There’s a moment, sometime around early spring, when the ice finally melts off the sidewalks and you can smell the thaw. You know the one. Suddenly, the whole country seems to wake up, pull on a windbreaker, and head outdoors like we’ve been waiting five long months for permission.
But here’s the thing I’ve noticed: “getting outside” means something totally different for everyone.
For some, it’s lacing up trail runners and pounding out 15k before breakfast. For others, it’s a lazy paddle on the lake, or a short walk to the dog park with a coffee in hand. Some people want the summit. Others want a hammock and a view.
And honestly? All of it counts.
Outdoor adventure isn’t about ticking boxes or competing for who can suffer the most in a snowstorm. It’s about feeling connected—to nature, to movement, to yourself—and doing it in a way that actually feels good. That might be chasing switchbacks on your mountain bike, or it might be quietly birdwatching from your back deck. Both are valid. Both are needed.
If bikes are part of your picture—and let’s be real, in Canada they often are—then getting to your favourite trails without a headache makes a big difference. We’ve used a lot of gear over the years, but one of the best upgrades we’ve made is switching to a proper hitch bike rack. No more awkward lifts, tangled handlebars, or bungee-cord puzzles. You just load, lock, and go. Especially if you’re travelling with kids or multiple riders, it makes outdoor days way less stressful.
So, if you’re trying to figure out your version of “adventure,” or just need a reminder that you don’t have to do it the way Instagram says you should, this one’s for you.
1. The Weekend Warrior
You live for Saturday. You’ve probably got a calendar packed with backcountry hut reservations, bike park lift tickets, and national park road trips. You’ve watched every avalanche safety video on YouTube, and your gear closet is better organized than your actual closet.
Your kind of adventure is big, bold, and maybe a little muddy.
What to try next:
- Packrafting in Northern Ontario
- The East Coast Trailin Newfoundland
- Multi-day mountain biking along BC’s Kettle Valley Rail Trail
Tip: Don’t forget to factor in recovery days. You might be a machine, but even machines need a tune-up.
2. The Backyard Explorer
You don’t need a 6-hour drive to feel the benefits of being outside. A walk around the block, an hour at the dog park, or watching the sunset from the end of your street is enough. You’re in it for peace, not performance.
And let’s be honest—sometimes, you’re just happy your kids are out of the house and not glued to a screen.
What to try next:
- Forest bathing (yes, it’s a real thing—check out this explainer from the Nature Conservancy of Canada)
- Creating a backyard nature scavenger hunt for your kids
- Joining a local community garden or green space project
Tip: Keep a small adventure bag ready to go. Water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray go a long way when the urge to get out hits.
3. The Scenic Cruiser
You’re the type to stop mid-hike just to snap a photo of the sun coming through the trees. You’re not in a rush. You’re here for the views, the vibes, and maybe the post-hike coffee.
You’ve probably Googled “best hot springs near me” more than once.
What to try next:
- The Icefields Parkway (by bike or car—both are stunning)
- Cycling the Confederation Trail in PEI
- Stargazing at a Dark Sky Preserve like Jasper or Mont-Mégantic
Tip: Don’t feel bad about not being “hardcore.” Adventure is about joy, not suffering. Bring the snacks, take the breaks, and soak it all in.
4. The Family Outing Crew
Adventure with kids is…different. Slower, louder, stickier. But also, more magical in its own way. Watching your five-year-old cross a wobbly log bridge or your teenager take the lead on a trail is worth every tantrum over granola bars.
You’re a master of logistics and snack distribution. Your car smells like trail mix and sunscreen.
What to try next:
- Rail trails (they’re wide, mostly flat, and often packed with fun stops)
- Canoeing calm lakes like Bon Echo or Waskesiu
- Overnight trips with front country camping at Parks Canada sites
Tip: Let go of expectations. The best stories often come from the moments that didn’t go according to plan.
5. The After-Work Unwinder
You’re not waiting for the weekend. After 5 p.m., you’re on a trail, by the river, or spinning around your neighbourhood loop before dinner. Your idea of balance isn’t a yoga class—it’s 45 minutes of fresh air before the emails start again tomorrow.
What to try next:
- Joining a local cycling or hiking meetup
- Exploring the green spaces in your city (like High Park in Toronto or Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary)
- Trying out night walks or rides (headlamp required, good vibes guaranteed)
Tip: Keep your gear accessible. When everything’s ready to go, it’s easier to say “yes” to last-minute outings.
Find Your Favourite Way to be Outside
There’s no right way to be outside. The point is to find what fills your cup—not someone else’s idea of it. Whether that’s summiting peaks or sipping tea in a forest clearing, it all counts.
Adventure isn’t a competition. It’s a habit. A practice. A mindset. One that reminds you the world is bigger than your inbox, your to-do list, or the four walls of your home office.
So go for the ride. Go for the walk. Go for the weird little path you’ve passed a hundred times and never explored. Find your thing—whatever it looks like—and do more of it. You’re allowed.
And if that thing happens to involve bikes, don’t forget the rack. You’ll thank yourself when everything’s rolling smooth and the open road’s calling.
Now—go find your outside.
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