Stories of success - from across SDG Counties
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Six years ago, Nicolas Seguin of Moose Creek, Ontario was running a successful forestry and excavation business when he began toying with the idea of what to do with his large, forested property, located about 40 minutes east of Ottawa. Countryside Adventures was born from Seguin’s skill at land clearing and his understanding of the beauty of his property, which features meandering creeks and ponds.
With the support of a cost-sharing grant from the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry’s Regional Incentives Program, Seguin began the process of carving out trails in the forest and clearing an area for parking lots and accessory buildings. On his first winter, he flooded the initial trail and opened up his property to skaters.
Since his grand opening, the site has matured and the offerings grown. Countryside Adventures now offers a 3-kilometre trail circuit through the woods that winds up and down marsh areas, ending at a scenic pond frozen into winter perfection. The trail is lit by what seems like an endless stream of Edison bulbs that glow with an almost magical golden sheen at night, creating an evocative setting for date nights and family fun.
A new equipment rental location and permanent washrooms have replaced the trailers that were used initially and the skating trails have expanded to include snowshoeing trails.
A tubing mountain will leave you breathless and screaming in delight as you glide down a family-friendly mountain that was purpose built for sledding. There are multiple tubing lanes, so prepare yourself to race to the bottom with your friends and family!
If you need a break from the thrills, there are plenty of friendly animals in the petting zoo to enjoy some quiet time with, and there are spacious outdoor fire pits for relaxing while sipping a hot chocolate.
The s’mores kits are as legendary as the poutines from the food truck, making this a one-stop shop. New this year, families can even rent ice-side party buildings that are intended for groups and events. The buildings are lit and heated and offer shelter from the elements and a fun place for groups to celebrate.
During the summer months, Countryside Adventures offers axe throwing and archery.
They also rent out seasonal cabins that offer a great place to unwind and escape from the pressures of a busy lifestyle. The cabins are simple and rustic. They are outfitted with a bunk bed with a double mattress and space on the floor for additional sleeping bags. Each cabin has its own fire pit, picnic table and a charcoal barbeque with everything needed to light it. Solar lights and a solar USB charger will keep you connected to the world – if you so desire. There are Adirondack chairs on the decks for star gazing and ponds for fishing and splashing. Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and pedal boats are also readily available. The accommodations are designed to make you feel the grandeur of the forest, more a piece of it, than a visitor to its warmth.
To learn more about Countryside Adventures, visit www.countrysideadventures.ca