The Columbia Icefields Parkway stretches for 232 km between Lake Louise and Jasper, Alberta. It's one of the prettiest drives in Canada - and indeed the world. While you can knock it off comfortably in three to four hours, that doesn't allow for any stops. At a minimum, take the day to drive the parkway - but if you've got a week, then you'll have time to get out and explore some of the gorgeous…
The Rawson Lake hike in Alberta's Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is one of a few that you can do year-round, no matter what the weather throws at you. You can knock it off in half a day - whether you hike it in summer or snowshoe it in winter. It's family-friendly if your kids are regular hikers and are 8 years of age or older. If you want to do a full day of hiking,…
We all know that 2020 was an insanely awful year - a year we want to put behind us even if it's one we'll talk about for the rest of our lives. While I was certainly affected, I was also spared the worst of 2020. No one I was close to caught the virus (though my mother was in a long term care home that saw a major outbreak.) I always had food on my…
Looking for some new Alberta hikes that not everyone knows about? Over the years, I have explored some of the less well-known areas of the province and discovered numerous hikes that aren't very popular - yet. On some, I've barely seen a soul and on others there's been moderate traffic. While a couple of these Alberta hikes aren't as drop-dead gorgeous as the popular ones you'll find in the Lake Louise area or even Kananaskis…
The Goat Lake hike in Waterton Lakes National Park reopened in the summer 2020. It had been closed for several years due to the 2017 Kenow fire that devastated some of the infrastructure in the park, including part of the Red Rock Parkway - the pretty access road to the trailhead. The trail to Goat Lake was closed many times again in 2020, but that was on account of bear activity. Two days before my…
Yoho National Park in British Columbia isn't very big compared to its next-door neighbour - Banff National Park. But the park is one I'd highly recommend visiting if you're doing any kind of cross-Canada road trip or even the popular Vancouver to Calgary drive because what it lacks in size, it makes up for in mountain splendour! It's also accessible as a day trip from Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise and Golden. Yoho National Park is…
Snowshoeing in Banff National Park is a fun, invigorating way to spend time outdoors in winter. It's hard to beat rosy cheeks and the glow you get after a few hours outdoors in Mother Nature. In Banff National Park, there are loads of trails to choose from - including some that will get your heart pounding for hours at a time. Don't worry though. There are plenty of easy, family-friendly options for those of you…
For a take-your-breath-away beautiful multi-day hiking trip in the Canadian Rockies, you must put the Tonquin Valley trail in Jasper National Park on your hiking wish list. You've probably seen postcards with the famous Ramparts in touristy shops in Banff or Jasper. They're a mountain range with 10 named summits like Drawbridge, Bastion, Dungeon and Turret Peak - towering over beautiful Amethyst Lakes and the main reason you want to do this hike. But there…
For a magnificent but long day hike or an outstanding 3 - 4-day backpacking trip that offers waterfalls, gorgeous mountain lakes, wildflowers, glaciers, and the enchanting Petain Basin, visit Elk Lakes Provincial Park in British Columbia. Specifically do the hike to Lower and Upper Elk Lake and the Petain Waterfall. If you've got the time and the stamina continue up the very steep trail to explore the spectacular Petain Basin after the snow has melted…
Wondering what to get the wannabe traveler and outdoor lover for birthdays or holidays this year? I've put together a list of things I personally love - including books, winter gear and games, along with a few random products that I think would make great gifts. This year I'd recommend ordering early because of ongoing disruptions in the supply chain, uncertain demand and longer than normal shipping times. Keep in mind that this post does…