Ziplines, a mountain coaster and adrenalin at Camp Fortune! 

Published on June 8 2023

Looking for something new and exciting? Camp Fortune is your outdoor destination for challenges on the slopes and in the air. Zipline over three peaks and luge down the mountain. Unbeatable views of the idyllic Gatineau Park landscape await you. 

Ziplining over the valley

As a fan of unusual experiences and fun in general, I’m known for diving headfirst into every new opportunity that comes my way. At Camp Fortune, I literally flew 1,370 metres (4,500 feet) through the air, from peak to peak, with a free fall jump as a grand finish. That was me, not an American peregrine falcon! Let’s hear it for ziplines! 

Once we’d met our friendly guide and picked up our equipment, the aerial adventure began with a chairlift ride up to a splendid view of Gatineau Park and its lush green foliage. The perfect few minutes to chat with friends, take selfies and mentally prepare for the descent ahead. Getting off the lift is less challenging without skis, but still requires a jump and a short run. Quite entertaining! 

At the top of the mountain, a course of three dual ziplines awaited us, and to get to the starting point, we had to climb a vertiginous twisted ladder. Despite the rigorous safety protocol, my heart was already racing, and my adrenalin really spiked when I got to the top of the tower! Believe it or not, I’ve already gone bungee jumping and parachuting. Thanks to the staff’s clear and enthusiastic explanations, my fears quickly evaporated. My friend, who was due to take off simultaneously with me, was equally reassured. After each segment of the zipline course, we took a moment to share our experience and lots of laughs. 

And there were more thrills ahead: at the end of the last section, I leapt (literally) out of my comfort zone with a 15-metre (50-foot) free fall jump! I have to admit I was pretty proud of myself, because I wasn’t feeling too keen as I stood there with my harness on, contemplating the jump. Once again, the guides were there to motivate me. Don’t worry, the jump is optional and you can always take the stairs. 

Good to know

Participants must weigh between 45 and 108 kg (between 100 and 240 lb.). | This adventure (3 ziplines and the free fall jump) takes about 90 minutes.


Luging at top speed

For the second activity, we took the chairlift back up to the top of the mountain. It looks like a children’s attraction, but don’t be fooled: the pipe coaster delivers a major thrill! As I arrived, I heard one participant say, “It felt like I was on the backbone of a dragon.” Nice analogy … let’s see if it’s true! 

Once we reached the top, the ever-smiling team explained how things worked and went over the safety rules. Most important: the seatbelt and the handbrake lever—push forward to speed up, pull back to slow down. My Girl Scout raced down the track ahead of me. As I heard her screams, I began to dread the speed and the sharp bends. I waited for the green light and climbed into my cart. And off I went! 

I was getting some serious speed … close to 40 km/h, I figured. I burst out laughing as I leaned into the curves. If I’d had a toque on, that’s when it would have flown off … luckily it was summer, and the breeze felt good. Along the way, I enjoyed contemplating the lush forest and the tunnels. When I got to the bottom of the mountain, I felt the same adrenalin rush as when I was ziplining! It really is a unique experience for young and old alike. You just have to adjust the lever to find your speed! 

Good to know

To ride alone you must be 8 years of age or older, and at least 1.25 m (4' 11") tall. Children under the age of  3 are not allowed on the track, even if they are accompanied. | To ride with a passenger in the cart, the driver must be 16 years of age or older. | Passengers must be 3 to 12 years old and at least 97 cm (3' 2") tall. | Passengers must be no taller than the driver’s shoulders. | Maximum weight capacity per cart is 118 kg (260 lb.).

Learn more

Even more activities

Camp Fortune is a top destination for outdoor thrills. With over 20 km of trails, it’s an invitation to get on your mountain bike and challenge yourself. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate cyclist, you’ll love the variety of forest trails! 

Would you rather test your skills in the air? The aerial park is the perfect family getaway, combining balance and agility. Have fun climbing, jumping and crawling through an aerial course filled with obstacles: ladders, bridges, ropes, barrels and ziplines. 

It’s an absolute must for summer! Go ahead, launch yourself on an outdoor adventure you’ll remember for a long time! 


 

Discover more exciting outdoor activities for an adventure-packed Outaouais experience! 

Share
Facebook Twitter Email