Fly Like an Eagle at Forêt de l'Aigle

JOSH HANSEN
MANIWAKI, QUÉBEC

Training for a flight through the trees in Northern Quebec, some 50 feet up in the air, begins two feet off the ground on the practice zip line, a stone’s throw away from the starting point of where we’ll soon ascend another mighty white pine.

With a simple pass from one end of the 15-foot practice line to the other, Olivier, whose ear length black hair and loose goatee cast little doubt about him being the adventure tour guide here at Forêt de l’Aigle (Eagle Forest), tells me I’m ready to touch the treetops.

My response: Let’s go!

The practice pass is a safety measure that makes sure you’re comfortable with zip-lining. If you don’t pass with flying colours, you don’t fly at all.

The thrill of passing through trees on a steel cable isn’t lost on me. Several years ago, as part of a summer course with army cadets, I got my first taste of zip lining on the mountains adjacent to the Saint John River in New Brunswick. It was love at first flight. But something about Forêt de l’Aigle (probably the brochures) gives me hope this two hour atmospheric trip will eclipse my zip lining memories of old.

Strapped into my harness like an infant in a baby swing, and with my blue and grey heavy-duty work gloves (my brakes) ready for action, Olivier and I climb up to the platform of Tower 1. There, he reminds me to clip my safety carabineer (a triangular metal clip used mainly in rock climbing) which is attached to my safety rope, to the line wrapped in red plastic that encircles the tree. This will stop me from falling out of the tree should I slip off the wooden platform somehow.

Once secured, I can clip my main rope and carabineer to the zip line, and then finally attach my safety line. But being the more experienced here, Olivier takes the first plunge down the zip line. I’m ripe with jealousy. But the second his feet touch down on the platform, I attach my safety line and trolley to the main cable, lean back and push off the wooden platform of Tower 1.

A rush of air floods my face as I zip down the steel cable towards the platform where Olivier is waiting. The bright reds, oranges and yellows of the fall trees blend together, forming one giant kaleidoscope. I am not yet above the tree line but the adrenaline surge from my first flight is a high that cannot be measured in feet.

The unique thing about zip lines compared to most other thrill rides is the amount of control the user is given. Except for height and direction, you can control your speed and rotation - although sometimes, things don’t always go your way.

Disaster on Tower 8

When we first get to the eighth platform, Olivier tells me to take a video with my digital camera while I’m zipping down the line. “There’s a waterfall to the left,” he tells me. “It makes for a really good backdrop.” By no means are we talking Niagara Falls here. It’s actually of a set of elevated rapids but is picturesque nonetheless.

To keep your body straight on a zip line, place both of your hands on top of the trolley while in flight. The increased pressure pushes the trolley closer to the cable, increasing friction and thus grip. Take one hand off the trolley and not only is the pressure reduced, but you are no longer properly balanced or aerodynamic.

I learn this the hard way.

With one hand on the trolley and the other gripping my camera tightly, I’m ready for the money shot. But the mechanics of sliding down a steel cable from tree to tree while trying to shoot a video prove too much for me to handle. Trees quickly pass by while a zzzziffffttttttpppppp sound hums from my trolley running over the 20 or so of cable. My body begins twisting to the left, turning my back to the waterfall, and potentially ruining my shot.

Time is tight when you’re flying through trees so my primary focus is the fast approaching platform, not whether I got the shot.

My intuition, however, is spot on. The video reveals a semi-confused face caught between a smile and the realization things aren’t working out in my favour. Glancing over my right shoulder, the sight is one to behold, just not from the camera’s perspective. Because it is fall, the river’s water level is lower than normal. Dozens of jagged rocks penetrate the water’s crystal clear crest. Somewhere down river salmon are already beginning to make their way up to spawn. This is as far as they’ll likely get.

Course of Action

Our last stop brings us to the patio on the main cabin’s upper level that also serves as an outdoor patio. If I had known ahead of time, there would be an ice cold beer waiting for me. Built to resemble a large log cabin, the main building has a cafeteria, satellite television, two large guestrooms available for rental on the middle level, and a spacious top level that leads out onto the patio. A little more than a half dozen tables with patio umbrellas look out onto the main road and the Quebec forest.

A week from my visit the site marked the official grand opening of an additional three zip lines, bringing the total to 13. Currently, the course covers 1.5 kilometres or just under a mile.

The zip line course used to end a little ways back, down along the same walking trail where Olivier gave me a crash course about the difference between red pine (Pinus resinosa) and white pine (Pinus strobus) on our way up. The latter is especially common and useful in the construction of the rope bridges and zip line courses. Every piece of wood used throughout the course, from the steps in the rope ladders to the platforms along each station, comes directly from the surrounding area.

Sustainable Development

Both the zip line and aerial trek course are supported by a pressure system of cables wrapped around trees with a few lines anchored to the ground for additional support. Wooden blocks are wedged between the cables and trees to prevent the tree bark from being damaged. No nails or screws in sight. Deliberate examples of sustainable development like this are found throughout the park and shapes a large part of Forêt de l’Aigle’s identity.

The idea for Forêt de l’Aigle was hatched 25 years ago as part of a ministry of Natural Resources initiative. The land was designated as a forest reserve and was assigned special protection status. In 1996 it became part of another project called “Forêt Habitée” and the foundation for today’s park was laid.

A corporation made up of seven partner organizations, called Corporation de Gestion de la Forêt de l’Aigle, oversees daily operations and decides which activities and services the park should offer. Its objective is to enhance the well-being of the forestry community population. The community’s well-being will be increased by the profitable territorial development.

Specs

Spanning an area of 140km² (54 square miles), Forêt de l’Aigle borders the Gatineau Valley and Pontiac regions. Best described as an outdoorsman’s oasis, the park has dozens of lakes for canoeing, kayaking and fishing; 10.5km (6.52 miles) of trails for amateur and seasoned hikers and 38 self-guided interpretation stations; designated areas for hunting black bear, deer and moose; camping lots and several different cabins for rental; horseback riding; and ATV rentals.

There’s talk of expanding the zip line course with a 1km long line, Olivier tells me. But he’s only heard whispers.

For $40 for the zip line course or $50 for it and the aerial trek rope bridge course, the park offers very affordable entertainment in an environment unmatched by any of its competitors. Prices vary by activity.