAMA CITY IS AN ENERGETIC METROPOLIS FULL OF CULTURE, HISTORY AND VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE. IT’S ALSO THE GATEWAY TO A NATURAL PLAYGROUND, WITH OCEANS, MOUNTAINS AND RAINFORESTS IN EASY REACH. BY STEPhANIA VARALLI

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NiGHt ANd dAY:A NON-sTOP ADVeNTure

IN PANAmA CITYBY STEPhANIA VARALLI


About two hours from downtown, El Valle is located in a six-kilometre-wide caldera. It’s the world’s oldest continually inhabited volcanic crater, with a human history that goes back 11,000 years. The sparse population is barely noticeable, though – perhaps because the people are so greatly outnumbered by the thousands of species of flora and fauna found here. Spared from overdevelopment, the area is best known for outdoor pursuits.

I start with an easy hike along one of the many trails in the valley. It curves up and down, over small rope bridges that are overgrown with vines, and past waterfalls that seem to be hiding in the foliage. The best view of Chorro El Macho, the Male Waterfall, comes courtesy of my next activity: a zipline. After a few quick flights between platforms, I am informed by the guide that I’ll be stopping halfway down the next run. Moments later, I’m suspended above a mossy rock face that’s full of flowing water tendrils. Floating in mid-air under a rainforest canopy, marvelling at a natural wonder, it’s hard to believe the big city is so close by.

After a healthy dose of adrenalin, I switch to another popular Anton Valley activity that’s a little more low-key: horseback riding. As we wind through the lush crater, the serenity of the region immediately pulls me in. Taking deep breaths of the ultra-clean air, I try to soak up all the calmness that El Valle can offer.

Returning to the hard Rock that evening, I’m ready for more excitement. I have a bit of time before going out, and I know I should probably rest – but that’s not the theme of the trip. Instead, I go to the hotel gym to spend some time on the stationary bike, thinking it would be a good idea to spin my legs a bit before I take them mountain biking in the morning. After an easy ride, I’m inspired by the hotel’s trainer to end my workout with a quickie on the PowerPlate. It’s a big vibrating machine that looks like fun, and I’m certain I can handle it – until it burns my quads to a crisp in a paltry five minutes.

Nothing combats lactic acid buildup like a little red wine at dinner, right? After a delicious meal, I head to Calle uruguay, a street that’s famous for its

nightlife. There are dance clubs, restaurants and a few patios that are perfect for people-watching. I take in the scene before heading back to Bling, the hard Rock’s nightclub – I figure the closer I am to my bed at the end of the night, the better. I can’t say how long I am drinking pink champagne and busting out my best moves before I hear the news that Justin Bieber has just arrived, but I’ve had enough bubbly to be excited about it. The Biebs is here! Images of dance battles and in-room after-parties pop into my head, with me masterfully spinning out beats at the turntables (yes, that much champagne).

When I make it upstairs at sometime-late-o’clock, I briefly consider continuing the rock star dream by ordering up some professional DJ equipment (courtesy of hard Rock’s Sound of Your Stay music amenity program), but wisely opt for room service instead. I have a big day ahead, starting bright and early, and I’m sure it will go more smoothly if I eat and hydrate before going to sleep.

Moving at a slow but determined pace the following morning, I head down to the in-house tour desk to check in on my mountain biking plans. Due to a thunderstorm that’s been raging since the wee small hours, all of the excursion operators are (wisely) unwilling to take me out on a trail. I consider going back to bed. Then I spot an MC hammer outfit displayed on a wall nearby, and the memorabilia sparks renewed determination.

Yes, sir, I am indeed 2 Legit 2 Quit. In lieu of two wheels, I decide to spend the day on two feet, trekking in Soberania

National Park. Established in 1980, it covers 225 square kilometres of pristine rainforest, and the entrance is just 25 kilometres from downtown. The Miraflores Locks – the best for viewing the Panama Canal – are conveniently located en route. A trip to Panama City wouldn’t be complete without seeing this engineering wonder, which celebrates its centennial in August. I snap a few pics from the

visitors’ centre before continuing on to the park. Within five minutes of entering Soberania, I’m staring at a sloth hanging from a tree branch. It’s not the kind of animal that scurries away, so I’m able to spend a few minutes taking photos and getting excited about what I might find ahead.

The park holds over 100 species of mammals – including sloths, monkeys, anteaters and more – plus 525 different bird species. One of the main trails, the Pipeline Road, has been a famous destination for birdwatching ever since a world record 450 species were spotted over 24 hours here in 1985. I opt for the Plantation Road, which links up to Las Cruces Trail. The historic Camino de Cruces dates back to the 16th century, when it was used by wealthy Spaniards for the transport of textiles, furnishings, spices and many other necessities of high-society living. It’s still possible to spot some of the crumbling remains of the cobblestone path.

I have my eye out for more animal sightings (including some dangerous critters the park warden warned about), but I’m constantly distracted by the abundance and diversity of the plants. There are flowers in shapes and colours I’ve never imagined before, vines with alien-looking spikes and trees that have trunks the size of small houses. I stumble upon a train of ants transporting leaves, their long chain winding from the top of a tree down across the path in front of me. The rainforest feels thick with life, and the further I walk the more energized I become.

A few mountain bikers pass by, and I begin thinking about all the activities I need to fit in on my next visit. For now, it’s time to head back to civilization – an unbelievable 20-minute drive away! I have a night out planned in Casco Viejo, the city’s historic heart.

After pirate henry Morgan sacked the Old City, Panama Viejo, in 1671, settlers moved to the safer site of the Old Quarter, Casco Viejo. Filled with colonial architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries, the walled mini-city was named a uNESCO World heritage Site in 1997. Since then, the area has been experiencing a revitalization, with many shops, bars and restaurants moving in, and many more buildings still under renovation.

under the shadow of the Presidential Palace, I lean against the ancient wall of the Old Quarter and take in the view of the modern centre. A panorama of high-rises and bright lights glitters across the Bay of Panama City, and I’m struck once again by the contrasts that this area offers. I turn away from the skyscrapers and gaze at the church steeples behind me.

Minutes later I’m lost in a maze of colonial streets. After a long, enjoyable wander I stop for dinner in one of Casco Viejo’s many squares. And then my trip comes full circle, with a final stop at a rooftop bar named Tantalo. I sip on mojitos while contemplating everything I’ve managed to squeeze in over the past two days.

PLanninG your TriPGo: A non-stop flight from Toronto to Panama City takes 5.5 hours, which makes a long-weekend trip doable – although you’ll probably want more time to experience everything the region has to offer.

sTay: The hard Rock hotel Panama Megapolis is new, luxurious, centrally located and rock-star-ready. hrhpanamamegapolis.com

Know: The currency used is the uS dollar – you’re better off with newer bills. Panama is in the Eastern Standard Time zone (EST), but does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so depending on when in the year you travel there may be a one-hour time difference.

On my next visit to Panama City, I’ll leave more time for naps.


Going to the MaximalBY STEPhANIA VARALLI

The next big trend in running shoes has arrived – and we mean big, literally. Though sometimes referred to as high- or max-cushioned, we think the most accurate name for the burgeoning category is maximal, since it marries maximum cushioning with a minimal drop. More specifi cally: the amount of foam under your feet is ample enough to offer a fl oaty, don’t-feel-the-rocks ride, while the heel-to-toe drop (the difference in height between where your heel sits and where your forefoot sits) is less than a traditional shoe (which averages 10–12mm). And, thanks to lightweight materials, these shoes aren’t as heavy as they look.

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1-hOKA OnE OnE COnQUEStEvery category has its pioneer, and for Maximal, that honour goes to hoka One One. About fi ve years ago they began producing running shoes with marshmallowy soles and a novel appearance, creating a niche that has continued to expand. Th eir latest, the Conquest, has 50 percent more cushioning material than a traditional running shoe. Th e unique geometry and “RMAT” midsole design off ers a stable and responsive ride, a great weight-to-resilience ratio, and encourages a stable foot roll. Th e seamless upper is breathable and includes a water drainage system. HEEL 29mm Toe 25mm | $180 | hokaoneone.com

2-nEW BALAnCE FrEShFOAM 980Th e new FreshFoam 980 fr om New Balance rides a bit lower and is a bit more fi rm than other shoes in the category, which is perfect if you’re looking for a plush yet stable ride. What makes it fr esh? Th e innovative midsole is made fr om a single piece of foam, with a unique design that off ers cushioning and support where you need it. Th e breathable mesh upper secures the foot with simple no-sew overlays, and the outsole is all about full ground contact for traction. HEEL 25mm Toe 21mm | $130 | newbalance.ca

3-ALtrA OLYMPUSTh ere are two defi ning characteristics of Altra shoes that you’ll fi nd on their Olympus model: zero drop, and a foot-shaped toe box. Th is makes it a great choice for those who really want a minimalist feel, but need more protection underfoot. And there’s plenty of it: with a 36mm sole, this ride is cushy. With no elevated heel, you’re encouraged to run with a natural stride, and the toe box allows your toes to spread out with every footf all, lett ing them do the job they were meant to do: provide stability and support. HEEL 36mm Toe 36mm | $170 | altrarunning.ca

4-VASQUE ULtrA SStTh e SST in the name stands for ShapeShift er Technology – a much cooler way to say the shoe off ers comfort and cushioning with anatomical fi t and a broad toe box. Th e mesh-sock upper features a lace-fr ee Boa closure system, and it’s stitched directly to the injection-moulded EVA midsole. Wearing this trail shoe, you can expect to run right over pointy rocks and barely feel them. HEEL 28mm Toe 22mm | $190 | vasque.com

5-BrOOKS trAnSCEnDTh e Transcend is the cushiest shoe that Brooks has ever released, designed for “fl oat” rather than “feel.” It’s also the one that most resembles a traditional shoe in the lineup. With an 8mm drop, it’s on the upper end of the minimalist design, and the upper is plush. Expect a smooth, cushy ride that still off ers signifi cant stability using the shoe geometry, a new foam compound and plates built into the midsole (Brooks calls them Guide Rails) that keep your hips, knees and joints moving in the right direction. HEEL 30mm Toe 22mm | $190 | brooksrunning.com

6-VIBrAM FIVEFInGErS BIKILA EVOSure, 8.5mm isn’t exactly a massive stack, but when you put it on the poster child of the barefoot running movement, we think it qualifi es for the list. Designed as a road shoe that off ers barefoot benefi ts with a bit more comfort, Vibram is hoping the style will have more mainstream appeal. Th e grippy, durable sole is combined with the snug and breathable mesh upper, and it all weighs in at just over 140g. HEEL 8.5mm Toe 8.5mm | $120 | vibramfi vefi ngers.com

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should you go Maximal?If you’ve tried minimalist shoes – or have been afr aid to try them – you might enjoy the extra comfort and protection that shoes in this category off er while still encouraging a natural stride. We’ve rounded up some Maximal options, all newly released in 2014. It’s easy to compare drops and stack heights (the listed stack heights include the outsole, midsole and insole), but with diff erences in cushioning density, rebounding, design and tech features, it’s important to try them out to see what suits your running needs and form.


OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH PACKING BY STEPhANIA VARALLI

PErFECt PAntSYou can survive for weeks, crossing both urban and wild environments, wearing one pair of perfect pants. Look for something breathable, fl exible, comfortable and sweat-wicking, with plenty of pockets and uncomplicated cleaning instructions. MEC’s new Gallivant pants for women meet all these requirements. Made with a nylon/spandex fabric blend that feels as cozy as cott on, they’re designed to move. Th e slim style is available in regular and short lengths, with three colour options.MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO-OP, Gallivant Pants | $62 | mec.ca

COMMAnD CEntrALFor simplicity and safety, invest in a small carry-all. use it to stash everything that you can’t replace easily – passport, wallet, medications, phone – plus useful extras like sunglasses, snacks and a pen. Th e Swiss Army Travel Companion is a great option; wearable as a waist pack or a shoulder tote, it has multiple pockets and compartments for easy organization, and the quality nylon construction off ers security and durability.VICTORINOX, Swiss Army Lifestyle Accessories 3.0 Travel Companion | $112.50 | swissarmy.com

thE BIG BAG thEOrYWhy a duff el? It can fi t plenty, be fl exible, get carried like a backpack or lashed to a vehicle (four-wheeled or four-legged), and it’s lighter than anything with wheels. Th e North Face Base Camp Duff el is a perfect pick, featuring durable, weather-resistant construction, alpine-cut shoulder straps, internal mesh pockets, locking zippers and compression straps. Available sized XS to XL, the 90-litre is less than two kg. Th row in the new Base Camp Travel Canister to keep your litt le bits organized (hook for hanging and mirror included).THE NORTH FACE, Base Camp Duff el | $170 (Large) | Travel Canister | $35 (Small) thenorthface.com

SOME PEOPLE GO ON VACATIONS, AND SOME PEOPLE GO ON ADVENTURES – THE KIND OF TRIP THAT MIGHT MIX CITY WALKS WITH JUNGLE TREKS AND RUGGED RIDES ON LOCAL TRANSPORT. PACKING NEEDS MAY VARY DEPENDING ON A TRIP’S LENGTH AND LOCATION, BUT YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH THESE ESSENTIALS, NO MATTER WHERE YOUR PATH LEADS.


ospreypacks.com

STRATOS / SIRRUS SERIES

Hiking / Overnight Backpacking

Stratos Sirrus - Aventura 1_3H EN.indd 1 5/2/14 11:12 AM

BE PrEPArEDunless your trip involves a fr ozen climate, you should be able to handle variable weather using smart layering that’s topped off with the right jacket – one that keeps you warm and dry. Columbia’s new EvaPOuRation, available for men and women, looks good in the city and performs in the wilderness. It’s both waterproof and wicking, the hood and underarm vents add to its temperature versatility, and when it isn’t needed, just stuff it into its own pocket.COLUMBIA, EvaPOURation Jacket | $130 | columbiasportswear.ca

MAKE It MErInOWhen travelling, wear as much merino wool as your budget will allow, right down to your underpants (especially your underpants). It’s breathable, moisture-wicking, comfortable in varied temperatures and has a natural odour resistance that allows for multiple wears – what more could you ask for? how about this: Icebreaker’s new Departure shirt is made fr om a lightweight merino that has been woven instead of knitt ed, so it’s both soft er and more durable.ICEBREAKER, Departure Shirt | $140 | icebreaker.com

WOrth ItS WEIGht Th e greatest travel gear is small, light and multifunctional. Case in point: the new PackTowl RobeTowl. It soaks up four times its weight in water, wrings almost dry and saves precious poundage and space compared to a traditional towel. Communal showers will be more comfortable in this ultra-soft , hooded cover-up, plus you can throw it on dry for warmth and privacy. Oversized pockets are a handy added feature. PACKTOWL, RobeTowl | $74.95 | packtowl.com


MiNd & BodY

m Y T H ? BY ShELAGh MCNALLY

suPerfoods, suPer

Why eat ordinary food when there is something more powerful out there? Superfoods promise a lot, but do they deliver? Be wary of the buzz.

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Cure cancer. Burn fat. Reduce infl ammation. Boost the immune system. Detoxify the blood. Strengthen the liver. Stop ageing. Balance hormones. Cure heart disease. Lower cholesterol. Superfoods promise a lot – but in most cases, it’s hype.

Superfoods may have launched a thousand products and inspired an army of cookbooks, but they still have an identity problem. Th ey’re not really a food group, and no one can agree on exactly what makes up a Superfood. Is it a single item, such as the berry imported fr om Brazil, or is it a supplement, such as the powdered greens with 17 ingredients?

“Superfood is not a scientifi c term. Nothing has been agreed upon. It’s an arbitrary term,” says Jennifer Sygo, MSc., a registered dietitian and author of Unmasking Superfoods.


With no consensus on what Superfoods are, it’s a hard industry to regulate. Th e Eu has banned the use of the word on any of its packaging. Th e American Dietetic Association cautions against processed Superfoods that are “nutrient-rich.” Oft en the body can’t metabolize the immense amounts of nutrients added during processing. It’s also important to read the fi ne print, because there are plenty loaded with sugar, fats and sodium.

Adding to the confusion are the quasi-scientifi c claims. Google any item considered a Superfood and you’ll fi nd a ton of information. unfortunately, most of it appears to be anecdotal. how many of us have a fr iend of a fr iend who discovered a Superfood that changed his life? Whether it’s the placebo eff ect or not is an ongoing debate.

A perfect example of overreaching science is with chlorophyll, a main ingredient in Organic Greens and Spirulina – both popular Superfoods. Th ere are “well-documented” Internet sites claiming chlorophyll is able to clean our blood and promote general well-being because of its ability to mimic hemoglobin. Others claim it can cure infections and cancer, clear up skin disorders and handle heavy-metal poisoning while helping with substance addiction. If you delve into the research, you’ll fi nd that while it’s true that chlorophyll does resemble heme (the oxygen-transporting part of hemoglobin in blood) the similarity ends there. Chlorophyll is a compound that helps plants create food, while hemoglobin transports oxygen around the human body. One works in sunlight, the other works in the dark. Chlorophyll can’t deliver on all its miraculous curative properties because it’s not built for the human body.

Sygo advises approaching any supplement or food with a long list of cures with caution. “If it’s too good to

be true, then it probably is. If a Superfood has fi ve or six health conditions it’s supposed to cure, 90 percent are not going to work,” says Sygo.

Part of the allure is the promise of a magic nutritional bullet. Modern life is busy and draining, and it can be a struggle to eat properly. It’s no surprise we jump at the chance to pop a pill or mix some powder into a breakfast smoothie to add an easy dose of nutrition to our day. But taken to the extreme, Superfoods may do the exact

opposite of what they are intending, by luring us into thinking they can compensate for unhealthy eating.

To counteract the hype around Superfoods, most dietitians focus on the super diet, where the emphasis is on a healthy balance of whole foods, fr uits and vegetables. Traditional diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, are proving to be more eff ective for promoting health and vitality than Superfoods.

Gett ing variety doesn’t necessarily mean buying expensive imports, either. Sygo does admit that part of the appeal of Superfoods is that they are exotic. As if the farther it has travelled, the more powerful it becomes – and if it’s a staple of some ancient, indigenous tribe then it’s guaranteed to be miraculous.

Acai went fr om being a fr uit that some Brazilians put in their smoothies to a miracle food with anti-infl ammatory, antibacterial, anti-mutagenic and antioxidant properties that induced weight loss, enhanced memory and rejuvenated the body while curing cancer and diabetes. Except for the antioxidant claim, nothing else has been proven. Researchers at the university of California found that red wine, pomegranate, Concord grape, blueberry and black cherry juice all have higher concentrations of antioxidants than acai berry juice. Most berries are rich in antioxidants – including the cheaper local

varieties. So there’s no need to spend money on acai berries fr om Brazil, or goji berries fr om Asia.

Some Superfoods do deserve the hype, but many also have a lot in common with regular foods whose nutritional value has long been recognized. Quinoa is high in magnesium, phosphorus and manganese, and delivers all nine essential amino acids – something that is rare to fi nd in one food. however, rice and beans also deliver the same package of amino acids.

Almonds do lower bad cholesterol, alkalize the body and nourish the nervous system, but so do pistachios, cashews, walnuts and Brazil nuts. Kale is a good source of vitamin A and C as well as carotenoids, but so are spinach, mustard greens and collard greens. Pomegranates are an antioxidant, high in Vitamin C, but so are cranberries, red currants, strawberries and guava. Spending 30 dollars on local, organic fr uits

and vegetables may put you further ahead than buying that expensive imported juice or powder.

Food fads come and go, but mom had it right all along: Eat your fr uits and vegetables, and cut back on the sweets. A balanced diet with variety is the key to healthy living.

Easy gastronomy for active lives!

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“The scientifi c research is just not there. There are small amounts of evidence that are often not based on true research. Most of the fi ndings are low-level – what I call petri-dish evidence,” says Sygo. “Remember, Superfoods is a business.”

“The real Superfood is an unmodifi ed whole food. Superfood supplements are not unhealthy, but they are expensive. If you have an unlimited budget and you are looking for that extra layer of nutrition, then go for Superfoods,” says Jodi Robinson, a registered dietitian and professor of nutrition at Humber College. “Otherwise, the easiest way is to look at your plate and see if you are getting variety.”


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deLicaTe archThe 2.5-kilometre trail to Utah’s delicate Arch,

possibly the most famous natural span in the world, is not exactly a walk on the wild side.

it’s a fairly easy ascent, even for kids, on sandstone slickrock, providing opportunities

to see the distant la Sal mountain range. once you reach the top of the slickrock, you

see snow-capped mountains, even in the middle of summer. As you near delicate Arch, the trail drops off steeply to the left, with a sheer wall

on your right. Happily, the arch itself is hidden from view the entire hike until the very end –

otherwise, some people would just look at it from the parking lot. But if you go at night, it’s a whole different story. The desert sky is so dark that two

headlamps are better than one. You will need them anyhow, or a good flashlight, to light the entire

rock span rising before you. And on the way back, even if it’s pitch black out, don’t worry: the trail

is at least a metre wide in most places. Just don’t let the desert noises distract you.

– Patrice Halley, photographer

tHe toolS: Nikon d700, 17–35mm F/2.8 lens, iSo 200, F/5, 30 seconds

Adventura / Summer 2014

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