North Frontenac Lodge is special. This morning I woke up without an alarm after a solid sleep in the built in log bed. A quick stretch and I wandered a whole five steps to the kitchen are a view of the water. With the loons calling out and the midst rolling off the lake, the ..read more

For my fellow city people, I know hiking may not sound like your idea of a good time.  Bugs, physical activity, and no wifi aren’t exactly what most people sign up for when they decide to live in a major city.  But let me tell you, as someone who has lived in New York City ..read more

Winter isn’t normally what you think of as a hiking season, but in Ontario it is one of the best times to get outside and on the trails! Just think, there are no bugs (huge bonus), less traffic, and some epic views. Another reason? It’s a lot easier to get up for a 7am winter ..read more

Winter isn’t normally what you think of as a hiking season, but in Ontario it is one of the best times to get outside and on the trails! Just think, there are no bugs (huge bonus), less traffic, and some epic views. Another reason? It’s a lot easier to get up for a 7am winter sunrise than it is a 5am summer one. So, how can we make the most of the season, while recreating responsibly? Read on! Responsible Recreation Insights The name of the game when getting out in nature is to ‘take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but tracks’.  Here are a insights and considerations when it comes to ..read more

If you’ve enjoyed the summer outdoors, then don’t stop now because the best hiking season is yet to come. Have you noticed the sumac and maples turning red in mid-August?! Signs of change, and that’s alright because fall and winter are actually my most favourite times of year to hike in our area. It’s quieter, peaceful, and most importantly – no bugs. It’s also a wonderful season to catch sunset and sunrise views from the trails. Whether it’s hiking in your own area, or taking a road trip to find new-to-you trails – there is plenty to enjoy. The hikes listed below offer incredible and colourfu ..read more

There is little as beautiful and grounding as watching the sun rise over the horizon. Except perhaps, an incredible sunset? It’s hard to choose. Why not enjoy both?! Let’s chase the those views this year. Catching the sunrise or sunset is also a great way to appreciate shorter/underrated trails and avoid crowds. Listed are trails that offer up the best views of sunrises and sunsets within 2hrs of Ottawa and some tips to stay safe! Steps to Planning the Perfect Sunrise or sunset Hike Trail The sun rises in the East and sets in the west. You’ll want to find a lookout with 360′ views, a towers ..read more

On the first night, I fell asleep with the windows open as the storm passed in the distance and the fireflies came around with their own forest magic. After a day of wildlife encounters, hiking, swimming, and watching the sun set over the lake – there was no doubt that the oasis of Pine Brae that owners Connie and Blair created was a special place. If you are lucky enough to visit and stay at one of their two off-the-grid modern cabins, it’ll no doubt be a highlight to the year. The Low Down 20 minutes from Perth. Access to Long Lake for swimming, canoe, kayak. Short hike into cabin (5-10min ..read more

Ready for trails and stops offering lush and beautiful wildflowers in the region?! Trilliums (Ontario’s provincial plant) start lining the forest floors in early May. Lilacs tend fill the air mid to late May, The carnivorous pitcher plants (Newfoundland’s provincial plant) come to life in the spring. And last but not least, wild lady slipper orchids bloom gloriously in mid June. What are your favourite trails to spot wildfowers? Share in comments below! Responsible Recreation Insights Admire their beauty, but do not pick the wildflowers! They provide nourishment to all sorts of local insect a ..read more

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” ~ Marcus Aurelius It started with a reflective post just before the new year: Mindset Shift Exercsie: Habits to Keep, Ditch, or Develop. Then The Wellness Series habit challenge was launched this year, which focused on twelve healthy habits for you to try out throughout the year. Have you taken on the challenge?! Anywhooo, solidifying better daily habits has become a little bit of a focus so I thought I’d share mine. Ya, might find them odd though. Morning Routine 5 ..read more

There is a reason that GirlGoneGood® is partnered with #NatureForAll, because hiking and getting out into nature really is for everyone. It is our job as a community to ensure accessibility and inclusion when it comes to our trails and ecological wonders. Whatever your reason for seeking out gentle hikes, whether it’s comfort level, mobility needs, little hikers/robust strollers, or interest – this post is for you. We’ll explore recommendations for boardwalks, gentle hikes with features, and mild elevation trails in Ottawa and region. What is a gentle Hike? In my books, what I’m looking for wh ..read more