Opinion: A thoroughly enjoyable area to explore, albeit one not to be underestimated. The trail to Valentine Lake was really quite lovely, though I worry about the route through the meadows becoming a mucky mess. The lake was pretty and best appreciated from higher ground. Cassiope Mountain was a moderately challenging scramble on account of … Continue reading Valentine Lake, 3-5 Sep 2022
Opinion: A great destination when short of time, Hollyburn is ideal for a quick workout and I think it has some of the nicest trees on the North Shore when they're covered in snow. Heading up later in the day avoids the crowds too. Fact We had no issues parking along the road leading to … Continue reading Hollyburn Mountain, 18 Feb 2023
Opinion: A beautiful area that has clearly become more popular in recent years given the welcome upgrades to the parking arrangements and the trail itself. Despite it being known as a backpacking destination, the camping is not particularly good with only a few spots squeezed in between boulders, occupying delicate meadows, and sited far too … Continue reading Marriott Basin, 24-25 Sep 2022
My job takes me to North Vancouver twice a year and, after completing the task at hand, I like to venture into one of the nearby parks to soak up a bit of rainforest atmosphere before heading back to work. In the past I've visited Mosquito Creek and Capilano Canyon, while today I opted for … Continue reading Vignette: Lynn Canyon, 31 Jan 2023
Well that's the first month of the new year over. The days are getting noticeably longer again which is a great mood-lifter. I read something recently where the writer mentioned that they found January and February to be hopeful months because of those lengthening days, and I'm inclined to agree. The first signs of spring … Continue reading Being Outdoors, February 2023
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
Opinion: Mount Seymour is a fitting place to kick off our 2023 hiking season, especially to catch the sunset on a fine afternoon. Care is needed to stay on the trail when descending in the dark but the opportunity to see the city lights and a sky full of stars makes it worthwhile. Fact Day … Continue reading Pump Peak, 14 Jan 2023
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
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
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. 