I’M GLAD YOU DROPPED BY

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It was early in the pandemic. I had a growing collection of photos from past trips, a strong pull to be creative, and more time than usual to slow down and reflect. That’s when Out & Across began. Creating a space to share stories, trips, and the things I’ve learned along the way just felt right.

Below, you’ll find categories covering different outdoor activities and destinations across Canada. Some trips are fully written up. Others are still in progress. I add new posts and guides as I go.

Most of what you’ll find here is about hiking and backpacking, paddling, camping, and winter adventures, mainly in Canada. Every now and then, I’ll add an experience from somewhere else. Wherever I go, I try to move thoughtfully: travelling with care, leaving places as I find them, and taking the time to really experience where I am.

MORE About Me

If something here helps you plan a trip, brings back a good memory, or nudges you to spend a little more time outdoors, then it’s doing exactly what it’s meant to do!

HIKING

Hiking has always been one of my favourite ways to explore. Many of the posts here are trip reports, sharing firsthand experiences from trails across Canada. I’ve day hiked in every province and one territory (Yukon, amazing place!), and have also been fortunate to explore on foot in many different countries.

These are three day hikes that have really stuck with me:

Here are a few more day hikes I think you’ll enjoy:

BACKPACKING

Over the past few years, I’ve found myself drawn more and more to backpacking, especially the challenge and satisfaction that come with multi-day hikes. It’s become a big part of how I like to travel, and there’s much more to come. I’ve been fortunate to hike many of Canada’s standout backcountry routes, including a 14-day stretch on the East Coast Trail — my longest thru-hike to date.

These are three backpacking routes that feel bucket-list worthy:

Here are a few more multi-day hikes worth considering:

PADDLING

Paddling has been part of my life for as long as I can remember! Some of my favourite memories come from multi-day canoe trips on the St. Croix River, along the Maine–New Brunswick border, starting when I was 13. Those early trips led to years of planning day paddles, and more recently, a return to longer canoe excursions — including a solo paddle of more than 300 km on the Yukon River. I also love getting out on a paddleboard when I can, and hope to do more sea kayaking soon.

These are three paddling experiences I still think about:

Here are a few more paddles worth exploring:

CAMPING

There are plenty of camping spots I’m looking forward to writing about, from quick weekend trips to places that feel a bit farther off the map. For now, here are a few that have stood out along the way:

WINTER FUN

I do my best to stay active outdoors through the winter, even when shorter days and colder weather make it a bit harder to get out the door. Hiking and snowshoeing are my go-to winter activities, and I also enjoy mixing in some cross-country and downhill skiing whenever the conditions are right.

Here are a few winter outings worth checking out:

Here are a few more winter outings I think you’ll enjoy:

ATLANTIC CANADA

I grew up in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, and the East Coast has always felt like home. From coastal trails to quiet backroads, this is where many of my favourite trips begin.

Here are three of my favourite Atlantic Canada adventures:

Here are a few more Atlantic Canada adventures for your list:

CANADIAN ROCKIES

I lived in Alberta for six years, where I spent a lot of time discovering outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a place that shaped how I explore, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I find myself back in the mountains one day.

These are three of my favourite adventures in the Canadian Rockies:

Here are a few more Rocky Mountain adventures for your list:

CANADA’S WEST COAST

British Columbia is a place I’m keen to get back to. I haven’t spent as much time there as I’d like, but it’s already one of my favourite provinces. Getting to hike the West Coast Trail was a real bucket-list trip that left me wanting more!

Here are three West Coast adventures that deserve your attention:

Here are a few more adventures in British Columbia:

NORTHERN CANADA

I spent a couple of weeks in the Yukon in the summer of 2023 and loved every minute of it. Most of that time was spent in the backcountry, exploring parks and trails and rivers, and I can’t wait to head back “up north” someday soon.

Here are three of my favourite Yukon adventures:

INTERNATIONAL

Over the years, travel has taken me well beyond Canada — sometimes for work, but always with room for adventure. I’ve spent time in East and West Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Central and South America, often finding my way onto trails, into small towns, or national parks. I lived in Colombia for about five months, including the chance to hike to The Lost City (awesome experience!). Those trips sparked a lasting curiosity, and I’m looking ahead to wherever the next global adventure might lead.

Here are three of my favourite adventures beyond Canada (that I’ve written about):

Here are a few more posts for global adventures (stay tuned, there’s more to come!):

We were up early and out of Medellín before sunrise yesterday, catching the bus from Terminal del Norte into the hills. Up at 5:30. Uber at 6:00. Hike at 6:30. It was great to catch up with Erin on the Cerro de las Tres Cruces yesterday. It’s easily one of my favourite places to be in Medellin. Feeling grateful for friendship and movement! It’s good to be back in Medellín. We all get one life. Go live it ☀️ Big kids need snow days, too! ❄️