Ziplining between Ontario and Quebec

The other week I got the chance to check out the new zipline between Ontario and Quebec, the first interprovincial zipline in Canada! Interzip Rogers opened on June 24th, and I was lucky to be invited to a media day and decided to sign up.

Where is Interzip located?

You can find the main offices at 40-Z, Jos-Montferrand street, in Gatineau. It is on the Zibi site, and there’s a lot of construction nearby. Participants are checked-in at this location. Street parking is available!

How do I get tickets?

Buy your tickets online and reserve your spot! It’s possible to do a same-day walk-in, but you could risk disappointment if they’re full. Cost is $39.99 for adults and $29.99 for kids 14 and under.

Can I bring my kids?

I brought my 11 year-old, who weighs 81 lbs. There’s no age restriction, but you have to weigh a minimum of 70 lbs (and side note: you can’t be over 275 lbs). My daughter was enthusiastic, but by the time we’d reached the top of the tower she was too scared to go. The staff brought her back down while I zipped across and then walked back to get her.

How does it work?

Once you get checked in you will be given a helmet and all your gear. You are then directed to where you need to walk to get to the tower, which requires crossing over the Chaudiere Bridge. It is a super easy walk (5-10 minutes) and you won’t get lost.

When you arrive at the tower you’re asked for your ticket, and then the operators explain how it will work. You’re instructed to walk up the tower in singles or pairs, and you need to give people time to get to each platform on the stairs before you move up (so that there are never more than 2 people on a set of a stairs at one time). One downside is that there was soooo much construction happening on the site that it was hard to hear all the instructions clearly. I just made sure to ask the staff at the top of the tower to repeat certain things to me.

At the top there are gates across the opening and you are tied in so that there’s no risk you’ll slip off and fall. The staff strap you in and there are two safety checks before you give the OK for them to press the button. The gates open and off you go! Once you arrive at the other side you return your equipment and head back to the car.

Is it scary?

I do not have a fear of heights but I was pretty scared walking up the tower. It was a windy day and the whole tower was moving slightly. But once I got to the top and got strapped in I felt really comfortable. And the zipline itself is smooth and not too fast, so I never felt scared. You’re going at a speed of about 40 km/h.

Was it worth it?

I’m definitely glad I did it, especially after I felt so nervous going up. It was a great adrenaline rush! One thing to be aware of is that the ride isn’t long - about 40 seconds. But the scenery is beautiful and I enjoyed looking out over the river and seeing the Parliament buildings. It’s a different experience from ziplining at other places where you’re perhaps in a more forested area and it takes more time (especially if you’re ziplining through a course with several different lines). I’ve only ever ziplined before in Mexico, and I’ve heard there are similar experiences here at Camp Fortune and Abraska.

I think Interzip is one of those “once in a lifetime” activities for locals and tourists alike!