Canopy tours and ziplining in New England have become all the craze for tourist, families and adrenaline junkies alike. There’s something liberating about soaring 200 feet above the tree line–– the rush of air at your face––the decent amongst solid trunks of pine, hemlock, oak, beech and birch. Even more exhilarating, 60 foot drops and high speed wrap–and–weaves through trees and brush ––the feel of your feet meeting broken ground.

Depending on your fear-factor or comfort level, many canopy and ziplining locations in New England offer a combination of different experiences ranging from short,  high-speed descents on a single cable to 1-3 hour canopy tours on multiple cables and platforms.

Ziplining costs vary from as little as $30 to just under $100 depending on the extent of your tour. Ziplining is not difficult. It involves putting on a safety harness, latching yourself to a cable and knowing how to brake–– all of which you are instructed on how to do before taking the plunge. After that, tension and gravity does the rest.

Ziplining is a growing sport and adventure activity that both outdoor enthusiast and families can enjoy almost year round in New England. Ziplining and canopy tours offer a unique way to view  panoramic and seasonal landscapes of New England with unusual twists. ...And I can't wait to give it a try! 

Below is a listing of Ziplining and canopy tours in New England. It is highly recommend that you make  reservations in advance.  Also, be sure to refer to individual sites for child age and weight restrictions. See you on the ropes!

[Whale Groans] “Okay, he either said, “move to the back of the throat,” or he “wants a root beer  float”.”~Dory from Finding Nemo

This summer, I took my family on their first whale watch out of Provincetown, Massachusetts. We traveled to the Stellwagen Bank on a beautiful sunset cruise where we saw over twenty whales breaching, diving and tail-slapping. From start to finish, our trip was amazing. It was educational, entertaining, humbling and completely captivating...And, no one fell overboard.

You can’t visit or live on the East Coast without having experienced a whale watch at least once. Spring and fall are the best times to go whales watching in New England, however, even in summer, you can get in on the whale action. The Atlantic Ocean is home to Finback, Humpback and Minke whales as well as the North Atlantic Right whale, a rare breed. In fact, it is estimated that there are only 3oo Minke whales remaining today.

Whales are incredible, beautiful, docile creatures. The whale is the largest species in the ocean. In fact, the Blue whale is the largest and loudest creature ever to have existed on our planet––even bigger than dinosaurs.  It can whistle up to 188 decibels (that’s louder than a jet engine) which can be heard over 100 miles under water.  It’s tongue, alone, weighs more than an elephant and can hold up to 50 people. Whales, like us, are mammals. They are warm-blooded and can remain under water for nearly an hour before coming up for air. Whales do not mate for life. Most migrate to colder waters in the summer to reproduce and take advantage of plentiful feeding grounds before returning to warmer poles in the winter where the females will give birth to calves. A “dork” is the name for the male whale’s penis––who knew research could be so interesting.