Just because it’s cold outside and the ground is covered in snow doesn’t mean you can’t go hiking! In fact, one of the best things to do in Canmore in the winter is hiking. This cute mountain town is surrounded by trails that are just as accessible in the winter as the summer. And the best part? Some of the best winter hikes in Canmore are actually even more beautiful in the snow! Expect a…
For a fabulous multi-day backpacking trip that includes an amazing alpine traverse, hike the Brazeau Loop trail in the southern part of Jasper National Park. The trail crosses three passes as it loops through a landscape of wildflower filled meadows, passing numerous mountain peaks and the stunning, turquoise-coloured Brazeau Lake - a large backcountry lake along the route. The Brazeau Loop trail is in an area that is reportedly wildlife rich - though the only…
My annual outdoor lovers holiday gift guide is here. My biggest find in 2021 is the Solo Stove - a highly portable fire pit that delivers heat and a clean burn. A couple of new backpacking products I really like are featured along with my perennial brand fave - YETI. I've included lots of books - from guidebooks to adventure reads. I've also included chocolate from a company I very much admire for what they've…
As the largest city in Atlantic Canada, Halifax has loads to offer the visitor, especially with its location adjacent to one of the largest and deepest ice-free harbours in the world. What that means for water lovers is that you can easily access the Atlantic Ocean and beaches galore, along with loads of interesting attractions, activities, amazing food, and nightlife. There are so many things to do in Halifax, I think you'll find you need…
Banff National Park may be quieter in the winter, but its not lacking for winter activities. In fact, locals love to visit as there's so much to do including a great assortment of winter hikes in Banff and nearby. There's something for everyone especially in the easy and moderate category. When it comes to the more difficult winter hikes in Banff, you're usually getting into a bigger elevation day, so there's likely more snow. Cue…
For those of you who love a dedicated bike trail (albeit a multi-use one), check out the scenic NorthStar Rails to Trails that stretches for 26 kilometres between Cranbrook and Kimberley, British Columbia. Along its length, you are treated to views of the Steeples range, the Purcell range, and pretty St. Mary's River. Visit in late September and October for breathtaking fall colours. The trail, completed in 2010, is on a former CP railway bed…
Boom Lake is a turquoise beauty, sitting beneath 600-metre cliffs in Banff National Park. It's accessible from as early as June until late October, though you may have to tromp through some snow at that time. And it's a fabulous cross-country skiing destination come the winter, through beware of avalanche chutes if you venture onto some sections of the lake. The Boom Lake hike is easy but not as interesting as many in the park.…
Cranbrook bills itself as the basecamp of the Kootenays as it offers easy access to a wealth of outdoor adventures, both within the city borders and close by in Kimberley, Fernie, Elko and on the way towards Invermere. The city of around 21,000 people enjoys a magnificent mountain setting with the Purcell Mountains to the west and the Rocky Mountains to the east. What that means for hikers is loads of trails across a range…
The Nootka Trail now ranks as my favourite coastal trail in BC. It stretches for 37 kilometres along the west coast of Nootka Island off the coast of Vancouver Island. What it offers is a true wilderness experience with a backdrop of sublime west coast scenery. Most of the hike is beside the ocean on a mix of hardpacked sand beach, slippery boulders, and rocky shelves. The forest hiking ranges from spectacular with massive giant…
One of the best things that has happened to the Tofino - Ucluelet corridor in years, at least in my opinion, is the building of a new 25 km multi-use trail called ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced: ups-cheek ta-shee and meaning going in the right direction on the trail) through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The trail in the park is bookended by a multi-use trail in Tofino along with another multi-use trail in Ucluelet, providing an…