This region offers a multitude of alternative sports, from climbing in Fundy to hiking in Port Elgin

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Summer is the season of swimming, baseball, soccer and many other traditional outdoor sports. For many people, these standards provide all of the exercise and enjoyment needed, but other people prefer trying non-traditional pursuits.

Fortunately for those people looking to try something a little different, South Eastern New Brunswick offers plenty of opportunity.

Families may enjoy hiking along one of the many trails in our region, ranging from the well marked trails in Centennial or Irishtown Parks to the Trans-Canada trail to the nearly 60 kilometres of the Dobson Trail that run from Fundy Park to Riverview.

With literally hundreds of kilometres of trails of varying scenery and difficulty within an hour of Moncton it would take weeks to explore them all.

Many people in our region are also discovering the growing sport of geocaching. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt which involves using a handheld GPS to search for hidden containers of various sizes.

Once found, the geocacher signs a log book recording their visit and they may also trade something of theirs for something in the geocache. Geocaching is already quite popular in our region and the province of New Brunswick has well over 3000 geocaches hidden within it's borders, over 500 of them within half an hour of Moncton.

One of the main reasons that geocaching is growing in popularity is due to it's variety. Many geocaches can be found in urban areas or along small walking areas which are accessible to even families with small children.

Others involve long, difficult hikes and even lengthy bushwhacking through forests for those looking for a more physical challenge. A basic membership at www.geocaching.com is free, which is also attractive for many individuals and families.

Rock climbing and bouldering are two other activities which may offer new challenges for outdoor enthusiasts. Atlantic Canada is filled with some of the best climbing around, as our rugged coastlines and glacier carved landscape provide ideal climbing.

One example of a unique climbing opportunity is at Cape Enrage where adventurers are not only able to attempt to scale a sheer rockface, but to enjoy one of the worlds most scenic views as they ascend.

Cape Enrage also offers a variety of other adventures ranging from rappelling down the side of the cliffs, to flying down a zip line or sea kayaking.

Various groups within the area also offer canoeing safety courses and there are many places within a short drive to explore on the water. The reservoir in Irishtown Park is only one of many places that people visit to enjoy the calmness and beauty of open water surrounded by wilderness and wildlife.

Not only is it great exercise, but a great form of therapy for those feeling stressed by everyday life.

With longer days and the warmer season upon us, there is not reason for us to be stuck inside or looking for something to do. There is no time like the present - get out there and explore!