Join over 6000 subscribers – sign up for the bi-monthly Backpacking in BC newsletter! Each newsletter includes: Seasonal trip recommendations Backpacking news Gear deals Reservation dates Trail conditions reports and closures Gear reviews And lots more! Subscribe to the Backpacking in BC Newsletter See what you’re missing – read a recent newsletter. Want a preview of the gear deals you can expect? 30% off Patagonia Up to 70% off Outdoor Research Up to 70% off Mountain Hardwear Up to 50% off Helly Hansen Latest deals at MEC Latest deals at Valhalla Pure Latest deals at Altitude Sports The ..read more

I spent nearly a decade working in outdoor retail, both in a store and behind the scenes at head office, so I understand the seasonal cycle for sales on hiking gear. I also understand how stupidly expensive it is to get good gear. I created the Canadian Hiking Gear Deals Facebook group to help others get hiking gear for less. I share the latest deals on sales on hiking and outdoor in Canada. All deals are from Canadian retails so you can pay in Canadian dollars and won’t incur expensive international shipping or import duties. Join the Canadian Hiking Gear Deals Group Need more ways to get hi ..read more

The Nass Valley is tucked away in the Northwest corner of British Columbia. It’s the traditional territory of the Nisga’a people and has fascinating Indigenous culture and gorgeous volcanic scenery. On my visit, I found so many things to do in the Nass Valley. I’ve wanted to visit Nisga’a territory for years after I heard about their incredible volcanos, picturesque hot springs, and beautiful museum. I spent two days in the Nass Valley (which is sometimes also called the Nisga’a Valley) camping, hiking, visiting cultural sites, and soaking up the beauty. If you’re in Northern BC visiting Haida ..read more

Prince Rupert is a small city in Northern BC known as the City of Rainbows. It’s a gorgeous spot with great scenery, museums, seafood, and Indigenous culture. There are so many things to do in Prince Rupert. I spent a few days in the city on a recent trip to the northwest coast of BC. I wish I had been able to stay longer because we didn’t have time to visit the grizzly bear sanctuary (more on that below!) or eat at more amazing seafood restaurants. Many people breeze through Prince Rupert, but I think it’s worth spending a bit more time here. I put together a big guide to Prince Rupert for yo ..read more

When I was researching my trip to Haida Gwaii, I kept coming across photos of a beautifully weathered shipwreck rising out of a sandy beach. I knew I had to visit it! On my trip, I hiked the Pesuta Shipwreck Trail and can confirm it’s really cool in person. To save you from doing a bunch of googling like I did before I went (and still not finding all the info I needed), I put together this detailed hiking guide for you. This Pesuta Shipwreck Trail hiking guide includes: Why hike to the Pesuta Shipwreck? What is there to see? History of the Pesuta Shipwreck: How did it get there? Trail Stats ..read more

Tow Hill is one of the best hikes in Haida Gwaii. The short trail is located in the northern part of the archipelago in Naikoon Provincial Park. Known as Taaw Tldáaw in Haida, Tow Hill is next to the Blow Hole, another gorgeous natural feature. I couldn’t find that much reliable info about it before my trip, so after my visit I put together this hiking guide for you. It has details on my recommended loop hike route that takes you to both Tow Hill and the Blow Hole. In this Tow Hill hiking guide you will find: Why Visit Tow Hill? What is there to see? Indigenous context: Why is Tow Hill import ..read more

Every year I make a trip to the Canadian Rockies to go backpacking. I love the glacier views, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows. Here’s my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. I’ve done about half of the trips on this list and the rest are at the top of my to-do list! The destinations in this post are all world-class. If you had to pick just one Canadian Rockies backpacking trip, you would love any of the trips on this list. I’ve chosen trips in Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks as well as ones in Mount Robson and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Parks. The ..read more

Gwaii Haanas National Park is a near-mythical place made up of incredible wildlife, towering old-growth forests, and moving Haida cultural sites. Add in the fact that it is located in a remote corner of northwest British Columbia and can only be accessed by boat, and you have a true once-in-a-lifetime trip destination. Planning a trip to Gwaii Haanas can be pretty overwhelming. When I was researching the park before my visit, I had a lot of questions. At first, I wasn’t even sure how to get to the park! I’ve put together a huge guide to Gwaii Haanas for you that includes everything I learned a ..read more

Backpacking is a natural extension of day hiking as you trek further into the wilderness. The major downside is having to carry all that gear. I’ve been backpacking for nearly 20 years and have come up with lots of ways to reduce your backpack weight. I’m definitely not an ultralight hiker (more on what that is below), but I’m a gear geek and have refined my backpacking gear choices over the years to prioritize low weight without sacrificing safety or too much comfort. This guide to ways to reduce your backpack weight includes: Why should you reduce your backpack weight? What are the advantag ..read more

You might know Death Valley as the lowest and hottest place in North America. But there are so many other incredible things to do in Death Valley National Park. It is famous for its diverse and interesting landscapes, from rocky mountains to sand dunes, salt flats, and canyons.  Death Valley National Park is the perfect stop to add to a Nevada or California road trip itinerary. The park is close to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Nearby Death Valley are some of Nevada and California’s famous ghost towns. And, other epic parks like Sequoia National Forest aren’t too far away.  Happiest Out ..read more