So what do dads really want these days? Adventure! And here are some ideas on where to send your dad on a soft-adventure experience he won't soon forget. (Photo: Horseshoe Riding Adventures)

Dad appeal: In photos

Listen up kids and wives! Father's Day is here and you can be sure of one thing. Dear ol' dad does not want another T-shirt proclaiming he's the world's best father (he knows that already), or another tie to add to the collection of neckwear in his closet. He doesn't even want another power tool for the garage.

So what do dads really want these days? Adventure! And here are some ideas on where to send your dad on a soft-adventure experience he won't soon forget.

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ADVENTURE: ROCK CLIMBING

Collingwood's Free Spirit Tours is the perfect place to send rock climber wanna-bes. Participants get instruction and all the gear (harness, helmet and shoes) they need to get climbing fast. Best of all, climbs take place on Metcalf Rock, on the Bruce Trail, where the scenery is beautiful.

FITNESS LEVEL

Instructors at Free Spirit Tours suggest that people be relatively fit. The more you weigh, the more difficult it can be to climb. They suggest starting with a half-day of climbing and working your way up (no pun intended) to a full day.

FEAR FACTOR

Being comfortable with heights is essential but there are a variety of climbs to fit every skill level from beginner to advanced.

NITTY GRITTY

A half day of instruction is $65 (adult); full day, $100. Contact freespirit-tours.com or 705-444-3622.

WHERE TO STAY

The Village at Blue in Collingwood is 20 minutes from Metcalf Rock. Rock climbing and other soft adventure tours can be booked at Blue Mountain Activity Central. For reservations, visit bluemountain.ca or call 705-445-0231.

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ADVENTURE: SCUBA DIVING

How does diving around shipwrecks rank on the adventure meter? Pretty good, but if you're concerned about dad's lack of diving experience, don't worry. Divers Den, a scuba diving shop in Tobermory, has a full open water course that will get beginners off land and under water in four days. FITNESS LEVEL

Divers Den requires a medical questionnaire be filled out before enrolling in the course.

FEAR FACTOR

Scuba diving, as with any sport, can be a risky if you aren't trained properly. People considering diving must be comfortable with the idea of using a system that serves as life support under water.

NITTY GRITTY

The full open water course is $495 (plus taxes). This includes instruction, rental scuba gear (except mask, fins and snorkel), all course materials and four open water dives. Contact diversden.ca or 519-596-2363.

WHERE TO STAY

Blue Bay Motel is in Little Tub Harbour, where boats leave for diving. Its basic, clean lodging but it books up quickly in the summer. Contact bluebay-motel.com/bbmoservices.html or 519-596-2392.

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ADVENTURE: OFF ROAD RIDING

Horseshoe Riding Adventures, near Barrie, provides off road rider training and guided tours for all levels. The centre has Yamaha mini-bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and all the gear needed to hop on a "bike."

FITNESS LEVEL

Off road riding is physically demanding. Participants should be in good shape.

FEAR FACTOR

Wipe-outs are not uncommon. Be prepared to go home bruised and covered in mud.

NITTY GRITTY

A half day is $150 (recommended for beginners); $225 for a full day. Contact cmts.org or 705-835-2790 ext. 1288.

WHERE TO STAY

Horseshoe Riding Adventures is adjacent to Horseshoe Resorts. For reservations, contact horseshoeresort.com or 1-800-461-5627.

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ADVENTURE: FLY-IN GOLF

For duffer dads, there's some adventure lite in the form of a seaplane that whisks golfers to courses in Muskoka and Niagara. Dad can play a round and be back home for dinner with the family.

FITNESS LEVEL

If you play golf, you can do this.

FEAR FACTOR

A smaller plane means a bumpier ride, but otherwise the amphibious seaplane is very comfortable.

NITTY GRITTY

Ultimate Travel Group provides a number of golf trips with departures from a variety of places in the Greater Toronto Area. Packages start at $539 (plus taxes) and includes flights, a cart, practice range and green fee. Contact ultimategolf.ca or 1-800-465-3034.