Winterfest was our day of freedom, away from school and into the wild (or not so wild, depending on where you went)—but how were the trips really?

Porter Airlines

Those with an interest in escapism took to the Billy Bishop Airport, where they toured various facilities and learned about the daily workings of Porter. The students enjoyed visiting the control centre, watching the mechanics work on the engines in the hangar, and chatting with the pilots. However, some expressed a wish to stay longer and steal planes. All in all, the trip was pretty fly.

Rated 4.5/5

AGO

In order to become enlightened, some students decided to go to the Art Gallery of Ontario, where they enjoyed a one and a half hour tour and then some free time. While some “thought it was the most boring thing in the world,” others learned to appreciate the art, life, and their inner thoughts. Although not all reviews were positive, everybody agreed that it would have been more enjoyable with the company of more people.

Rated 3/5

Bowling

Bowling was a popular choice, and it’s obvious why. Tossing heavy balls at pins represents the human struggle for survival and appeals to people’s animalistic instincts. Though the students were initially confused due to a change in location, they enjoyed the cheap pizza, bowling, card playing, and hours of fun with friends.

Rated 3.5/5

CN Tower

The CN Tower trip served as a crucial life lesson: ADVERTISING CAN BE MISLEADING. The students were told there would be a simulation ride and a 3D movie. Unfortunately, it turned out that the 3D movie was real life, and that real life was the simulation ride (take that Jaden Smith). The students rode up the glass elevator and enjoyed the view from the highest point in the city.

Rated 3.5/5

First Aid

During first aid training, students learned how to save lives and battle death by practicing basic CPR and resuscitation techniques. Students watched videos on different situations they might encounter. Many were shocked to find real life to be very different from CSI. All in all, the students reported that the course was informative and educational, but could have had more interesting content overall.

Rated 3.5/5

Food Tour

Students were rewarded with food after listening to the history of the St. Lawrence Market and surrounding areas of Toronto. The pace was relaxing, and the food was never-ending. Highlights included exotic foods such as kangaroo pepperoni, lavender chocolate, and prosciutto, which the guide claimed was the best outside of Italy. These students basically enjoyed a walking buffet, and the rest of us should be jealous we didn’t go. They suggest bringing doggy bags next time, the gluttons.

Rated 4.5/5

Hoopdome

The Hoopdome was exactly as expected. The students played basketball. If you enjoy playing basketball, you should go to the Hoopdome. If you don’t, you shouldn’t go. It’s as simple as that.

Rated 4/5

Mini Indy

If you wanted to drive somewhere while avoiding the hazards of Canadian roads in the wintertime, Mini-Indy would have been the right choice for you. The students were only allowed to drive the course once. After that, they moved inside to play a game of glow-in-the-dark mini golf. The only complaint was that the students’ hands grew numb after driving in such a cold environment. Wear your driving gloves, kids.

Rated 4.5/5

Pottery

At the Harbourfront Centre, students learned the history of pottery before committing themselves to creating a pot. The goal: prevent it from exploding in the kiln. Although the time constraint prevented some Van Goghs from completing their pots to masterful perfection, the techniques the students had learned pulled them through. One note though, the pots are not actually made on wheels. Sorry, Ghost fans.

Rated 4/5

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing not only allowed typically ground-bound students to reach new heights, but also gave them a newfound confidence in their own abilities. Although the introductory and safety lesson seemed to drag on, the climbing experience itself was enjoyable and challenging. Most agreed that it was a trip that left students feeling high off of excitement, and prepared them for their future careers as Spiderman.

Rated 3.5/5

ROM

The ROM attracted students who were interested in history. Although the ninety minute tour started half an hour late, the tour guide was engaging and well-informed. The students enjoyed the rooster jug in the museum, and played with the museum’s motion sensors. All in all, the ROM was described as “super chill and pretty interesting.” Let’s be honest: from a group of teenagers, that’s a pretty high accolade.

Rated 4/5

Skating

Students put on skates in the frigid winter air, and skated in circles at Harbourfront. When the weather grew colder, they enjoyed warm drinks inside the nearby café. The only complaint was the temperature and dull skates, but the overall experience was anything but dull.

Rated 3.5/5

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are inventive ways of getting down a hill, which many people participated in this year at Horseshoe Valley. The students faced black diamond hills and developed their skills. Issues, such as bad music and poor food, did not dampen the day of skiing and snowboarding. And falling. Mostly falling.

Rated 4.5/5

Skyzone

Jumping has rarely been as exciting as it was at Sky Zone, where students jumped on trampolines and revolutionized games like dodgeball and basketball, and the ever-popular activity of “jumping into pits.” Almost 100 participants enjoyed a pizza lunch, where all were limited to 2 slices each. Unfortunately, the self-regulation factor of the meal didn’t quite work out, but the students agreed the experience brought their spirits up… then down… then up again.

Rated 4/5

Ultra Sports

Some students kept it classic and visited Ultra Sports Centre to play soccer and other games. However, many of the students ended up organizing themselves as time went on, instead of descending into chaos à la Lord of the Flies. The experience was not the best, but at least the students learned to work together to smash the enemy team.

Rated 2.5/5

Zoo

It isn’t that hard to see animals running wild in Marc Garneau, but some ventured forth to the Toronto Zoo to find more exotic ones. They visited animals from different regions around the world: tundra, Australian pavilion, and African pavilion. Some animals stayed in because of the weather, which disappointed the human visitors. Animals and humans agreed that it would have been more exciting during the summer, but thankfully the weather did not prevent the students from seeing some pretty amazing things.

Rated 4.5/5

Snowtubing

As proof of the Canadian obsession with all things Tim Horton’s, some students decided to spend the day going down hills in donuts at the Georgina ROC. They enjoyed experiencing the effects of gravity on a incline plane, only pausing for a passable pizza lunch before speeding down the hills again.

Rated 4/5

Note: Unfortunately, the news board could not obtain reviews for Rinx.