Sport

Monkey see, monkey do!

A new and thrilling sport, hebertism has participants moving from tree to tree like our primate cousins. The object of the game? To simply make it to the end of a course... using all your abilities! Not surprisingly, more and more of these above-ground parks are popping up in Québec.

Conceived by a French physical educator, Georges Hébert, hebertism was initially used for training soldiers destined to fight in World War I. In fact, it was only very recently that this sports discipline based on fundamental movements of the human body became popular in Québec. Still, course designers from Québec boast an enviable expertise... much to the delight of those who dare to venture among the forest treetops.

A truly natural high!

Hebertism isn’t exactly a down-to-earth activity! Once you step out onto those first couple of branches, you can expect to reach new heights of adventure that could last up to three hours. So what might you encounter on an hebertism course? Nothing less than a vast array of games and sports challenges, not to mention a series of fantastic obstacles: suspended bridges, platforms, ladders, balance beams, nets, barrels, cables... in short, unbelievable things!

Dangerous? Of course not...

Every course is negotiated in as safe a way as possible thanks to climbing equipment and a lifeline. What’s more, with each new obstacle you receive any necessary warnings and can try the exercise on the ground first. Guides or monitors keep a constant eye on the courses, and the degree of course difficulty varies not only from one to the next but also as you progress. Furthermore, signs are posted explaining the exercises to perform... and the challenges to overcome!

Breathtaking in every way

Whether it’s the Sentier suspendu (suspended path) at the Forêt de l’Aigle in the Outaouais region, or the breathtaking series of Tyrolean traverses (pulleys and lines) at Arbre Aventure in the Eastern Townships, prepare to be plunged right back to your childhood! Naturally, you’ll want to check out the five courses and 73 obstacles at Aventure entre les Arbre, in Saint-Fulgence. With its unparalleled views of the Saguenay Fjord, you’ll enjoy the perfect combination of discovery, relaxation and adventure.

Courage, perseverance... and physical condition!

In the Québec City Area region and , the Relais Centre d’Aventures (adventure trail) at the Le Relais ski centre is ideal for both little kids (there’s a family course across from the terrace) and big kids. In fact, the latter will be able to unleash their wild side thanks to a giant 180-metre (590-ft.) Tyrolean traverse! Not far from Le Relais, thrill-seekers who thrive on heights will meet their match on the via ferratta at Canyon Sainte-Anne. The trek along these high-altitude cliff-side paths ends with a dizzying rappelling descent down the rock wall¿an undertaking designed for the boldest hearts! Lastly, less than an hour from Montréal, the Arbraska adventure forest invites you to swing from its branches. This park, whose name means "new frontier," offers a riveting panorama of the Dorwin Falls and, with its many vines, you’re sure to be yelling like Tarzan!

Useful information

Bear in mind that all these sites have minimum age and height requirements. Also, children must be accompanied by an adult. Lastly, sports attire and shoes, gloves and elastics for tying back long hair are recommended.

Guillaume Rivard
2008-04-15