Opinion: What can I say about Lake O'Hara that hasn't already been said? It's an absolutely stunning area with the most amazing trail network that threads over and through a very intimidating landscape. Three nights is absolutely required to see it all but with less time the priority has to be the Alpine Circuit, which … Continue reading Lake O’Hara, 14-17 Sep 2022
Category: 2022
2022 in review: Top Trips and Stats
Initial thoughts After the past two years of excellent hiking I had lowered my expectations about how this year might go. We made the effort to book three big trips, reserving backcountry spots for two trips in Banff and one in Yoho, plus another week-long adventure in the South Chilcotins. But apart from that, I … Continue reading 2022 in review: Top Trips and Stats
2022 in review: Wildflowers
Ah, the wildflower report.... Brought to you by - wait for it, all will be revealed later! With the exception of my jaunt up to the peak of Mount Thurston at the beginning of July, I decided against chasing glacier lilies this year. Last year's display on the Pushki Lake trail was so amazing that … Continue reading 2022 in review: Wildflowers
2022 in review: Wildlife
Wildlife sightings are always anticipated every year, and I have to admit that I look forward to seeing bears most of all. 2022 was a decent year for bear sightings and by far our best year for grizzlies, constituting five of our nine bear sightings. I don't think we've ever seen more than one grizzly … Continue reading 2022 in review: Wildlife
Being Outdoors, January 2023
Welcome to a new year! 2022 seemed to pass so quickly... Hope you all had a peaceful and relaxing holiday season and that 2023 brings many great adventures! If we were being outdoors today I'd be looking longingly at the North Shore mountains as it's been a few weeks since we were last up there … Continue reading Being Outdoors, January 2023
Grant Creek Circuit, 13-20 Aug 2022
Opinion: A five star trip with a few one-star moments. Another stunning week of exploration in the South Chilcotin mountains that was inspired by last year's visit to Lorna Lake. Hiking here never gets any easier as much of the area we explored had no trails, but the rewards were immense: endless mountain views, stunning … Continue reading Grant Creek Circuit, 13-20 Aug 2022
Hollyburn Mountain, 11 Dec 2022
Opinion: It's only been a fortnight since we were last up here but a lot can happen in that time in winter. Fresh snow always transforms even a familiar hike into a fun adventure. Early starts are mandatory for optimum peace and the best snow, although we got lucky today with our more leisurely timing … Continue reading Hollyburn Mountain, 11 Dec 2022
Egypt Lakes, 24-29 Jul 2022
Opinion: A stunning area that showcases the grandeur and beauty of the Canadian Rockies, with many beautiful lakes and expansive views, not to mention the sheer profusion of flowers. Allow several days (minimum 3-5) in order to get the most out of exploring this area. Our six-day itinerary is not the easiest, given the big … Continue reading Egypt Lakes, 24-29 Jul 2022
Being Outdoors, November 2022
Time passes all too quickly and November is here. The rains have returned to Vancouver with a vengeance and the fine weather of only a few weeks ago already feels like a distant memory. October was still a good month for hiking which I'll tell you all about below. If we were being outdoors today, … Continue reading Being Outdoors, November 2022
Skoki Valley, 11-13 Sep 2022
Opinion: Wow! How come it took us so long to visit this area? Despite the smoky conditions, which led to a more muted experience, the grandeur and beauty of the Skoki Valley and surroundings was captivating and left us wanting more. I mean, there were huge mountains in all directions and half-a-dozen or so gorgeous … Continue reading Skoki Valley, 11-13 Sep 2022