Why do I have to take a "lesson" - can't I just go for a ride?

Unlike in Europe, where every mountain resort offers "Taxi-Flights" as pure joy rides, in Canada, the federal aviation body (Transport Canada) allows tandem flights exclusively for instructional purposes. Not to worry, you will still get to enjoy the pleasure of free flight but you will end up learning a thing or two in the process! (e.g. the basics of what makes a paraglider fly, how it is controlled, launched and landed,etc.).