I’ve done a lot of hiking around Banff and in the Canadian Rockies… and the trails at Sunshine Meadows have by far the best effort-to-reward ratio. There is literally nowhere else where you can wander through wildflower meadows, hike past alpine lakes, and enjoy mountain views while barely breaking a sweat. In the winter this …
Canadian National Parks
Banff National Park’s Egypt Lake area is gorgeous: a scattering of blue glacial lakes below rugged peaks. In between, you’ll find patches of meadows, majestic alpine larch trees, and well-maintained trails. It’s a moderate hike to the Egypt Lake campground, which makes a great base camp for exploring. It’s a tough backcountry camp to reserve, …
I’ve been to Gros Morne National Park twice, and I know I’ll be making another trip someday. When you think of Newfoundland, people picture St. John’s. But while I appreciate the charm of that city’s brightly painted buildings, the rugged and verdant landscapes of Gros Morne have my heart. I planned my first visit to …
For years I sped through Yoho National Park on Highway 1, in a hurry to get to Banff. From the road, the mountains were pretty but they didn’t entice me to stop. Oh how wrong I was! Once I finally got off the highway and saw all the things to do in Yoho National Park, …
The Yoho Valley in Yoho National Park is a special place. In the Cree language, “Yoho” is an expression of wonder or awe. It pretty much means “wow!” And while it sounds cheesy, that’s what I kept saying when I spent three days backpacking the Yoho Valley Loop including the Iceline Trail. I had been …
I’ve been to Newfoundland twice, and the main reason for both of my trips has been hiking. It’s such a gorgeous place with so many incredible trails, most with beautiful coastal views. In this post, I’ve got my picks for the 16 best hikes in Newfoundland. I’ve hiked all over the province. While I haven’t …
If you’ve been to a Canadian national park, you know they are special places. I’ve been to 18 of the 48 national parks in Canada and am already planning which park I will visit next. If you’re looking for the perfect present for a national park lover, I’ve got you covered. This list of the …
Gwaii Haanas National Park is a near-mythical place made up of incredible wildlife, towering old-growth forests, and moving Haida cultural sites. Add in the fact that it is located in a remote corner of northwest British Columbia and can only be accessed by boat, and you have a true once-in-a-lifetime trip destination. Planning a trip …
While the Canadian Rockies are a year-round destination, most visitors arrive in the summer for the best hiking and warm weather. However, visiting Banff in the fall offers a unique experience. The crowds thin out, making it a perfect time for exploration. Vibrant foliage transforms the landscape into a painter’s palette of reds, yellows, and …
British Columbia’s wilderness is spectacular, so it’s no surprise that backpacking and backcountry camping are popular. I’ve been backpacking in BC for decades (and I even wrote a book about it), so I’ve put together a complete guide on how to make backcountry camping reservations in BC. While there are literally hundreds of places to …