You won’t find Silent Valley on Google Maps. It’s a diverse 200-acre swath of land in Ontario with enough history, geology and hiking trails to inspire a book. Spectacular caves, ancient fossils, pioneer farm remnants and an airplane crash site are easily viewed on a day hike through the valley. The area was acquired by […]

We’re told to carry “all the necessary clothing, food and equipment at all times” but for day hiking in Ontario, what exactly does that mean? By definition “necessary” means – required to be done, achieved, or present; needed; essential. So we could carry a small pack with food and water only; truly the only essential […]

You could be out on beautiful trail on a perfect day – water below, rocks underfoot, blue sky above -but if your feet aren’t enjoying it, chances are you won’t either. Proper footwear isn’t just important to making the most of a walking tour, it’s crucial. That’s why we’ve taken the time to collect some […]

We were passing through a part of the trail that promised cliff, cave, crevice and ravine habitats, along with forested slopes and wetlands. All I could see were roots, rocks and trees. And more rocks and trees. It was hot. Where were the caves? The first part of today’s hike was predominantly flat, quite literally, […]

One of Ontario’s best kept secrets is the town of Lion’s Head, a three-hour drive from Toronto on Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay.  This picturesque small town of 514 people is circled around a natural harbour and family friendly sandy beach.  The village’s central location on the Bruce Peninsula makes it an ideal base for exploring […]

For a fun, safe day on the trails, follow these basic safety tips: Footwear: Hiking boots with ankle support that are both broken in and comfortable play an important role in preventing accidents. Good hiking socks such as though sold at sporting goods stores are also advisable. Carry “moleskin” (available at your pharmacy) in your […]

The Waitukubuli National Trail in Dominica is the first long distance hiking trail in the Caribbean. And speaking from experience – it’s spectacular! The Waitukubuli, fondly known as the WNT, has been designated an eco-tourist site. It covers 184 kilometres (115 miles), twisting and turning the north-south length of Dominica. From Scott’s Head in the […]

Algonquin is Ontario’s first provincial park Ontario along with being one of the largest. It protects a variety of natural, cultural, and recreational features and values while offering a diverse experience to visitors. The essence of Algonquin is in its vast interior of maple hills, rocky ridges, and thousands of lakes. Exploring this park can […]

The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, winding for 890 kilometres along the forested Niagara Escarpment. Hanna Lindon from the British Mountaineering Council heads for Ontario to walk the trail’s highlights. The one thing you don’t really get about Canada until you experience it for yourself is the space. Even those Europe-sized patches […]