Quinte West, ON Outdoor Activities

With two 18-hole courses draped over a scenic stretch of Ontario countryside, Oak Hills Golf Club invites duffers to test their swings across rolling, timber-lined fairways. On both courses, constant elevation changes force players to hit toward uphill and downhill targets, and ponds, streams, and trees wielding catchers' mitts wait to snatch errant orbs. The longer of the two, the Highland Course connects across 5,655 yards, including an uphill, 568-yard par 5 that will require three long shots to reach the green in regulation. Though considerably shorter at 5,135 yards, the Glen Course requires more careful play with narrow fairways and traffic cones that carts must slalom in between each hole. The Club also encompasses a 30-stall driving range with grass hitting areas for pre-round warm-ups or casual practice sessions.

Floating slides, trampolines, and wobbling islands transform the waters of Westlake into Westlake Willy Waterpark, where guests of all ages find a cool and fun respite from the summer sun. As visitors approach the beach, eyes move to a staircase that ascends to a platform 25 feet above the water, from which patrons plummet onto a gigantic blob, using their landing impact to launch a friend off of the other end of the pillowy inflatable in a mutually symbiotic relationship equalled only by teeter-tottering during a monsoon. Muscles weary from climbing the 15-foot iceberg slide can rest at the beach, where picnic tables, umbrellas, and grills facilitate picnics for those who brought their own snacks or purchased them at the lodge. Waverunners, pontoons, and fishing boats are available for rent, and the Waterpark sits near camping grounds for those hoping to enjoy a weekend in nature or prove, once and for all, that it is possible to start a bonfire without a flamethrower.

Links 4 Less bridges the gap between drop-in golfing and club membership. Card bearers can pack their clubs and set a tee-time with any of the club's participating golf courses, giving ample opportunities to test new drivers and spiraling golf cart stunts on different surfaces. Each course offers Links 4 Less members a discounted rate for both weekday and weekend rounds, as well as 9- and 18-hole challenges.

Wings & Slicks' professional instructors pass on heart-pumping tutelage during stunt-driving and formula-car-racing experiences in the United States and Canada. The pro drivers impart pupils with the skills needed to execute a variety of as-seen-on-TV stunts, including slalom-course runs and reverse 180-degree spins, or to navigate the track in a Formula 2000 car capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds. Each once-in-a-lifetime adventure revs up adrenalin levels while prioritizing safety; every experience begins with a lesson and includes protective equipment. Wings & Slicks, which was recently featured in a The Globe and Mail story, also baits competitive edges with timed events that pit drivers head-to-head in a test of dexterity, skill, and not closing one’s eyes during the hard parts.

The 18-hole Rock and Roll Golf course caters to the average golfer with play that allows for some challenge, but mainly encourages all members of the family to enjoy their round without too much frustration. Composed mostly of par 3s, the course plays over fairly level terrain scattered with trees and shrubbery, meaning golfers won’t have to adjust their swings to account for wild fluctuations in elevation or distracting mountain search parties. Rock and Roll Golf keeps all players hydrated with complimentary bottled water. After a round, foursomes and families can stick around and use the free picnic area, which features a propane barbecue grill, volleyball net, and basketball hoop.