Publisher’s Letter

Editor-in-chief Ottawa Outdoors ottawaoutdoors.ca

The Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show adventureottawa.com

It took a while, but finally summer arrived.

Don't know if you're a reader who loves the heat or prefers the fun ways to cool off instead, but in this issue there are options. For example, if you wanted to 'mentally' cool off you could head over to p.40 and read the article about dog sledding without the snow. But if you prefer something outlandishly fun then p.44 holds the answer as it gives a complete update on whitewater rafting 'in' the city. Yes you read that correctly. One of the veteran whitewater rafting companies has launched a new division, Ottawa City Rafting Adventure, and they offer safe whitewater trips down the Ottawa River from Britannia Beach to our downtown bridges.

Lastly, if you're more of a paddle adventurer, then David Sach's article on p.10 is terrific as it highlights some of great canoe and kayak whitewater paddle spots you'll truly enjoy. Always remember to wear your PFD though.

So if you're hot, choose from any of these three adventures as a great way to get wet and cool down.

But what if you want to chill other ways? The answer rests in the sport of caving. Over on p.26 Andrea Cranfield highlights many of the caving options nearby just waiting for explorers of the underworld. If that's you, read the article, gear-up and head down under.

As you continue to read through this issue cover-to-cover you'll also enjoy some Zen activities beckoning you; namely paddleboard yoga. An original idea, you mount your Stand-up Paddleboard and paddle out with the instructor to a designated quiet location. Then it's time to sit or kneel and begin your yoga positions. To say nothing of the core workout one receives from yoga, doing so on a paddleboard only engages the muscles further. And being this close to nature magnifies the peacefulness. If you've never tried it, check out www.paddlefit.ca and book your first lesson with Jodi.

I'd also like to give kudos to our provincial parks who have a patch of land waiting just for you. The article on p.19 spotlights a few nearby parks to visit with your tent and gear. And whether it's one of the ones listed in this article or others like St. Lawrence Park, it's a great way to find peace in nature.

Don't forget to read the ads on every page. They always convey great information about what's ahead and how you can take-in the great outdoors.

As always, enjoy the many other articles featuring adventure travel, outdoor hints and tips and more.

Whether you're hiking, paddling, cycling, or camping in the months ahead, finds ways to enjoy the summer breeze. :)

PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR

WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Dave Brown, Publisher | Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is an independent publication published seasonally every four months and distributed FREE at sports stores and a hundred other locations around the region.

Ottawa Outdoors welcomes story and photo contributions. Publisher may publish any and all communications with Ottawa Outdoors, and may edit for clarity and style. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index ISSN No. 1204-69556. ©Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any materialspublished in Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is expressly forbidden without consent of the publisher.