I’ve hiked a lot of trails in the Canadian Rockies, and Lake O’Hara has by far the best scenery: brilliant blue lakes, towering peaks, and icy glaciers. And if you are going to visit Lake O’Hara, you have to hike the Alpine Circuit. The Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit is an 11-kilometre-long loop hike that circles …
Hiking
Note: I’ve updated this post with the latest 2025 information for Lake O’Hara including info about the random-draw day-use bus lottery. A few years ago, I FINALLY made it to Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. It’s such a gorgeous area that I actually struggle to describe it. Of course, there’s a brilliant blue-green alpine …
I live in Squamish, BC on Canada’s wet, I mean West Coast and it rains a lot here. If I waited for it to stop raining, I probably would never get outside. Hiking in the rain can be really beautiful if you know how to stay safe, keep dry, and have fun. I’ve got tons …
When I was researching my trip to Haida Gwaii, I kept coming across photos of a beautifully weathered shipwreck rising out of a sandy beach. I knew I had to visit it! On my trip, I hiked the Pesuta Shipwreck Trail and can confirm it’s really cool in person. To save you from doing a …
Tow Hill is one of the best hikes in Haida Gwaii. The short trail is located in the northern part of the archipelago in Naikoon Provincial Park. Known as Taaw Tldáaw in Haida, Tow Hill is next to the Blow Hole, another gorgeous natural feature. I couldn’t find that much reliable info about it before …
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 …
Have you ever dreamt of standing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon? Or seeing the mighty Colorado River up close? While most visitors to this National Park only see the Grand Canyon from its rims, the truly adventurous can experience it from a completely different perspective by taking on the challenging and breathtaking Bright Angel …
Every few summers, I get stung by bees or wasps while hiking. Usually, it’s because I stumble across an underground nest I didn’t know was there. Stinging insects are a fact of life while hiking. But there are some ways to avoid them. After hearing reports of tons of wasp nests on my local trails …
Looking for exciting outdoor activities near Las Vegas, beyond the casinos and bustling nightlife? This vibrant city is surrounded by sprawling natural beauty, from red sandstone peaks at Red Rock Canyon to tranquil waters at Lake Mead. In this post, Happiest Outdoors Contributor Shannon will guide you through the best outdoor adventures around Vegas. It …
Arizona is an incredible state full of endless outdoor adventures and incredible scenery. To really see everything the state has to offer, it’s totally worth it to go on an Arizona road trip. You can visit beautiful destinations such as Sedona and the Grand Canyon. In this epic outdoors Arizona road trip itinerary, you will …