- Home
- About
- Canada
- US
- Destinations
- Adventures
- Guides
- Canada
- A Guide to Biking From Banff to Jasper, Alberta
- A Guide to Biking the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia
- A Biking Guide for Quebec’s Eastern Townships
- A Guide to Biking British Columbia’s Gulf Islands
- Niagara Area Bike and Wine Tour Guide
- A Guide to Visiting and Biking the Okanagan Valley in BC
- A Guide to Biking Prince Edward County, Ontario
- Vancouver Airport Layover Guide
- A Bike and Wine Tour Guide for Victoria to the Cowichan Valley
- US
- Europe
- South America
- Canada
- Book & Gear Reviews
- Travel Resources
- Contact
This is My Canada – and It’s a Wild One
There’s another travel blog roulette doing the rounds. This one was organized by Pamela from Spunky Girl Monologues. It was her idea to have Canadian travel bloggers showcase what they love about their country. My thanks go to Lisa at Gone With the Family for tagging me.
When I think of My Canada – I think in terms of the wild places I’ve come to love.
Kayaking along Valdes Island – one of BC’s Gulf Islands
I’ve lived almost entirely in cities – except for short stints in Wolfville and Halls Harbour, Nova Scotia as well as Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. I am definitely happiest when I am out of them – despite appreciating the benefits of what they offer.
I am always happy to explore the wild Canada – via a kayak or canoe, on foot, skis or via a bike. I’m not fussy; I just want to be outside and away from the trappings of modern day life.
I thought I’d take you on a photo journey of some of the wild places I’ve been to on Canada over the past few years.
Abandoned fishing village on Michipicoten Island in Lake Superior
A 10 day canoe trip on the Thelon River up to the Northwest Territories is the most remote I’ve ever been in Canada. It took us at least three hours by float plane from Fort Smith – which itself is in the middle of nowhere – to get up to our put in.
Scouting the rapids of the remote Thelon River in the Northwest Territories
A four day backpacking trip of the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park took my friend Sarah and I deep into grizzly country though fortunately we never saw one. The trail is tough but rewards with scenic vistas and the drop dead gorgeous Floe Lake in the photo below.
Floe Lake on the Rockwall Trail
Boating to the end of Princess Louisa Inlet off of the Sunshine Coast transports you to another world; it feels very far removed from Vancouver – yet it’s possible to visit the area as a long day trip.
The far end of Princess Louisa Inlet
Yoho National Park’s Iceline Trail can take you past the crowds and the Takkakaw Falls view into the remote President Range where the glaciers and mountains render you insignificant.
Feeling dwarfed by the glaciers in the President Range, Yoho National Park
You can’t beat the Rainbow Range in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park for its hiking and the beauty of the area. This is grizzly country too – but fortunately we didn’t even see bear scat.
Looking at the Rainbow Range of mountains in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
And close to Calgary though it feels like you’re in a different world is the kayaking that’s possible on Maligne Lake near Jasper. The area is world renowned for its beauty. Allow three days to appreciate the lake and the remote hike on the Henry MacLeod Trail at the far end of Maligne Lake.
Kayaking Maligne Lake
I could go on and on about how Canada’s wild places speak to me. But I won’t. Instead I’d like to tag Jody Robbins at Travels With Baggage and get her version of My Canada.
Do you share my version of a wild Canada or are you more cities oriented?
Leigh McAdam
HikeBikeTravel
Facebook
Twitter
Vote for my article on WorldTravelist.com, sharing the best travel content on the web.
About Hike Bike TravelAvid world traveler. Craves adventure - & the odd wildly epic day. Gardener. Reader. Wine lover. Next big project - a book on 100 Canadian outdoor adventures.
View all posts by Hike Bike Travel →
43 Responses to This is My Canada – and It’s a Wild One
Leave a Reply
About
I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
Feel free to email me at
leighmcadamtravels at gmail dot com
STAY CONNECTED
Food Recipes and Restaurants
Surprising Saskatoon: A City of Great Restaurants
TweetSaskatoon took me aback. I figured since it was a prairie city, seemingly in the middle of nowhere – that there would be a backwoods feel to the whole food scene. But was I ever wrong. Saskatoon is a city of great restaurants. Within an hour of landing I was enjoying a fantastic lunch at Souleio’s on [...]
There is nowhere like the northern territories…. staggering wilderness. Once you go, they call you back over and over again. It’s been almost three years since I was last north of 60, and I can hear them calling…
Dave recently posted..Agra: Touring the Baby Taj & Old Fort
@Dave I’m heading north of the 60th parallel again this summer. I have a two week backpacking trip planned in Auyuittuq NP.
Love the amazing places you have been! There is so much of Canada I have to see. Would love to get out more and experience the natural beauty – while I cycled past YoHo when I went across Canada, I didn’t see all that it has to offer. That photo is amazing! All your photos are – thanks for sharing a part of Canada I have yet to explore – the wilder, more natural side!
AnitaMac recently posted..Celebrate: FriFotos from around the world
@Anita I think I could continue to discover Canada for the rest of my life. In fact over the next 18 months I’ll be uncovering some great parts of the country for my upcoming book – 100 Quintessential Canadian Outdoor Adventures.
This is fantastic. I’m certainly much more of a city person, but this is making me think I should get out and see more of the natural beauty Canada has.
Alouise recently posted..Visiting The Backstreet Cultural Museum in New Orleans
@Alouise There are certainly things I love about the city but given my druthers I’d much rather explore the wild places. That’s not to say I don’t like coming home to a comfortable bed when possible.
Love your photos, Leigh – Canada’s wilderness is just stunning! And I think that is the first reference that I have heard to Michipicoten since I left Northern Ontario!
Lisa recently posted..One Day in Geneva
@Lisa I was lucky enough to kayak around the whole of Michipicoten Island a few years ago. It was a great wilderness experience. You can see the highlights – if interested – in this post.
Beautiful! My parents used to take me to Canada frequently as a kid. I’m really excited to get back there this April and May to explore. I’m headed to Niagara in the Lake and also hopefully in search of the spirit bears.
Jennifer recently posted..A Chilly Adventure at Iglu-Dorf
@Jennifer If you’re in NOTL be sure to rent a bike and cycle to Niagara Falls. I have a free cycling guide for the area that might be useful.
Really gorgeous pictures, as always. I want to get up to the NWT so badly!
Dalene recently posted..In a Cave, on a Tube
@Dalene The NWT feel so far removed from what most of us think of as Canada. As I flew to our put in I couldn’t get over the sheer number of lakes. The wildlife up in the Territories is second to none too.
What beautiful photos. Makes me want to follow your footsteps!
santafetraveler recently posted..Photo of the week: weaving
@Billie I hope you come and explore the wilder side of Canada one day soon.
I see something happened to my comment-lol.I wanted to say that the photos were breath-taking. So much unspoiled land up there.
santafetraveler recently posted..Santa Fe dining: a culinary dance
@Billie – Your first comment is in there – just down a bit further. And I agree about the fact that we have so much unspoiled land! I think we’re very lucky.
Beautiful. Canada is very clean country, isn’t it? It is pity, but it is so far from Europe
But once upon a time I will visit it… I hope.
Victor Tribunsky recently posted..Our Adventure on the Epiphany of the Lord: Russian Winter, Russian Cuisine and Russian Bath
@Victor Canada has a reputation for being clean and even shall I say slightly boring. But the wild parts of Canada are anything but and Canada has lots to offer with regards to restaurants & cultural activities.
You’ve certainly seen some amazing parts of Canada Leigh. The countryside is absolutely stunning. This is how I have always imagined Canada to be.. wild and beautiful! it’s a shame that as tourists we always seem to head for the cities when visiting a country. It’s time to explore!
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..The Queen’s Theatre at Versailles
@Jenny It is wild and beautiful but most people find that foreign and unconformable. That’s why it never takes long to get away from the crowds on the trails or the lakes. I do love cities – but only up to point – and mostly for the dining and the odd cultural event.
Your photos are as stunning as your experiences, Leigh. We’ve enjoyed Canada outings and keep saying we must expand our travels there – you keep providing constant enticements to do just that.
Jackie Smith recently posted..WA Weekend: A bus trip to “The Center of the Universe’
@Jackie We’re not far away so I hope you do get up visit.
Great post!
Always good to give people a reminder of how beautiful Canada is! (I’m not talking about me, I know how awesome & wild the land to our north is
)
Erik recently posted..New Zealand- Chapter Twenty-Six: Cape Reinga & The Spirits of the North (pt.1)
@Erik Thank you. I hope you come up to visit us again sometime soon.
The photo of the Floe Lake on the Rockwall Trail is just breath-taking. My friends from Canada live nearby, the are so lucky!
Agness recently posted..Snapshots of Oslo
@Agness We were also very lucky to catch the whole hike under sunny skies.
Wow what amazing photos! The wilderness looks amazing, you must get a real sense of freedom when out in places like this eh?
Imperative Travel recently posted..Top 8 Tips tо Save оn Travel Insurance
@Imperative That’s one of the reasons why I like to get into the wilds – for the sense of freedom.
Canada looks so beautiful in pictures! I’d love to visit someday.
@Nida I hope you get the opportunity. There is a lot of country to discover.
@Nida I hope you get the chance.
I’ve only explored the city/town side of Canada mostly. I cannot wait to see more of its nature. Whistler was a great taster
Christina recently posted..Flightseeing in Vancouver: Grouse Mountain helicopter ride
@Christina Whistler definitely is a place to open your eyes at some of the natural beauty that abounds in Canada. I highly recommend hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park. And if you’re up for it try the Black Tusk hike.
Beautiful photos as always. When I think of coming to Canada, I think about it’s wilderness, not its cities, I must admit – though I’ll probably check those out too. I would LOVE seeing bears in nature. Can’t imagine what it’s like to live close to them, though. Question – what’s a float plane? Does it float on water?
Ayelet – All Colores recently posted..70 Fantastic Tips and Stories for Your Ultimate Winter Wonderland Travel Joy
@Ayelet A float plane is one that takes off and lands on water. They’re used extensively in northern Canada. Some have wheels for landing on runways. Many of these planes are very small but provide quick and easy access to very remote country.
And this is why we’re going to Canada for some alpine climbing this summer. Can’t wait!
jill recently posted..Mauna Kea, Sunset At 13000 Ft
@Jill And you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Such amazing images. I’ve seen my country in a whole new light!
@Jody I was hoping to show parts of Canada people weren’t familiar with.
Oh man I haven’t seen any of this….yet!
Ayngelina recently posted..Thriving on uncertainty
@Ayngelina Hopefully one day – perhaps with promises of good food at the end of a hike or day of kayaking.
I love that you lived in Wolfville/Hall’s Harbour – that’s where my family is from!
I can’t wait to see ALL of this, this summer (okay, maybe as much as possible if not all)…. I’m bringing my Kiwi boyfriend home, and we’re driving across the country from west to east!
Kate – CanuckiwiKate recently posted..Countdown to travel: 3 months to go
@Kate I just booked a flight o Halifax and have two weeks planned exploring Nova Scotia in June – and I’m looking forward to visiting old haunts.