Do you enjoy facing your fears?
How does taking a 150-foot plunge into the Nanaimo River sound? Or how about traversing obstacles at 60 feet off the ground?
I am most definitely NOT an adrenaline junky, but I have done both of the above, plus a few more crazy adventures while at WildPlay in Nanaimo and lived to tell you about it.
Hopefully, this article will convince you to unleash your wild side at WildPlay.
First, let me tell you a bit more about what WildPlay is.
The short answer is that WildPlay is an aerial adventure and zipline park that offers activities of every intensity. But it's a whole lot more. Read on for more details.
Adventures at WildPlay Nanaimo
Adventure Courses
Three self-paced Adventure Courses require you to navigate over and through log ladders, cargo nets, rope swings, tightropes, swinging logs, wobbly bridges, and many more challenging surprises, all while gradually getting higher and higher off the ground.
- The Classic Course allows participants to choose what levels to experience after they’ve completed the first level, for a maximum of two hours of anywhere in the trees. There are 57 games and 13 ziplines in three progressive intensity levels that climb up to 50ft high.
- If you think the Classic Course isn't challenging enough, add the Extreme Course. This will give you another 12 games and 4 zip lines and climbs up to 60 feet high. The obstacles on this course will surely test your strength, endurance, and balance.
- The Kids Course offers 18 games and 6 bumple zips that climb up to 15 feet high. Participants can choose to do the course twice, which takes approximately 45 – 90 minutes to complete. The Kids Course is suitable for ages 5 – 12.
From personal experience, I can attest that the Classic Course is more than enough of a challenge. But if you'd like to push yourself further, the Extreme Course is definitely worth it.
Zipline Tour
Enjoy the thrill of a 900-foot open-air ride at 100 feet above the Nanaimo River. A guide will clip your harness to each of the taught ziplines and send you whizzing on your way. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
If you can keep your eyes open, it's definitely a spectacular way to see your surroundings!
This adventure takes approximately 20 – 40 minutes to complete.
What's to Fear Jump (WTF! Jump)
Jump from a 40-foot perch onto the soft earth below! This one looks and sounds easier than it really is. You would think after completing both a bungy jump and the two adventure courses, the WTF jump would be a walk in the park. However, for some reason, I backed out several times before actually being able to jump off the ledge.
If you want to dip your toe into exhilarating adventures, this is a great starting point.
Bungy Jump
Strap your ankles into a massive elastic rope and plunge headfirst towards the beautiful Nanaimo River from 150 feet above! Doesn't that sound like fun?
It doesn't to me, yet this is exactly what I did! Standing at the top of the bridge looking down, I had a sick feeling in my stomach at the thought of what I was about to do. I had to ask the attendee to push me off the ledge, for fear was holding me back from doing it on my own. Once at the bottom, though, the sense of accomplishment was more than worth the fear!
Do you have what it takes?
There are now sixteen Bungy Jump styles with six difficulty levels to try.
Primal Swing
It's just like a regular swing…only you are 150 feet up in the air and soaring through a natural rock canyon at 140 km/h. But really, what's so scary about that?
The Primal Swing is the only adventure I have yet to try at WildPlay. I guess I have reason to go back.
Axe Throwing
Do you think you can land a bullseye? Skillfully guide a razor-sharp axe to find its mark at the far end of a 14-foot alley. The moment that resonant thud reverberates through the air, signalling a hit, will undoubtedly captivate you, leaving an irresistible urge for more.
Why Do It?
Completing any of the adventures at WildPlay makes you feel like you have achieved something pretty darn special. It is, without a doubt, one of the most exhilarating and challenging (both mentally and physically) things one can do.
Don't believe me?
Every year, the 6 parks across North America encourage over 50,000 people to get outside their comfort zone, face a fear (or two), and reap the benefits of overcoming mental and physical obstacles.
50,000 people per annum can't be wrong!
We are lucky enough to have two WildPlay Parks on Vancouver Island!
The Nanaimo location opened in 2006 (the original WildPlay), and they have the most adventures available in one place (including all of the above-mentioned). It can be found at 35 Nanaimo River Road.
The Victoria location opened in 2009 and offers the three Adventure Courses and the What's to Fear Jump. It is at 15-1767 Island Highway.
If you don't live on the Island, there are three other WildPlay Parks across Canada (and one US park located in NY).
Please check the WildPlay website for further details.
So, have I convinced you to unleash your wild side at WildPlay?
Things to Know Before You Go
- You will need to sign your life away (AKA: waivers)
- Bring a heavy wallet (these adventures aren't cheap!)
- Book the adventure before you go (either online or by calling toll-free 1-855-595-2251)
- Get one of their ‘bundles' for a price reduction.
- These adventures are perfect for any kind of celebration or occasion—a milestone birthday, a stag or stagette, team-building for businesses, etc.
- Each adventure has age, height, and weight restrictions, so check the website for further details.
- Chaperones are required for kids 13 years and under
- You must be wearing sturdy, closed-toed shoes for the majority of the adventures
- Dress for the weather, but also consider wearing close-fitting clothing for ease of use
- Long hair must be tied back
- Bring water with you to the park, but not while you are on the adventures (they have water stations set up for your use)
- Bring a camera only if you have a pocket it will fit in. The less you have to worry about, the better.
- Leave your sunglasses in your car! I made the mistake of wearing mine while on the Adventure Course, and I was sweating so much that they kept slipping off my nose. You are in the trees, for the most part, so many of the adventures are shady anyway.
- Bring a snack or lunch for afterwards (unless you want to pay for one at the office) and utilize their picnic tables.
- Most importantly, be brave and have fun!
If you have ever experienced a Wild Play Adventure, I'd love to hear about it! Share your experience in the comments below.
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