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Be a good sport

By Tom Peacock

Ambling rain forest trails and refreshing lake breezes: Experience the outdoors in a whole new way.

A river runs through it

The trail through Yukon's Chilkoot Pass, framed by lush coastal rainforests and dotted with fields of blooming wildflowers, is a rewarding hike for novices and experts alike. Customize a trip with the experienced operators at Nature Tours of Yukon (the local specialists) and add canoeing on the Yukon river to your itinerary: This historic route taken by fur traders and Klondike Gold Rush Stampeders is an easy stretch, thanks to the current that gently pushes canoes down river so paddlers can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Kite surfing with Aerosport Carrefour Adventures across the windy shallows of Quebec's spectacular Magdalen Islands is a great way to blow some fresh air into your holiday plans. Kite surfing (think of a surfboard harnessed to a huge kite) allows you to boost off waves into the wind. Sounds like a breeze.

Wakeboarding has brought a new sport to cottage country. Enthusiasts liken the ride to waterskiing… except your feet are positioned perpendicular to the board (as they would be on a snowboard). Stop by the Kipabiskau Water Sports Club, two hours northeast of Saskatoon, to get in on the action. Every summer, the fully equipped club hosts camps and clinics for riders of all skill levels. Bring your bathing suit and get on board!

Nature Tours of Yukon, 867-667-4868, www.naturetoursyukon.com
Aerosport Carrefour Adventures, 418-986-6677, www.aerosport.ca
Kipabiskau Water Sports Club, 306-374-0915, www.kipwsc.com
Yukon Tourism, 1-800-661-0494, www.touryukon.com
Saskatchewan Tourism, 1-877-2ESCAPE, www.sasktourism.com
Quebec Tourism, 1 877 BONJOUR, www.bonjourquebec.com

Photo credit: Nature Tours of Yukon