It doesn’t get much better than slathering on some sunscreen and a relaxing swim in a Canadian lake on a sunny day, but for some water lovers (for whom price clearly doesn’t matter), simple pleasures like pool noodles and inner tubes just won’t cut it. Whether you’re in the market for a massive new lake toy or you just want to gawk at how some cottagers spend their hard-earned cash, we’ve compiled some of the craziest cost-no-object toys for enjoying Canada’s all-too-brief summers at the lake.
Outdoors
The world’s most outlandish water toys
Rope Swing
Why swing out over the water on an old tire when you can experience the thrill of soaring and splashing in the middle of a lake! This freestanding rope swing from Rave Sports is easy to set up, consisting of a steel frame attached to a PVC base. There are three anchor points so you can adjust the height of your swing.
Zorb Ball
One of the most popular water toys in the world, these transparent balls (also called Zorbs) are simple in design but still pretty bizarre. Crawl inside and roll yourself into the lake, and you can literally walk on water. The balls come in different sizes, so you can decide whether to wobble around with the family or head out solo. A zipper on the side allows for easy entry and exit.
Water Trampoline
Island Hopper sells many different sizes of floating trampolines with up to 25 feet of bouncing space. That’s large enough for two enthusiastic adult bouncers and at least a few airborne children. You can choreograph an elaborate acrobatic routine, or just bounce yourself into the lake repeatedly. The trampoline comes with a four-step ladder so swimmers can easily climb back up.
Water Rocker
Climb on, get a good grip, and hold on tight. This inflatable circular rocker has handles for up to eight people and bounces wildly around on the water’s surface as they shift their weight. You may have dabbled in a similar style of fun with a buddy on an inner tube, but this takes it way up a notch. Aqua Glide sells a version called the Rockit.
Crazy UFO
Likely named for its resemblance to a flying saucer, this circular water toy from Crazy Shark turns tubing into a team sport. It has bench seating for up to six people so you can clutch on to each other for support as a powerboat yanks you through the water at dangerously exhilarating speeds.
Flying Fish
The Flying Fish is basically a large inflatable kite towed behind a powerboat. But the awesome part is that you and your friends can be sitting in that kite when it takes to the sky! You don’t quite get the same height, but the speed of the boat, combined with the right wind force, will send you soaring and crashing repeatedly. Adventure Sports Resort, which offers a flying fish experience, compares it to “riding a wild horse over the water.”
Jungle Gym
You can purchase all the pieces of this massive water sports centre from Wibit Sports separately, but they all connect together to form an unforgettable playground. It comes with a climbing wall, trampoline, swing, slide, spinner, bouncer, balance beams, and more. Become the toast of the cottage community by assembling one on the lake and inviting all your neighbours to paddle out and play along.
Katapult
Ever seen a silly cartoon of a seesaw mishap where one person goes flying up into the air? Then you understand how this launching pad from Aviva works. You lie down on the target at one end, your partner in crime slides down onto the other end, and their weight sends you into the sky rocketing into the stratosphere.
