REVIEW
Treetop Trekking Brampton, located in the Heart Lake Conservation Area, is the newest Ontario location for the Treetop Trekking company. Starting in Quebec in 2002, Treetop Trekking has opened 9 locations to date; four of these locations are in Ontario (Barrie, Hunstville, Ganaraska and Brampton). The Brampton park features 8 courses, 10 zip lines and over 75 aerial games! The highlight of the park is the twin 900ft zip lines that cross right over Heart Lake. One tour is typically 3 hours long; however, the park does offer a stand-alone zipline experience for those who don’t have enough time or don’t feel adventurous enough for the full tour. The three main activities that are offered in the Brampton park are Aerial Courses, the Zipline and the Night Trek (that is if you and your friends are interested in zipping through trees in the dark, because who wouldn’t be…?). To participate in the activities you must call ahead to make reservations; they cannot be made online. Treetop Trekking Brampton has activities for anyone aged 9 years and older. Participants must be a minimum height of 4’7” tall and under the maximum weight of 250 lbs for safety reasons.
We, at HOToronto, went for a visit to check out the newly opened Treetop Trekking Brampton facility. Our day at the park was an excellent experience! We couldn’t have asked for better weather – warm, sunny, no wind and not a rain cloud in sight. Treetop Trekking operates rain or shine and only closes down for severe weather like thunder storms and strong winds. The last place you want to be during a lightning storm is strapped to a tree covered in metal.
All the guides who led us through the courses were great and a lot of fun! Everyone was friendly, energetic and had a great attitude. The guides were thorough in their lessons, making sure that everyone was safe, and they were very patient with new comers (especially with those who had a difficult time starting out). Before anyone is allowed to climb, whether you’re a veteran Trekker or a first-timer, they need to complete and pass a small hands-on safety orientation.
Once the guides are convinced you won’t let yourself fall out of a tree, you can move onto the rest of the course. However, if the guides catch you being completely unattached at any point they will give you a green bracelet of shame. If you’re caught being a ridiculous daredevil and unattached again, you will be removed from the tour and you have to watch your buddies laugh at you while they venture from tree to tree. Don’t let them mock you; always always stay attached to the cables!!
Our participation was limited to the Zipline tour but the people who chose to complete the full tour including the Aerial Games seemed to be having a great time! The Zipline tour consists of climbing up a few trees and then rushing down a 900 ft zipline, feet first, across Heart Lake. Be careful with your stuff when ziplining, otherwise – *splash*! You do the same thing once you reach the end of the zipline to come back so you’re not stranded on the other side of the conservation area. Guides are around at all times to help and lead you through the courses.
When you’re all finished you can take the harrowing uphill journey back to the Treetop Trekking office where they have complementary water and other beverages for sale. There are washrooms around the main office that are located in the neighbouring Splash Pad.
Seasons passes are available for you outdoors-y people who want to play Tarzan all summer. Treetop Trekking Brampton is a one-of-a-kind experience and is great for outdoor physical activity. Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your wedding party, heck, bring your enemies and challenge them to show them who’s better at tree dexterities! This park is fun for anybody, and it’s especially fun for those who enjoy nature and adventure.
Reviewed and Photographed by MACKENZIE PARROTT
Reservations: 1-905-970-0090
Phone: 905-965-6866
Toll Free: 855-552-0090
Location: 10818 Heart Lake Road, Brampton
Email: brampton@treetoptrekking.com
Website: www.treetoptrekking.com