NAC Adventure Blog

Last week we talked about how to go about choosing the right snow shoes for you, and there was quite a bit to take in. I hope you foung it all very useful. So, now that you have those snowshoes, let's talk about how you should use them! Today we will look at the techniques you need to know in order to get the most out of your new or old Snowshoes. What started thousands of years ago as an essential mode of winter transportation has evolved into a popular recreational activity

Winter is finally here! I mean, winter, with snow and all. This year we started late with the freezing temperatures, and even later with the snow. But the snow is finally here, and with that, it's time to talk about snow shoes... When outdoor landscapes finally succumb to the snows of winter, dear hiker, there’s no need to feel like the outdoors are closed for the season. Snowshoes allow you to travel across snow-covered terrain without sinking or struggling. They do this by

One of my biggest pet peeves is smart phones on the trail. Sure, with the proper apps and with current smart phone cameras, they seem very useful, but they also offer a serious distraction which increases the level of danger. Far too often I see hikers walking along with that phone in front of their face. In 2019, mobile phones cost taxpayers $19 Billion in insurance claims, damages and rescue costs. So todays article, put the smart phone away and get a proper outdoor device!

Winter is here, and with it comes cold temperatures that will make you want to stay in and cuddle in front ot the fireplace all Winter long. But that's not necessary, with a little guidance, you can learn how to dress for success, and still enjoy some amazing Winter hiking!   Layering for winter hiking is essential. The more layers you have, the better the skin can breathe and the better sweat management hikers can enjoy. Multiple thin layers are superior to one thick layer i

Trekking Poles, Hiking Poles, Walking Sticks, they have many names, but no matter what you call them, they can be an invaluable tool with many uses. Thier main use, to keep you stable and reduce strain on your muscles. Trekking poles are especially helpful in the winter, but many see them as a sign of weakness. I disagree! This week, let's look at why trekking poles are so very useful during the winter and how to use them to your advantage. This is a long one, but very much w

It's Winter time, and with winter weather comes the need for a waterproof breathable layer. This can be a very expensive layer, and therefore, proper care of this layer is vital! A good Proshell Jacket could last year up to 15 years or more if properly cared for, so this week, we will take a look at the proper way to wash your waterproof layer! When your waterproof jacket was new, you might have noticed the way water beaded up on its fabric. A quick shake was all you needed t

Outdoor Winter activities are much more demanding than in the summer. Especially when we are talking about hiking. You will need to carry extra weight, many more stops for body tempurature regulation and lifting your feet higher to get through the snow, often while wearing much heavier boots or even crampons or snow shoes. Today we will look at how to condition yourself for those tiring winter hikes. Winter day hiking and snowshoeing require a higher degree of physical fitnes

Todays article is a continuation of last week's theme, Hyporthermia. Last week we took a look at what hypothermia is, what the signs and symptoms are and the best ways to treat it. This week we will review some of that information and dive deeper into the best ways to prevent it from being a problem at all. Hiking can be a lot of fun, but it also carries with it a set of inherent risks. Hypothermia is one of them. Contrary to popular belief, temperatures don’t need to be froz

The cold can be a real problem when hiking. It is dangerous and can even be fatal in some cases. We will take a look at what hypothermia is, the signs and symptoms to look for and the best practices to treat it in part one of a two part article. (Part two will be contained in next week's newsletter) Exposure to cold environments is one of the most common causes of hypothermia. This guide will help hikers understand what happens to the body when hypothermia occurs, signs and s

Winter is upon us, (lacking of snow in Niagara), and with that, I thought it would be a good time to remind everyone of some winter hiking tips. I found this short informative winter hiking article on the Bruce Trail web site and thought it was perfect for our group.   When temperatures dip and snow blankets the Niagara Escarpment, the Bruce Trail can feel like our own winter wonderland. But winter hiking brings its own set of challenges. Here are a few important ways you can

With the cooler tempuratures of Autumn, and Winter fast approaching, I thought it would be a good time to discuss dressing for the colder weather. This is one of the most problematic topics for newer hikers, as over dressing is just as dangerous as underdressing. So take the time to read this week's article to make sure you are prepared.   New to winter hiking and wondering how to tackle Canadian temperatures?   You’re in luck! Outdoor companies have been researching how to s

In all we do in life, there is always room for improvement. Although we will never be perfect at anything, we can certainly keep working at it and give it out best. Hiking is no different, and so this week, we shall look at a few ways to improve on one of our favourite past times. Students in Andrew Skurka’s Ultimate Hiker Course, White Mountains I love day hiking, backpacking, peak bagging, long distance trekking: you name it. Being outdoors and propelling myself on my own t

It's something we do everyday and we've been doing it for decades, but we never really think about it! Walking is a motor skill, and barely crosses our mind. We are great at it, that is, until we are thrown into a type of terrain we have never tackled before. When it comes to hiking, walking is a different animal, and it takes time to learn how to walk on all the various terrains you will encounter in the out back. So, with that, this week we will take a look at how to walk i

Purchasing hiking boots is one of the toughest parts of taking up the hobby of hiking! There is so much to know, so many choices, many technical terms, different fabrics, boots for different types of hikes, different types of materials, and so much more to know. Add to that, getting the right fit for you is a process in itself. As always, Niagara Adventure Club is always available to help in getting the right equipment for you, but for those of you that want to try it on your

This week's article is all about respect! Respect for the fellow hikers on the trail and the animals that live in the area. I will not say much more about it, as it will end up being a three page rant, I will instead let this week's article explain in a polite manner. Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to your tunes. "I forgot earbuds on my hike, so I played music out of my iPhone instead. Someone told me that’s noise pollution. Is that true?” –Rockin’ Out in Richmond D

When I first started hiking, I thought that trekking poles were only for old people. But then as I pushed myself harder and took on the harder trails, I realized they definitely had their benefits. In 2019, while hiking the West Coast Trail during the rainy season, I realized, that in some cases, they are down right necessary. But now, this leaves the question; did I realize their value because I was maturing, or did I need them because I was getting older? Either way, everyt

Washing your dishes in the back country while following Leave No Trace ethics is never an easy feat. It requires planning, some gear and lots of knowledge. This week's article will give you the basics to keeping your dishware clean while maintaining our beautiful camping areas for many generations to come!   Creative cooking over a stove is one of the joys of outdoor adventure. What to do with the leftovers, food waste, dirty dishes and gray water is a different matter. That’

Fall is here, and with fall comes, you guessed it, Rain! So in this week's adventure weekly, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about how to repair your rain gear in the unfortunate situation that it gets caught and tears on the trail. A sharp branch at the edge of a trail. A wayward ember from a campfire. A car door that closes a little too soon and catches a sleeve.   Tearing or puncturing your waterproof jacket or pants is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be the

Always set up camp before sunset (Image credit: Getty) Backpack camping might seem straightforward. You pack your bag with your tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, food, and extra clothes. Then, you head to a campsite and set up a home away from home. Not much to it, right? Well, there are helpful tips and hacks that can make your experience more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. We connected with Lynn Hall, an avid backpacker and salesperson at Leadville Outdoors and Mountain

Although I have done it, backpacking alone is a little scary. Constant thoughts of, "OMG, did I remember this?" or "What was that noise?" don't aid in the enjoyment of the adventure. However, the sense of accomplishment at the end of the trip makes it all worth while. Personally, I like having friends along to share in the memories with, and share some of that pack weight, but if you plan to venture out on your own, this article might be just the push you were looking for. A

From heights to lightning, there are a lot of things to fear in the backcountry. But which of those are really dangerous, and which shouldn’t you worry about. Bears are not one of those things you need to worry about. Let's talk about the irrational fear of bears and how you can master your fear and keep yourself safe. Strange noises outside your tent keeping you up at night? Learn to cope with your fear of bears. A rustling in the woods. A large, round footprint in the middl

I have taken many people, on many hikes, in many places and the one thing that stays true is we eventually run into a snake. Here in Ontario, almost all our snakes are relatively harmless, but yet, so many people are terrified of them. Today, we will look at the psychology behind that fear, and how to get past it. They’re slithery, occasionally venomous, and many hikers’ worst nightmare. Learning to coexist with these reptiles just takes a little knowledge. Always cast as the

For many years now, I have tried to teach anyone that follows me about the damage caused by going off trail. Known to me as spider trails and others as social trails, going off trail has irreparable consequences and can take many years to repair. Take the time to read and fully understand this weeks article, as it could save our outdoor spaces! Park-lovers are natural explorers, and we love our visitors’ passion for adventure.   Sometimes, we see our visitors create their own

Over the years I have had many backpacks. At current, I have 9. The one thing that remains true of all backpacks is that they get dirty, quickly. And today's brighter coloured backpacks show the grunge more than ever. So with that, let's take a look at the best way to clean your backpacks. A pack can be a major investment, and it’s one that needs care. Whether you’re wearing a daypack or large backpack, salts from your sweat and oil from your skin will likely seep into the sh