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Adventure Cities

Heliconia
In Adventure Cities

Season 2 of Adventure Cities Set to Premiere on Discovery Channel Saturday, March 25th

Beachburg, Ontario – Award-winning video production company Heliconia is excited to announce the premiere of Adventure Cities Season 2 on the Discovery Channel on Saturday, March 25th. In the new season, host Jonathan Thompson takes viewers on an exhilarating journey to explore some of the most exciting and adventurous cities in the world.

The premiere episode features visits to Darwin, Australia and Sacramento, California, where Jonathan discovers the unique cultures, histories, and outdoor activities that make these cities truly special. Adventures include a safari, crocodile feeding, helicopter tours, waterfall swimming, rail biking, whitewater rafting, and experiencing the riches of a true farm-to-fork city. Throughout the season, viewers will also get to experience the unique adventures and attractions of Alice Springs, Long Beach, Québec City, Aqaba, Portland, Sapporo, Dallas, and Pensacola.

“We are thrilled to bring Adventure Cities back for a second season,” said Brendan Mark, Heliconia’s Executive Producer. “With Jonathan as our guide, viewers will get to see a side of these cities that they have never seen before. We are confident that audiences will be inspired to pack their bags and embark on their own adventures after tuning in.”

Adventure Cities is produced by Heliconia, a leading video production company known for producing high-quality outdoor adventure programming. The series is sure to be a hit with adventure seekers, travel enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fresh perspective on the world’s most exciting cities.

Tune in to Discovery Channel on Saturday, March 25th at 7 am EST, to catch the Season 2 premiere and join host Jonathan Thompson on an unforgettable journey of discovery and adventure.

ABOUT ADVENTURE CITIES: Adventure Cities follows award-winning travel journalist Jonathan Thompson as he searches for outdoor adventure and reveals the wonderful cultures, allures, and attractions of the world’s most fascinating urban centers. Each 30-minute episode is comprised of two, 10+minute Features and is broadcast into more than 130 million US TV households through Discovery Channel and Bally Sports Network. Tourism destinations interested in being featured on Adventure Cities are encouraged to reach out to Stefanie Manton at stefanie@helipress.com. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia’s goal is simple – to get more people outside and to help them become lifetime outdoor participants. The award-wining video production company does this by showcasing outdoor adventure and adventure travel through inspiring and educational content with industry-leading influencers. Heliconia currently produces six unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic Trails, Facing Waves, Adventure Cities, Great Family Adventure, Chad Hoover Fishing, and Road Trip Angler. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

Heliconia
In Adventure Cities

Adventure Cities – Trip Report: Poznań, Poland

The Adventure Cities team recently returned from an absolutely incredible film shoot in Poznań, Poland!

While there, the team experienced a wide variety of adventures including a hands-on visit to the Rogalowe Museum (a Croissant Museum), an intense 6-kart race at E1Gokart (an indoor-karting track), and toured the Museum of Armored Weapons. Here, Jonathan got to drive a SdKfz 6, a Second World War half-track military vehicle that used to transport troops and tow a howitzer. The vehicle, which had been set on fire and fully submerged in a swamp, was fully restored by L. Col Orgrodniczuk’s team, which manufactured some parts from scratch as they were no longer available.

The history didn’t stop there. Jonathan also visited the Potato Museum (Poznańskie Muzeum Pyry), the Enigma Cipher Centre (Centrum Szyfrōw Enigma) and toured Cathedral Island tour in a 1972 Fiat 126.

Poznań is also home to a surprising number of high-adrenaline adventures as Jonathan quickly learnt. He reached deep to face his fears and jumped into a 150 ft high swing over the soccer pitch at Stadion Poznań courtesy of Joy Factory at City Stadium.

Jonathan also jumped out a airplane at 17,000 feet with the crew at Sky Camp. He experienced 1.5 seconds of freefall before the parachute was opened.

High adventure with feet on the ground, Jonathan got the full medieval experience at Pobiedziska Stronghold (Gród Pobiedziska). Here, Jonathan and the Adventure Cities crew quickly learnt that when the host told them “no soft play”, he wasn’t kidding. Jonathan dressed up in early medieval armor and took part in an ‘epic battle of the bridge’, followed by a traditional medieval feast.

From engaging museums and historical tours to adrenaline pumping extreme adventure, and everything in between, Poznań, Poland has proved itself to be one of the most surprising and exciting Adventure Cities to date.

ABOUT ADVENTURE CITIES: Adventure Cities follows award-winning travel journalist Jonathan Thompson as he searches for outdoor adventure and reveals the wonderful cultures, allures, and attractions of the world’s most fascinating urban centers. Each 30-minute episode is comprised of two, 10+minute Features and is broadcast into more than 130 million US TV households through Discovery Channel and Outside TV. Tourism destinations interested in being featured on Adventure Cities are encouraged to reach out to Stefanie Manton-Ward at stefanie@helipress.com. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia is an award-winning video production company that helps destinations and brands reach the US adventure travel audience. The company produces eight unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic Trails, Epic Trails: Mountain Biking, Facing Waves, Adventure Cities, Great Family Adventure, Chad Hoover Fishing and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard by the adventure travel community in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

Heliconia
In Adventure Cities

Adventure Cities Trip Report – Charleston, SC

Jonathan and the Adventures Cities team recently set off to find the best adventures in Charleston, South Carolina – a city often referred to as the ‘holy city’ for its numerous historic churches and known as being the epitome of good ol’ Southern charm and charisma.

While in Charleston, the Adventure Cities team tried to hit par at the Charleston Municipal golf course. More than a superb course, the Charleston Municipal golf course is a community hub where everyone seems to know each other’s name (with apologies to Cheers).

No trip to Charleston would be complete without a sailing adventure. The great team at Keelforce Sailing Charters, Charleston’s only performance sailing yacht charter, had Jonathan sailing across the Charleston Harbor at record speeds in near-perfect conditions.

While in Charleston, Jonathan also tried his luck at surfing on Isle of Palms, explored the beautiful beaches of Seabrook Island by horseback, attended a private ‘shag workshop’ (shag being the ‘swing dance of the South’), visited Firefly Distillery, the largest distillery in the state, went parasailing, and took in a one-of-a-kind crabbing experience with Charleston native and owner of Casual Crabbing with Tia, Tia Clark.

Oh… did we forget to mention ghost hunting?? Teaming up with investigators from Charleston Paranormal, Jonathan and the crew set out to investigate the historic, and notoriously haunted, Dock Street Theatre. Be sure to catch the final episode to see the entire investigation and “special guests” who decided to join the Adventure Cities crew that night!

ABOUT ADVENTURE CITIES: Adventure Cities follows award-winning travel journalist Jonathan Thompson as he searches for outdoor adventure and reveals the wonderful cultures, allures, and attractions of the world’s most fascinating urban centers. Each 30-minute episode is comprised of two, 10+minute Features and is broadcast into more than 130 million US TV households through Discovery Channel and Outside TV. Tourism destinations interested in being featured on Adventure Cities are encouraged to reach out to Stefanie Manton-Ward at stefanie@helipress.com. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca.

Heliconia
In Adventure Cities

Adventure Cities set to Premiere on Discovery Channel, March 26th

Heliconia, the video production and marketing company behind the adventure travel series Epic Trails and Facing Waves, is pleased to announce that their newest series, Adventure Cities, is set to premiere nationwide on Discovery Channel on Saturday, March 26th at 8am EST. The first episode showcases the adventurous sides of Geneva, Switzerland and Québec City, Canada.

Adventure Cities is a timely and inspiring adventure travel show hosted by award-winning travel journalist, Jonathan Thompson. “In a post-pandemic world where everyone is desperate to plan proper vacations again, adventure travel and city breaks don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” explains Thompson. “Our goal [with Adventure Cities] is to dive into the heart of that vigorous Venn diagram: reintroducing some of the world’s best cities through the thrilling adventures and extreme sports you can experience while staying in each of them.”

Beginning with Geneva and Québec City, Season 1 of Adventure Cities will feature one exciting and adrenaline-pumping city after another, including: Amman (Jordan), Ottawa (Canada), St. Pete / Clearwater (USA), Zürich (Switzerland), Banff (Canada), Juneau (USA), Charleston (USA), and Poznan (Poland). The adventures range from flyboarding in Florida to urban surfing in the heart of Zurich’s Financial District, dogsledding through the Rocky Mountains to tackling North America’s highest bungee jump, and more. 

In case you miss the series premiere on March 26th, you will be able to catch all the action the following week as the episode will be made available for streaming on Discovery GO. Between airings, adventure travel enthusiasts may access inspiring content on Jonathan’s Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts.

ABOUT ADVENTURE CITIES: Adventure Cities follows award-winning travel journalist Jonathan Thompson as he searches for outdoor adventure and reveals the wonderful cultures, allures, and attractions of the world’s most fascinating urban centers. Each 30-minute episode is comprised of two, 10+minute Features and is broadcast into more than 90 million US TV households through Discovery Channel. Planning is currently underway for Season 2 of Adventure Cities, and tourism destinations and brands interested in being featured on the show are encouraged to reach out to Lauren at info@heliconia.ca. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia is an award-winning video production company that helps destinations and brands reach the US adventure travel audience. The company produces eight unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic Trails, Epic Trails: Mountain Biking, Facing Waves, Adventure Cities, Great Family Adventure, Chad Hoover Fishing, and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard by the adventure travel community in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

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In Adventure Cities

Adventure Cities – Trip Report: Banff & Lake Louise, Canada

Snowy mountains, dogsledding, and flannel – oh my!

Jonathan and the Adventure Cities team had an incredible time in the iconic cities of Banff & Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.

It was truly a ‘jam-packed’ film shoot with bucket-list after bucket-list of adventures to experience. With the support of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, Jonathan, with film crew in tow, braved the cold (-37 Celsius) weather and went fat biking, snowshoeing, skiing, ice climbing and caving. The team also took in some iconic indoor experiences, like cheese fondue at The Grizzly House, visiting Rocky Mountain Flannel, and recharging at the world famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

While difficult to choose a favorite experience, one highlight for sure was skating on frozen Lake Louise with Canadian figure skater Carlotta Edwards.

Banff & Lake Louise is an outstanding destination and the definition of what make memorable, and must-visit, Adventure Cities.  

ABOUT ADVENTURE CITIES: Adventure Cities follows award-winning travel journalist Jonathan Thompson as he searches for outdoor adventure and reveals the wonderful cultures, allures, and attractions of the world’s most fascinating urban centers. Each 30-minute episode is comprised of two, 10+minute Features and is broadcast into more than 130 million US TV households through Discovery Channel and Outside TV. Tourism destinations interested in being featured on Adventure Cities are encouraged to reach out to Stefanie Manton-Ward at stefanie@helipress.com. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia is an award-winning video production company that helps destinations and brands reach the US adventure travel audience. The company produces eight unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic Trails, Epic Trails: Mountain Biking, Facing Waves, Adventure Cities, Great Family Adventure, Chad Hoover Fishing and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard by the adventure travel community in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

Heliconia
In Adventure Cities

Adventure Cities Trip Report – Amman, Jordan

The Adventure Cities team has another successful film shoot under their belt, this one in Amman, Jordan. A unique city of contrasts (think layered histories and ultra-modern amenities nestled between the fertile Jordan Valley and the desert), Amman is a city unlike any other – a fact that Adventure Cities host Jonathan Thompson can now attest to.

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In Adventure Cities

Adventure Cities Trip Report – Québec City

The Adventure Cities team recently returned from a jam-packed film shoot in historic and alluring Québec City. This was the third film shoot of the series, and both Adventure Cities host, Jonathan Thompson, and the film crew were blown away by the adventures they had the privilege of experiencing.

While in Québec City, the Adventure Cities team stayed at the iconic and luxurious Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This was their home-base for their many adventures, which included kayaking in the striking Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, climbing up the side of les Chutes Montmorency, ice cream at Ile d’Orléans, visiting the Plains of Abraham, and playing lacrosse, Canada’s national summer sport.

Jonathan also had the opportunity to visit the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations and the Ekionkiestha’ National Longhouse. Here, Jonathan learnt about the history, heritage, and vibrant culture of the Huron-Wendat nation. Earlier that day, the team was also treated to a traditional performance by Troupe Sandokwa.

The Adventure Cities episode featuring Québec City will air in spring 2022 on Outside TV. In the meantime, be sure to follow Adventure Cities‘ host, Jonathan Thompson, on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, for more adventures.

ABOUT ADVENTURE CITIES: Adventure Cities follows award-winning travel journalist Jonathan Thompson as he searches for outdoor adventure and reveals the wonderful cultures, allures, and attractions of the world’s most fascinating urban centers. Each 30-minute episode is comprised of two, 10+minute Features and is broadcast into more than 44+ million US TV households through Outside TV. Tourism destinations interested in being featured on Adventure Cities are encouraged to reach out to Stefanie Manton-Ward at stefanie@helipress.com. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia is an award-winning video production company that helps destinations and brands reach the US adventure travel audience. The company produces eight unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic Trails, Epic Trails: Mountain Biking, Facing Waves, Adventure Cities, Great Family Adventure, BA Fishing, Chad Hoover Fishing and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard by the adventure travel community in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

Heliconia
In Adventure Cities

Filming for Adventure Cities has Officially Begun

Heliconia, the video production and marketing company behind the adventure travel series Epic Trails and Facing Waves, is pleased to announce that filming has officially begun for Adventure Cities – a timely and inspiring adventure travel show hosted by award-winning travel journalist, Jonathan Thompson.

Cities are the cultural centers of our planet and provide endless opportunity for exploration. They are also home – or gateways – to incredible outdoor adventure. The Adventure Cities series follows Jonathan on his travels as he searches for adventure and reveals the wonderful cultures, allures, and attractions of the world’s most fascinating urban centers.

The first film shoot of the new series took place earlier this summer in two incredible cities in Switzerland: Zürich and Geneva. Partnering with Switzerland Tourism, the team spent eight days filming everything from watch and knife making, tuk-tuk fondue rides, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, surfing, hiking, and visiting spectacular waterfalls.

The second film shoot of the series just wrapped up in lively and historic Québec City. Following that, filming will continue in Ottawa, Canada; Amman, Jordan; Banff, Canada; Krakow, Poland; Charleston, South Carolina; St. Pete Clearwater, Florida; and Juneau, Alaska. The series is set to premiere on Outside TV in 2022.  

Filming for season one of this exciting new project is now sold out, but destinations interested in being featured in season two of Adventure Cities are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Partnership Manager, Stefanie Manton-Ward at stefanie@helipress.com.

ABOUT HELICONIA:

Heliconia is an award-winning video production and marketing company that helps destinations and brands reach the US adventure travel audience. The company produces nine unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic Trails, Epic Trails: Mountain Biking, Facing Waves, Adventure Cities, Great Family Adventure, BA Fishing, Peak Experience, Chad Hoover Fishing and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard by the adventure travel community in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

ABOUT ADVENTURE CITIES:

Adventure Cities follows award-winning travel journalist Jonathan Thompson as he searches for outdoor adventure and reveals the wonderful cultures, allures, and attractions of the world’s most fascinating urban centers. Each 30-minute episode is comprised of two, 10+minute Features and is broadcast into more than 44+ million US TV households through Outside TV. Tourism destinations interested in being featured on Adventure Cities are encouraged to reach out to Stefanie Manton-Ward at stefanie@helipress.com. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca.