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Wow! The year has flown by, Christmas is right around the corner!
 
One of the top questions that have come up in conversations lately is “What are you getting (fill in the blank with loved one’s name) for Christmas? Are people asking you this? I know my friends have been.

Christmas time is awesome and a significant time of the year for many people. As I think back to the best gifts I’ve received; I can honestly say that being outdoors, guiding people, and moments surrounded by nature have provided me the best gifts. Pure gold!

Nature has magical grounding powers! Being outside allows me to reconnect to the world around me, put things into perspective and slow down (something we need in our busy lives). My attention is drawn to the various shades of colour on a single tree, how the shadows dance across the valley bottom, and how my heart feels like it is going to beat out of my chest. Being outside brings me into the present, holding on to what is important and letting go of all the other distractions. 

In my years of guiding and working as a physiotherapist, I have never witnessed anything that brings people together on a deeper level than spending a weekend out in the backcountry. When we are outside, we are more open, our guards are down and as a result these amazing connections develop in a very short time. Witnessing this experience has been one of the most spectacular gifts a life outside has provided me.

One of the best changes my partner and I have made around Christmas time is to give experiences! This year we are going to France! Wahooo!! Yes, I am stoked!

By switching from giving a material gift to giving experiences we help others develop social connections, experience the anticipatory excitement as the adventure gets closer, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The reason experiential gifts can connect us socially and make us feel alive is that they generate strong emotions. When your loved one experiences the fear and awe of standing on a mountain top, the excitement of a rock concert (who here is a secret head-banger?!?!), or the calmness of walking through a forest… boom, magic happens. Our core is touched, and we never forget the experience. Talk about the best gift ever.

This Christmas help someone tick off a bucket list item. You can contribute to their adventure fund or get a gift certificate. Consider someone's favourite hobby or something new they've always wanted to do. How awesome would that be! Yes, please!

At Get Outside we know a lot of women that want to experience the outdoors. Maybe they haven’t had the chance, maybe it's their first time getting outside, or maybe they just need a break from the business of every day life. At Get Outside, we have many awesome adventures that would bring joy to your special someone’s life. For example, a remote, multi-day backpacking trip is always a top bucket list item! We still have some spaces open on our 2020 backpacking trips, they are an incredible experience. You can grab a Get Outside gift certificate to contribute to their wish list item or get them the whole enchilada… the trip.

Outside is my safe place. A place where I can be myself. A place where I can laugh, be playful, and have fun! Sometimes this involves friends, other times it’s nice to disappear by myself and see where I end up.

We’d love to hear what being outside has gifted you over the years! Leave us a comment or send us a message. We are all ears. ​

This is the number one question! No need to get into a cold sleeping bag! A nalgene water bottle makes a great hot water bottle. Fill the bottle up with boiled water and toss it in your bag - just make sure the lid is tight! Sleeping bag liners are great too, they add that extra warmth and keeps the cool sleeping bag fabric off your skin. Toque - of all your extremities, most of your heat is lost via your head, so bring a night cap! 

Pro Tip: We all feel lazy every once in a while. Not wanting to boil water? No problem. Toss an extra chemical hand warmer into the foot of your sleeping bag 10 mins before you crawl in. It will be super warm and toasty. ​

Being able to run your stove in the winter is essential. Your stove is your lifeline for being able to eat and drink. Using white gas is best because pressurized fuel does not work well in cold temperatures. Always bring more fuel that you think. Melting snow for water uses A LOT of fuel. Aim for around 200ml per person per day. And never forget...always cook outside of your tent or vestibule. If you cook inside your tent you risk carbon monoxide poisoning. ​

“To stick your hands into the rivers is to feel the cords that bind the earth together in one piece.”
~ Barry Lopez ~

There is so much beauty in winter. It is the season of quiet and peace. A kind of tranquility that allows for a reminder to take it slow, think about where you are and where you are headed; consider if this path you are currently on will take you where you want to be. Should you explore a different path, follow your inclination to consider different choices, perhaps an ultimately different you. Or maybe just be still and present, in the moment and let your spirit free to wander in white wintery bliss.

This winter camping experience allowed me to challenge my notions of fear, that held me back before. Fear of the cold, wet socks, freezing frostbite, sleeping on cold hard ground, frozen snot inside my nose. Fear of not being enough, fear of judgment while camping with people I had only met, moments before the trip, fear of losing control. Stuck in the past worried about my future.

But there in the mountain crispness and fresh forest air, I found these people to be kind. They warmed away my worries. We shared and laughed and accepted each other. My leggings got wet and I learned how to dry them using my body heat. I didn’t get frostbite because my guide had provided me with tips on how to warm my hands up while needing the dexterity of my hands and fingers. I adapted to the heat because my guide kept a close eye on my health and how I was feeling, I learned to adjust my layering and use my clothing to keep myself warm. She checked in” to provide the support and guidance I might need at any given time. I learned a lot about confidence by being around such a conscious, empowering and wise leader.

In among the forest stood a lodge pole pine. It was spindly but standing tall, like a wise giant, “that had been through stuff”. The stories it could tell you if it could speak. A tree surviving climate change, and I thought about that as, my guide, shared with us, it’s uniqueness. She told us about how all the trees were different. It changed the way I looked at them.

We took some snowshoe treks through a forest of trees in the shape of alters, and sleeping elves with snow caps as pointed tuques. So many beautiful things to see and take in. Creeks and rivers that had pushed and shifted rocks and mountains. I just wanted to paint all the different shades of green, all the shapes, and lines in the rock. There in front of me was the truth I needed. A beautiful wintery gift. The gift of wonder, of letting go, to explore. We followed a creek to a cave and waterfall.

I usually dip my hands or feet in every stream I pass that leads to the ocean. It’s just a usual part of my hiking experience, it’s something I’m drawn towards, like drawing or making music. We found a sleepy river, and as my hands touched the freezing water, I let the fear go. I felt connected to something far larger than myself. Water still runs underneath the ice, with a force that could pull you under, as it pushes and cuts through rocks. Perseverance can shape and mold your fear into strength, with a little hope and some courage. The longer you keep at something, the more you lose the fear. All of this happens in my heart, and I didn’t have words yet to describe it, because I was having so much fun.

“All the strength you need is already inside you. You will know when to tap into it when you need it” Jenna (the best guide ever), told me, at times when I started to doubt myself. “no judgement here” and “go ahead lead” as she gave us the chance to safely get lost in the trees, and in doing so, my imagination was free. We were liberated, ladies. I could connect to nature in my own way, explore the simple sleeping winter beauty of the Bow Valley. My heart filled up, my spirit was emancipated. I learned that wild women have the most fun! It’s funny how hard it seemed before when all I could see was my doubt and excuses. I was having actual fun being brave, there with my guide and my new musical camping colleague.

Somehow in all the laughter and exploration, my worries melted away with the snow. We were inchworms in mummy sleeping bags and waterfall cave explorers. We were three women getting outside! We were all healers of humans, all shared adoration for nature and we survived camping in a tent, despite the wintery challenges. I will keep my lessons together with my memories of a weekend outside, us three brave women connecting to the interconnected beauty of the wild Canadian Rockies ❤️

Trying a new sport or activity can be both exciting and expensive if you’re starting from square one. There are some key staples you need when embarking upon a season of backcountry hiking and/or camping as well as a number of odds and ends that will make your trip just that much more efficient. Gearing up doesn’t have to break the bank.

Luckily, there are tons of ways to seek out second-hand gear that will meet your needs. Shopping second hand is a good idea for many reasons. For one, it saves money. In addition, taking unwanted gear off someone else’s hands keeps it out of the landfill and does good for mother nature. Cutting on spending while being environmentally conscious? We’d call that a win-win! Here’s what you need to know:

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Second-Hand Gear

There are two things to keep in mind when purchasing used hiking gear: the price and the condition.

Ensure You Purchase Gear in Good Condition

When buying used gear, you need to make sure it’s still functional and in tip-top shape. For example, if you’re buying a used pack or tent, be sure to check the seams and zippers to make sure there are no tears and everything is in working condition. If possible, set up the tent to make sure all parts are together and working. If you can’t actually handle the gear yourself before purchase, ask for photos or videos of all angles including close-ups.

Run a Personal Price Check

It is possible to get awesome deals when shopping second hand, especially when it comes to lightly used gear. That said, it’s important to check out the original sale price of an item to confirm you are getting a deal for buying it used. Visit the maker’s website, shop around a bit, and negotiate or look for another sale if you feel the price is too close to the original.

Not sure where to look for your used gear? Here are some gold mines we’d suggest checking out:

MECs Used Gear Site

Hop online and check out Mountain Equipment Co-op’s used gear site. This can be found right on their homepage and will give you access to items across Canada. If you’re looking for something specific, you can likely find it here! Because MEC gear is of excellent quality, their used gear is just the same.

Switching Gear in Canmore

Switching Gear is an athletic clothing and gear consignment shop in Canmore. They have a wide range of gear, from packs to paddle boards, and you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here. Because many locals update their gear frequently, the quality and price are typically great and the staff is incredibly helpful. It’s also a bonus to be able to view and try out the gear in person before making a purchase.

Facebook Marketplace

If you’re on the hunt for used gear, the Facebook Marketplace is always a good option. Try Bow Valley Gear Loft, Canmore Buy and Sell, and other local groups. These sales are all independent, but because of the small community, you can often go and take a look for yourself before committing to purchase.

Scouts Canada in Calgary

If you’re ever in the city, Scouts Canada in Calgary has a wide selection of used gear for you to browse. You can find camping equipment, outdoor gear, and more. Visit the site and located the store closest to you. If you can’t make it to Calgary, you can also shop online.

Hop online or head to your local hot-spot to save money on amazing gear.

We’ll see you outside!

​Dress in layers so you can smoothly adapt to all weather conditions. For example, we like to layer up with a long-sleeve base layer, soft-shell jacket, puffy jacket, and a rain jacket. This offers the layering systems to deal with cold, warm, rainy, and everything in between. Wahoo!

Custom Day Hikes

We’re here for you! Want to explore the mountains for a day and leave the crowds behind? Are you travelling? Have family visiting? Looking for something fun or different for a corporate event or club get-together? How about an annual night with friends?


Look no further! We offer fully customized hikes, workshops, and courses for all levels of experience. If you can dream it, we can make it happen!

Plan your custom hike with us today.



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If you want to explore outside, we want to make it happen! We could not be more excited for a summer filled with exploration, connection, growth, and a whole lot of laughter. Can’t wait to meet you!

Giant Smiles,
​the Get Outside Team

The great outdoors are wild, but they sure aren’t free. Get Outside Adventures has started a award aimed at helping women get outside and learn the skills they need to be independent in the backcountry. All contributions will go directly towards sending a woman, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it, on Get Outside’s Women’s Intro to Backpacking course.

We believe that everyone has the right to learn and experience the wonders of the outdoors. As the award grows the number of women sent on experiences will directly increase. What do you say we grow this thing together? Here are a few ways we believe this award can impact women.

1. Help Women Discover New Passions

It is difficult to uncover one’s passion for backpacking if the activity is inaccessible for whatever reason. There are countless sports, adventures, and activities that someone can really identify with, but may never have the chance to experience due to financial or leadership roadblocks. Our programming at Get Outside aims to break all barriers between women and the wilderness. Let’s work together to help more badass women get outside and discover their passions.

2. Get More Women in Outdoor Leadership Roles

There is nothing we love more than women inspiring women. Igniting someone’s passion for the outdoors is simply the very first step in what may become a life-long hobby, career, or lifestyle. As such, the more women we enable to get their foot in the door, the more potential we create for women in outdoor leadership roles. Seems simple, right? That’s because it is!

3. More Women Exploring and Inspiring Others to Do the Same

We are firm believers that seeing individuals like yourself doing something makes it feel more accessible for others to do the same. If women in your community of all ages and abilities are seizing the opportunity to explore and learn in the backcountry, others will be more likely to do the same!

4. More Remarkable Experiences Had by Women

This one’s simple. We want to enable women to experience the remarkable, do things they’ve never done, and step outside their comfort zones. An intro to backpacking may seem insignificant to some, but to others, it is utterly life-changing. Empowering and enabling an individual to experience the backcountry is a pretty powerful experience. One that has the ability to transfer over into others aspect of their life, encouraging them to charge after their goals.

5. Further Expand the Community of Badass Women in the Backcountry

The community of women in the backcountry is indescribably inspiring. Women are constantly doing new things, pushing boundaries, pushing themselves, and supporting one another along the way. Our aim is to support this ever-evolving community by getting as many women involved as possible.

Want to Apply?

If you’d like to apply for our Women’s Award, we want to hear from you! The primary criteria is financial need. Submit your letter describing why you are the best applicant for the scholarship. The letter will be reviewed by Get Outside.
Applications are due by mid-June each year. Successful applicants will be chosen by Get Outside and notified by the end of June. The applicant will then be able to apply the award to any of the Women's Intro to Backpacking courses that season.

If you know someone who is the perfect candidate, please forward this along!

Want to Contribute?

We can’t express how greatly appreciated your contribution is. Click here to contribute.

Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s celebrate the badass women in our lives, today and every day.

What started out as a 2-day hike with a group of women, a seemingly benign physical activity in the safe company of like-minded nature lovers,  turned into a gentle but stormy and completely unexpected discovery into my own heart.
 
I had been meaning to learn how to backpack and hike solo for a long time. When I walked into a hiking/camping gear shop one day I was met with a wonderfully joyous and confident face, a lovely young woman, who was offering exactly what I had been searching for; a guided 2-day, women-only hike with lessons on how to pack your gear, set up a tent, store food in the wilderness, prepare meals, and much more. On top of it all, we'd learn how to do in an ecologically friendly way. A dream come true. I went home with the brochure and pondered the opportunity for a few weeks. Ultimately myself and a friend signed up.
 
The night before the hike was the orientation night which was a lot of fun, of course. This is the part where I got to meet my travel mates, and we learned how to pack our bags properly. After the initial night of packing our bags, l was apprehensive but excited. It had started to rain and I wondered how everything would turn out.
 
Next morning it was still raining hard. In the solitude and safety of my hotel room, I gazed out the window at the puddles of water forming on the asphalt parking lot. I hadn't slept well, which wasn't unusual. I was going through a separation and an imminent divorce. The wounds weren't just fresh, I was still right in the middle of my battle. New wounds forming every moment.
 
After a quick breakfast, my friend and I headed over to our group meeting point. It wasn't raining quite as hard anymore. I wished for clear skies. My wish would come true over the course of the day.
 
After another brief orientation and chat, we started hiking. The first thirty minutes of the hike were fine, but I started to question my stamina. I questioned my strength. I questioned my decision to do this hike; this was all on easy terrain. Then came our first tiny climb. After about 15 steps I gave up. I told Jenna that I was ready to go home.
 
Jenna gently assured me that I could do it and that she'd be there behind me to support me all the way to our destination. I believed her during the second part... but not the first. She would have to reassure me several more times over the course of the two days.
 
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but what I received was patience, encouragement, and kindness from Jenna and my hiking friends. I couldn't understand it.
 
In these beautiful natural surroundings, with the breathtaking mountains around me, the crisp fresh air, the sound of the carefree birds, and the company of a group of wonderful women, everyone with their own challenges and battles, somehow I felt calmer. When I accepted my vulnerability, I no longer felt alone.
 
I have realized this over the years; when you are truly left alone, you aren't able to see yourself.  I've mistakenly thought I'm impermeable in those times. When you open yourself up to the unexpected, whatever it may be for you... kindness, beauty... the moment you think there is support behind you, that you may be accepted and appreciated just for who you are, that it's okay to be where you are in your life (despite your resistance to it), that's when the real test begins - facing your own unraveling. And, truly, showing up is half the battle.
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So, show up to your fears, to your bucket lists, to your vulnerabilities, to the rewards, to peace, to the joy that's still within you, to the kindness inside that you need to show to yourself at last, to the core of who you are. Rumi said, "The wound is where the light enters." Be willing to be healed. 
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This post was written by ​Milada "The awesome"