Samantha Viger had never thrown an axe in her life until she stepped into the lane at 琉璃神社鈥檚 Axe Monkeys.

Within a few throws, she had a handle on the technique; a few throws later, she could feel she was getting a bit of a workout, but more than that, she was having a lot of fun.

鈥淚 was surprised at how fun it was and I liked that you got a little workout,鈥� says Viger, who recently joined the team as general manager of the the growing company鈥檚 flagship location.

After relocating from her hometown of Montreal, she鈥檚 thrilled to combine her experience in sales and management, human resources and as a personal trainer into one perfect job.

鈥淚t was the right next step in my professional career and it鈥檚 a good time 鈥� it鈥檚 really refreshing,鈥� Viger says.

So, what do you need to know to channel your inner lumberjack?

Unlike some facilities, Axe Monkeys use real wood logs. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the most authentic experience you can have,鈥� says Viger, whose crew of eight certified axe trainers can also show guests how to wield spears and knives. 鈥淓ach item is very different, but they鈥檙e all fun to try.鈥�

Safety first: Participants must be at least seven years old to participate, and can choose from axes of different sizes and weights. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had mothers and sons, date nights, kids and older people.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 really unique and there鈥檚 some physicality to it, but鈥檚 not actually as hard as people think,鈥� Viger says.

Walk-ins and group events are welcome: Axe Monkeys welcomes groups of all sizes 鈥� everything from birthdays and corporate events to team-building sessions and bachelor/ette or divorce parties. It also makes for a unique gift 鈥� we鈥檙e looking at you, Father鈥檚 Day!

A league of their own: Darts have nothing on this, but the principle is similar 鈥� Viger plans to start a league that features some of the many games organizes for groups, such as basketball鈥檚 Around the World. 鈥淭he games are a great way to make it more of a challenge and to measure your progress,鈥� Viger says.

Axes on the move: Mobile axe throwing? Book their mobile, two-alley unit and they鈥檒l bring axe throwing to you! 鈥淲e can help host your event or party with extra AXE-citement!鈥�

To learn more, or to book your axe-throwing adventure, call 778-293-6665, visit or stop by at . Enjoy free transportation to and from Axe Monkeys from any hotel in 琉璃神社 with Let鈥檚 Go Transportation!