Outdoors Explore

2020

Snowshoeing

Where to Go Snowshoeing in Manning Park, BC

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I know it’s a bold statement, but I think Manning Park is the best place to snowshoe in southwestern BC. Here’s why snowshoeing in Manning Park is so awesome:

  • Easy drive from Greater Vancouver on a plowed and sanded highway.
  • Usually low avalanche risk. 
  • Better weather and fluffier snow than the coast. 
  • No stupidly steep climbs. Gorgeous mountain views.
  • TONS of trails ranging from super flat beginner routes to all-day epics in the backcountry that climb mountains.

I mean, what else do  you need? In this guide I’ll give you all the details you need to choose the right trail for snowshoeing in Manning Park, plus tips to keep you safe on the trail.

This guide to snowshoeing in Manning Park includes:

Psst! Looking for even more places to snowshoe in British Columbia? Check out these Vancouver-area snowshoe guides:

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Hiking

Cliff Gilker Park Hike on the Sunshine Coast, BC

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Cliff Gilker Park near Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast is a great place for a short and easy hike. It has a network of forested trails that lead to lots of waterfalls and cascades. If you love moss, ferns, mushrooms, and tall Douglas firs, this hike is for you.

I lived in Gibsons for five months in the winter of 2020/21. The easy trails of Cliff Gilker Park were a short drive away in Roberts Creek. I found myself heading there often for a short nature break. The forest is especially gorgeous on cloudy or drizzly days. (I think it’s one of the most beautiful hikes on the Sunshine Coast.)

I’ve explored all the trails in the park and each of the waterfall viewpoints. That means that I’m able to give you a local’s insider info on everything you need to know to hike in Cliff Gilker Park.

In this post you’ll find:

Basics

Cliff Gilker Park is a small forested park with a network of trails. Roberts Creek and Clack Creek run through the park and both have some beautiful waterfalls, cascades, and sections of gorgeous mossy canyon.

You can use the park map (below) to plan your own trip. But I’ve put together a loop hike for you that visits all the best spots. Stats for my recommended loop are below.

Distance: 3 km

Elevation Gain: 50m

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Season: Year-Round

Toilets: Washroom building with toilets at the main parking lot.

Dogs: Allowed on leash

Cliff Gilker Park Hiking Map

Navigating the trails in Cliff Gilker Park is easy with frequent colour coded markers to show which trail you are on and mini maps at major junctions.

Camping

Camping in Yellowstone in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

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A few years ago, I spent 10 days camping in Yellowstone National Park. It was sooo nice to wake up each morning in the park. It made getting out to see the sights or go for a hike MUCH easier since we didn’t have to commute into Yellowstone. And for me, camping is the best way to experience nature!

On my June trip, I spent 3 nights in Mammoth, 3 nights in the backcountry and 3 nights at Norris. It was a bit of a last minute trip so we made due with what we could get. However… I always want to make sure I’m choosing the best option. So while we were touring around the park, I checked out most of the other campgrounds to see which campgrounds were awesome… and which were not.

I’ve put together a truly MASSIVE guide to camping in Yellowstone for you, updated for the 2024 season. It’s got literally everything you need to know including:

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

How to Make Camping Reservations in Yellowstone

There are three main types of campgrounds in Yellowstone: National Park-run campgrounds, privately-run Yellowstone National Park Lodges campgrounds, and backcountry campgrounds. You can drive up to the first two types but you’ll need to walk, paddle or ride a horse into the backcountry.

Yellowstone National Park-Run Reservable Campgrounds

These campgrounds are rustic – they don’t have showers and some do not have flush toilets. Scroll down for details about each campground.

A few years ago, all of these campgrounds were first-come, first-served. However as of 2023, all campgrounds run by Yellowstone National Park are reservable.

You can make reservations on Recreation.gov. You can make a reservation exactly six months in advance of the date you want to camp. So if you want to camp on July 15, the earliest you can make a reservation is January 15. If your dates are sold out, keep checking back. They do get last minute cancellations and sites open up again.

As well, some campgrounds have a handful of first-come, first-served sites. Some campground also have sites that can be booked two weeks in advance.

If you don’t get a reservation, don’t worry – you can use an app like Campnab to automatically scan the booking site, then send you a text or email when a site becomes available to book. Learn more about how these apps work in my guide to camping cancellation apps.

Locations

Things to Do in Yoho National Park

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For years I sped through Yoho National Park on Highway 1, in a hurry to get to Banff. From the road, the mountains were pretty but they didn’t entice me to stop. Oh how wrong I was! Once I finally got off the highway and saw all the things to do in Yoho National Park, I was hooked.

On my first trip to Yoho, we drove up the narrow and winding Yoho Valley Road into the mountains. I was shocked when Takakkaw Falls came into sight – I couldn’t believe how tall it was. On later trips, I discovered more waterfalls, incredible blue glacial lakes, towering peaks, clean campgrounds, and well-signed hiking trails.

I keep coming back to Yoho over and over because it has so much to offer. I think I’ve been to Yoho four times in the past five years. Yes, it’s an easy pit stop on the drive to Banff. But I think Yoho really deserves more of your time.

I’ve put together a complete guide to things to do in Yoho National Park. It includes:

Where to stay in Yoho from basic campsites to luxury hotels and everything in between.

Yoho National Park Basics: How to get there? How long to spend? Plus Parks Pass info, cell service, and more.

Map of Yoho National Park that includes all of the places I mention in this post.

Best things to do in Yoho: Waterfalls, glacier lakes, viewpoints, hiking trails, fossils, history, and more.

Yoho National Park Basics

Location

Yoho National Park is located in the Canadian Rockies. The park is about 1 hour west of the town of Banff, Alberta and 45 minutes east of the town of Golden, BC. The small town of Field is located inside the park. The park borders Banff National Park to the north and east and Kootenay National Park to the south.

How to Get to Yoho National Park

The closest airport to Yoho National Park is Calgary International Airport, which is a 2.5-hour drive away. It is possible to take a shuttle bus to the nearby town of Banff, about 1 hour away. However, there is no public transportation to the park – you will need to drive yourself or book a tour.

Getting Around in Yoho National Park

Unlike nearby Banff National Park, there is no public transportation in Yoho. The park is spread out along 60 kilometres of Highway 1 and several side roads. You will need to have your own car or join a tour group.

It’s easy to join a day tour leaving from Banff that hits Yoho’s highlights. This top-rated 8-hour tour visits Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge in Yoho along with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff. If you want to focus on Yoho, this popular Yoho National Park tour visits Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Natural Bridge, and the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint.

The easiest place to rent a car is in Calgary, but you can also rent a car in Banff. I use DiscoverCars to book rental cars since it lets you compare prices across rental companies.

Keep in mind that Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls (the most popular parts of the park) will be very busy in July and August. It can be impossible to find parking if you arrive in the middle of the day. Plan to arrive in the morning or early evening.

Backpacking

25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia in 2024

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After a long winter, I’m usually in a rush for summer to start so I can go backpacking. But it can be frustrating since most trails are snow-covered well into June and July. However, if you know where to look, there are lots of places to go on spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.

While this post is aimed at locations where you can go on an overnight hiking trip in spring, most of these trips make great fall backpacking trips in British Columbia too.

In BC, most mountain trails are snow-covered between late October and mid-June. However, there are lots of lower elevation trails that are snow-free between March and November. There are even a few on this list that you can backpack year-round.

This list of 25 spring backpacking trips in British Columbia includes:

  • Destinations near Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in BC’s interior
  • Trips ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert
  • Hikes between 2 and 8 days long
  • Trails that are usually snow-free by March, April, or May and stay snow-free until October or November
  • Tips for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
  • Bonus: Spring backpacking suggestions for Washington State

Tips for Spring Backpacking in British Columbia

Backpacking in the spring has its own challenges. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Weather: In spring, the weather is colder and wetter than in summer. It’s also less predictable. Pack accordingly and be prepared to cancel your trip or switch to a different destination if the forecast looks bad. (Use these picks for the best weather apps for hiking.)

Trail Conditions: Many trails suffer blow-downs, wash-outs, and flooding over the winter. Often, parks staff and volunteers do trail maintenance in late May or June, which means trails can be in rough shape before then.

Mud: Wet and muddy trails are inevitable in spring. Come prepared with waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.

Creek crossings: Streams run high in the spring with a combo of snow-melt and rain. Bridges may be washed out and fords may be dangerous. Be prepared to turn back.

Bears: As they wake up from hibernation and tend to new cubs, bears are more active in spring, especially in valley-bottom and coastal locations where there are lots of things for them to eat at this time of year. Read more about bear safety for backpackers.

Seasonal closures: Some parks and trails are closed in the off-season, or may have temporary closures to due damaged infrastructure. Check park and trail websites before you go.

Trailhead access issues: In spring, logging roads that access trailheads may be muddy or washed out. If you’re heading to a trail that requires a water taxi or floatplane, fog and rough weather may delay or cancel your trip. Shuttle services between trailheads may not start operating until May.

Hiking Skills

How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

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I’ve been on countless backpacking trips over the years (I’m a hiking guidebook author), but somehow I still end up with blisters every few years. I know all the tips and tricks to prevent blisters when hiking – but I just need to remember to follow my own advice!

Since I’m usually blister-free, here’s how to prevent blisters when hiking… and how to treat blisters when you do get them. Some of the tips are fairly straightforward (your shoes should fit you) but a few aren’t often talked about. For example, I’m a firm believer in good boot lacing technique.

This guide to preventing and treating blisters includes:

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. I only recommend products that I have used and believe in. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Why Do Hikers Get Blisters?

So first things first: Why blisters? Blisters form when skin gets irritated or damaged by pressure or friction. This could be from tight spots in your hiking boots or wrinkles in your socks.

You’ll also be more prone to blisters if your feet are wet, either from sweat or from getting rained on or dunked in a stream. When I get blisters, it’s usually because I let my feet get waaaay too sweaty 🙁

How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

Wear Hiking Boots That Fit Well

If your boots don’t fit or aren’t broken in, you’re likely to get blisters. Take your time when buying hiking boots and try on lots of pairs. Make sure your toes have enough room to spread out – if they are scrunched together you can get blisters.

Getting the right size is also important. Check the sizing by walking on an inclined ramp – most good outdoor stores will have one. When walking uphill your heels should stay in the same place – the boots are too big if your heel slips. Going downhill make sure that your toes don’t bump the front of the shoe. If they do, they’re too small.

Choose the Right Footwear

To avoid blisters you want to keep your feet dry. That means that your hiking boots shouldn’t let your feet get too sweaty, but they also should keep water out when you hike in the rain or splash through puddles.

Unfortunately it’s almost impossible to get boots that do both well. Waterproof boots are good at keeping water out, but even if they use a waterproof breathable membrane like Gore Tex, they still make your feet pretty sweaty. And mesh ventilated hiking boots are great at keeping your feet cool… but terrible at keeping them dry.

My solution is to wear waterproof breathable hiking boots like the Salmon Quest Gore-Tex for colder and wetter weather and ventilated mesh trail runners like the Salomon XA Pro for warmer weather.

Skills

How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes

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If you’re human, you sweat when hiking. And that makes your hiking clothing smell bad. But you don’t have to throw away your stinky clothes. I’ve got a complete guide to getting the smell out of hiking clothes.

The advice in this guide covers hiking clothing like base layers (long underwear) shirts, pants, fleece jackets, underwear, sports bras, and socks. Rain jackets and down jackets need to be washed differently.

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for two decades, mostly in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. (I even wrote a book about it.)

It isn’t that hot here, but it’s pretty humid, which means my hiking clothes are often sweaty and don’t get a chance to dry out until I get home. And all that moisture makes my clothing stink!

I also have hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that makes me sweat more than the average person. Even if I’m not working hard, my shirt, sports bra, underwear, and waistband of my pants are sweaty.

Since I hike a lot, most of my hiking clothes develop a gross funky smell over time. I pull them out of the drawer and they smell fine, but after an hour, you can smell the stink again. So I know a thing or two about getting the smell out of hiking clothes.

In this guide I’ll cover:

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Backpacking Locations

32 Best Backpacking Trips in BC

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Ever since I discovered backpacking nearly 20 years ago, it’s been my favourite outdoor activity. Some of my most memorable backpacking trips have been close to home in British Columbia. So I put together a list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

If you’re going to take time off to go backpacking, you don’t want to waste it on sub-par hikes. All the trips on my list are vacation-worthy – you won’t mind travelling a bit to get there.

It includes the best backpacking trips near Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in Eastern BC including the Rocky Mountains. For each trip, I’ve got details on difficulty, duration, and distance, and planning tips including fees, reservations, and links to trail guides.

I’ve also made sure that there are trips for both beginners and experts, and lots in between. And there are trips to suit any vacation length with a few quick overnighters, lots of long weekend-length trips, and a few that stretch over a week.

A few of these trips require reservations, but most do not. Read my guides to BC backpacking reservation dates and tips for backpacking in BC without reservations for more info.

You can find more info about a lot of these hikes in my books Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Best Backpacking Trips Near Vancouver

Howe Sound Crest Trail

Hiking the Howe Sound Crest Trail near Vancouver, one of the best bacpacking trips in BC
Hiking near the Lions on the Howe Sound Crest Trail

Duration: 2-4 days

Distance: 31.7 km traverse

Best Months: Mid-July to September

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Elevation Gain: 660 m

Fees and Reservations: None.

This very rough trail is more like a route in some places and requires occasional hands-on scrambling moves as you traverse a chain of rocky summits high above Howe Sound near Vancouver. If you’re up for the challenge, the views are worth it.

Watersprite Lake

Watersprite Lake in Squamish, one of BC's best overnight backpacking destinations
Watersprite Lake

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 17 km round trip

Best Months: Mid-June to October

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 660 m

Fees and Reservations: The hut requires reservations and costs $20/person/night. Advance reservations and fees are required for camping.

Watersprite Lake is an Instagram sensation thanks to its ice blue water and dramatic rock tower. We can credit the BC Mountaineering Club for building the trail to the lake along with a cabin and campground. I think it’s one of the best hikes in Squamish.

Hiking

2024 Mount Assiniboine Hiking Guide

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Note: I’ve updated my Mount Assiniboine hiking guide to include updated info for 2024 including the new requirement for reservations at Porcupine Campground.

With its prominent Matterhorn shape, Mount Assiniboine is one of the most photographed peaks in the Canadian Rockies. And that makes hiking to Mount Assiniboine one of the most spectacular backpacking trips near Banff.

I had dreamed of visiting for years, but when it came time to plan my trip, I was overwhelmed with information. There are so many campgrounds and access routes to consider! I’m a hiking guidebook author who has hiked all over BC and the Canadian Rockies, so doing hiking research is my jam – I figured out the best way to get there and the best places to camp.

My visit to Assiniboine was gorgeous, and I can’t wait to go back (probably to try one of the other access routes). In this guide, I’ve got all the info I used on my hike so that you can plan your own epic Mount Assiniboine hiking trip.

My guide to hiking to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park includes:

Mount Assiniboine Quick Facts

Description: Mount Assiniboine is a spectacular 3618-metre peak, nicknamed the Matterhorn of the Rockies. The core area of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a popular place for day hikes with incredible views of Mount Assiniboine and the surrounding peaks. However, the park is very remote – it takes one or two days to hike into the park (there are no roads) and there are several approach routes to choose from.

Location: Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is located in the Canadian Rockies southwest of Banff and Canmore. The park borders Banff National Park and Kootenay National Park.

Pronunciation: “Uh-sin-a-boyn”

How to Get There: There are five hiking routes into the park. You can also fly in by helicopter. More info in the Route Options section below.

Distance: 25.5 km to 32.3 km each way to the core area (depending on route) plus more for day hikes

Elevation Gain: 766 m to 1625 m to the core area (depending on route)

Difficulty: Moderate (if you break up the hike into the core area into two days)

How Many Days to Spend at Mount Assiniboine: Ideally 4 or 5.

Best time to Hike to Mount Assiniboine: Early July to late September.

Mount Assiniboine Weather: Mount Assiniboine is high in the Canadian Rockies and the mountains make their own weather. In July and August, the average high temperature is 23°C and the average low is 7°C. Thunderstorms in the afternoon are common. Use my picks for the Best Weather Apps for Hiking to see the forecast for your trip. I had a lot of rain and snow on my early September trip. The Mount Assiniboine webcam is also helpful.

Mount Assiniboine Reservations and Cost: You must make reservations to camp at most campgrounds in the Assiniboine core area and on the hike in (although there are some first-come, first-served campgrounds). The cost of your trip will vary depending on your itinerary. See the reservations and costs section below for a full breakdown.

What to Bring to Mount Assiniboine: This is a remote hiking trip, so you will need to bring typical backpacking gear. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket and warm layers as the weather can get cold and wet fast. Use my backpacking checklist to make sure you have everything you need and my guide to reducing your backpack weight so you don’t over pack.

Wildlife at Mount Assiniboine: The trail is in bear country (both black bears and grizzly bears). Carry bear spray, hike in a group, and make noise, especially in brushy areas. Use campground cooking areas and store all your food in toiletries in bear lockers. Read my bear safety tips for backpackers for more info.

Mount Assiniboine Rules: Dogs are allowed on-leash. No fires or drones.

Indigenous Context: The Mount Assiniboine area is in the traditional territory of the Tsuut’ina, Michif Piyii (Mestis), Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney) and Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis. The government forced Indigenous people to leave soon after Banff National Park was created in 1885 and prohibited them from accessing their traditional territory to hunt, fish, gather, and conduct cultural practices. George Dawson, an early settler surveyor, named the mountain after the Indigenous Stoney people, who the Cree called “Assin Bwan”.

Have questions about Mount Assiniboine? Join the Mount Assiniboine Facebook Group to connect with other hikers!

Hiking Skills

The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

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Finding a weather forecast for hiking can be tough because most weather apps just have forecasts for cities and towns. Since it’s so important to know the weather when you hike, I’ve put together a complete guide to the best weather apps for hiking.

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for several decades, usually in the notoriously wet weather of British Columbia, so I’ve developed lots of tips and tricks for finding weather forecasts for hiking over the years.

These hiking weather recommendations work anywhere in the world, but they are especially helpful in North America in regions where there is no cell phone service on hiking trails.

This guide includes:

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

The Best Weather Websites and Apps for Hikers

Spotwx

While their interface is pretty basic (and maybe a little bit retro!), Spotwx is a great weather website for hikers. The thing I like best about it is you can select a pinpoint location on a map and get a weather forecast for that exact location.

As well, it allows you to toggle between multiple forecast models. I use this to get an idea of what the best and worst-case scenarios might be on my trip. They have a range of shorter and longer-term models to choose from.

I also like the way it displays data in graphs. I often take a screenshot of the graphs so I can refer to them later on my trip. The graphs are pretty small on a phone, but if you zoom in they are easy to read.

Website: Spotwx.com

Mountain Forecast

I find Mountain Forecast really helpful for high elevation trips since it provides a weather forecast for thousands of named mountains around the world. It also lets you toggle between a forecast for the peak as well as a few lower elevations (where you are likely going to be camping and hiking).

One of my favourite features of this site is the way they display freezing level and precipitation, both of which can be important in the mountains.

I like the grid display for the forecast and often take screenshots from this site on my trips. They provide a detailed three-day forecast, and then a less precise six-day forecast. (Scroll to the right to see it on mobile.)

The only disadvantage of Mountain Forecast is that it works best if you know the name of a mountain near the trail you plan to hike. But you can always just use the map on the main page to navigate to the area you are interested in, then zoom in to see if there are nearby peaks that have a forecast.

Website: Mountain-Forecast.com

Windy

Available both as a website and an app, Windy has tons of weather data. In fact, I sometimes find it a bit overwhelming. It has forecasts for thousands of named locations around the world. For hikes, you may need to search for the name of a nearby lake, mountain, etc. to find the relevant forecast.

Next Page »

Latest Posts

Snowshoeing

Where to Go Snowshoeing in Manning Park, BC

Hiking

Cliff Gilker Park Hike on the Sunshine Coast, BC

Camping

Camping in Yellowstone in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Locations

Things to Do in Yoho National Park