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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

In a country that spans almost 10 million square kilometres of dense rainforest, calm lakes and steep mountains, there are literally thousands of outdoor activities to keep you busy. But what are the quintessential Canadian experiences for your adventure bucket list? Get ready, explorers: here’s a distilled must-do list for adventurous Canadians:

## 1. Ride the waves in Tofino
On the far west coast, Tofino promises the best surfing in Canada. It has 35km of year-round break (yep, a [wetsuit](/en/products/watersports/watersports-clothing/wetsuits/c/1043) is a must), along with epic scenery and the relaxed atmosphere you’d expect from a laidback beach town surrounded by rainforest.

## 2. Scale a mountain in Banff
Nothing speaks to Canada’s scenic power quite like the Rockies. If you’re not an experienced mountaineer, you can still traverse the alpine with the Via Ferrata at Mt. Norquay in Banff National Park. Common in the Alps, a Via Ferrata is a network of ladders, cables and bridges that make a mountain face accessible to anyone with a bit of grit and [sturdy shoes](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/hiking-footwear/hiking-shoes/c/1492).



## 3. Canoe tripping in Algonquin
What Ontario lacks in mountains it makes up for with its impressive 250,000 lakes. Nowhere is this more evident than in Algonquin, the country’s oldest provincial park. The true beauty of Algonquin is its promise of complete solitude. [Plan a canoe trip](/en/product/6015-847/algonquin-park-on-waterproof-map) and set up camp near a calm lake that you can access from launch points farther north of Highway 60.

## 4. Hike the Bruce Trail
The Bruce Trail stretches 885km along the Niagara Escarpment from St. Catharines to Tobermory. The whole thing can take more than a month to complete, but there are several well-marked day hikes that explore this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.



## 5. Paddle the 1000 Islands
Sprawled across the St. Lawrence River, these islands are home to history and adventure; 20th-century castles and War of 1812 battle sites punctuate the active archipelago. Take a multi-day kayaking course to get to know the area, or [bring your own boat](/en/products/watersports/kayaking/kayaks/c/911) and pitch a [tent](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-tents-tarps-and-bivies/tents/c/1449) somewhere off the shores of Gananoque.

## 6. Cycle La Route Verte
This route in Quebec’s Eastern Townships was hailed as the best [cycling](/en/products/cycling/bikes/c/854) route in the world by National Geographic in 2010, three years after the trail’s inauguration. At 5,300km in total, it’s the longest cycling network in the country, weaving past farming communities, cities and riversides (you can even spend the night in a lighthouse). Grab a Quebec cycling guidebook (in French) to plan your trip.



## 7. Geocache along the Confederation Trail
Stretching along the island from east to west, the 435-km Confederation Trail is PEI’s portion of the Trans Canada Trail. The path’s gentle gradient makes it accessible for a variety of fitness levels, and there are over 1,600 caches along the route, making it prime for explorers who never travel without their [GPS](/en/products/electronics/gps-navigation/c/1139).

## 8. Climb Gros Morne Mountain
Staring down from the 806-m summit of Newfoundland’s Gros Morne is a humbling endeavor (and proof that you don’t need to travel to Scandinavia for stunning fjords). The 16-km James Callaghan Trail leads through forested paths and a bit of loose rock scrambling before you reach the top.



## 9. Camp under the midnight sun
At summer solstice, experience sunlight for a full 24 hours in northern regions like the Yukon and Northwest Territories. The extra daylight give you lots of time to explore before you set up camp in spots like Kluane National Park. If you want to go all out, visit remote Ivvavik National Park, which has guided Arctic base camp trips from Parks Canada.

Canadians are lucky. Extensive trails, mountains next to cities, and a seemingly endless network of rivers and lakes are ready for us anytime we want to take on a little adventure. It’s your move, explorers.



## Related articles
- [Travel packing checklist](/en/explore/travel-checklist)
- [The time to travel is always now](/en/article/the-time-to-travel-is-always-now)
- [The ultimate travel pants](/en/article/the-ultimate-travel-pants)

*Originally published in 2016. Updated in 2019.*



Must-do trip inspiration for travelling in Canada, from biking La Route Verte to hiking the Bruce Trail. How many of these have you ticked off your list?

The bucket list for adventurous Canadians

Hiking, peak bagging, trekking, backpacking, even walking – call it what you may – we generally undertake this activity with the same basic intent: to move from point A to B. To get somewhere.

Only later do we discover it’s really about the spaces in between.

Some hike to seek escape from a noisy world, or solace. Others see a challenge. How far can I go? How fast? What gear do I need? And what can I shed in search of an ultralight pack? For some, it’s a weekend undertaking with long, lung-busting missions into the backcountry. Thru-hikers spend months ambling across ranges, even countries. Some hike at night, under headlamp, serenaded by stars. The hardy venture out in mid-winter, frosty diamonds dancing underfoot. Sturdy boots become trusted companions for many, yet a few wander barefoot, sand and dirt between toes a reminder of simpler times.

But no matter what brings us to hiking, other unexpected gifts soon emerge.



Among the first and most obvious is improved health. I won’t bore you with statistics – there is plenty of compelling research – but let’s just say the effects derived from just a 20-minute daily stroll are undeniable and unambiguous. Every aspect of our being appears to benefit from this simple act, from cholesterol levels to cardiovascular disease, psoriasis to Parkinson’s.

My own recent reacquaintance with the joys of hiking and walking was precipitated by a herniated disc. Amid all the jazzy modern treatments available to a spine patient – inversion tables, intramuscular needling, epidural injections, massage, acupuncture, physio, rehab, ice, heat – most doctors and surgeons agree that nothing is more effect at rebuilding function than simply getting up on your feet and moving forward.

“If you are only able to do one thing each day,” a physiologist with the Canadian Olympic team said to me, “then walk. Preferably at a stiff pace. With arms swinging from shoulders, not elbows.”

My first outings were small. I struggled to complete a single city block, often forced to lie on the sidewalk and rest. But little by little, strength returned. Soon I was out for an hour. Then two. Eventually the disc healed and form returned, but I never stopped the daily hikes, for I could sense some special magic at work.



Hiking just might be the perfect antidote to the modern plague of sitting, for it stretches us upwards, unfolding hip flexors and engaging gluteals while activating the vestibular system and reinforcing contralateral movement (opposite leg and arm moving in unison) which is the foundation of all performance.

Yet the benefits are not limited to the body alone.

Long hailed for its ability to boost cognitive performance, walking in nature is now recognized as a powerful intervention against depression, stress, and anxiety. Hemingway, Thoreau and Jefferson extolled the virtues, as did Plato, Aristotle, Dickens, Ruskin and Emerson. Carried to its limit, moving forward becomes a form of meditation, allowing us to tap into creativity, wisdom, even a forgotten capacity for wonderment.

> To hike through a landscape is to know it – certainly with more intimacy than any train, plane or automobile would allow. Distances become real again. And humbling.
>
Twenty years ago, my wife and I trekked across Iceland, travelling from northeast cape to southwest, a thirty-seven-day journey of one thousand kilometres. Along the way, we stumbled upon abandoned fishing villages, and the gravestones of children lost amid wind-whipped grass. We peered over sea cliffs, the noisy faces below dripping with fulmars, murres and kittiwakes. We traversed misty glaciers, warmed ourselves at volcanic steam vents, and followed ancient trade routes through lava fields, where thousands of hooves had worn prints into the stone.

There is simply no way I would know that small country similarly had I driven around the ring road, for any landscape glimpsed through the window of a car is distant, and inaccessible.



Perhaps most importantly, hiking and walking are unparalleled in their ability to raise the veil on the landscape of home. Even just travelling by foot through familiar neighbourhoods makes us become participants rather than spectators. We greet strangers, become aware of routines, notice subtle changes, and in this way, following the same route, day after day, instead of growing mundane, becomes steadily more engaging. As experiences and observations accumulate, like sediments in a lake, our understanding of the world outside our front door deepens.

In the forest behind my house, a well-worn path traverses a grove of mature lodgepole pine. It was here, ten years ago, that I disturbed a great horned owl, causing the majestic bird to take flight, gliding silently through the cathedral of trees with wings outstretched.

> I have passed by that same spot a hundred times since, and while I have never seen the owl again, I have never failed to think of it either.
>
Hiking and walking are truly democratic activities, requiring little more than a sturdy pair of shoes, open to almost everyone, rich and poor, young and old. (Admittedly, longer outings benefit from a backpack with the [hiking essentials](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping), like a jacket, water bottle and food.) But in this era of flashy, Insta-fueled exploits, the activity itself seems to have become the Rodney Dangerfield of outdoor pursuits – can’t get no respect.

As counterpoint, I’ll simply note that unlike running, biking, skiing or almost any other more vigorous activity, the slow and steady movement of walking on a trail can be absorbed in near-unlimited doses, for it builds a body up instead of breaking it down. Sure, overuse injuries may appear, but the stress placed on joints and muscles is of a different nature. Fundamentally, our bodies are designed to walk and walk and walk – forever.



But the greatest gift of hiking may not be no so much of what it is, as what it isn’t.

A phone bouncing in hand is desperately difficult to read, and messages are frustrating to type. So we are forced to acquaint (or reacquaint) ourselves with other wonders: silence, curiosity, the smell of earth on the trail, the iridescence of a dragonfly’s wing, talking freely with friends in the forest.

Of course all this has nothing to do with peak bagging or lowered cholesterol. Putting one foot in front of the other is fundamentally an expression of humanity; it’s what makes us who we are – and it’s what takes us to those spaces in between. I hope you’ll join us.

## Bruce’s hiking gear picks
Heading out to explore on trails? Here’s some of the gear Bruce trusts for hiking:



- [MEC 32 Backpack](/en/product/6016-499/tour-32-backpack): For anyone aiming to cover serious distance in a day.

- [MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Jacket](/en/brand/mec/products/clothing/c/981?text=hydrofoil+stretch): A classic waterproof-breathable layer. (If you’re interested in an even more packable option, check out the new [MEC Flash Cloud Jacket](/en/product/5059-824/flash-cloud-gore-tex-jacket).)

- [Darn Tough Mid-Weight Hiker Boot Socks](/en/product/5040-881/Midweight-Hiker-Boot-Socks): Lots of cushioning, they dry fast, and work year-round.

- [Vasque Breeze III GoreTex Boots](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/hiking-footwear/hiking-boots/c/1497?text=vasque+breeze+III): Great for day hiking, burly enough for fast and light backpacking.



## Related articles
- [How to choose hiking boots or shoes](/en/explore/how-to-choose-hiking-boots-or-shoes)
- [The 10 essentials for hiking](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping)
- [How to clean and waterproof hiking boots and shoes](/en/explore/how-to-clean-and-waterproof-hiking-boots)



A dose of inspiration from renowned adventurer Bruce Kirkby, who got back into hiking after recovering from a challenging injury – and discovered a lot more along the way.

Why we hike

Fun fact: I’m a born-again bike commuter. I ride a lot of bikes, but I once *loathed* commuting on one – especially when the weather got bad. Why? I used to arrive looking like a sauna enthusiast, my work clothes were soaking wet, and I was ruining my road bike. Sure, part of my issues might have been deep-rooted cowardice, but for the most part, I just didn’t have a good system for biking in the rain, wind or bad weather.

I’ve come a long way since then. Here are some of things I’ve faced and how to fix them.



## Preventing Swack (sweaty + back)
Swack can happen – especially when you’re commuting with a backpack, when you’re hammering along, or when fall temps aren’t quite as brisk as you suspected.

##### Tip:
- Wear a dedicated [commuter kit](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/cycling/cycling-clothing/c/1582), and change into a fresh shirt when you arrive.
- Find a [backpack](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/cycling/panniers252c-bags-and-racks/bike-backpacks-and-messenger-bags/c/318) with a mesh back for air flow, or…
- Install a [bike rack](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/cycling/panniers252c-bags-and-racks/bike-racks/c/1374) and [pannier system](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/cycling/panniers252c-bags-and-racks/bicycle-panniers/c/1373) on your bike to ditch the pack completely.



## Finding the right bag
Sure, you’ve hauled your backpack from middle school around for the past 12 years but… is it waterproof? Will it rock back and forth and back and forth whenever you stand on the pedals like a pendulum of pain? And, most importantly… will it protect your stuff inside?

##### Tips:
- Find a [bike backpack](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/cycling/panniers252c-bags-and-racks/bike-backpacks-and-messenger-bags/c/318) that’s purpose-built for commuting (many don’t necessarily look like “bike bags”).
- [Messenger bags](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/packs-and-bags/shoulder-bags-slings-and-waist-packs/courier-messenger-bags/c/1331?b=100-1551-1370-318) do an excellent job of staying close to your back and firmly in place.
- Tip: Some folks (me included) find that a single strap can strain one side of the shoulders/neck. In that case, opt for a two-strap backpack with padded, adjustable shoulder straps, plus a sternum strap (or a rack and pannier system).



### Remember: it gets dark early
Maybe you got stuck at work, caught up with a friend, or had a class that went late. Next thing you know, it’s pitch black outside. Fall means shorter days, so prepare accordingly.

**Tips**:

- [Bike lights](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/cycling/bike-accessories-and-add-ons/bike-lights/c/1298)! They’ll keep you seen by drivers, pedestrians, and other commuters. Always keep a charged set in your bag.
- Most bike lights are rechargeable, can be insanely bright, and are often easy for you to remove when you lock up your ride.
- Many jackets and bags have reflective hits to help you seen by drivers. An easy way to add visibility if you don’t have built-in reflection is with [LED slap wraps](/en/product/5048-649/SlapLit-LED-Slap-Wrap).

### Don’t destroy your shoes
You look out the door and the morning is a universe of golden leaves and sunshine. You ride to work – not a care in the world! – in your regular shoes. But then… weather changes, rain falls, and you totally trash your nice shoes on the ride home.

**Tips**:

- Dedicated [commuting kicks](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/cycling/cycling-footwear/cycling-shoes/c/1496), or waterproof boots (like these [Blundstones](/en/products/footwear/boots/c/1189/features/waterproof?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=blundstone)) if you want to maintain a bit of style.
- If your shoes do get soaked: Stuff them full of newspaper after riding home to reduce morning swamp foot.

### Stay dry (not soaked)
Riding has the potential to get you way soggier than if you were walking with an umbrella or taking transit. The good news? You have a lot of options. Year-round commuters are a practical bunch, and there are commuter-specific jackets that are bright and waterproof. If you prefer something with a bit more street-style, there are plenty of waterproof-breathable shells that can do double-duty as bike jackets.

**Tips**:

- [Waterproof and wind-resistant clothes](/en/features/windproof+waterproof/products/clothing/c/981). (Some might not repel water quite as well as other gear, but there’s a lot to be said for clothes that work on and off the bike).
- If your commute is long, if you bike year-round, or if you maintain a good pace, opt for more technical [commuter bike apparel](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/cycling/cycling-clothing/c/1582?page=1).



### Watch for the rooster tail/mud mask combo
You gotta be prepared for a bit of spray if it’s raining. Your front tire can spit gritty water into your face on wet pavement, plus you’ll be facing an onslaught of rain. The worst problem? Rooster tail: a stunningly uniform line of mud and water that runs from your butt and up your back.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

**Tips**:

- Install [fenders](/en/products/cycling/bike-accessories-and-add-ons/fenders/c/815), front and rear. They’ll protect you and also keep those riding behind you dry (courtesy never hurts, right?). Plus, a front fender reduces spray on your shoes.
- If you can’t fit full fenders, use smaller clip-on fenders.

### Don’t ruin your bike
Wet mornings can steadily eat away at your drivetrain (re: chain and chainrings), rims and bearings. Grit and grime are inevitable in bad weather, but you can reduce the impact.

**Tips**:

- Rinse your bike often – nothing fancy, just spray with a hose to get gunk off. From there, lube your chain and do a quick once-over with a dry rag to get rid of remaining water. Get tips on [how to clean and lube your chain](/en/explore/how-to-clean-and-lube-a-bike-chain).
- Fenders (again) help protect your bike from excess spray.
- If you’re riding steadily, consider a mid-season [bike tune up](/en/explore/bike-service). It’s cheaper and safer to do preventative maintenance instead of pushing your bike to mechanical exhaustion.

### Skip the summer tires
Commuting beyond summer? You’ll come to realize that roads get covered in debris – rocks, snow, salt, broken bike parts, staples (where do they come from?), nails, screws, broken glass – literally every sharp thing you could imagine.

**Tips**:

- Invest in beefier [bike tires](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/cycling/bike-components/tires-tubes-wheels-and-hubs/bike-tires/c/850). If your frame lets you go wider, go wider – you’ll get a bit more grip.
- Your tire choice is going to depend on the make of your bike. Ask an MEC bike tech for know-how.

### Avoid frozen hands
Chances are there’ll be a ride where you’ll brave the rain or wind without gloves. Don’t do it. Halfway through, your hands will resemble frozen claws, and you’ll end up noisily blowing your hands in that 9am meeting or lecture, much to the chagrin (or, possibly, amusement) of those around you.

**Tip**:

- Bring. [Gloves](/en/ideal-for/cycle-commuting/products/cycling/cycling-clothing/cycling-clothing-accessories/cycling-gloves/c/1542).



## Bonus tips
Commuter bike safety is worthy of a future post in its entirety. Nevertheless, here are a few quick tips for boosting your safety cred:

##### Always make eye contact with drivers at intersections
It’s the best way to make sure that a driver is aware of your existence. If you haven’t made eye contact while approaching (it can be tough to do when it’s dark and you can’t see through windshields), ease up and use caution.

##### Corner carefully in rain or frost
When those first rainy or frosty mornings hit, slow down. 98% of the time things will be fine, but use caution when cornering – the road is slipperier, and a corner you’re used to cruising through might catch you by surprise.

##### Brake sooner
When your rims are exposed to dirt, grit and rain, your brakes won’t perform as admirably as they usually do. Always brake a bit sooner in wet conditions. This isn’t as much as a problem for bikes equipped with disc brakes (which makes them great for commuting).



## Related articles
- [How to choose bike bags and panniers](/en/explore/how-to-choose-bike-bags-and-panniers)
- [Get ready for winter riding](/en/explore/get-ready-for-winter-riding)
- [How to choose bike lights](/en/explore/choose-bike-lights)

*Originally published September 2016. Updated in 2019.*



Want to keep bike commuting beyond summer? Learn from someone who’s been there (and has clever solutions to common commuting mistakes).

How to bike in the rain (and other fall bike commute tips)

Semester one. It’s just around the corner. Maybe it’s your first school semester ever, or maybe you’re delving into second or fourth year of university or college. Wherever you’re at, one thing’s for sure: school can be tough, so take all the help you can get.

While we might not be able to help you prevent dreaded loops of procrastination, we have some campus survival secrets to make the back-to-school transition just a bit smoother.

## 1. Invest in a new best friend…
…and by best friend, we mean backpack. A good bag or backpack will carry pretty much whatever you need effortlessly and won’t make your back feel like it’s been trampled by elephants. Got a laptop or tablet? Most solid urban packs feature protected sleeves for electronics.

Other things to look for? Some packs features outer straps or pockets for wet jackets or workout clothes (so you don’t stink up the joint), and other bags are designed to withstand horrific bouts of weather. A well-made pack will last you for years and years, so think of it as an investment in your sidekick/inanimate best friend.



## 2. Create an essentials kit
Whatever the reason, some mornings might be a little rough. And – trust us on this one – there’s nothing worse than trudging into a lecture hall at 9am feeling like a crumpled, unwashed mess.

So, pick a dedicated pocket in your pack to carry a few essentials – a stick of deodorant, tooth brush, an extra layer, or a change of socks. Or go pro and invest in a small essentials [travel pouch](/en/products/travel-gear/luggage/travel-pouches-and-packing-organizers/c/1354) pack filled with whatever you think is best. You’ll be thankful to have it when you need it most, and it’ll come in handy when you head out on your first big backpacking trip.



## 3. Take up rock climbing…
A large majority of climbers start climbing while in post-secondary, and for good reason: it’s affordable (look for student deals), it’s social, most colleges and universities feature climbing gyms, and it’s a great workout. Wondering where to begin? The – er – highly informational video below should help get you started. We’ve also got a lock on the [climbing essentials](/en/products/climbing/c/301) you’ll need, along with helpful articles for beginners:

- [How to start rock climbing](/en/explore/how-to-start-rock-climbing)
- [How to choose climbing shoes](/en/explore/choose-your-climbing-shoes)
- [15 things I wish I knew before I started climbing](/en/article/15-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-i-started-climbing)

*New to climbing? MEC offers a 10% off climbing package when you buy a harness and rock shoes to help you get set up – see the [climbing special offer details](/en/explore/climbing-gear-special-offer).*



How to be a Rock Climber

## 4. …or any other activity.
If climbing isn’t your bag, then there are about 14,509 other activities you can try. Check out your school’s club days for external motivation and creative ideas. Not into the club thing? Chuck a [disc](/en/product/5047-876/pro-ring?colour=Assorted) around with friends, try out [slacklining](/en/products/climbing/slacklines/c/1469), find pockets of nature to explore on campus, or go for a run (MEC running events are a great deal and give you a goal to work toward). Moving your body is a better study break than a 6-hour Netflix binge, and it helps relieve stress like nothing else – don’t neglect it.

## 5. Stay hydrated


Relying on Americanos and highly caffeinated teas is tempting, but it’ll only get you so far. Staying hydrated does wonders to keep you feeling tip-top through hectic class schedules and marathon-worthy library sessions. The solution? Get yourself a water bottle and carry it with you everywhere. After purchasing said water bottle, immediately customize it by plastering it with an enormous range of stickers of your choice.



## 6. Bring snacks
Fire a few protein bars or energy gummies into your backpack. You’ll be glad to have some food to munch on during late afternoon lectures. Plus, some sport gummies feature a touch of caffeine to keep you fuelled through late night library sessions. Some staff go-tos? The [Probar Protein Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar](/en/product/5036-875/protein-peanut-butter-chocolate-bar?colour=NO_COLOUR) and [Clif Mountain Berry Shot Bloks](/en/product/5020-898/shot-bloks-mountain-berry?colour=NO_COLOUR).



Blame it on your extremely diverse class schedule or the often perplexing layouts of most post-secondary institutions, but one thing’s for sure: you’ll be walking, a lot. Ditch the flimsy flip-flops for a good pair of shoes or boots with cushy midsoles and solid support.



## 8. Locate prime nap spots
Whether it’s from pulling an all-nighter, celebrating the completion of an all-nighter, or just making use of a long break between classes, a midday nap is hard to beat. Keep your eyes peeled for comfy couches in out of the way corridors or hidden corners of the library. Once you’ve located your new favorite nap spot(s), be sure to *never* tell anyone.

## Bonus survival secret for coffee fanatics


If there’s one truly horrible thing that can happen to anyone fueled by coffee, it’s heading to the library on the weekend and discovering that *no* coffee shops are open.

The solution? Create a compact coffee kit consisting of: a to-go mug; a super compact coffee system (for example, the [Aeropress](/en/product/5046-862/Coffee%26-Espresso-Maker)); and a little baggie of ground beans. For some portable barista inspiration, check out our [coffee addict’s guide to camp coffee](/en/article/a-coffee-addicts-guide-to-camp-coffee).



*Originally published July 2016. Updated in 2019. Top photo: Vancouver Institute of Media Arts.*

## Related articles
- [How to choose (and fit) a backpack](/en/explore/choose-and-fit-a-backpack)
- [Gift ideas for people who really, really like coffee](/en/article/gift-ideas-for-people-who-really-really-like-coffee)
- [The time to travel is always now](/en/article/the-time-to-travel-is-always-now)



Heading back to class? Check out 8 ways (+ a bonus) to make the transition to college or university a bit smoother.

Back-to-school prep: campus survival secrets to know

With warmer temperatures gearing up across the country, it might seem like a strange time to be making plans for winter. Many guided adventures in December and January book much earlier, so you’ll want to lock in plans if you plan to go with a group tour.

Read on to see why cresting waves, rafting rapids or summiting mountains beats wrapping gifts this winter.

## You can scoop up some sweet deals
If you’re not picky about travelling on certain dates (say, just off the top of our heads, December 25) you can nab some fantastic airfare deals when you book ahead. Plus, for many of us, it’s a built-in break from school or work, so it’s the perfect time to travel without eating too far into your precious vacation days.

You can also make your travel expenses do double duty around the holidays with a little creative planning. “I live in Vancouver, but my family is in Newfoundland,” says MEC staffer Susan. “It’s an expensive trip any time of year. I visited Germany in December a few years ago, and I was able to add on a stopover in St John’s for very little extra cost. It was an amazing trip, and I got my family time and my adventure time in on the same itinerary.”

## See what the season’s like somewhere else
Whatever and however you celebrate, winter travel is a good opportunity to take a break from your own traditions and see what goes on in another corner of the world. Cheers Nochebuena with tamales on a Costa Rica trip, or ring in the New Year with the view from the top of a Mount Kilimanjaro trip (guaranteed to blow any fireworks display out of the water).



“My most memorable holiday season has to be when I camped out in a bell tent on the Raglan Coast in New Zealand with my partner and two other travellers we met on the road,” says MEC staffer Sarah. “We hiked through the forest to the beach and spent an afternoon watching the surfers. New Year’s Eve was spent befriending a pair of pet pigs on a vegan permaculture farm and taking in an impromptu ukulele show from the farmer, Rex. Best New Year’s ever!”

## It can be a great stress buster


If you tend to feel like you need a vacation after your vacation, a guided trip might be the thing for you. With the itinerary, accommodations and meals taken care of, all that’s left is to enjoy the experience. Some examples? Instead of cooking dinner for the whole extended family, sit down for authentic Som Tam on a food-focused trip in Thailand. Or rather than making up the guest bedroom, get a tent-side view of the sunrise from Stella Point on a Mount Kilimanjaro trip around New Year’s Day.

“Last year was a super busy year,” says MEC staffer Allison. “I was working full-time and going to school part-time, and the only time I could get away was winter break. I joined a small group exploring the Mayan ruins in Yucatán, Mexico. We ended the trip on Isla Mujeres with scuba diving and turkey dinner on the beach. It was absolute bliss, and was all the more special sharing the holiday with new friends.”

## Experiences last longer than stocking stuffers
If you’re working your way down the list of gift ideas, consider adventure travel as an out-of-the-park alternative to kitchen appliances or home reno projects. Travelling together can be an awesome way to reconnect with a partner, friend or family member – and the memories will last longer than a new toaster would have anyway. If you bring the kids along, it can be a chance for the whole family to rack up some stories to tell around the table for years to come.



## Start 2020 off with a bang
If you’re the resolution-making type (or even if you’re not) what better way to ring in a new year than by trying something you’ve never done before? It’s the perfect way to set the tone for the new year. Try your paddle at whitewater rafting, traverse a canyon by zipline or climb an active volcano, to name a few ideas. It could just be the start of a new tradition.



## Related articles
- [The time to travel is always now](/en/article/the-time-to-travel-is-always-now)
- [Travel packing checklist](/en/explore/travel-checklist)
- [The ultimate travel pants](/en/article/the-ultimate-travel-pants)



It’s never too early to plan your winter escape. Read on for our top 5 reasons to spend this winter break ticking your bucket list.

Winter travel ideas to take you far, far away

*Compared to when you were a kid, it’s easy to let playing outside slide to the bottom of your priority list as a grown-up – especially if you don’t have anyone to play with.**MEC member Hafiz Mitha wants to fix that. See what he’s creating with [PlayCity](https://www.playcityapp.com/mec), and how it can help you bring a bit more activity and outdoor fun into your life.*

**MEC: How would you describe the PlayCity app?**

**Hafiz**: It’s like Tinder meets Trip Advisor, but for physical activity buddies (I know what you’re thinking – not *that* kind of physical activity). You can use PlayCity to match with people near you that share the same activity interests, skill level and availability. You can also discover locations to go play based on your location and find events for all types of activities.

**What problems are you solving with this app?**

Today, we are busy *being* busy. We can have hundreds of online connections, yet stats show that we are lonelier than ever before1. Social media and time online are shifting the way we connect and spend our time. Eighty percent of Canadian adults aren’t getting the recommended physical activity amounts, which has been estimated to cost our economy over $6.8 billion2.

The goal of PlayCity is to make it easy for people to be more active and meet new people in the process. We know that we’re not going to move away from technology, so why not use it to connect people offline? The only time many of us put our phones away is when we’re engaged in an activity with someone else. Ever tried texting and hiking or playing tennis? Yeah, it doesn’t happen.



**Where did you get the idea for PlayCity?**

When I moved back to Canada after living abroad, I was lonely; I couldn’t find a tennis partner who was at my skill level and was available to play at courts nearby. So I decided to take what dating apps were doing to make it easy for singles looking to meet, but instead focus on people who wanted to make friends based on a shared activity interests. I love what sports and activity do beyond just the physical benefits – they help create community, friendships, confidence and are great for your mental health.

**Where can you use it?**

Today, our efforts are in Calgary and Vancouver. So far, we’re at roughly 6,500 users with about 70% of the userbase in Calgary.

We’re so excited about the partnership with MEC and the opportunity to scale across Canada. Vancouver is our next city where we’re growing, and we’re ready to expand across this fine nation with your help. The app shows you users and events within a 100km radius, so the more events and users in a city, the more ways people can get active outside.



**What are you most proud of with PlayCity?**

All the experiences that I’ve been given by working on the app. The entire ride so far has been pretty surreal, from meeting with users who thank us for helping them find friends to play with when they were depressed and in a new city, to the opportunity to meet legendary athletes who join our team.

Partnering with MEC has been an extremely proud moment as well, and so was being invited to do a [TEDx talk in Calgary](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4DIvJbj7gg) to share our story with the world.

**Fast forward 10 years: what’s your dream for PlayCity?**

I see PlayCity as a company that connects all people from all walks of life. In 10 years, it would be amazing to be in every city to help streamline physical activity connections, and get more people off their phones to connect in real life and do things that are fun and great for them. Having a non-profit or charitable arm to our company will help to push the mission forward as well.



**Any advice for MEC members?**

The only advice I’d give to anyone would be to try and make the world a better place. It’s our duty to push things forward and set the bar for the rest of the world. As a country proud of its multiculturalism, let’s help everyone to feel welcome and experience the amazing people and natural beauty that this country has to offer.

**Finally, what gear always comes along when you’re heading outside?**

My trusty [MEC Travel Light Anorak](/en/product/5057-209/Travel-Light-Anorak) – it’s a pouch that turns into a thin rain jacket – and a water bottle. With those essentials, along with my bike, I feel like I’m ready for anything.



### 

*[MEC All Out](/en/explore/community) supported PlayCity with funding through Outdoor Nation to spur on the app’s development, and we’re excited to see it start to connect people in cities across the country.*



## Related articles
- [Introducing: MEC All Out](/en/explore/outdoor-impact)
- [Day hiking for beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners)
- [Why we go outdoors](/en/article/why-we-go-outdoors)

*Source for [1](https://www.cbc.ca/radio/checkup/should-canada-develop-a-strategy-to-combat-the-growing-problem-of-loneliness-1.4494726) and [2](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22667697). Top photo: Tyler Burke*



See what MEC member Hafiz has created with PlayCity and how you can join in.

Looking for an activity buddy? This app could be the answer

Thinking of heading out on a road trip? Have visions of chasing waterfalls? There are plenty of falls in BC that are off the beaten path and ready to be explored in the northern region. Plus, you won’t need to wait your turn in line for the best viewing spot to take a photo.

All these photogenic waterfalls are located along Highway 16 from Smithers to Prince Rupert. Some of them require just a short walk to reach them, while others involve a little more effort to end up at the reward.

## Exstew Falls


**Location**: Near Terrace
**How to get there**: Drive on service road, then walk on a modest forest trail
**Time to explore**: 1–2 hours

[Exstew Falls](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/exstew-falls) is a beautiful and more remote waterfall outside of Terrace, BC, along Highway 16. It’s an ideal option if you want to stretch your legs beyond some of the more parking lot accessible hikes. The waterfall has two sections: one lower and one upper that are both fairly easy to access from the same trailhead. Both sections are visible from the base, but if you have the time and energy to hike to the upper level, it’s worth the climb as the falls are steeper and resemble a more classic waterfall shape.

The lower falls are more graduated and a nice spot to explore with groups or children as there’s more space to check things out safely. Kids will like to practice their balance on small rocks and logs (and keep an eye out for frogs too). There are no human-made structures at these falls, but it’s still an excellent place to pack a lunch to enjoy on the rocks at the lower level.

The sky in both sections is open and lots of light shines through on a sunny day. Conditions for rainbows are promising, especially at the upper falls. The upper level will put you in the “I can’t hear you” zone and allow you to really soak up and experience the power of the falls. It’s a great stop after a long morning driving to your next campsite or town on your road trip.

## New Hazelton lookout and waterfall


**Location**: New Hazelton
**How to get there**: Short walk along a flat forest trail from the municipal parking lot
**Time to explore**: 30 minutes to an hour

New Hazelton is a small mountain town in northern BC, and is surrounded by mountains of the same name, the Hazeltons. Its local waterfall and town lookout are great choices if you’re checking out the area on a trip or want to take a short detour from the main route between Smithers and Terrace.

The [trailhead](http://salmontrails.com/culture/new-hazelton-lookout-and-waterfall-trail) to both the town lookout and the waterfall are located off Laurier Street. You can park in the lot or along the street and be at the trailhead in just a few steps. From there, you can choose to do the full trail to the lookout to get a view of the town and ridgelines or go straight to the falls. The path to the falls is short with little to no incline through a shady treed area. Ferns and moss-covered rocks are all over, and the growth around the falls gives you cool shade, dappled light and an overall relaxing setting.

## Rooster Tail Falls


**Location**: Exchamsiks River Provincial Park
**How to get there**: Boat-access only, plus some mild route-finding and creek-hopping
**Time to explore**: Varies, depending on tour

If you’re looking to check out a waterfall accessed by few, Rooster Tail Falls is a unique pick. Since you’ll need to book a locally guided tour to get there (or have your own boat), you’ll likely be able to experience it in your own company. This braided set of falls is small, misty and tucked away along the Exchamsiks river between Terrace and Prince Rupert along Highway 16. Beds of spongey moss are at the base of the falls, and water trickles past in a small tributary towards the river.

Trusty rain gear – [waterproof jackets](/en/products/clothing/jackets/rain-jackets/c/1025), [rain pants](/en/products/clothing/bottoms/pants/rain-pants/c/1012) and [boots](/en/features/waterproof/products/footwear/c/1184) – are recommended as there’s some creek-hopping involved to get to the falls once you’re on shore. While these aren’t the easiest falls to access, they’re chase-worthy if you have the means and the time. The boat ride along the river adds to the experience, including the chances to see black bears feeding along the banks.

## Kleanza Creek Provincial Park


**Location**: Near Terrace
**How to get there**: Walk from campground parking lot
**Time to explore**: 1–2 hours

[Kleanza Creek](http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/kleanza_crk/) is a nice choice for families or anyone who wants to stretch their legs after driving. While technically not a waterfall, the creek comes out from a canyon to create a falls-like experience, with forceful water settling in ice-cold pools at the base. While there’s no access into the canyon itself, there is a loosely marked hiking trail near the creek that offers views from above. The lower pools are accessible to explore closer up.

Kleanza may not be a classic waterfall scene, but it’s worth it for its easy access and relaxed atmosphere. Pick a scenic spot to unpack lunch and sit in the sun, or try dipping your toes if you’re feeling brave. On a quiet day, you can hear the water running through the canyon in the distance.

## Tips before you go
Wherever you visit, make sure to brush up on your [Leave No Trace skills for hiking and camping](/en/article/7-ways-to-camp-and-hike-responsibly) before you explore the trails and parks. When you’re taking photo of waterfalls, remember to watch your footing – the ground can be slick – and check them out from a safe distance; never go directly under falls since the water is definitely powerful.

## 5 things to pack for a waterfall chasing trip
- Grippy footwear, like [hiking boots](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/hiking-footwear/hiking-boots/c/1497?b=100-1184-1189) or [trail runners](/en/products/run-and-fitness/running-and-training-footwear/running-shoes/trail-running-shoes/c/1730?b=100-1184-1195-294), to help get traction on trails and rocks.
- [Rain jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets/rain-jackets/c/1025) and [rain pants](/en/products/clothing/bottoms/pants/rain-pants/c/1012), since misty days with drizzle add to the vibe. Pick a bright colour that pops in photos, like red, pink or blue.
- [Daypack](/en/products/packs-and-bags/daypacks-and-school-bags/daypacks/c/1333?f=CFIdealForSimple%3ACamping+and+hiking) to keep your camera, maps and snacks handy. If you’re planning a day hike, make sure to pack along the [10 essentials](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping).
- [Maps and guidebooks](/en/products/travel-gear/books-maps-and-dvds/maps/c/936) to find other cool stops along your road trip route.
- [Portable snacks](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/snacks-and-energy-bars/snacks/c/1182) and a [reusable water bottle](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/water-bottles-and-water-treatment/water-bottles/c/1233), so you can hang out and enjoy the view for a while.

Looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out a full list of [BC road trip ideas](https://www.hellobc.com/travel-ideas/road-trips) to explore routes that include hiking trails, lakes, surf spots, caves, hot springs and lots more waterfalls.



## Related articles
- [Hidden gems: 6 awesome campsites in BC](/en/article/hidden-gems-6-awesome-campsites-in-bc)
- [Travel checklist](/en/explore/travel-checklist)
- [The ultimate travel pants](/en/article/the-ultimate-travel-pants)



Heading out to explore the province? Add these photogenic northern BC falls to your list.

Hidden gems: 4 BC waterfalls worth a roadtrip stop

Hidden gems: 4 BC waterfalls worth a road trip stop

Did you know that MEC chooses expeditions to support twice a year? As part of [MEC All Out](/en/explore/community) (our community program), we give ambitious members gear and funding to make their wild outdoor adventures a reality.

See where your fellow MEC members are planning to go this summer – it’s pretty inspiring stuff. It might just spark you to try something new yourself, whether it’s an overnight bike trip, a human-powered vacation, or tackling a climbing project you’ve had your eye on.

Of course, if you have a bigger goal in mind, check out our [expedition support page](/en/explore/outdoor-impact). Grant applications are open until August 7, 2019 – we can’t wait to see what members are planning to do next.

## IceSend: Iceland by bike


**MEC members**: Oliver Jorgensen, Kieran Evans, Jalen Sekhon
**Follow along**: [@icesend.exp](https://www.instagram.com/icesend.exp/) and [IceSend on Vimeo](https://vimeo.com/icesend)

The mission: a bikepacking expedition from the northernmost tip to the southernmost tip of Iceland, on a never-done-before route across the spine of the country. Two members of team IceSend also happen to be MEC staffers, and when they’re not helping members, they’re on their bikes. This team wowed us with their application, and they also ended up getting support through the [MEC Adventure Grant](https://vimff.org/mec-adventure-grant-vimff-1_1920x1080/) with VIMFF – keep an eye out for their presentation on this largely undocumented traverse at next year’s festival.

Some gear going along for the ride:

- [MEC Uplink Vest](/en/product/6016-915/uplink-vest?colour=Dark+Neptune+Blue)
- [Castelli Entrata Bibtights](/en/product/6015-260/entrata-bibtights?colour=Black) and [MEC Crinkum Shorts](/en/product/5035-503/Crinkum-Shorts)
- [MEC T2 1/4 Zip Top](/en/product/6018-176/t2-base-layer-1-4-zip-long-sleeve-top?colour=Black)
- [Garmin InReach Explorer+](/en/product/5053-916/inreach-explorer%2B?colour=Red)

## The Great Coast Mountains Bikepacking Expedition


**MEC members**: Michael Ford, Alyssa Stapleton, Matthew Janeway
**Follow along**: [@mikegoesupanddown](https://www.instagram.com/mikegoesupanddown/) and [@janesway_](https://www.instagram.com/janesway_/)

This self-supported, human-powered multi-sport epic is seeking first ascents along a new 1572km predominantly off-road cycling route that spans the entire length of BC’s Coast Mountains. The trio created the expedition with the intention of accessing remote mountain areas while remaining both self-propelled and self-reliant. It’s a novel approach to a climbing expedition, and combines bikepacking, climbing, camping, mountaineering and paddling as they travel from Prince Rupert to Vancouver, while seeking first ascents in the Howson Range, Ts’yl-los Provincial Park, Terrace, Bella Coola and the Sea to Sky region along the way.

In their expedition application, they also noted that, “Bikepacking this route instead of driving will save 588kg of CO2 emissions and allow us to take greater environmental responsibility for the landscapes we intend to explore.” Along the journey, they’ll cross three of the four road access points through the Coast Mountains to the ocean, traverse two dirt road mountain passes above 1200m, and packraft across the Nechako Reservoir.

## Outside Passage Paddle


**MEC members**: Owen Enright, Andrew Green, Gordon Kerslake, Arden Schiller, Alex Morrow

This team of seasoned paddlers plans to travel from Alaska to southern Vancouver Island entirely self-powered by sea kayak. Although most paddlers would complete this trip by travelling through the Inside Passage, they aim to paddle the entirety of the coast on the outside passage. This route ups the ante – they’ll be dealing with rugged coastlines that are exposed to extreme weather, have few landing spots, and require surf landings at most beaches. The team will be completely self-sufficient, and will fish and forage to help supplement their food rations.

While there’s no Instagram account to follow for this one, it’s a good reminder that this is prime paddling season. Always wanted to try kayaking? See what [paddling events](https://events.mec.ca/find-an-event?&activity%5B%5D=3&organization=mec) are happening near you.

Some gear going along for the journey:

- [MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket](/en/product/6016-916/couloir-gore-tex-jacket?colour=Obsidian%2FBlack)
- [MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD](/en/product/5034-115/Fulcrum-Guide-PFD)
- [MEC TGV 2-person 4-season Tent](/en/product/5047-590/TGV-2-Person-4-Season-Tent)
- [MEC Deluxe Pillow](/en/product/5046-842/Deluxe-Pillow)

## Fellowship of the Klite


**MEC members**: Travis Foster and Drew Leiterman
**Follow along**: [@drewmagoo66](https://www.instagram.com/drewmagoo66/)

The objective: three granite spires that rise like gothic cathedrals out of the remote Klite basin in BC. This area’s been whispered about for many years, but surprisingly has still gone untouched. In their own words, Travis and Drew said:

“The southeast buttress of Klite, at 1400m from base to summit, would be a world-class objective in any location around the globe. Complemented by the central spire and eastern spire at 1200m and 1000m vertical relief respectively, this is a truly remarkable location. To quote John Clarke, ‘Klite Peak is a triumph of granite architecture. The appalling looking southeast buttress is a classic and will be climbed someday.’ These are no light words coming from John Clarke, and still the call has yet to be answered.

The north-facing walls climbing out of Klite basin are serious objectives in their own right. John Baldwin said, ‘The narrow ridge is wild alpine granite dropping over 1000m on both sides.’ To think that coming to the headwaters of the Klite River will be almost synonymous to the first climbers visiting Sam Ford Fjord is really quite a dizzying notion. It honestly feels to good to be true – but then again, so did the Daniels River Valley…” (The Daniels River Valley was one of their previous climbing expeditions, shown in the photo at the top.)

Some gear going along for the climb:

- [MEC Synergy GORE-TEX Jackets](/en/products/c/100/mec-synergy)



*Travis in the [MEC Synergy Jacket](/en/product/6011-164/synergy-gore-tex-jacket?colour=Dark+Neptune+Blue) as he leads Thunder Corner on their previous expedition, where it rained four out of nine days on the wall. “It kept me dry and more than that, its 70-denier face fabric held up against all sorts of crazy chimney stemming abrasion,” he said in his review. Photo: Drew Leiterman*

## The Great Trail on foot


**MEC member**: Bonnie Thornbury
**Follow along**: [@bonnbury](https://www.instagram.com/bonnbury/)

Bonnie grew up in a bush town of 200 people. As a queer non-binary person, they found solace in the outdoors and have trekked and travelled in over 30 countries. The plan for this journey? A six-month walk across Canada via the Great Trail (formerly known as the Trans-Canada Trail) from west to east. This 5000km trip is as much about the epic challenge of self-propelled transportation and uninterrupted nature as it is about reconnecting with Canada.

In their words, “Like many folks, I’ve struggled with what it means to be Canadian in recent years: How do we tap into our greatest gift – this unimaginably vast and varied land – while acknowledging the hard truths of our nation’s past, and actively show up for reconciliation? How do we make space for new Canadians and new imaginings of Canada? How do we celebrate our incredible diversity while creating connections and community across a land as enormous and spread out as ours? I can’t think of a better way to fall back in love – and inspire others to fall in love with our country and each other – than setting out on foot, taking in the experiences and encounters, and sharing them with the world.”

Some gear trekking across Canada with Bonnie:

- [MEC Spark 2.0 Tent](/en/product/6000-986/spark-2.0-2-person-tent?colour=Neutral+Grey%2FDeep+Navy)
- [MEC Talon Light +5C Down Sleeping Bag](/en/product/6005-004/talon-%2B5c-down-sleeping-bag?colour=Norse+Blue)
- [Scarpa Kailash Trek GTX Hiking Boots](/en/product/5057-412/Kailash-Trek-GTX-Hiking-Boots)
- [MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Pants](/en/product/6000-270/hydrofoil-stretch-pants?colour=Deep+Navy)

## K2 southeast face: new route attempt


**MEC member**: MEC Ambassador [Louis Rousseau](https://vimeo.com/241918025)

K2, the Savage Mountain, is a massive summit of the Karakoram. At 8611m, it’s the second highest peak in the world. No routes on K2 have been ascended in pure alpine-style. Louis’ team’s proposed route will start from the base of the southeast face and go directly up an untouched buttress: the southeast buttress. “This southeast buttress is an amazing objective,” Louis noted in his expedition application, “The steep and highly technical character of this southeast buttress offer good opportunities for a major new alpine style ascent.” The line would take them on a highly technical mixed ground and a crux section below 7000m. Opening a new route, in a clean single push, will be a significant and bold alpinism achievement. While there’s no Instagram account for this attempt, we’ll be watching for his trip report to come in.

Gear Louis ordered before he left for K2:

- [MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Jacket](/en/product/5053-432/Hydrofoil-Stretch-Jacket)
- [MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Pants](/en/product/5053-433/Hydrofoil-Stretch-Pants)
- [MEC Uplink Vest](/en/product/6016-915/uplink-vest?colour=Dark+Neptune+Blue)

*Top photo: Travis Foster on the summit of Super Unknown, part of their 2018 climbing expedition to the Big Wall Belt in the Daniels River Valley near Powell River, BC. Photo: Drew Leiterman*



## Related articles
- [The time to travel is always now](/en/article/the-time-to-travel-is-always-now)
- [Award-winning gear: 20 top picks from the pros](/en/article/award-winning-gear-20-top-picks-from-the-pros)
- [Trekking to Everest Base Camp? Read this first](/en/article/trekking-to-everest-base-camp-read-this-first)



MEC members are going places, like bikepacking a new route in Iceland, walking the Great Trail, climbing in the Klite basin and more.

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