10 great zip lines from around the world (videos)

by Gadling Staff on

Roller coasters and other such thrill rides are fun, but imagine reaching speed of up to 100 miles per hour on a metal cable, with nothing more then a harness, a helmet… and the air below you.

Around the world, zip lines have become an adrenaline seeker’s favorite, literally allowing you to hurtle through awe-inspiring landscapes at jaw-dropping speeds. In some cases, the mere presence of a zip line can be a decision-maker between two competing travel destinations. Not sure about all this? Strap in and enjoy the ride on these videos, which feature some of best zip lines in the world.

At a height of 918 feet, speeds of up to 100 mph, and spanning just over a mile, Sun City, South Africa boasts the steepest, fastest, tallest zip line on the globe. On this particular line, the rider zips down the cable while flat, rocket-like. This particular zip line gives the rider the experience of being able to fly like a bird… well, like a very, very, very fast bird.


Glide through rain forest terrain and enjoy the breathtaking view of the local volcanoes in Costa Rica, one of the world’s most popular zip line destinations. This particular video showcases just a fraction of a full zip line tour that’s a total of 1.7 miles — and because of its amazing first-person perspective, it’s un-miss-able.

Pro tip: This particular company also has night tours offering the possibility of seeing volcanic eruptions and nocturnal rain forest creatures (like vampires!).

Riders can enjoy the aerial view of Alaeloa Valley in Hawaii from a zip line. The scenic ride is 2,000 feet long and is fantastic for adventurers seeking a different perspective of the beautiful island landscape.

Forget hiking from one mountain to the next! This zip line offers riders a quick and exhilarating alternative. In Vancouver, British Columbia, this line ranges from Dam Mountain to the peak of Grouse Mountain, and zooms along at up to 49 mph. Not only does the line offer riders excitement but, of course, there’s also a wonderful view.

Labadee, Haiti is home to a 2,650-foot-long zip line that glides over crystal clear waters. The line begins on the top of a mountain and cruises over a stretch of ocean giving riders a spectacular view of the surrounding scenery. Towards the end of the line, the rider sails almost within reach of the gentle waves below.

On the longest zip line in the United Kingdom — located in Stirling, Scotland — riders can observe the gorgeous mountains nearby. This zip line offers riders the chance to travel on a cable that spans 1,397 feet and flies above lush, forested terrain.

Hoonah, Alaska is the self-proclaimed home to the tallest and longest zip line in the United States. The zip line reaches speeds of 60 mph, spans a mile of Alaska sky, and hurtles ocean-ward from a height of 1330 feet high. Watch this video, and you’ll know immediately why the town is called HOONAH!!!

Visitors to the Great Wall of China have an insanely fun way to get to a lower section: an intense zip line ride. Fly over blue waters and get amazing (albeit short) views of The Great Wall.

Shoot through a rain forest canopy on this zip line in Puerto Rico. With the trees whizzing within arm’s reach, riders get a quick view of the lush native rain forest and a fun adrenaline rush.

At the Moaning Caverns in California, visitors can get an overhead view of the area at speeds of around 40 mph. The cable stretches 1500 feet and is a great thrill for adrenaline junkies.

So… where are you headed first?

Daily Pampering: Read the art at the new Fairmont Pacific Rim

by Annie Scott on


The Fairmont Pacific Rim in downtown Vancouver opens this month, and it’s worth seeing — even from the outside.

We don’t normally hear about exterior hotel artwork, but this hotel in the heart of the financial district with views of the both the skyline and the harbor features a million dollar installation by UK artist Liam Gillick. The stainless steel piece is a repeating series of words in two-foot high Helvetica bold:

“lyingontopofabuildingthecloudslooked
nonearerthanwhenIwaslyingonthestreet…”

(In case that hurts your head: “lying on top of a building the clouds looked no nearer than when I was lying on the street …” over and over again)

The artwork, shown, wraps around floors five through 22, “providing a delineation of the hotel and luxury residences.” We think it would be a little distracting from the inside, like being trapped inside a neverending game of Quick Wit (remember deciphering those mirror images for the yellow points?).

It may not be everyone’s idea of beauty, but it’s certainly one-of-a-kind, and a fun new landmark to spot next time you’re in Vancouver.

The Fairmont Pacific Rim‘s rates start at $229 (CAD), about $220 USD, per room per night.

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Top Vancouver recommendations from Tim Zagat

by Annie Scott on

The Olympics are so exciting that we forget ourselves. Once bestowed with a ticket, we find ourselves a flight and forget the rest.

Fortunately, there’s a Zagat Survey for the rest. Co-Founder, Co-Chair & CEO Tim Zagat just released his newest guide to Vancouver. “[Zagat Surveys] are based on a large number of avid, local consumers and are put through a careful editing process,” says Zagat of why his guides are so legendary. The other secret? “We have always kept our personal selections independent from the survey to avoid playing favorites.”

Zagat took the time to answer a few of our questions about Vancouver. Check out the interview below for a peek inside the Survey’s top picks for food and what tourists should expect.

Gadling: What should one look for in Vancouver? What is special about the destination (besides, you know, the Olympics)?

Tim Zagat: Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or an attraction for the family, there is no shortage of excitement in Vancouver. Besides being a very attractive city, nearly 300 of the region’s finest restaurants, nightspots, attractions and hotels can be accessed in our 2010 Vancouver Survey and on ZAGAT.com. Surrounding areas such as Whistler, Victoria and Vancouver Island are all appealing.

G: With what cities would you compare Vancouver, for someone who’s never been there?

TZ: Seattle and Portland

G: If money were no object, what would be the ultimate Vancouver experience?
TZ: Most Popular:
1) Vij’s
2) Keg Steak
3) Blue Water Café
4) Le Crocodile
5) Chambar

Top Food:
1) La Belle Auberge
2) Vij’s
3) Cioppino’s
4) Le Crocodile
5) ToJo’s

G: Is there a specific local cuisine one must absolutely try?

TZ: I would recommend trying some of the great Pacific Northwest and Seafood restaurants in the area.
Top Pacific NW:
1) Bishop’s
2) West
3) Diva at the Met
4) Refuel
5) Cru

Top Seafood:
1) Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar
2) C Restaurant
3) Go Fish!
4) Sun Sui Wah Seafood
5) Rodney’s Oyster House

G: Any customs of which tourists should be careful?

TZ: As an expected 2.3 million attendees are expected to come for the Olympics, tourists should plan for changing traffic patterns, enhanced security zones and extra travel time for all local and regional travel. In certain areas and hours, vehicles will be banned, so tourists can plan on foot-traffic.

G: What do you think the Olympics will do for Vancouver in the long run?

TZ: In the long run, any city that hosts the Olympics experiences an international spotlight on its culture, customs and traditions. Similar to the experiences in other Olympic cities, Vancouver should anticipate a long-term boost in economic growth and tourism.

You can access the 2010 Vancouver Zagat Survey for free here.

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A ski expert’s secret tips to Whistler and Vancouver

by Amy Chen on

All eyes will be on British Columbia during the Olympics. Who better to share some secrets than a local?

I first met Jeremy Neill a few years ago when he was a product manager for Fresh Tracks, a Vancouver-based tour operator that specializes in Canada and Alaska. Born in Bath, England, Neill has lived in Vancouver for the past three years. Though he’s the first to say he’s not a native, Neill does have the inside scoop on the local ski scene–armed with 15 years of snowboarding experience, Neill is the author of The Mad Dog Ski guide to Whistler (maddogski.com).

Q: What are some après-ski spots in Whistler where you might see someone famous?
A: The Brewhouse at Whistler is the one of the closest to the Medals Plaza so that might have the best chance of seeing an athlete. The liveliest places are the Longhorn Saloon & Grill in Skiers Plaza, which has the best views of the Whistler runs, and Merlins at Blackcomb, which is known for its huge nachos and as a place to party.

Q: And for Vancouver?
A: That’s tough as there are so many options in downtown Vancouver. A lot of people are hoping to access the “houses” where sponsors and partners are hosting parties and events. Widely anticipated is the Holland Heineken House at the Richmond Ozone. Downtown Vancouver has two Live Sites: LiveCity Downtown and LiveCity Yaletown. These outdoor celebration sites are free to enter. You can see live coverage and short films on giant screens, view exhibits from Canadian artists, and enjoy some local food and drinks.Q: Any shortcuts to equipment rentals or lift passes?
A: Definitely book rentals in advance. Some rental shops are open in the evening, so you can go and get your kit in advance. Lift tickets can be bought online, and discount day tickets are available in local 7-Elevens.

Q: What’s the local beverage of choice after a long day on the slopes?
A: The drink I go for often depends on the time of year. In January I like the Amsterdam Cafe as they have warm alcoholic toddies with a view of people on the village stroll. After a day of spring riding, an ice-cold beer is always refreshing. This is not hard to come by in Whistler. Any of the bars at the base of Blackcomb or Whistler are a great spot.

Q: Is there a beautiful ski run that even beginners can handle and shouldn’t miss?
A: Ego Bowl on Whistler is a favorite with beginners. It’s an easy pitch and has brilliant views on a clear day. The Emerald Express Chair lift slows nicely at the top with a flat run out, so it’s easy to get off. It can get busy though, especially if the chairs at higher elevation are not running.

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Cypress Mountain has snow delivered in time for Olympic Games

by Kraig Becker on

With just one week to go until the opening ceremonies, the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver are struggling to find enough snow for some of the planned events. In particular, Cypress Mountain, which will host snowboarding and freestyle competitions beginning February 13, has been scrambling to complete their halfpipe, as well as the ski and snowboard cross courses. The resort has so little snow in fact, that they’ve resorted to using over 1000 bales of straw to construct the needed infrastructure, and have had more than 300 truckloads of snow delivered from elsewhere around the area.

It has been an unusual winter so far in Vancouver, with average temperatures at their highest point in more than 70 years. Experts are placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the El Niño weather pattern, which has been warming the Pacific Ocean for several months. The result has been little to no snowfall across the region in January, which means no new, fresh powder for the athletes, who began arriving yesterday in preparation for the games. The forecast for February doesn’t look much better, as more unseasonably high temperatures, and rain, not snow, are expected in the days ahead.

International Ski Federation president Gian-Franco Kasper told the Canadian press that he isn’t worried, as just 10 cm of snow is needed to cover the straw and make it ready for the athletes. Other event organizers say that while the lack of snow has been an issue across all the venues, Cypress Mountain is the only one that has caused significant concerns. They also promise that everything will be ready when the games officially open next Friday.

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