TreeTop Trekking Grand Opening (Brampton) (8/3/2013)

Three years ago, I coordinated a TreeTop Trekking TOC (T by 4?) event in Barrie. Since then, their popularity has exploded, and it's become the "in" thing to do (who doesn’t love a good zipline?)

This year, they are opening a brand new facility in Brampton… And as a grand opening special, they are giving everyone 50% off the usual fees! (This is a good deal! They are so popular these days that you won’t find them on any of those deal sites anymore.)

So for those of you who have never been to TreeTop Trekking before, I assume you're asking yourself what exactly is it? I know I already mentioned ziplining, but there’s actually so much more. It's an obstacle course that takes place way above ground, from tree to tree. You start off with an orientation, which eases you past the initial butterflies, and then you move on to a beginner's course, then intermediate, and finally, time permitting, an advanced course. The main attraction is the zip across Heart Lake, and at 900m, it's one of the longest you can find in Ontario. (sneak peek video here)

When I posted this event 3 years ago, I wasn’t able to say much about it. But after we went, I have been itching to come back. Now I can say all this from first-hand experience:

• It's team building: Everyone helps each other as we go along. Last event, I needed some encouragement to get over a "swing" section, but later, I gave a pep talk to someone who wasn’t sure about the ziplines. (In the end, we both loved the experiences!)
• It's personal-confidence-building: Once you get the hang of it, you feel great! You are doing something that maybe you were afraid of before you started. You are doing something that you can brag about to your co-workers and friends the next day! They will probably be jealous.
• It's safe. The orientation is mandatory, and exudes safety. You are extremely, safely, harnessed in at ALL times. Staff watch with eagle eyes to make sure no one, ever, ignores their safety rules.
• IT IS FUN. There is a huge variety of tree-to-tree obstacles to navigate. You won't do the same thing twice, so there's no chance to be bored, you will only be increasingly challenged and entertained as the day goes on!

As per park rules, pregnant women are not allowed on the course. Additionally, maximum weight for anyone else is 250 lbs.

As per park rules, you must be at least 5” tall to go onto the advanced and expert courses.

Rain policy: According to the park's FAQ: "We climb rain or shine! We don’t let rain slow us down one bit, and Treetop Trekking is totally safe in the rain. The only time we won't climb is if there is thunder and lightning, or really high winds. When this happens we close our courses until the bad weather has passed, and get everyone back up climbing as quickly as possible."

CHILDREN: are allowed on this event. I have actually booked 15 spots to allow for some sons and daughters to join us. PARENTS READ THIS: your child/children must be 9+. If 9-11, you MUST do the course with them. If 12-17, you must be present, but do not have to do the course.

• Anyone 18+ must be a TOC member and sign up on their own.
• Anyone 9-17: the parent must sign up here and then indicate in the NOTES how many children and what age/s he/she/they are.
• The cost for youth and children is slightly less than for adults. If you are bringing any, please contact me before paying the TOC so that I can confirm exactly how much you need to pay.
• Children 9 – 11 are not allowed to climb on the advanced courses.
• They only allow a maximum number of people to start at one time, so if you show up with anyone that you did not tell me about in the notes, you will forfeit your spot(s) without refund