Amy is a professional writer, entrepreneur, parent and experienced outdoor explorer. She has spent most of her adult life chronicling her adventures in the wilderness, finding deep connections to nature and the lands she calls home. Kayaking, hiking, skiing and family camping trips are her go-tos. She shares all her adventures with her young son and offers travel tips for parents wanting to explore nature with their children.
Northern Explorers was approached by a NOMAD representative to test out the NOMAD SafeSip water bottle. As outdoor explorers, we’re always looking for water filtration solutions that are packable, easy to use, and improve the outdoor experience. Our Chief Editor and Travel Writer, Amy Hancock, was happy to give an honest gear review of the product. Overview: NOMAD...
If you’re looking for an easy hike in Banff National Park that delivers beautiful mountain scenery without a time commitment, the Johnson Lake Trail should be on your list. Only a 10-minute drive from the Banff townsite, this peaceful lakeside walk offers stunning views of Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle, and offers one of Banff’s only sandy beaches. Whether...
Jasper National Park is home to breathtakingly beautiful lakes and waterways. Glacier-fed lakes almost glow stunning turquoise and are so clear you can sometimes see fish swimming below your canoe or kayak. With easily accessible launch points and paddlecraft rentals in town and throughout the park, canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding in Jasper is an...
Jasper National Park has always been one of our favourite places to hike as a family. With lots of nature to explore close to the welcoming town of Jasper, kid-friendly adventures are easy to find. Picture the combination of mountain views, turquoise lakes, wildlife sightings and well-maintained trails, and that is what you’ll find in this list of kid-friendly hikes...
Spirit Island is one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies. It’s not accessible by road or a hiking trail, only by boat. You can either paddle 14 kilometres (one-way) in a canoe or kayak to see it, or take the popular Spirit Island Boat Cruise. This tiny, forested island sits in the vibrantly turquoise waters of Maligne Lake in Jasper National...
The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the Canadian Rockies, connecting Jasper and Lake Louise via Highway 93. The drive takes you by majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. With several viewpoints, trails, campgrounds and sites along the way, you can easily make a day or weekend out of this drive. The Icefields Parkway is...
If you're visiting Gabriola Island with kids, you'll find ideas and tips for planning your trip with this complete three day itinerary.
The Jacques Lake Trail in Jasper National Park is a straightforward in-and-out trail that follows a series of small lakes and streams to picturesque Jacques Lake. The trail is relatively flat, runs through a beautiful, spruce forest, and leads to the Jacques Lake backcountry campground and the Jacques Lake Cabin, operated by the Alpine Club of Canada. The Jacques...
Storm watching in Ucluelet and Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia allows you to experience the mysterious raw power of the Pacific Ocean and its raging storms. Imagine waves growing to 50 feet or higher as they roll close to shore, crashing into rocky cliffs and beaches with a roar-sending sea spray in every direction. You can feel the...
Kimberley Alpine Resort is one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies. It ticks off all the boxes for a family ski trip, including varied terrain, special kids’ trails, ski and snowboard programs, slope-side accommodation, restaurants and all the amenities you might need in the townsite – just a five-minute drive down the hill. ...