Tofino's growing popularity has spurned a huge increase in people making the Nanaimo to Tofino drive. Even though you can fly into Tofino, it can be expensive and car rentals once you're in Tofino are often an issue. The drive makes sense for the majority of people heading to the west coast of Vancouver Island and driving gives you the ultimate in flexibility. I have done the Nanaimo to Tofino drive at least a half…
For many people the hiking season ends when the snow starts to fly. But it doesn't have to be that way. Here in Alberta, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to winter hikes - where the only additional equipment you need is a pair of traction devices or icers. Getting out on a winter hike is a perfect way to improve your mood and perhaps give your mental health a much-needed boost, especially in…
If you're planning a trip to Tofino, be sure to allow part of a day to visit Ucluelet so you can hike the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop section - a stunning 2.6-kilometre section that features spectacular ocean views. The Lighthouse Loop is a great choice if you're short on time as you can knock it off in as little as 45 - 60 minutes. It's fun for families - with most of the trail…
A visit to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site just got more interesting, especially for the mountain biking, hiking, and trail running crowd with the opening of the multi-use Ukme'k Trail. In Mi'kmaq Ukme'k means twisted - and that's exactly what the new trail does. It winds through the forest, following the bends of the Mersey River for 6.3 kilometres. What it also does is provide a missing link - connecting to other area…
If you're after a different sort of hike - one where the goal is an ice cave rather than an alpine lake or mountain top, then I'd suggest the Canyon Creek Ice Cave hike, not far from Bragg Creek. It also goes by the name Bragg Creek Ice Cave and Moose Mountain Ice Cave. It's a full day hike now - as the trailhead was moved just off Highway 66, after a string of accidents…
Nova Scotia may be small compared to many Canadian provinces - but it packs a punch for its size. It's home to three national parks (Kejimkujik, Cape Breton Highlands and Sable Island), 13 national historic sites and six UNESCO sites including two that are biosphere reserves. You'll find everything from long white sand beaches to lakes that look like they've been taken out of a painting by the Group of Seven. Colourful coastal villages, cute…
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…