Two years ago, Cathy and Kathy Maggs embarked on a grand experiment when they purchased an 1860 farmhouse on 8 acres in beautiful Elora. . . and I was lucky enough to go along for the ride. Cathy wanted to replicate the best parts of vacations she experienced in her travels with her husband Kevin (yours truly).
“We always try to include some form of physical activity while on vacation,. such as bike rides, mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, skiing, zip lining, and so on. We are always open to any activity we can find because nothing takes the guilt of eating great food and enjoying a fine beverage like being active during your vacation.”
Fast forward to 2020. If, at this time last year, you told me that international travel would come to a screeching halt for the foreseeable future…I’d have laughed it off as a bad joke. It’s still hard to believe, isn’t it? But here we are: experiencing some of the most incredible summer weather Ontario has seen in years, and no safe way to enjoy it. Right? At least that’s what most people think…
Many of the activities we take part in on faraway vacations can also be enjoyed close to home! It’s possible to explore the great outdoors in Ontario, too. COVID-19 doesn’t mean “stay inactive”. Really, it has pushed for the opposite. It’s provided us an opportunity to transform our way of thinking, reconsider our priorities, and modify our behaviours so that we can safely have fun.
We are so lucky to call Elora and Fergus home, as we have endless opportunities for adventure, from the second you’re outside your door. On the Grand River, we have entry-level kayaking. In a short span, you’re able to glide down the river and savour the sights of fresh farmland, the historic mills and buildings of Fergus, and the steep limestone gorges of Elora. We also have easy mountain biking, great backroads, and trails. As you hike along the gorges of the Grand River, you’re easily enchanted by the breathtaking scenery. The aim of our grand experiment is to allow you to experience a grand adventure! This is the year for new experiences, close to home. A cancelled plan is disappointing, but we offer an alternative that will be unforgettable. So, together with our sister-in-law, we created CK Maggs Adventures a way to provide people a local experience that feels like they are thousands of kilometers from home.
The ultimate Canadian staycation.
For our luxury glamping accommodations, we sourced Canadian-made tents and mattresses. We bought a custom-built luxury washroom trailer so that you don’t have to rough it while enjoying our little slice of nature. We purchased our bikes from the Bicycle Tailor here in Fergus, and the bikes themselves are from Devinci, a Canadian bicycle manufacturer. Our kayaks were purchased from Frontenac outfitters and the Salus lifejackets are made in Kitchener, Ontario. Supporting local has always been one of our core values, and it’s also a great way to ensure quality equipment. We have all rented rickety bikes or heavy kayaks on vacation, and it shows. Poor equipment really takes away from the experience. We promise you our equipment will provide a seamless experience while on your many adventures with us. Some of the adventures you will enjoy include eco-friendly guided bike and kayak tours. First, you begin your day biking to the river, and then hopping into a kayak and gliding down the Grand. Luckily, we have selected a route which avoids group shuttles, so you will be able to blissfully coast down the serene river without worrying about any interruptions. In between the action, each group will have plenty of time each day to relax at the farm, and cook their own meals, or explore the emerging restaurant scene of Fergus and Elora. The town’s many patios are only a short drive or bike ride away.
