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.
Exploring the backcountry with kids opens up a new world of outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you’re hiking, biking or paddling, you can access beautiful wilderness while building lasting memories with your family. Backcountry trips with kids take extra planning and packing, but it is more than doable, and the rewards are worth the effort. Still, kids...
Backcountry Packing Guide for Beginners The mountain snow is thawing, the leaves are blooming, and the birds are singing… which can only mean one thing: it’s hiking season! It’s time to find adventures in the backcountry. For backcountry pros, this means it’s time to dust off the hiking boots, check your sleeping pad for leaks, and mentally prepare to eat a lot...
A 35-minute drive east of Edmonton takes you to the rolling hills, aspen forests, rich wetlands, pretty lakes and starry skies of Elk Island National Park. It is an ‘island’ of natural wonders and a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by agriculture. This wild inland island is home to free-roaming bison herds, elk, deer, coyotes, beavers and over 250 bird...
Alberta is home to some of the most famous national parks in the world. These parks offer opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, paddling, camping and connecting with nature. In addition, you’ll find interactive programming and educational opportunities through Parks Canada, as well as a range of accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions. We’ve put...
Salt Spring Island is a special place. It is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, rich community and cultural experiences, and charming local spots for eating, shopping and playing. Beautiful beaches, protected forests, clear lakes, farms and a bustling village make travelling to Salt Spring Island with kids memorable, relaxing and fun. Salt Spring Island lies...
You don’t have to carry a tent dozens of kilometres into the backcountry to enjoy the great outdoors. Car camping, also called front-country camping, is fun, too! It can be more accessible, great for families, and allows you to bring more comfort items from home. Photo by Miranda Smit Unfortunately, irresponsible car camping damages the environment, leaving behind...
The Kaslo River Trail winds along the north and south shores of the Kaslo River, connected by two bright red, enchanting covered bridges, to make it a family-friendly 3.6 km loop. About halfway, you’ll find magical “Koots” sculptures playing hide-and-seek among the moss-covered boulders and quiet forest. The sound of the river, the playfulness of the sculptures and...
Waterton Lakes National Park is one of Alberta’s five national parks, located in the southwest corner of the province. It offers pristine lakes, sweeping mountain vistas, waterfalls, hiking trails, campgrounds, the famous Red Rock Canyon, the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, and the quaint Waterton Village. The park’s land area is relatively small compared to...
The Piney Point Trail is in Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, southwest of Pincher Creek, Alberta. Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is accessible year-round and offers outdoor activities in the winter and shoulder seasons. View from the Piney Point Trail, Beauvais Provincial Park The Piney Point Lookout hike travels through the forest and traverses pretty little meadows as...
The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail traverses the forests and beaches of Vancouver Island’s southwestern coast. Its trail takes you through massive cedar groves, across rocky coastal areas, sandy beaches, and (almost inevitably) through sucking mud. Over three to five epic days, you’ll experience the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island. With two forest sites and four...