The Hailstone Butte hike in southern Kananaskis Country exceeded all expectations, especially as an early season destination. The hike is short – as in just 2 km one way, so fit people good at scrambling could be on top of Hailstone Butte 30 – 40 minutes after leaving the parking lot. Many of you might wonder, why bother with such a short hike when it’s a bit of a haul to get here from the Calgary area? For starters, it’s a pretty drive through the rolling foothills to get to the trailhead. This is an area that isn’t very busy,…
Author: Leigh McAdam
Jasper National Park is a fantastic destination for hikers and backpackers. On the 15 plus best hikes in Jasper described – and personally tested – enjoy everything from a scenic 30-minute hike to Pyramid Island to world-class multi-day hikes in the Rockies showcasing some of the finest mountain scenery on the planet. Marvel at meadows of wildflowers, stunning waterfalls and rushing water through eroded canyons. There are family-friendly lake hikes, mountain peaks to climb and some easy strolls. What’s the very best day hike in Jasper? That’s a tough question but if I had to pick only one, I’d go…
It’s that time of year when the 2023 spring outdoor lover’s gear guide comes out showcasing new products that have hit the market just in time for summer. Every year I’m lucky to have companies reach out to me to try and test their latest offerings. In 2023, there are some wonderful backpacks, a pair of ergonomic slippers that transition well to office and shopping, rain gear that’s easy on the budget, a patch hat with cool logos out of Ottawa, the lightest t-shirt you could ever want, a super-light, soft as silk hoodie shirt, a must-have camp tote organizer…
Last updated:May 16, 2023 The 150-mile long Great Allegheny Passage also called the GAP follows a non-motorized crushed limestone trail from Cumberland, Maryland to downtown Pittsburgh. It can be explored on both bike and on foot but I think a Great Allegheny Passage bike trip is the way to go over a 3 – 4 day ride. It combines well with the C&O Canal Towpath that runs between Cumberland, Maryland and Washington, DC. If you’ve got a week, you can cycle between Pittsburgh and Washington, DC, either guided, or self-supported. There are B&B’s, hotels and other accommodation options along the…
Biking 290 km from Banff to Jasper is one of the most impressive mountain bike rides in the world. The ride runs parallel to the Continental Divide, and can start in either Banff or Jasper, both of which are exceptionally scenic towns. Only 55 km from Banff is Lake Louise, considered to be the hiking capital of Canada. If time isn’t of the essence, then stay longer and explore. In particular, Lake Agnes Tea House hike and the Plain of Six Glaciers hike aren’t far from Lake Louise and offer not only stunning views, but mountain teahouses for refueling. There…
Our family has visited Salt Spring Island for decades, first on summer holidays visiting my mother when we lived in Colorado, and then again on a regular basis when we lived in Vancouver. It’s always been a great escape from the big city. Life moves at a slower pace here and yet there’s still plenty to see and do on Salt Spring Island if that’s what you want. As the largest of the Gulf Islands, there is something for every type of traveler on Salt Spring Island whether you like to camp or you want the full five-star experience. You…
Salt Spring Island is the largest and hilliest of BC’s Southern Gulf Islands. It’s an amazing island for hiking because of the great diversity in the types of hiking trails. Want to climb a mountain? You’ve got a choice of three peaks (602- m Mount Erskine, 448-m high Mount Maxwell and 709-m high Bruce Peak). Prefer pocket beaches? Not a problem. Or maybe it’s a coastal hike with views and scenic overlooks you’re after. You’ll have several to choose from. The bottom line is that Salt Spring Island is a top destination for hikers. The must do Salt Spring Island…
On our winter visit to Saint Lucia, John and I set aside a day to do the famous Gros Piton hike, the most popular hike in the country. If you’ve ever seen photos of Saint Lucia, you would instantly recognize the Gros Piton and nearby Petit Piton, two of Saint Lucia’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. If you’re into hiking and you’re visiting Saint Lucia, especially between December and May, the dry season, set aside half a day to do the Gros Piton hike. It’s not easy but it’s a very rewarding hike with…
In the fall of 2022, I had the pleasure of spending three days in the Rossland area. One of the things I enjoyed most about my visit was the Old Glory Mountain hike – considered one of the top hikes in the Rossland area. It’s a long hard hike to the highest peak in the area – but it’s also very beautiful, especially in fall when the colours are peaking. On the summit of Old Glory Mountain, you’ll find a decommissioned fire lookout cabin that once functioned as a weather station from the 1940’s to ’60’s. The forestry lookout and…
You’ll find the small town of Lacombe (population 11,000) in central Alberta, half way between Calgary and Edmonton. It’s a short drive off of Highway 2, and only 25 minutes north of Red Deer. I once biked through Lacombe from the Ellis Bird Farm but not once have I so much as stopped. Maybe that’s you too, but I’m hoping I can change that now that I’ve spent a few days in the Lacombe area, hiking, eating and shopping. While I may not be the local expert, I’m going to share some of my fabulous Lacombe finds. Lacombe is home…
The Hoover Dam, originally called the Boulder Dam, was built over five years during the Great Depression to hold back the mighty Colorado River where it narrows at the Black Canyon on the Nevada – Arizona border. The dam is the world’s largest concrete structure, and one of the seven civil engineering wonders of the United States. Even though it’s a crazy popular place to see, I highly recommend visiting the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas. The Hoover Dam has been popular as a tourist destination since they first started building the dam in the 1930’s. Reportedly some seven million…
Large flies are flying kamikaze-like into our windshield as John, and I drive up to the entrance to Prince Albert National Park in July. We had come to hike to Grey Owl’s Cabin – but all I could think of was how would we survive a 24-kilometre day hike with these types of annoying insects? Fast forward to a visit to Prince Albert National Park in winter and there’s not a bug to be seen – simply a peaceful landscape of snow-covered frozen lakes and mixed boreal forest. (On the bright side we saw wolf cubs by the side of…
Dominica is an island in the Caribbean located between Guadeloupe and Martinique. It is often called “Caribbean’s Nature Island” as it is packed with natural attractions including 365 rivers, nine active volcanoes though none have erupted since the time of Columbus, waterfalls galore, thick forest with prehistoric looking vegetation, dramatic red rocks, and some fine white sand beaches. Dominica adventures abound on this small island – and on many of the outings you won’t see another soul. If you’re planning a trip filled with Dominica adventures, I highly recommend Wanderlust Caribbean, a boutique adventure hotel on Dominica’s north coast, less…
One of the most unique hikes you’ll ever do is the multi-faceted Boiling Lake hike in Dominica – a mountainous Caribbean country sandwiched between Martinique and Guadeloupe. It’s a 6 – 8 hour (return) hard, muddy, sometimes steep hike that takes you through the Valley of Desolation with its hot streams and hissing vents to Boiling Lake, part of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park UNESCO site. The lake itself is usually shrouded in a cloud of steam – unless the wind picks up to blow it away. When it does, you’ll be entranced by the setting. Dominica’s Boiling Lake…
The Opal Hills trail in Jasper National Park is a steep one that rewards with a lush meadow, mountain views, and the chance to see stunning Maligne Lake from above. You only need a half day to knock off the 8.2 km round-trip hike so it’s a good one if you want to tie in a boat ride on Maligne Lake, lunch beside Maligne Canyon, or perhaps a short hike to Moose Lake, accessed from near the start of the Bald Hills trail. This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links,…
Panorama Mountain Resort is one of eight ski resorts on British Columbia’s Powder Highway. It boasts the sixth largest vertical in North America (4,265 feet), a run that is 6.5 km long, 10 lifts, two alpine snowcats, and almost 3,000 acres of terrain. Panorama is known as a family-friendly resort with over 50% of the runs geared to beginners and intermediates. It’s also famous for its bluebird days, an exceptionally pretty mountain backdrop, and a host of on hill and off hill Panorama Resort activities. Off the hill, there is so much to do and explore. In winter, Panorama Resort…
The Yates Mountain hike in Kananaskis, also known as the Barrier Lake Fire Lookout hike, can be an over-the-top busy hike on a sunny weekend from May through October. But if you pick a weekday or do the Yates Mountain hike in winter, you may enjoy a bit of solitude. The hike, which switchbacks up an old forestry road for about 5 kilometres, won’t wow you until you break out of the trees. But then magic happens, and you’re met with a panoramic view of Barrier Lake and Mount Baldy. And it gets better if you’re prepared to hike steeply…
If you love hiking, head for Kanab, Utah in the southern part of the state and use it as a base for many days worth of hiking. The town offers quick access to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, several state parks, stunning desert landscapes, caves, unique geologic formations, sand dunes, slot canyons, arches, hoodoos, the famous Wave hike, along with interesting desert vegetation and wildlife. Described are 8 of the best hikes in the Kanab, Utah area – along with suggestions for a few more we didn’t have time for on this trip. Safety precautions for hiking in Kanab…
Yoho National Park may be small in comparison to its next-door neighbour, Banff National Park, but don’t let that dissuade you from visiting. In winter, Yoho National Park is a complete delight – a veritable winter wonderland and one of Canada’s most stunning parks, packed with mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and meadows. In winter, there is plenty to do. Book a stay at Emerald Lake Lodge or nearby in Field and explore the area trails on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Snowshoe or hike to gorgeous Wapta Falls. Ski to Ross Lake or Sherbrooke Lake. And don’t miss a visit…
Fernie, British Columbia is a winter lover’s paradise, famous for its epic dumps of fluffy powder. People from around the world are drawn here for its excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding but what many don’t realize is that this gorgeous mountain town, located in the Elk Valley, is also a fantastic destination for anyone who enjoys cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Four unique areas beckon both classic and skate skiers and a minimum of three areas near Fernie are ideal for those who love snowshoeing. In this blog, I’ve described where to go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Fernie, the costs…
Buckskin Gulch is a famous slot canyon in Utah boasting the title as the longest continuous slot canyon in the world. According to the Bureau of Land Management, Buckskin Gulch travels through approximately 16 miles of unique formations and rippled sandstone walls in the northern stretch of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Although you can do the whole Buckskin Gulch hike in a long day, you can also have a wonderful and shorter experience doing the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch hike. That hike takes only about three hours. On the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch hike, you are also…
Who ventures up to the Yukon Territory in the dead of winter? Do you have to be half-baked to visit? From my experience on a five day trip to Whitehorse in early March (which I appreciate is hardly the dead of winter) I can tell you with certainty that not only is it an awesome destination but there is a heck of a lot to do. Everything listed in this blog can be done as a day trip from Whitehorse. View of Whitehorse flying into the airport Approximate location of the activities accessed from Whitehorse …
If you’re driving in southern Utah and you’re anywhere near Kanab, it’s worth taking 45 minutes to an hour to visit the Moqui Caverns – also known as the Kanab Sand Caves. They are man-made caves built in the 1970’s for mining sand that was used in glass making. They probably wouldn’t be a stop on a Utah itinerary, if it weren’t for Instagram and the compelling views from the sand caves around sunset.You can see the Moqui Caverns from Highway 89 if you know where to look, so I bet many people visited in the past, but without geotagging…
The Sulphur Skyline trail hike in Jasper National Park draws the crowds, even though it’s take-your-breath-away steep for a good part of it. But the popular hike is a rewarding one, offering up 360 ° degree views from the summit, especially of the Fiddle River, Utopia Mountain, and Ashlar Ridge. It’s one of the view hikes in the Canadian Rockies where you can combine a strenuous hike with a soak in a hot springs – with the other hike being the Sulphur Mountain hike in Banff National Park. The hike starts within spitting distance of the Miette Hot Springs, so…
Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, Utah is a gem filled with soaring multi-coloured sandstone cliffs, lava flows, and canyons along with a diverse array of plants and animals including 14 sensitive species. Snow Canyon is not nearly as popular as famous Zion National Park – where everyone seemingly heads for, but a few of the hikes here are mind-blowing. Described are a selection of the best hikes in Snow Canyon – some of which you can knock off in 30 minutes to an hour. Hike at least a couple of them if you’re anywhere near the area. There…
It’s that time of year already – when I sit down to pull together the annual HikeBikeTravel outdoor lover’s holiday gift guide. I’ve got lots of suggestions from books to boots, energy bars to food dehydrators and some cozy winter wear. I’m hoping I save you a few trips to the shopping mall, and you find some new ideas that friends and family alike would enjoy. This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you…
We were like most people, disappointed that we didn’t win the lottery to visit the Wave. But in hindsight, we shouldn’t have been. Coyote Buttes South is unique, visually stunning, remote, almost deserted, and there’s so much to see. The reality is that the Coyote Buttes South is the biggest and most colorful place in the entire area, far surpassing Coyote Buttes North in both size and variety of formations to ooh and aah over. And it’s way easier to score one of the 20 spots drawn daily from the lottery. Both Coyote Buttes South and Coyote Buttes North are…
Liverpool, Nova Scotia is under two hours by car from Halifax on Nova Scotia’s south shore at the mouth of the Mersey River. The town of about 2,600 people has a long history of privateering and rum running but today its better known for its beautiful natural landscapes and culture. This is the home of country music star Hank Snow who helped discover Elvis. That Elvis. You’ll find lots to do in and near Liverpool including visits to white sand beaches, trips to see several lighthouses, and hikes in both local parks and nearby Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. History lovers…
Liverpool, Nova Scotia is under two hours by car from Halifax on Nova Scotia’s south shore at the mouth of the Mersey River. The town of about 2,600 people has a long history of privateering and rum running but today its better known for its beautiful natural landscapes and culture. This is the home of country music star Hank Snow who helped discover Elvis. That Elvis. You’ll find lots to do in and near Liverpool including visits to white sand beaches, trips to see several lighthouses, and hikes in both local parks and nearby Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. History lovers…
Shelbourne, Nova Scotia is a unique town on the south shore of the province, about a 2.5-hour drive away from Halifax. It doesn’t have the star status of Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg but what it does have is the third best natural harbour in the world, unobstructed waterfront views thanks to the filming of The Scarlett Letter in 1994 starring Demi Moore and Robert Duvall (which required burying electrical cables and refurbishing buildings), colourful 18th century buildings, great walking trails, beaches, a cool lighthouse, interesting museums, a microbrewery, a handful of wonderful places to eat – and most importantly, welcoming…
Debbie Olsen, my friend and fellow co-author of 200 Nature Hots Spots in Alberta, is the author of another book, Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Alberta, published in summer 2022 by Firefly Books. If you thought you knew the province – and I certainly did, then I think you would be shocked at what she has uncovered. In the 272-page book, Debbie will take you across Alberta and show you loads of unusual things including unusual foods invented in Alberta, unusual festivals and events in Alberta, unusual bathrooms for regular people, and unusual sites around the province. What…
Rossland, British Columbia is a fantastic mountain town located in the south-central part of the province. It’s a year-round outdoor lover’s paradise. In winter, Rossland is well known for world-class skiing and snowboarding at RED Mountain Resort. Come summer and fall, it shines with the hiking and mountain biking crowd. The former gold-mining town is growing in the wake of COVID, with people moving here to enjoy easy access to nature, a laidback lifestyle in a spectacular setting, along with many of the amenities they find in a city including locally owned coffee shops, restaurants, a microbrewery, and a phenomenal…
The Arnica Lake trail can be done as a stand-alone hike or part of a multi-day hike to Egypt Lake in Banff National Park. If you’re doing it on its own, larch season is the prettiest time of year to do it, but on a weekend at least, that comes at a cost – huge numbers of people. If possible, aim to do the hike in larch season on a weekday. What I do like about the hike apart from the larches, is that you can visit a minimum of two lakes and up to four lakes if you continue…
Mount Lipsett is a mountain named for Major General Louis James Lipsett, who commanded the 3rd Canadian Division during WWI. It is located south of Highwood Pass, off Highway 40. The mountain is an outlier of Mist Mountain – one you’ll see up close on the Mount Lipsett hike. It’s one of many unofficial hikes in Kananaskis Country – but don’t let that deter you. You’ll be rewarded with lovely views starting about 75 minutes into the hike, great swaths of wildflowers in summer and some good fall colours, including larches come September. The mountain is accessed by a good…
The 78-kilometre La Cloche Silhouette Trail in Ontario’s Killarney Provincial Park is a loop hike that is typically done over seven to nine days. It takes you through a beautiful landscape that includes pretty, crystal-clear lakes, stunning sections of open forest, and over white quartzite ridges that offer picturesque views of the La Cloche Mountain Range. The trail is dedicated to the memory of The Group of Seven artist, Franklin Carmichael (1890-1945) and is named for his painting La Cloche Silhouette. La Cloche Silhouette Trail summary The La Cloche Silhouette Trail is a 78 km loop that starts at the…
My husband tested the Mountain Hardware PCT 70L backpack over seven days on the strenuous La Cloche Silhouette Trail in Ontario’s Killarney Provincial Park. He found it to be very comfortable, easy to pack, and able to carry a large load. Although he tried it on at home, he had never worn the pack before we started hiking on the trail. At the end of seven days, he pronounced it as comfortable a pack as he has ever worn in five plus decades of backpacking – and he is not getting paid to say that. John sporting the Mountain Hardware…
The Geraldine Lakes trail hike in Jasper National Park isn’t nearly as popular as other Jasper hikes – probably because it entails a drive up a fire road and the difficulty of the trail likely puts many people off. The hike is easy as far as the first lake, but the best views don’t kick in until you’re near the higher of the two waterfalls. At that point the level of difficulty rises dramatically. The trail doesn’t gain a lot of elevation, but when it does, it’s tough going. The reward is a beautiful view down the valley and the…
If you’re looking for a getaway that offers outdoor adventure, world-class wineries, and several exceptional dining experiences in a sustainable and responsible manner, then the South Okanagan needs to be on your radar. This sunny, dry region in southern British Columbia is home to eight communities (Penticton, Naramata, Summerland, Peachland, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos), several lakes including Vaseux and Skaha Lakes along with 135-kilometre-long Lake Okanagan. You’ll find friendly people, awe-inspiring landscapes, pretty beaches, mountains, and a host of unique activities you won’t find in a big city. It’s an ideal destination if you want to recharge mentally…
The Bald Hills Trail hike in Jasper National Park is for those of you who don’t mind putting up with a slog up a fire road to reach kilometres of wondrous hiking above treeline with panoramic views of Maligne Lake, the Evelyn Creek Valley, the multi-hued Opal Hills along with a glacier or two. Of eight day hikes I’ve done in Jasper National Park, it’s my favourite. Bald Hills Trail Summary One of the outstanding and popular hikes in Jasper National Park with a fantastic panorama that includes Maligne Lake, and the Queen Elizabeth ranges. Climb approximately 610 metres over…
The Valley of the Five Lakes hike is a popular outing, especially for families, largely because it’s easy and close to the Jasper Townsite. It’s perfect for the shoulder season when there is snow at higher elevation but it’s also a pleasant after-dinner or stretch-your-legs kind of hike from late spring to fall. There are a couple of ways to lengthen the hike, including adding in a loop around the first lake or doing an out and back hike from Old Fort Point. But the hike to and from Old Fort Point might get a bit tedious because you’re in…
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park in the West Chilcotin area of British Columbia is the home of the Rainbow Range Trail. It’s in an area not many have visited or even know about. The hike in this park is just about as close to hiking nirvana as you’re going to get. I’d call the Rainbow Range hike in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park one of the best one day hikes of my life. And that’s saying something considering how many I’ve done over the decades. It offers amazing wildflowers, beautiful tarns, rainbow coloured mountains, silence and a sense that you have this part of the…
The Bow Valley Parkway is a 48-kilometre stretch of road between Banff and Lake Louise that parallels the Trans-Canada Highway. It’s been called the alternate scenic route between Banff National Park’s most beloved towns. On the drive you are treated to first rate views of Castle Mountain and Morant’s Curve – a gorgeous section of highway near Lake Louise that is perfect for train spotting. And for anyone looking for unique accommodation, you’ll find a collection of historic cabins that harken back to the era of 1920’s and 30’s motor bungalow camps along with a wealth of natural attractions. The…
The Bald Hills Trail hike in Jasper National Park is for those of you who don’t mind putting up with a slog up a fire road to reach kilometres of wondrous hiking above treeline with panoramic views of Maligne Lake, the Evelyn Creek Valley, the multi-hued Opal Hills along with a glacier or two. Of eight day hikes I’ve done in Jasper National Park, it’s my favourite. Bald Hills Trail Summary One of the outstanding and popular hikes in Jasper National Park with a fantastic panorama that includes Maligne Lake, and the Queen Elizabeth ranges. Climb approximately 610 metres over…
Summary A double whammy of a hike as you knock off West Wind Pass and Windtower – with its astounding views of the Spray Lakes, Canmore, and the Bow Valley. The hike is 9.8 kilometres round trip with an elevation gain of 988 metres. There are a couple of easy scrambling sections. Allow up 6 – 7 hours to do the return hike, depending on your fitness level and how sure-footed you are on steep terrain. I have looked up at Windtower for years – both from West Wind Pass on a chilly, windy day and from the Smith Dorrien…
Brier Island, Nova Scotia is a small island at the entrance to the world-renown Bay of Fundy, at the end of the long, narrow Fundy Spit. Even though it’s just 90 minutes and a couple of short ferry rides from Digby, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to a place that has stayed true to its seafaring roots. The island may not have all the guest services you’re accustomed to, but it more than makes up for it with its natural beauty, complete with an amazing variety of both flora and fauna – along with one of…
Visiting Machu Picchu is high on the list of travelers from around the world. Not only was it awarded UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1983 but Machu Picchu made the list of Wonders of the Modern World in 2007. What that means today is that visiting Machu Picchu is never going to be a solitary experience. In fact (too many) travelers see it as a rite of passage leading to visitor numbers exceeding 5,000 people per day. Every day is now a wildly busy day at Machu Picchu. The backdrop at Machu Picchu everyone wants – just after 6…
Last updated:August 8, 2022 The day trip from Calgary to do the Bourgeau Lake hike along with Harvey Pass and Mount Bourgeau is well worth the considerable effort for the magnificent views, spectacular alpine flowers and the gorgeous area around Bourgeau Lake, Harvey Lake and the lakelets. The Bourgeau Lake hike is a popular one, especially in summer. Plan to be at the parking lot early (by 7:30 AM on a weekend) to avoid disappointment as it’s illegal to park on the highway. The elevation gain to Bourgeau Lake is 749 metres (2457 feet) but to get to Harvey Pass…
The Cascade Amphitheatre hike is not the prettiest hike you’ll do in Banff National Park. Nor is it the most interesting one, but it does provide a workout and I did enjoy seeing another side of Cascade Mountain – the big in your face mountain you can’t miss when you’re in Banff. I did the hike solo with my dog in the third week of July, and I was shocked at both how busy it was and how bad the bugs were. You are going to want to keep moving. The hike starts at the Mt. Norquay parking lot. You…
“Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail is a national treasure” declares Jackie Petrie, an expert on Newfoundland and Labrador dogs and friend of Elke Dettmer, one of our B&B hosts. She adds that “you can make the East Coast Trail experience into whatever you want it to be – whether it’s simply a few hours of easy walking on a path, a day hike or the full trail over two to three weeks.” The East Coast Trail weaves along the eastern edge of the Avalon Peninsula, connecting 30 historic communities along the way from Topsail Beach to Cappahayden. It’s both a coastal…
In May I took delivery of a box of 200 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta – The Best Parks, Conservation Areas and Wild Places, co-authored with my friend Debbie Olsen. Unfortunately, they took a while to show up in stores and on Amazon so I am penning this post to let you know the book is out and its now widely available. And once again, I swear it’s my last book. It wasn’t nearly the amount of work as the first one, which was a Globe and Mail bestseller, but Debbie and I updated the whole book, added new photos…
There aren’t many mornings I wake up at 10 AM, roll over and think to myself, I have no agenda, no must do’s or phone calls, so I’ll just sleep for as long as I want. The backstory to my late morning wake up was a direct flight from Calgary to Halifax, followed by a two hour wait for a shuttle and finally a three hour shuttle to Yarmouth in western Nova Scotia. I was in town for a travel media conference, but since nothing was happening until evening, I had a delicious day where I could do whatever I…
Camping in Kananaskis is one of the great pleasures of summer in Alberta. Camping is a great way to enjoy a nature fix and step back from the hectic pace of normal life. It allows families and friends to reconnect and make new memories. Many campsite locations in Kananaskis offer easy access to some of the best hiking in Kananaskis, along with opportunities for biking, birding, paddling and even swimming. The term Kananaskis can be a bit confusing. Kananaskis Country refers to a huge swath of land on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, west of Calgary that is…
John and I spent a couple of days at a lovely Airbnb near Le Havre and that’s where we found out about the must do Hirtles Beach Gaff Point Trail hike. The owner exclaimed that “the trail was varied, and the views were fantastic, especially when the Atlantic Ocean got a little moody.” So, after a lazy half day at the SENSEA Nordic Spa in Chester, we headed to Hirtles Beach for a late afternoon hike. The Hirtles Beach Gaff Point Trail hike delivered in spades. It offered a bit of everything from beach walking to forest hiking along with…
Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park Bighorn Falls near Sundre Blakiston Falls, Waterton Lakes National Park Bow Falls, Banff Bow Glacier Falls, Banff National Park Cameron Falls, Waterton Lakes National Park Crescent Falls in David Thompson Country Edworthy Falls – one of the lesser-known Alberta waterfalls Grotto Canyon Falls near Canmore Johnston Canyon Falls, Banff National Park Lower Bertha Falls, Waterton Lakes National Park Lundbreck Falls, southern Alberta Mistaya Canyon Falls, Banff National Park Panther Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, Banff National Park Ram Falls Ribbon Falls – a long hike to one of the impressive Alberta waterfalls Sheep River Falls,…
If you paddle the Powell Forest Canoe Route, you will cover 57 kilometres, via eight lakes and five portages over the course of between four to six days. We did it in five days but could have knocked it off in four as the wind was calm on our second to last day. It’s not a full-on wilderness adventure, though make no mistake – there are plenty of sections that feel wild and far from humanity. The reality is that there is a network of logging roads, some that even cross the portages, so you might hear the odd logging…