Fort Drum, NY Outdoor Activities
Recommended Outdoor Activities by Groupon Customers
When Captain Andy boarded his first ship at age 17, he had no time for sightseeing—the young merchant marine was too busy hauling iron ore, road salt, and coal to factories along the banks of the Great Lakes. Maybe that's why Captain Andy now takes such delight in whizzing past idyllic islands at 45 mph in the newest addition to his fleet, a Wildcat catamaran. Though an adrenalin rush accounts for some of the Wildcat's appeal, Captain Andy is most pleased that the boat's speeds can help him expose passengers to even more island attractions during his informative and entertaining tours.
A native Ontarian, Captain Andy touts the Brockville waterfront as one of the most accessible and diverse in the world, and happily points out his favourite waterfront parks for picnicking and fishing during his trips. In the same vein, his cruising company offers seven diverse tours that incorporate adventure, theatre performances, and local sightseeing to help riders experience all the wonders of the area by water. The seasoned sailor also recognizes the advantage of helming his smaller ships; their compact size not only ensures more intimate tours and more time with passengers, but allows them to duck into the region's narrow channels where larger boats and determined icebergs can't follow.
Snow Ridge Ski Resort offers skiers and snowboarders 130 acres of snowy mountain terrain with 500 feet of vertical drop. Six lifts—including four double chairs, a T-bar, and a bunny tow—usher visitors to the top of 22 different trails. Skiers of all stripes will find terrain suited to their particular skill level, including healthy servings of green, blue, and black-diamond runs. A terrain park features a gauntlet of rails and boxes designed for grinding, jumping, and mid-air wardrobe changes.
The resort is also home to a PSIA-certified ski school, where kids as young as 3 learn the ins and outs of proper downhill technique through instructional games and props. For a snapshot of current conditions at the resort, check out the ski report, which includes information on recent snowfall, the percentage of open terrain, and the number of lifts in operation.
A nonprofit joint venture of The Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, and YMCA of Kingston, RKY Camp has cultivated independent thinking and teamwork through adventure since 1929. Camp Director Christina Bonner works tirelessly to develop RKY's popular youth summer camp as well as a year-round program of outdoor education that is aligned with the Ontario Curriculum for Science and Technology. Corporate, family, and school groups frequently escape to the camp's leafy trails and modern cabins to discover healthful relaxation and bonding through activities designed to boost self-esteem and develop a better appreciation for the natural world. A recent collaboration with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award also enables young adults to earn credit toward the internationally recognized honour, which is bestowed upon students who meet goals in the areas of community service, skill development, adventure, and sceptre ownership.
The camp's heavily forested grounds lie about 45 minutes north of Kingston, and lure visitors with modern conveniences and equipment that transforms nearby Eagle Lake, rock faces, and the area's indigenous tennis courts into natural sports arenas. With many former YMCA campers among their ranks, the staff professes a strong commitment to youth development, and fosters an environment of emotional and physical safety by adhering to standards governing all YMCA camps and accredited members of the Ontario Camping Association.
Enclosed by the dense circle of trees that surrounds Oneida Lake, Stone’s Marina Kayak Club seems so far removed from the bustling life of the city that one might never guess it’s just down the road from Syracuse. The marina’s staff equip kayakers of all levels with life vests and paddles before guiding them into the waters that lap gently at the lake’s shoreline. Before sending first-time paddlers off to explore the lake, they dole out lessons in steering and proper safety etiquette, such as keeping two hands on the paddle and never picking up hitchhiking crocodiles. In addition to their fleet of kayaks, the marina also furnishes visitors with pavilions, grills, and campsites for multiday excursions.
When he was still a college student, Kevin Kretschmer answered an ad in the local newspaper for a whitewater-rafting guide on the rivers around Syracuse. More than 30 years later, he now owns the company and operates his river tours with the mission of giving others a chance to see the area's scenic beauty. His diverse team of guides—some schoolteachers, some farmers, some factory workers, and some college students—helps paddlers navigate rapids on three rivers while hunkered into six-person inflatable rafts. Together they navigate the calmer Class I and Class II waters of Letchworth State Park, the raging Class II and Class III rapids of the Salmon River, and the passive-aggressive Class III and Class IV segments of Cattaraugus Creek. Guides commence each trip far upstream, allowing rafters to find a rhythm before surmounting the rapids.
