Adventure Guide: Land Lubbers

Never been on a dirt bike? Then you are exactly like half of the guests who visit Ontario’s Gopher Dunes Dirt Bike Rentals (gopherdunes.com/rider-training), which offers two-hour riding lessons, all of the gear you need and plenty of encouragement. “We’ll start off in the grass and move into track and trail riding once you feel more comfortable,” says Brook Murray, who runs the venue’s front shop along with owners Kerri and Derek Schuster. “The best thing about being around here is it’s a community effort. Everyone is super friendly, outgoing and helpful so that makes for a great group experience.” Plus, riders often set up campfires. “It’s a family-oriented facility,” Murray says. 

Close by at TJ Stables (tjstables.ca/awaken-your-spirit-encounter), take in an “indigenous experience” with the Awaken Your Spirit Horse encounter. You’ll learn about the historic Ojibwe spirit horses, the First Nations and Metis cultures. It kicks off with a campfire, music and a fur trader who introduces what’s to come. Hear stories of the horses, participate in songs and drumming and mingle with spirit horses in the field. 

In New York, stay at Peek’n Peak Resort (pknpk.com/summer-adventures) and partake in a full menu of Mountain Adventures, from chairlift rides, ziplines and trail rides to putt-putt or spending the afternoon at the indoor/outdoor pool complex with a spa and splash zone. The Cabana bar is open during summer, and there’s live music on select dates.

At Panama Rocks Scenic Park (panamarocks.com) in Chautauqua, New York, explore towering rocks, passageways and caves. The ancient forest feels like a jungle, and you can go easy with a 1-mile loop or go off trail. Want to crank up the adventure? Try axe throwing. On the other hand, the park now offers “glamping,” for those looking to connect with nature with a little more amenities. It’s located just 15 minutes from Chautauqua Lake.