B.C. hiker Taryn Eyton runs the fantastic site Happiest Outdoors, which is a great resource for all your backpacking questions and inspiration. Her first book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia was just as it is described… ‘a one-stop resource for backpackers’ and now she has released her second book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island is home to legendary backpacking routes, and this expertly researched book takes you to the best of the best, whether you’re looking for a weekend trip to a mountain peak, a multi-day adventure to a secluded beach, or an easy day trip ..read more

If you’re looking for something to occupy your kiddo on the drive to the campsite (or at the campsite itself), check out this great colouring pages… Here’s a nice camping related one from REI. It’s available in both a printable .PDF and a .png for colouring on digital devices. Parks Canada also has a pile of them with Parka taking part in all sorts of activities. Know of any other camping/canoeing related colouring pages? Let us know ..read more

The 2024 Ottawa Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show is April 20th and 21st at the Nepean Sportsplex. See presenters and vendors in the following areas… Canoeing and kayaking Whitewater in rafts, canoes and kayaks, SUPs Camping and Expedition Trip experts Hiking & Trekking Outdoor Clubs Wilderness Survival skills, gear and rides Ecotourism & conservation Nutrition & health, Volunteer organizations There’s free admission and free parking this year. Stay connected with the Ottawa Outdoor + Adventure Travel Show by following them on Facebook ..read more

Swedish tool maker Hultafors has announced a new versatile axe that can handle a wide range of challenges during a day in the forest. The Dvardala Hunting and forest axe (Made at Hults Bruk) features… Hand forged from Swedish carbon dioxide neutral axe steel. Semi-straight edge with a Scandinavian grind – polished, razor sharp and ready to use straight away. 440 mm long (17 inches) wooden handle of linseed oil-treated American hickory. The head is secured with both a wooden wedge and a steel ring wedge. Sheath made of vegetable tanned Swedish grain leather. Hultafors also announce ..read more

Campsite reservations for Northwest Territories Parks are opening this Friday, April 16th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MST. In conjunction with the opening day you will also get to try their new user-friendly reservation system. If you’re planning on booking a site on opening day (be sure to check out the entire list of opening dates) it might be worth your while to get acquainted with the system’s new features, and set up your new user account. Booking information from your existing NWT Parks account will not transfer over to the new system. If you are interested in past reservations, please visit you ..read more

Nova Scotia Parks recently announced that it is going to add 15 news parks while also expanding two more. These designations of Crown land will put the Province more than halfway to its commitment of having 205 provincial parks, part of the parks and protected areas plan. “Nova Scotia is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and we are taking significant steps to protect this beauty for generations to come. These parks help protect biodiversity and give Nova Scotians more places to get outside and enjoy nature.” — Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables The new and expa ..read more

After an unseasonably warm Spring, Ontario Parks has opened Algonquin Provincial Park’s backcountry for the 2024 camping season. Ordinarily the backcountry is closed until things dry up a little after the Spring thaw. It was originally scheduled to be off limits March 31st to May 2nd however this year surprises everyone by opening three weeks earlier than originally planned. Be sure to keep an eye on the Alerts tab of the backcountry page before heading out as conditions can change. Take note of the following notices…. Inaccessible/Closed Access Points: - Grand Lake (Achray) Access Point – for ..read more

Not sure about using GPS on your next canoe trip? Bill Swift from Swift Canoe has a chat with Ted about how far technology has come and some great tips about using GPS technology while canoe tripping ..read more

It may be an older book, but The Forest by author Stewart Edward White is an interesting book about the great outdoors. 'The Forest' by Stewart Edward White is an enrapturing read that will transport you to the wilderness and inspire you to explore it. With engaging stories and practical tips on camping and trekking, this book will make you want to pack your bags and head to the great outdoors. The vivid imagery and poetic prose paint a vivid picture of Canada's frontier, taking you back in time to experience its wild beauty. It was originally published in 1903 but now is in public domain ..read more

If you’ve ever watched the slow paced/real-time documentaries TRIPPING The Bruce (you can watch the entire TRIPPING the Series episodes online) you will be excited to know that TRIPPING The French River is coming April 21st at 8 p.m. The documentary takes viewers for a 110-kilometre paddle in a cedar strip canoe on one of the rivers that helped form Canada. “Paddling the French River is both a step back in time and way to see all the great flora and fauna that Ontario has to offer. I don’t believe there is another river in Ontario that has as much personality as the French. There are sections ..read more