Northern Explorers Magazine shares stories, tips and practical guides for active travellers and outdoor adventurers of all ages and abilities. Our team consists of adventurers, active travellers and local explorers with a knack for writing and sharing experiences. If you want to explore Canada, start planning your adventure here.
Chester Lake: A go-to snowshoe (or hike) in Kananaskis Country, Alberta The Chester Lake Trail in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park stands out as a go-to hike in Kananaskis, especially in the winter. The trail gives the best samplings of scenery in the Canadian Rockies, including Christmas card spruce and pine trees, snow-covered meadows and a beautiful frozen lake with...
Edmonton, Alberta, is known for its cold winters, but that doesn’t deter locals from celebrating and making the most of the chilly season. This northern city embraces winter, and there are plenty of things to experience and do in the snow, including skiing in Edmonton. The North Saskatchewan River valley is the largest urban parkland in North America and home to four...
Aaron Provincial Park is located just 15 kilometres east of Dryden in beautiful Northwestern Ontario. A quick turn off the Trans-Canada Highway will bring you to this quiet lakeside park where you’ll discover family-friendly camping, beaches and trails along the shores of Thunder Lake. Whether you live in the area or are passing through, it is worth the stop. This...
Kinosoo Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches we’ve explored in Alberta, especially for families. It is a summer hub located in the City of Cold Lake, offering a three-block long stretch of sandy beach, clean and clear water and enough activities and amenities to keep you busy on long summer days. There is a reason it’s featured in several “best beaches”...
The Yukon is vast, wild, and full of take-your-breath-away beauty. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or adventurous family, this 7-day itinerary from Whitehorse to Dawson City blends outdoor exploration, Indigenous culture, quirky northern charm, gold rush adventure and breathtaking landscapes. This itinerary was initially done with a kid in tow, so...
Pukaskwa National Park on Lake Superior in Ontario is hands down one of our favourite national parks in Canada. It offers stunning scenery of the Canadian Shield, the bright green-blue waters of Lake Superior, wild golden sand beaches, lush boreal forest and the rich history and culture of the Anishinaabe people. Quiet camping, paddling, hiking, and days spent on...
Kayaking on the North Saskatchewan River on a warm day is one of the best ways to experience summer in Edmonton. Whether you’re floating under bridges with the downtown skyline as a backdrop or paddling beside sandy cliffs and forest in this urban wilderness, the views from the water bring a fresh perspective of this river city. The North Saskatchewan River is a...
A day at the beach is the perfect way to spend a summer’s day. Families looking for sandy shores, clear water, and fun amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas will appreciate our guide to these kid-friendly beaches in Alberta. We’ve tried to include beaches throughout the entire province, listed from the northern locations and working our way down. Let us know if...
Whether you kayak, canoe or use a standup paddle board (SUP), paddling is a great way to explore, connect with nature and get some healthy exercise. The Edmonton region offers several lakes, ponds, and the iconic North Saskatchewan River for paddle adventures. We’ve put together our top picks for the best places to go paddling near Edmonton, Alberta. Why these...
Dinosaur Provincial Park has some of the most impressive badlands scenery in Canada. It offers the best of the badlands, including flat-topped buttes, sandstone spires, mushroom-capped hoodoos, cactus-lined gullies and the cottonwood glades along the Red Deer River valley. Hiking in Dinosaur Provincial Park is the best way to experience this otherworldly landscape...