Elf on the potty When Nature Calls!  There will be a time on the trail when someone needs to use the washroom. Many trails have designated areas that they have created for a makeshift privy. However, we can guarantee nature seems to call either before or after that point, so what do you do? Be prepared! What you need to bring: Carrying biodegradable toilet paper is a necessity along with a shovel, wipes, and cornstarch (to get rid of the itch!). We also recommend young ladies carry feminine products just in case. Where to go: Ideally, use the spots designated on the trail m ..read more

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Taking a break on top of Lion's Head COVID-19 has created a lot of extra stress on families.  It is important to spend time as a family just having fun together and away from the mundane of everyday life.  A great way to spend time together as a family during the pandemic is to hike as a family.  It's a great way for both parents and children to put away their phones and to spend time outdoors while physically distancing from others.   More people seem to be hiking during this pandemic than ever before, which is probably due to closures of so many activities. &n ..read more

Hope you are all safe and that you are getting the opportunity to get on the trails with your kids.  It's now more important than ever to get the kids off their phones and out of the house!  As people continue to flock to the trails in record numbers, there are some changes (besides closures) we need to consider to ensure we all remain safe and doing our part not to spread the virus while hiking.  We are in no way experts nor do we claim to be, and please follow guidelines set out by your governments and health authorities.  These are suggestions and common sense ideas ..read more

Beyond the constraints of obligations, electronic devices and large social networks that pull families apart in different directions, hiking and spending time on the trails provide families with the opportunity to spend uninterrupted time together and to create positive and lifelong memories.   Hiking with children allows parents the opportunity to pass on experiences that capture central values for family life and well-being, which can be realized by their children as they grow older and can pass to future generations. Positive shared memories and important family narrat ..read more

Happy New Year!  We have been quiet during the last couple of months because we have been busy with our kids' hockey.  Although we took some time off from blogging, we have been planning our next big adventures for 2020 and we look forward to sharing these with you in the coming months.  We also have a number of tips for hiking with children that we have been working on.  And now with our new found love of snowshoeing, we expect that we will be updating the blog throughout the year. Rather than wait until the spring to begin hiking as a family again, we decided to try snowshoeing.  We pic ..read more

Supplies for a family day hike There are several great first aid kits on the market designed specifically for hiking. Most of these first aid kits are great starters to be ready for minor medical issues on the trail. However, there are several additional items that should be added to your pack to ensure you are prepared for most situations when hiking with children. Pain relief: Many kits contain either Tylenol or Advil, but usually only for one or two adults. Consider the number of hikers in your group and the age of the hikers. It is good to include additional pain relief medication t ..read more

Kids on Crack! Welcome to the hidden gem close to Sudbury Ontario on the North Shore of Georgian Bay.  The Killarney Provincial Park offers a unique family adventure with camping, canoeing and hiking trails, including peak seeking.  Accommodations The campground contains electrical and non electrical sites and well as 6 heated Yerts you can rent.  We usually bring our trailer with us.  Most sites are both large and private.  You can find more information about the Killarney Provincial Park on their website.   If you don't want to stay at the campground the town of Killarney has a few ho ..read more

On the top of Algonquin in the Adirondacks This was our first adventure in the Adirondacks and we were hooked.  Although this is a long day and the second highest peak of the 46ers, we wanted to give it a try.  The path was clearly marked and provided a wide range of variations while on the trail, from wooded trails, bare rocks, rock hopping and a few scrambles along the way to the peaks.  The kids were 9, 11, 13 at the time and concurred these peaks with a sense of accomplishment.  Although most websites suggest adding Iroquois as well, this was our first hike so we did not want to push it t ..read more

At the top of Phelps Mountain in the Adirondacks  Table Top and Phelps Mountains in the Adirondacks are another two peaks that are great in combination when hiking with children.  The combination trail is approximately 13.8 miles.  The trail is very scenic and well maintained.  The signs are clearly indicated throughout the trail and there are turn off points to each mountain. You can also combine Marcy (the tallest peak in the mountain range) but that would make for a very long day.  Alternatively, you could also backpack and break up the trip into two days.  Registering for the hikeTh ..read more