If you like a dose of adventure and aren’t afraid of heights, you’ll have a blast. I couldn’t stop smiling while doing this hike, because it is just so much fun.

Kananaskis Country

You find Nihahi Ridge in Kananaskis Country in the Canadian Rockies. Kananaskis is also called K-Country by the cool kids. K-Country is an area west of Calgary with many parks, including five provincial parks, four wild land provincial parks and much more. As you can imagine Kananaskis hides many awesome hikes, the Nihahi Ridge hike being one of them!

(Definitely check the video at the end of this article to get even more excited)

From Campground to the Top

The hike starts from the Little Elbow Campground. This is convenient if you want to spend a night at the campground and start your hike early in the morning. We parked up our van the evening before, planning to hike the next day. Be aware that Little Elbow Campground is quite expensive. We paid 26 dollars to park up for one night. The campground has toilets, (untreated) water and a fire pit.

We were excited to get up the ridge, although the conditions weren’t ideal. Heavy wildfires were spreading in British Columbia and Alberta – this is unfortunately something that happens sometimes during hot summers. When we got out of the van we knew immediately. The sky was filled with smoke, making the scenery very hazy. A pity, but we had set our minds on doing this hike and the fires were far away from us, so we went for it.

The first meters you follow the main road until you reach the official start of the hike and the forest. There are many little paths; so make sure to check every sign. It’s a nice, small track taking you through the forest up to a meadow. The trail keeps going up and getting steeper step by step. Once you’re almost above the tree line you start hiking on rocks. Keep going uphill and don’t forget to look back. The view gets better and better!

At one point you follow a small track on some gravel along the right side of the mountain. Here you’ll have to do a tiny scramble of a few meters, but nothing too bad (if you’re not afraid of heights).

Route Up to Nihahi Ridge

Once you finish the little scramble there are a few tracks up, and you quickly gain altitude. I’m pretty sure all tracks lead to the top, but we followed the right hand one. Then you’ll reach a large buttress, marking the end of the hike.

Here you have two options. You either stop or you keep going. Of course we wanted to walk ON the ridge, so we kept going! Once the track finishes there is the option to climb up some rocks and walk on the ridge. Here the fun part started! The little climb up was quite vertical, but not exposed. There were large rocks to hold on to and climb up.

Hikes where you have to do a bit of scrambling and climbing are my favourite ones. A combination of fun and adrenaline in a magnificent scenery. 

When you reach the top of Nihahi Ridge you feel mighty! You balance at 2,345m high on a ridge. One side of the ridge was very steep, while the other side was a slab, making it safer. I felt the adrenaline pumping in me.

Don’t climb to the top of the ridge if you’re not confident on your feet or with heights! Always be careful and smart.

Because of the smoke we didn’t get the best views, but it still was one of the best day hikes I’ve done in Canada. This hike is just so much fun. I still get a smile on my face when thinking about it.

Video Nihahi Ridge Trail

Is Nihahi Ridge a dangerous hike?

In general Nihahi Ridge is not a dangerous hike, but this depends if you go all the way to the top of the ridge. The track to the official end of the hike isn’t dangerous, but the second part to the top could be considered dangerous since you are very exposed on top of the ridge (on one side).

When I was doing my research before hiking up Nihahi Ridge, I was a bit worried about the scramble and climb up to the ridge – but having done it now know I had no reason to be worried. You just always need to stay focused.

I have done a lot of hikes that were pretty high and steep, so if you are not confident with heights, you should definitely not do the second part of Nihahi Ridge. Also please always wear proper shoes – you would be surprised how many people I’ve seen in flip flops on hikes…

More hikes in Canada: A week in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. 

Nihahi Ridge Hiking Route Description

The Nihahi Ridge hike is about 10-11km return and the elevation gain is around 450m, depending on how far on the ridge you go. It took us about 2 hours up and 1,5h down, but we were in a hurry to get nice light up there and we didn’t really take any breaks.

• Start at Little Elbow Campground and walk towards the end of the road. Go past the gate to the trailhead. About half a kilometre later you see a sign on your right where you need to get off the main trail and go into the forest toward Nihahi.
• Don’t forget to take that turn off the main road into the forest! There are many trails, so it’s easy to get confused. Once you get off the main road, you slowly go up through the forest until you reach a meadow. From here you already get some views on the surrounding mountains.
• Once you pass the meadow the trail gains elevation rapidly, with views getting better and better. The track climbs continuously, with an exposed section at the side of the mountain. After a little (and easy) scramble you’re almost at the top. You just keep following the clear track.
• At the end of the trail you have the opportunity to go further and walk on the ridge. Climb up the rocks and access the ridge. Be careful when doing this.

How To Get To Nihahi Ridge Trailhead?

• The start of the track is near Bragg Creek,  about 40 minutes from Calgary
• Take Highway 66 from Calgary until the roads ends
• Park at the Little Elbow Campground
• This road is closed from 1 December to 15 May (because of winter conditions)

TIP: there is a big car park, but if you want to cut a few (boring on the road) hundred meters from the hike you can park close to the campground. You just drive towards the campground, and at one point you’ll see a tiny car park on your right and a big sign: LAST PARKING FOR TRAILHEAD (or something like that). It fits about 10 cars.

Thinking of working and travel in Canada? Find out more how you can do that: Work and Travel in Canada. 

Where To Stay near Nihahi Ridge – Kananaskis?

Since this trail is near Calgary (only a 40 minutes drive) you can either stay in the city or spend a night at the Little Elbow Campground.

Little Elbow Campground

This is a large campground in the Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area with a lot of space. There are over 60 sites for RV’s or tents and about 30 walk-in tent sites.

We didn’t make a reservation, but if you like to be sure, you can reserve a spot on the Alberta Parks website. It’s a cute campground with nice surroundings. Walk to the Forget Me Not pond, stroll through the forest and of course hike up Nihahi Ridge!

Calgary accommodation

If you have a car you can easily stay in Calgary. Calgary is a large city with lots of accommodation options, from hotels to hostels and AirBnB’s. If you don’t have Airbnb yet, use this link to get a discount.

Also on Booking.com there are plenty of options for accommodation in Calgary.

Ready to hike? Let’s go!

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Disclaimer: some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which supports this site without costing you anything extra. Thanks for helping me buy my coffee 

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Visiting Canada is easy, but did you know you might be able to stay for a longer period? Yes, that’s an option! In this article I will focus on travelling to Canada, for a short and long period – and how you can do that. There is even the option to travel and work in Canada!

Why should I go to Canada?

Not sure yet about Canada as destination? Here are a few photos and reasons why you should at least once in your life check out this beautiful country in North America.

1. Stunning nature

Canada is one big playground for outdoor enthusiasts. I’ve encountered impressive mountains, clear-blue lakes and incredible views. The cool thing is that Canada offers more than just beautiful sights – the cities are pretty cool too. I loved exploring Vancouver in British Columbia! This makes it the perfect mix of exploring nature and discovering the city life.

Looking for a cool hike in Canada? Try out this stunning and active hike in British Columbia: Garibaldi Lake.

2. Kind people

Yep, it’s true what you hear. People here are super kind (and I lived in New Zealand for a few years!). From the employees in the supermarket to the locals you meet on hikes: there’s always a big smile and a helping hand. This is something important to me when I go travelling. I want to feel welcome and engage with kind locals. It can make or break a trip. In Canada it will make your trip.

3. The best road trips

Those long Canadian roads are perfect for road trips. You can cruise through gorgeous parks and discover incredible sceneries. Nico and I bought a van when we arrived in summer in Canada. It worked out so well. Driving those roads with views on the mountains, exploring new places, hiking up to peaks, sleeping in the van. It was a summer I won’t quickly forget.

Ready to visit Canada? Below you find the practical information on making it happen.

Going to Canada for less than 3 months

Want to visit Canada for less than 3 months and wondering how to apply for a Canada travel visa? You’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

The majority of the people going to Canada will do so with an eTA – it’s the most common way to travel to Canada. You can apply for an eTA online if you meet the following requirements:

• Be older than 18 to apply.
• Going on a short tourist trips, business, transit and medical visits.
• Only valid by air (if you enter by land for most nationalities you just need your passport).
• You must have an e-passport.

You can apply on the Canada Immigration website. Once you do so, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your eTA attached. There’s no need to print it, as it will be automatically and electronically attached to your passport.

If you don’t want to bother or look in to it yourself, you can easily get help from an agency. Belgians can apply for their Canada eTA with VisumBuitenland.be.

It’s super straightforward. You enter a few details and they do the rest! They know the ropes and will get it sorted for you – so you can already start dreaming about those Canadian mountains! You can find their prices here: the costs of an eTA.

Good to know about the eTA:

• You can use your eTA for the next 5 years (starting from date of issue).
• You are allowed multiple entries (meaning that you could travel back and forth from Canada to the US – just make sure you also have a US visa).
• Canada Immigration recommends you to get your eTA 72 prior to your departure.

Important: You need an eTA to enter Canada, but it does not guarantee your entry. Canada Immigration makes the final decision at the border (as it is in every country).

Going to Canada for more than 3 months

Would you like to stay a bit longer in Canada to combine travel and work? That’s possible too! Then you should apply for a Working Holiday Visa – which falls under the Canadian International Experience Visa (IEC).

What is a Working Holiday Visa?

The Working Holiday Visa is a visa to travel and work in Canada, to get a full Canadian experience. This means that you can easily travel around and live in one location for a few months to earn money. Tired of working? You just move on to the next location! It’s as simple as that. 

The IEC – Working Holiday is an open work permit, allowing you to work for more than one employer. That’s great news as it means that you are not tied to 1 employer and therefore 1 location. It also lets you do most jobs in Canada. Only exception: jobs related to striptease or erotic dance/massages are not allowed.

Who can apply?

Anyone from a country that has an IEC work permit agreement with Canada is allowed to apply. There are a few more requirements to qualify for the Working Holiday Visa though:

• you can’t have a job offer yet
• you want to work for different employers and in more than one location
• you’d like to earn money to travel
  

There is also an age limit, which varies from country to country. To give you an idea: Belgium (18-30), France (18-35), UK (18-30), NZ (18-35), Australia (18-35).

How to apply for a Working Holiday visa in Canada?

The process to get an International Experience visa for Canada is a bit more complicated than the one for an eTA. Read more about the different steps below.

1. Check if your country is eligble
2. Create a profile
3. Get invited to apply
4. Confirm that you still want to go to Canada
5. Gather all your documents
6. You’re ready to go to Canada! Yay!

1. Check if your country is eligible. Do the ‘come to Canada’-quiz on the immigration website. Find it here: quiz.

2. Create your IEC profile. If you are eligible you can create a profile. Once completed you are added to IEC Working Holiday ‘pool’ of your country.

There is one pool of eligible candidates per country and per category. Only a certain amount of visas are available per country, so you have to be invited to apply for a work permit. Wondering if your pool is open? Canada Immigration shows whether your pool is open. Find it on their website.

3. Get invited to apply. Now the waiting game starts. You need to get invited to be able to apply. This is a random selection and there’s nothing you can do. You might receive an invitation after 1 week or 1 month. This will depend on luck and how many people already applied to the pool. I was invited to apply after 2 weeks in the pool.

4. Confirm that you still want to go to Canada. Did you get invited? Sweet! Are you still excited to go hiking those Canadian mountains? Perfect! You just have to let Canada know. You get 10 days to do this (so check your email and spam box regularly).

5. Gather all your documents.They might ask for the following documents, depending on the agreement with your country and previous travels you’ve done.

• Proof of financial support
• CV
• Medical exam
• Police certificate
• Passport
• Digital photo
• Family information
• Electronic Travel Authorization or Visitor visa application

Since 2019 you also have to submit your biometrics. These are a collection of fingerprints, digital photo and personal information.

This applies only to citizens (applying for a Working Holiday work permit) from Europe, Africa or the Middle East. The Canadian Immigration website explains it very well here. You’ll need to find the VAC centre closest to you: It is possible there isn’t one (yet) in your country. You’ll have to go to the one closest to your country then. 

6. You’re ready to go to Canada! Yay!

Immigration will verify your documents and might ask for some extra information. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a port of entry (POE) letter. Show this letter at the border services officer in Canada and he’s the one who will give you your work permit. Now you’re ready to work and travel in Canada!

Discover one of my absolute favourite hikes in Canada. My multi day trip to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park: A week in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.

Good to know regarding the Working Holiday visa for Belgians! Belgium is very strict and I wasn’t allowed to get on the plane in Brussels with my approved Working Holiday visa. I almost missed my flight, because I had to apply for an eTA on the spot. Luckily it got approved in 20min and I could go back to check in, run to the plane and fly to Canada.

On a bit of a silly side note: in all the hurry and little bit of panic I ran on one of those moving walkways in the terminal…in the wrong direction. Imagine: me and my hand luggage and jacket running the wrong direction. I smacked on the floor and was carried back – on hands and knees – on that thingy. Not my best moment. But I made the plane! I would hate it if this happens to you too, so I recommend applying also for an eTA even when your Canadian Working Holiday visa has been approved – just in case.

How much chance do I have being invited to apply?

Every country in the IEC programme has a yearly quota. This is based on an agreement your country has with Canada. For many countries (like Belgium, where I’m from), the demand is way higher than the quota. This means that not everyone who wants the visa will get it.

The quota for how many people can come on the WH to Canada is different for all countries. Some examples:

• Belgium: 750
• Australia: unlimited
• New Zealand: 2500
• UK: 5000

You can find information about the quota and your chance on getting accepted on the immigration website. Just select your country on the top right.

Be prepared for winter in Canada. It gets very cold, so make sure you have the appropriate clothing.

How To Survive Winter in Canada?

How long will my Canada work and travel visa be valid?

You can either get 12 or 24 months, depending on your country of citizenship. For example New Zealand, UK and Australia can stay two years in Canada, Belgians only 1 year.

How much money do I need to apply for a working holiday visa in Canada?

You’ll spend the most money on the application itself. Besides that you don’t need to pay much to travel and work abroad.

• Application cost: about CAD $250.
• Proof of funds: you have to be able to show you can sustain yourself. They ask to have about CAD $2500 in your bank. That said, I was never asked to show this.
• Biometrics: CAD $85.
• Police certificate: in Belgium it’s free and easy to obtain from your city. In other countries you might have to pay a fee.
• Insurance: you need insurance for the time you’ll be in Canada. This is easy to buy online.

Extra tip: stay even longer in Canada

If you want to get even MORE out of your time in Canada, you can ask the border officer at your first entry to give you a visitors visa and to not let your work and holiday visa start yet. This way you can first travel around for 3 months, maybe do a quick visit to the US and let your work visa in Canada start afterwards. I did this – and the border guy was fine with it. And if they say no – well, you tried!

Happy travels to Canada!

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Disclaimer: this post was sponsored by VisumBuitenland.be

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There are plenty of occasions when you need a present for a friend or a family member. Christmas, Valentine, birthdays, graduations… You know they like hiking, but wat to gift them? “Should I buy a jacket? Or a pair of hiking socks? Or maybe a camping cooking set?”

These are good ideas, but let’s be honest: they aren’t really original. If you want to take a different road, have a look at these 7 original gifts for hikers and outdoor lovers. Surprise them with something different. Believe me, they’ll be happy! (I know I would )

1. DIY hiking gift basket

Have you ever thought of creating your own hiking basket? You can add as much as you want. To get you started: buy some cereal bars, water purifying pills, a water bottle, a warm buff, a map, head torch… The list is endless and it works for any budget. You decide how many items you include and how much money you spend.

For the perfect finish you can even buy a cool fanny pack to put all the different gifts in. I love making and giving presents like these. They’re way more creative and personal.

2. Personalised outdoor clothing

You can never go wrong with some good outdoor clothing. But what about making it extra special? The team at Decathlon offers a personalisation service. For only a few euros extra you can print a text or design on a shirt, jacket or even gloves.

I got my boyfriend and photographer Nico a jacket with his logo. Now he can be recognised even if he doesn’t want too. It looks just amazing! Don’t you think so?

To surprise my little brother I had some running shirts made. On both of them it said: “Team De Brauwer”, because we’re an awesome team.

He opened the gift and got a big smile all over his 13-year-old face! His mum reacted: “You should get one for your dad too, so you can all go running together”. Wouldn’t that be a great sight?

I’m a big fan of personal gifts. You’re doing that little extra for someone you love. Which is why I like Decathlon’s personalisation print service. I love the quality and the uniqueness it. It’s the perfect original and outdoorsy gift!

For more information about giving your clothes and gifts a personal touch, have a look here: Decathlon personalisation.

3. Give a survival course!

Give one of the ultimate gifts for hikers: survival training. After a quick google search you’ll notice that there is something for everyone.  You can find half day, one day, two day or even week-long courses.

Go for a bushcraft or foraging course; or choose the more adventurous mountain expedition skills training. Your family member or friend will learn essential survival skills and you know that you’ll always be safe when you’re out on an adventure with them. Win-win. Isn’t that a good investment of your money?

4. A camera to capture your adventures

Do you have a large budget available? Then look into buying a camera. Get a DSLR if the lucky one is into photography. If they would just like some memories of their outdoor adventures for fun, you can go for a compact camera or gopro. It’s a lot of fun to take some shots of your hikes and adventures.

I use a Canon 70D and have been happy with it for quite a few years now. I went with Canon because I knew their cameras were good for videography, which I was doing a lot back then. The 70D is a good semi-professional camera and great for making videos and taking pictures. It is a bit heavy taking it up the mountains though. There are now a lot more and lighter camera’s on the market, like the Sony cameras. If you want to surprise your friend or family member with a camera, I recommend taking them to the shop – this way they definitely get something they love.

5. Tickets to Reel Rock or Banff Mountain Film Festival

Get inspired by the most adventurous people at the Reel Rock or Banff Mountain Festival. You’ll see short (and long) documentaries about adventurers on a wild expedition, beautiful parts of the world and incredible stories from incredible people. And it’s a fun night out for the two of you!

There are screenings worldwide. Have a look if there is one nearby you. Do you want to go all the way to Canada? Here is an overview with some hikes to do: hiking Canada.

6. Buy a membership

Get active! Even better: do it together. Climbing, kayaking, sailing, rowing, the list is endless. Maybe your friend has been thinking of going climbing for a long time, but never followed up on it. This is the moment! Give them a membership and they’ll be happy that you pushed them in following up on their plans and dreams.

7. Go on an adventure together

Because there’s nothing more fun than going on an adventure with a loved one. They like to bike? Prepare a biking trip. They like to hike? Organise a surprise hike up a mountain. Take some tasty snacks or even a bottle of wine if you wish, and watch the sunset together on top of the mountain. Those are the moments they will remember, way more than any material gift. And you will too.

It’s the simple and personal things that mean the most.

There you go, those were my top gifts for hikers. Did you find something you like? Or do you know some other unique gifts? Let me know in the comments below!

This article is sponsored by Decathlon Belgium. All opinions are, as always, my own! Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which supports this site without costing you anything extra. Thanks for helping me buy my coffee 

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Lake O’Hara is probably one of the most famous places in the Canadian Rockies. Its big and beautiful blue lake, impressive mountains and wildlife are definitely a must-visit on your road trip in Canada. In winter it is a totally different sight than in summer. The lake is frozen and covered in snow and the mountains have a white coat on.

If you want to escape the crowd or if you couldn’t secure a camping spot in summer, then go for a visit in winter.

“But… it’s so cold.”

Worried about the cold? I see your point. It can get extremely cold in winter. Temperatures of -30C are no exception. But don’t worry, you can stay in the Elizabeth Parker Hut to warm up at the fire and to escape those freezing temperatures.

Hiking to Lake O’hara in Winter

In summer you can take a bus from the carpark to Lake Ohara, but in winter you don’t have that luxury. The buses usually drive until September or October. You can find the exact dates on the park website.

The road is groomed and easy to hike, snowshoe or (nordic) ski. I walked on snowshoes and my friends were skiing. The track to the lake is 11km and takes about 3 hours. Walking on an old fire road isn’t very exciting, but it is the only way you can reach Lake O’Hara in winter.

In case you’re going on a very cold day, I recommend to not take long breaks. A short stop to eat a cereal bar is fine, but if you stand still too long your sweat cools down and you’ll get cold. In cold conditions like that it is important to keep moving. But let’s be honest. A winter trip to Lake O’Hara isn’t about the hike in. That hike is pretty boring, following a long road with a few turns. It’s about the place itself and being immersed in nature by mighty mountains.

Elizabeth Parker Hut

Depending on what time of the year you stay at the Elizabeth Parker Hut, you might have to dig a path to the entrance. This hut is big, but without losing its cosiness.

The Elizabeth Parket hut has a fireplace (which is very appreciated in winter), a large kitchen and a huge bunk bed for up to 20 people. Next to the big hut there’s also the second, smaller Wiwaxy Cabin. This cabin also has a fire and is geared towards smaller groups.

Winter wonder photo land

My friends and me stayed two nights at the hut, giving us plenty of time to have a look around and to really take in this beautiful place – trust me, you’re going to love it!

The hut is located on a wide space, giving you views on many mountains. Take your camera out, follow some tracks and start snapping. Even right outside the hut you’ll get plenty of photo opportunities. The hut itself is also a beauty, especially if you find it halfway covered in snow. Add some gorgeous sunset light and you have to pinch yourself to know this is real.

Walk 15 minutes to the lake and enjoy the mountain views. The little cabins at the lake are quaint and adorable, but quite expensive. In winter they are closed, and make the perfect scenery for some photography.

There are plenty of walks in the area, which I highly recommend doing (depending on the weather). When we visited O’hara it was a bit too cold, so we didn’t do big expeditions. We stayed in the surroundings of the hut and the lake. We had already hiked the area in summer, so didn’t necessarily needed to do those again. When you deal with extreme temperatures, even the easiest hikes become difficult, so always be prepared if you decide to go out!

Important: wear snowshoes or skis when walk on the lake. The snow is often very soft, making you sink knee-deep in the snow (and that’s no fun!).

As I said, it’s cold in winter but there’s also an advantage: sunrise is late(r) and sunset is early. Perfect for the photography lovers under you.

Booking the Elizabeth Parker hut

Lake O’Hara is very popular. In summer it is overrun by tourists and it’s hard to find a spot on the campground. If you want to experience this place in a different and calmer setting: winter it is!

The campground is closed in winter and you have to book your place in the hut online. You can do that here. Usually it should be fine to book a bed in winter, but don’t wait until the last moment. There are a lot of sporty Canadians checking out Lake O’hara.

Note: it sometimes happens that the hut isn’t fully booked, although it says differently online. When we spent two nights at Elizabeth Parker, only half of the hut was filled, although online it was fully booked. Draw your own conclusions, but you might be lucky if you decide to go without a booking. Just know there might be a warden and that you’re obligated to pay a fee for your night at the hut.

Summer at Lake O’hara is a totally different story. An article with the coolest summer hikes and tips next is coming in spring.

Practical Information to visit Lake O’Hara in winter

Getting to Lake O’Hara

The trailhead is located in between Lake Louise and Field. It’s only a 10minute drive from Lake Louise to get to the car park. Leave your car and take the $15 shuttle bus (in summer) or hike in 11km. The trail follows an old fire road and goes slightly uphill. After 2,5-3 hours of walking you will see the campground to your right. Not much later you arrive at The Relais, a little café cabin where you can get a hot chocolate or a piece of their famous carrot cake. From there you can either go direction of the lake or direction of Elizabeth Parker hut.

Weather & clothing

The weather is a key factor when hiking to Lake O’Hara. Yoho National Park is known for its long, cold winters. You always have to be prepared for any condition, since the weather in the mountains is always unpredictable

When I was there, temperatures dropped to -27degrees Celsius. I was prepared and had the clothing and gear I needed.  If you have never hiked in these conditions I recommend to start with some smaller walks to get used to the cold. Ready to go hiking in winter? Check out how to be prepared: winter in Canada.

Accommodation options

In order of least expensive to most expensive you can either choose for a day walk, a night on the campground, the huts or the lodge. In winter the campground is closed, which leaves the Elizabeth Parket hut and the Lake O’Hara lodge. The hut is $40 for non- Alpine Club members in winter and $45 in summer.

A room in the lodge will cost $730, with food and afternoon tea included. The most luxurious lakeshore cabins are $1035 per night.

Wildlife

There are no bears in winter! Hurray! No need to worry about a possible bear encounter. In summer it is VERY important that you bring your bear spray and know how to act when bumping into one. Lynx’ – a wild cat – on the other hand don’t hibernate in winter. They are very shy, so the chance you’ll see one is therefore quite small.

Ready to for a walk in fairytale land? Start planning your trip to Lake O’Hara in winter!

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I was 26, quit my job and got on a plane with destination: other side of the world. I was ready for a new adventure: a 1-year trip to Australia and New Zealand. I wanted to travel by myself and explore the world.

That year turned into many more. Although I promised my mum to not fall in love on the other side of the world, I couldn’t help it. When I visited New Zealand I met Nico and I ended up staying more than 3 years. Sorry mum…

Seeing new places, meeting people, doing fun and crazy activities got me writing and sharing those experiences on my website. I can’t believe it has been FIVE years.

More than I expected

My travel blog developed into something bigger, which I never expected or which wasn’t even my goal. I just wanted to share moments and places with family at home. Not only has my knowledge of the world improved, my photography got a great deal better too.

My blog has brought me many places and I am so grateful for every single moment. I ended up working with many companies and brands and can’t believe what I got to do. Flying in helicopters over the New Zealand mountains, discovering Belgian quaint villages, driving through the Italian mountains, staying in luxury lodges in the Canadian parks, going canyoning and documenting a kiwi release are just a few of them.

Sometimes I pinch myself or tell Nico how lucky we are to be able to experience these things. We’re so privileged, but we know it.

If I would die tomorrow (but let’s hope not), I can say that I have truly lived. I have no regrets and gave it all to get everything out of life.

Want to get inspired? Here are a few links to some of my favourite adventures:

A Week in Mount Assinboine National Park – Canada

Visit Dinant: Belgium’s little gem

Everything you need to know to hike to Liverpool Hut – New Zealand

How to spend a romantic weekend in Queenstown? – New Zealand

Hiking Roys Peak in Wanaka – New Zealand

Before I end this little bloganniversary I wanted to say thank you. For being there and for following my adventures. I hope you all get inspired and start thinking about your next adventure. Thank you.

And as always, if you have any questions or want to get in touch: flick me a message.

Love, Lieselot

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Photography Mecca

With my love for photography this park was a dream. You have the big and beautiful Mount Assiniboine as the centre (and attraction) of the park, but there is so much more to discover. Lakes looking like a mirror in the morning, peaks with 360 views and soft light on the mountains.

To get the most out of it I spent six days in the park. Two of those days were assigned to hiking in and out, because this place is not easy to reach. If you’re willing to pay, you can take a helicopter flight in, which is 175CAD for an 8- minute flight. If you don’t have or want to pay that money, you walk the 26km to the Lake Magog campground in the park.

I did the latter.

Day 1: The Hike In

There are different tracks to reach Assiniboine Lodge and the Lake Magog campground. See below for information on the different routes. We chose for the track via Wonder Pass, as it is the most scenic one, and the shortest – still 26km though!

It was our first longer hike in Canada and we were carrying big backpacks, so we decided to split the hike in two and camped our first night near Marvel Lake. This is a popular option, especially for people hiking in.

We left the Mount Shark Trailhead after lunch and hiked to the Marvel Lake campground (also called BR13 on maps). It took us 3.5 hours and I’ll be honest: it was boring. You walk 13km on an easy and maintained track through the woods. There is nothing technical about it and you get no views. There are trees, trees and trees. I felt like I was hiking the same track over and over.

Because it was still bear season we made a lot of noise while hiking – a very funny sight! At the campground there were also wires to hang your food high in the trees – to protect it from bears. There were also some tables, a creek for water and a drop toilet.

Day 2: Marvel Lake campground to Mount Assiniboine

After a good night sleep and no bear encounters we left at 9.30am. 30 minutes later you arrive at Marvel Lake, and believe me when I say it really looks marvellous with its clear blue colour.

Then you follow a track with a tremendous view on the lake. It is so blue, and after all that time in the bush a real treat for the eyes.

While you’re enjoying the scenery you can start preparing yourself mentally for a big climb. To reach Wonder Pass (and eventually Mount Assiniboine) you have to zigzag up and leave the blue lake behind. It took us around 1.5hours to get to Wonder Pass. One hour of that time is steep up, and the last 30 minutes are less steep, but still going up.

You can imagine how happy (and sweaty) I was when arriving at Wonder Pass. It was time to sit down, have some lunch and just relax. The last part to Mount Assiniboine and the Lake Magog campground is easy. You just hike down, and 45 minutes later you reach the lodge. The campground is another 2km from the lodge.

We were perfect on time to enjoy a sunset at Lake Magog and Mount Assiniboine.

Day 3 – 5: Exploring Mount Assiniboine Park

Once we set up our tent it was time to explore the area, and there is SO MUCH to see!

Magog Lake

This is the main lake in the park, close to the campground and the lodge. Mount Assiniboine stands beautifully at the end of the lake. Have a walk around the lake, take a (cold) dip and enjoy a sunrise or sunset with views on Mount Assiniboine.

When we arrived at Mount Assiniboine we were treated on a beautiful sunset.

Sunburst Lake

Sunburst Lake is only a 10minutes walk from the Lake Magog campground. The trail is very clear and easy to follow and before you know it you arrive at the small and beautiful lake.

It’s perfect for sunrise shots, as it’s not that far from the campground, and it offers great sunrise views.

Cerulean Lake

When you walk past Sunburst Lake and you keep going, you’ll end up at Cerulean Lake. It’s bigger than Sunburst, and will take you circa 30minutes from the campground. Its clear waters and reflection of Sunburst Peak are worth the visit!

The Nublet / Nub Peak

If you’ve seen a picture of Mount Assiniboine, it’s probably taken from this location. The Nublet and Nub Peak give you the best views on Mount Assiniboine and its surrounding lakes.

Those who want to hike more can continue on to Nub Peak, giving you an even better view. Take some wind jacket with you, as it can get very windy up there.

Waterfall and surroundings

Although there are lots of lakes and peaks around to explore, the area around the campground and lodge are worthwhile too. There’s a little river flowing with a few small waterfalls. On a hot day it is great to jump in the water and cool down. Don’t freak out though, there are a lot of fishes in it who like to tickle your feet.

Day 6: Hike Out

We started early in the morning, because the days were hot and we wanted to hike out in one go. At 6.45 we hiked in the dark and enjoyed a mild sunrise at Wonder Pass. The hike to Wonder Pass is the only time you really have to walk up on the way out.

Hiking in the early morning is pretty amazing, as all the wildlife is out. We saw plenty of elk, chipmunks and cheeky birds. Those big birds were just sitting in the middle of the track, not moving and caring we were there. It was such a special moment.

At 11.30am we arrived at Marvel Lake, perfect for a lunch break and some more photo time. There were a lot of fires that days, so the view is a bit hazy.

Then it was time for the boring last part back to the car park. I ended up listening to a podcast, because I couldn’t handle the boring road. Unfortunately we couldn’t run it, because of our big bag packs. At 3pm we arrived at the car and we were SO happy.

We didn’t see any bears, but did carry our bear spray with us all the time! You never know when you’ll bump into one.

This truly was such a wonderful week of hiking in a wonderful place. Don’t let the distance scare you, it’s definitely worth a visit and you can take it easy!

Accommodation

There’s something for everyone in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, from camping to staying in a huts or a fancy lodge. We went for a mix of those!

Campground

If you’re planning to cut your walk in two and spend the night at Marvel Lake campground, you’ll need to book this. You can do this via the online reservation system of Parks Canada. The campground is part of the backcountry camping in the Banff, Kootenay and Yoho Backcountry. 

The campground in Mount Assiniboine Provincial park is called the Lake Magog campground, and on the right hand side of the lake. It has 40 campsites and used to work on first come first serve base (when we were there), but since april 2018 an online reservation is required during peak season (June 26 – September 30). There is NO overflow camping anymore. Find more info here.

There’s also a supply of non-potable drinking water and toilets. Use the bear lockers on site, as bears might be closer than you think!

Do bear in mind: the campground is 2km from the lodge – so if you want to go for tea time, you’ll have to do a little walk.

Naiset Huts

There are five Naiset Huts, around 500meters from the lodge. They’re small and cute, and there’s a kitchen hut with everything you need – seriously everything. Such a luxury when staying the mountains. The huts cost $25 per night and bookings are recommended. You can just drop in, but always bring your tent. Nico and I were quite lucky, we stayed three nights at the campground and the last night at one of the huts.

http://assiniboinelodge.com/naiset-and-hind-huts

Assiniboine Lodge

The Assiniboine Lodge is the most luxurious option in the park. You get a comfortable room and lots of food and drinks. Prices are also quite a bit higher, ranging from CAD290 to CAD495 (prices are cheaper in winter). You then either sleep in the main lodge or in one of their nice little huts.

Canmore

The Mount Shark Trailhead is about 40km away from Canmore, so you might want to book a bed the day before beginning your hike. It’s a cute small town, in between the mountains. Have a look at lots of accommodation options.

How to get to Mount Assiniboine?

The closest airport is Calgary International Airport. From there you have different options, including options to hike in to Assiniboine and taking the helicopter.

On Foot

There are multiple tracks to reach Mount Assiniboine. I’ll list the 3 most popular ones.

Mount Shark Trailhead to Mount Assiniboine via Wonder Pass – 26km: The trail starts at the Mount Shark Trailhead, around 40km south of Canmore. The first part of the trail is easy, and it branches off at Bryant Creek (around 14km in). Then you walk along Marvel Lake and hike up to Wonder Pass. From the top of Wonder Pass you just follow the trail down to the Assiniboine Lodge. This hike is seen as the most scenic one, as it passes Marvel Lake. It’s also the shortest hike, but not the easiest, as the hike to Wonder Pass is quite steep.

Mount Shark Trailhead to Mount Assiniboine via Assiniboine Pass – 27.5km: This trail also starts at the Mount Shark Trailhead, and follows the same route to the Bryant Creek Warden Hut. Then you follow the Assiniboine Pass signs. After you pass the McBride’s campsite, continue straight until you reach the Assiniboine Pass. Then you’ll climb steeply before gradually descending the final 3km toward the Lodge. This trail is closed to public during August and September due to bear encounters, although you can still hike via the Assiniboine Pass using the horse trail.

Sunshine Village to Mount Assiniboine – 30km: Start at Sunshine Village Ski and Snow Resort. There is also a shuttle that can drop you off there for 15$ from Banff. Although this trail is the longest, it’s easier than the other options, and also offers great views of Mount Assiniboine.

By Helicopter

This is a great option if you don’t have a lot of time and only want to visit Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. You can also fly in and hike out – or the other way around.

Flights are arranged via the Assiniboine Lodge. They only fly on Friday, Sunday and Wednesday. The flights start at CAD175 one way. Find more information on their website.

What to take to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park?

The less you carry, the better. You have quite a lot of kilometres to hike, so try to not take too much stuff with you.

Here are the essentials:

Tent: opt for a light one, as it’s nicer to carry.
Sleeping bag
Camping stove (+lighter)
Bear spray
First aid kit
Food (+extra food)
Water purification pills
Map
Camera
Cash: for a tea (or outside of peak season to pay the camping)

If you’re curious what I bring along on my hiking expeditions, have a look at my gear.

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Read more about my Canadian adventures:

Winter Wonderland at Emerald Lake Lodge

A Trip Through Time at Num-Ti-Jah Lodge

Maligne Lake Canoe Trip

Hiking Garibaldi Lake

My First Aurora Borealis

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How To Get There?

The Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is located on the Icefields Parkway, right at Bow Lake in Banff National Park, offering incredible views on Bow Lake and Cradle Mountain.

From Lake Louise: 38km. Follow the Icefields Parkway and after 30 minutes you will see Bow Lake and the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on your left-hand side.

From Jasper: 195km. Follow the Icefields Parkway south and after 2,5h you will see Bow Lake and the lodge on your right-hand side. There are many amazing stops on the way, so take your time!

As every good and new road tripper in Canada Nico and I wanted to do the Icefields Parkway with all its beautiful locations. Right at the beginning, we drove past the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. The quirky red roof and historic charm immediately drew our attention. We had to stay at this lodge! We got in touch with the manager and were hosted to experience a real Canadian lodge.

In this article you’ll find more about our stay at the lodge, its history and all the awesome things to do in the area!

Simpson’s History

Isn’t “Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah” a great name? I love pronouncing it! There’s more to it than just sounding nice though.

The lodge is named after Englishman Jimmy Simpson, who left England for Canada in 1886 and became one of Canada’s greatest mountain men. He guided people through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, which were back then little-explored.

In 1898 he camped at Bow Lake and vowed to one day “build a shack here”. 25 years later he did it! He built the first log cabin on the site, and he called his operation Num-Ti-Jah, which stands for the small animal pine marten. A few years later he opened the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, back then with six guest rooms. Ten years later he expanded to 16 rooms – and that’s how it still is today.

Apparently Jimmy was a witty and wild character and fun to be around. He became a real living legend and his reputation attracted many tourists. I’m sure it would’ve been nice hanging around the campfire with him! He died in 1972, but his spirit definitely lives on. The cool thing about staying here is that the lodge hasn’t changed much since it was completed in 1950.

In Jimmy’s shoes (and cabin)

When you enter the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, you immediately feel the history. The stuffed animals, wooden structure and old pictures set the time perfectly. You really feel that this place tells a story. Wander around the halls and enjoy the alpine hut feel with a quirky touch.

If you’re looking for a fancy 5 star design hotel, this is not the place for you. The Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is for travellers looking for a real and unique experience, at an amazing location.

Nico and I were offered the opportunity to spend one of our two nights in the Ram Cabin, which is the original cabin, built by mister Jimmy in 1924! That was long before there even was an Icefields Parkway!

The interior of course looks a bit different now, but the structure is still the same. I loved all the wood, and again: the shape! Jimmy definitely had a unique style. It was quite a wonderful experience staying in the original cabin. Do note that it can’t be booked by guests.

The second night we stayed in one of the Lakeview Rooms. The rooms are spacious and simple, which adds to the historical character of the place. Enjoy the charming mishmash of wood panelling and old furniture. Ours even had a bath to warm up after a cold day outside (yes – I spent an hour soaking in water).

The walls are a bit thin (remember it was built in 1950!) and the creaking of floors reminds you that you’re spending the night in a historic and awesome lodge. Imagine how much history is in between these four walls. Decades of travellers have passed through here, all with their own story. Isn’t that wonderful?

Even when you’re not staying at the hotel, you can go to the little café and souvenir shop to breathe in some Jimmy spirit – and to have a laugh with this item:

Majestic mountains and rad reflections

With the lodge set on the side of Bow Lake you get endless stunning views on Crowfoot Mountain, Bow Lake and the Bow Glacier. Crowfoot Mountain stands proud like a big bloke. It is my favourite mountain in Canada, as it is fierce and beautiful.

When it’s windstill, the reflections at the lake are unreal. Take a picture, turn it upside down and you wouldn’t notice it. This place is perfect to breathe in some crisp mountain air, isolated from the busy world.

Of course we couldn’t resist a morning paddle on the lake. Bring your own kayak or rent one in Lake Louise village. It was a cold morning when we were there, but it felt so magical, floating on the still water.

Note: be aware of wildlife, especially in spring and summer. Nico encountered a bear on the shores of Bow Lake, so always be prepared! Bring your bear spray and don’t leave any food or garbage behind. No need to be afraid of bears in winter.

Local food in the Elkhorn Dining Room

Breakfast and dining happens in the Elk Dining Lodge. It’s built in a typical and beautiful lodge style and decorated with lots of hunting trophies. Take a table at the window, dream away with the view outside and most of all: enjoy your dinner.

The breakfast at the lodge was one of the best hotel breakfasts I have ever had. The fruit and more especially the fresh blueberries didn’t survive long and the homemade muesli was outstanding. I recommended the manager to sell the muesli in the shop, it was that good. I hope he listened, so you can try some yourself! Add some nice pastries and eggs and you get a satisfied Lieselot.

After a nice day out hiking Iceberg Lake we warmed up and talked about our awesome day over dinner and drinks. The Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is proud of the food serve, as they should. The chef sources food from local wildlife. Nico ordered venison medallions with a parsnip purée and I was curious to try the bison burger. Nico’s venison was apparently extremely tasty, and my burger was good too!

What to see in the area?

The Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is the perfect base to explore the rest of the Icefields Parkway, which starts in Lake Louise and ends in Jasper. Here’s a list of things to do within a 30 minute drive from the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge.

1. Bow Lake

Bow Lake is one eye catcher you can’t miss when driving the Icefields Parkway. The big blue lake, accompanied by the impressive Crowfoot mountain is a beautiful sight. It’s right at the lodge, so perfect to go for a morning stroll after breakfast or to enjoy a nice sunset.

2. Bow Glacier & Bow Glacier Falls

The Bow Glacier is visible from the lake and the lodge. The runoff from the glacier supplies water into Bow Lake. The glacier isn’t super impressive from the ground, but there is a cool hike you can do to get closer. It’s called Iceberg Lake hike, and it will take you to a lake at the bottom of the glacier at 2260m high. It is one of my favourite hikes in Canada, and I’ll dedicate a blogpost to it in the near future!

The melt water from the Bow Glacier turns into the impressive Bow Glacier Falls, 120 meters high. There’s also an easy walk that goes from the lodge to the bottom of the falls, but I suggest doing the Iceberg Lake Hike, as this will bring you to the top of the falls.

3. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is a clear blue glacier lake and only a 10-minute drive away from the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. It is 140ha big and super impressive. If you’re looking for one of those typical Canadian Rockies shots, this is it! A little walk brings you to a viewpoint, which is great to take some pictures.

Winter in Canada is pretty harsh and huge lakes freeze, as does Peyto Lake. It is covered in snow and look so different. It’s still a very cool location, but I do prefer it in summer with the clear blue colours!

4. Herbert Lake

As you’ll quickly notice, the Icefields Parkway has an abundance of lakes. The most famous ones are Peyto and Bow Lake, but Herbert Lake is also a nice little stop. Get out your lunch and enjoy the crisp mountain air and beautiful views.

5. Lake Louise

The village of Lake Louise is 30 minutes away from the lodge and it’s home to the famous Lake Louise. The lake is a popular destination, and there’s a lot to see and do around it. Hike up to the Tea House and the Beehive and get some unreal views from above!

Lake Louise is also a perfect stop for to fill up your car and have a coffee or some lunch.

6. Hiking Helen or Hector Lake

Keen to go hiking? Then Helen or Hector Lake might be for you. Helen Lake is 1km south of Bow Lake and it takes a 1.5 to 2hours hike to get to it. You’ll climb about 460 meters and get some cool views. Find more information here.

Hector Lake is a 21 minutes drive away from the lodge. It’s a small glacial lake that you reach after a 5km hike. It’s an easy walk and you’ll enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake on a hot summer day!

7. Mistaya Canyon

This is one cool place that you have to visit! The curvy canyon walls and the Mistaya river flowing makes it an impressive place, great for some photos! Be aware though, it can be very slippery and without railing it’s easy to fall into the canyon. Even in spring the trail can be still very icy. It’s a half hour drive from the Num-Ti-Jah and easy to reach after a 10 minute walk.

As you can see, you have plenty of activities to do in the area. Combine multiple locations on this list for the perfect day out! Don’t forget to spend enough time in the lodge too! Relax, have a delicious dinner and watch a sunset at Bow Lake.

How do you travel? Do you like to visit places with lots of history? Or are you more interested in only seeing nature? 

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Num Ti Jah Lodge Alberta

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When moving to Canada, I had no idea it got this cold. Coming from New Zealand, where the climate is mild, it was a shock. When it snows in Canada– it snows. The entire day. The snow stays around for seven months, so basically winter lasts from November to May.

Extremely Cold Year

A heads up, I’m talking about winter in the Canadian Rockies, so in Alberta and the eastern part of B.C. In Vancouver, at the west coast, there is less snow and temperatures are milder. You get rain in exchange though.

In the Canadian Rockies you get sunny days, but it gets very cold. This year apparently was an extremely cold one – lucky me… I’ve never really experienced a tough winter. I grew up in Belgium, where snow is quite rare. One day of snow messes up the traffic, and usually the next day the snow is gone. In New Zealand there was snow, but not as much, and the temperatures weren’t extreme.

What locals say about the cold:

1. “It’s a dry cold”

They admit it’s cold, but then they add: “but it’s a dry cold”. Bitterly cold days are usually accompanied by lots of sunshine, making it a dry cold. “In the east it’s way colder, they have a humid cold”, they often add.

Luckily there are also Chinook winds, which are warm winds lifting the temperature a bit. Thank God for those!

2. “There is no bad weather, there is just bad clothing”

This is one of their favourites, and actually they’re right. It’s important to dress well with colds like this.

Put on a pair of thermal underwear, wear your snow boots and the snow won’t touch you… It’s still VERY COLD though (I’m obviously not used to it yet). Canadians are big on having the right clothing, and I do understand where it comes from. If you don’t dress well, you could die. There are those horror stories of people being locked out of their house and freezing to death.

Survive Canadian winter with these tips:

1. Dress in layers

Start with a base layer like thermal leggings and wear snow pants on top of them. Same for your upper body. Wear a base layer, then a t-shirt, a fleece and a coat. The advantage of layers is that it traps the body heat inside and helps you stay warm. You can also easily take something off when you’re too hot and put something on when you get cold.

2. Cover your entire body

Yes, that includes your face. Take a cap, gloves, a scarf and something to cover your face. Exposed skin can get frostbite in as less as 30 seconds, so you always want to be covered up!

No need to go into town with ski goggles, it is ok to expose your eyes to the cold – you still want to see where you’re walking, right? Don’t be surprised though if your eyelashes are freezing. It’s not as bad as it looks.

3. Knowledge is power

Educate yourself about what can happen when you are exposed to extreme weather. Hypothermia and frostbite are the two most common results from staying unprotected in the cold.

If you get frostbite, your skin will look pale grey or white and have a waxy texture. You can also experience numbness, pain, swelling and blistering. Definitely don’t rub the affected area and don’t expose it to direct heat. It’s better to use your own body temperature.

Also watch for signs of hypothermia in yourself and in friends and family. Someone could be in trouble it they are shivering, confused and weak. Get them inside as quick as possible and try to gradually raise their body temperature.

4. Don’t stay outside for too long

This is a simple tip, but so true. Try to limit outside activities, as it can be dangerous when temperatures are up to -40°C (-40°F). It’s important to just use your common sense and see what feels right.

I have been snowshoeing for example in temperatures around -28°C (-18.4°F). It was a sunny day, I had a lot of warm clothes on and I kept moving. Besides a few minutes stop for a drink or snack I didn’t stop. This way your sweat doesn’t get the chance to get you cold. The cold doesn’t mean you can’t go hiking and have fun, you just need to be prepared.

5. Check the weather forecast

Always check the weather forecast before heading out. If you’re doing a day walk or other outdoor activities, keep an eye on the weather in advance. Sometimes extreme weather warnings are issued, advising you to stay inside. You can check the weather on the radio or TV, or online.

6. Gear

Buy good, durable gear. Cotton isn’t great for temperatures like these, as it won’t provide any warmth if you get wet or sweat. Wool or polyester are better options. Also go for shoes with thick soles, as thin ones let the cold right through.

If you’re going on hikes, it’s smart to take an emergency blanket, in case something happens. These blankets are thin sheets that keep the heat in. It reflects up to 90% of radiated body heat, and could be the difference in staying alive.

Don’t be scared!

I hope I didn’t scare you there! It gets cold in Canada, but you don’t get -40°C temperatures the entire winter. It usually comes in waves. Those extreme temperatures will be around for a few days, then a Chinook (warm wind) comes in, and it warms up again. A week (or two) later the cold temperatures are back. I’ve had experienced days where it is -40°C (-40°F) and the next day it is -10°C (23°F). No longer is -10°C cold, it’s actually pretty warm.You’ll experience a totally new relationship with the weather in Canada. -5°C is practically t-shirt weather.

When the sun is out, the days are just beautiful. With good clothing and knowledge you can have so much fun, and the scenery is just beautiful! I’ve done a few hikes and snowshoe trips in winter, and I absolutely loved it. It’s something special.

When I moved to Canada I first had a big shopping spree at my Decathlon store in Belgium. As I had never really experienced a tough winter, I needed a lot of clothes. I chose thermal underwear, puff jackets, a strong raincoat and much more, and I’m glad I did! Every time I go outside in the Canadian cold now, I feel prepared and comfortable.

Looking to stay longer in Canada? Here’s my guide on how to work and travel in Canada.

What to pack: The Canada winter packing list

So you know more about Canadian winter, now what do you add to your Canada winter packing list? For the Belgians under you, hop in a Decathlon store and find good clothes at a reasonable price! For the rest of you, here’s a list of items you can buy online.

PS: if you have an ad blocker, you won’t see the clothing links. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which supports this site without costing you anything extra. 

BASE LAYER

The first layer, next to the skin, should be thin. Silk, nylon or polyester are good options to keep the warmth in. Get a base layer for your body and legs. Jeans are not good in cold temperatures!

Click on the picture to find out more information!

Wool legging                                                                       Merino Wool legging

Shirt short sleeve                                                                      Long sleeve 

SECOND LAYER

The second layer, which you wear on top of the base layer, should be an insulating one. Fleece or wool clothes are good insulators, as they trap warm air. Don’t buy cotton, as it will keep you cold when getting wet.

Fleece                                                             Fleece Jacket                             Puff/down jacket
                                           

I was never a fan of puff jackets, until I moved to Canada… They are a great second layer, or even final layer. I usually wear one under my rain jacket, this way I’m warm and protected from the wind.

The winter jacket will protect the upper part of the body while snow pants and boots will protect the lower part of the body.

THIRD LAYER

Lastly, the final layer should protect you from wind and snow. Think of waterproof and windproof material. Wind chill is a huge factor when talking about the cold. Wind can really cut through your clothes, so wear good clothing.

Winter jacket                                                    Rain jacket                                          Snow pants
                                                       

I went for a wide rain jacket, as I had to fit my other layers underneath, and I am absolutely in love with my snow pants from Decathlon. I wear my thermal leggings underneath and I’m good to go. These pants are sturdy and perfect for my hiking adventures.

OTHER GEAR

 Boots                                                                              Scarf                                                              Buff
                           

These are the boots I’m wearing atm. They’re winter hiking boots and so warm, but not too warm that my feet get all sweaty. I have them in yellow, adding a bit of colour to my pictures.

Gloves                                                            Mittens                                                   Warm socks

I always go outside with a buff (aka a neck warmer). It keeps my neck warm, and sometimes I also use it
as a bandana to keep my ears warm. Try to go for a polar buff, as it is thicker and will keep you warmer.

Beanie                                                          Hand warmers                              Emergency blanket

I bought an alpaca wool beanie from a farm in New Zealand, but there are many other beanies that keep you warm! Basically any beanie will do. The handwarmers can come in handy too (see what I did there ). They’re great for keeping your hands warm or for warming them up again.

When I’m out hiking I usually wear a short-sleeved base layer, a long-sleeved second layer, a puff jacket and a raincoat. I wear a lot, as I don’t sweat easily. So far it has worked great when hiking in the snow and extreme temperatures. When I’m too hot, I just take a layer off. The Canada winter packing list above is a great tool to buy the essentials, and then you can play and choose what you combine.

If you made it to the end of this article, you have the information to prepare yourself for a Canadian winter – and to go hiking in that white world. I highly recommend visiting Lake O’Hara in winter: read more about my hike here or winter wonderland at Emerald Lake.

And don’t forget: the most cold weather injuries are the result of lack of knowledge and carelessness. With the right preparation you have nothing to fear and can enjoy the sunny, cold days! Canadian winter truly is really fun!

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which supports this site without costing you anything extra. 

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Have you experienced extremely cold winters? How did you protect yourself?

Read more Canadian adventures: here.

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I couldn’t believe me eyes when I first arrived at this place. Emerald Lake is prone to reflections, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, and to finish the picture: there is a lodge right at the water.

Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake Lodge is the only accommodation at the lake, and it’s beautiful. The main building goes way back to 1902, when the Canadian Pacific Railway built it. More than 100 years later, the wooden and fine structure kept its historic charm.

We checked in for two days at the lodge, and I was ready for two days of nature and just spoiling myself. It was November, and the winter had just arrived in Canada with a big snow dump and temperatures to -18 degrees Celsius. Emerald Lake is beautiful in every season, but the snow made it extra special.

The lodge exists out of multiple chalet style cabins, and we got one with lake view. Every room has a balcony and a fireplace in the room, adding to that cosy chalet feeling.

How To Relax at The Lodge?

Besides the stunning Emerald Lake right in front of you, the lodge offers a lot of ways to relax (me like!). On the very top of my list is the HOT TUB.

Hot Tubbing

Those who know me, know I have a soft spot for hot tubs. And this one was a special one. The tub is outside (remember temperatures are -18C), and has a view on the mountains. Well, that is if it isn’t cloudy. When I jumped in the tub the clouds were covering the mountains. No view for me, but I still enjoyed it. I even got some company from a squirrel playing in the trees.

Cosy time at the fireplace!

When you’re done soaking you can enjoy the fire in your room, because YES, every room has its own fireplace! Visiting Emerald Lake Lodge in winter gives you that extra joy of seeing the cold and snow outside while you’re warm inside at the fire. The staff even comes to your room to prepare the fire for you (not that I can’t make my own fire… ). And who doesn’t love a good old fire? Drink some wine, and the experience is complete!

If you can handle the cold, Emerald Lake Lodge also has an outdoor fire pit. Can you see where I’m going? S’mooores! I had never done s’mores, and wanted to experience this real Canadian tradition so badly. The staff lit the fire, and I finally tried some s’mores. For those who are also new to this popular Canadian sweet: s’mores are white marshmallows melted and squashed between biscuits. You can even add some chocolate if you want.

Some fun for the belly!

Another way to relax is by treating your taste buds. The lodge has great dining, with a variety of tastes. From local meat like bison and caribou, to fish and fresh vegetables, there is something for everyone. And let’s not forget: all of with a view on the lake and mountains.

For the internet addicts – there is no wifi in the rooms! It’s perfect to tune off the online world, and enjoy your company. And if you really are getting withdrawal symptoms, there is free wifi in the main lodge.

Activities In The Area

This area is one big playground, with Emerald Lake Lodge as a great and comfortable base. Here are a few things to do when spending time at the lodge.

1. Explore Emerald Lake

Enjoy Emerald Lake to the fullest! This turquoise lake is a treasure, and you should make the most of it. You can take a walk around the lake, which is the perfect way to take it all in. It will take you 5.2km, or about two hours. There is also a little waterfall that you can visit. The track starts at the car park.

Deep in winter, it is also a great place for snowshoeing on and around the lake and cross-country skiing. Just be aware of avalanches. At the lake you find information which area to avoid. We visited the lodge a bit too early to see the lake frozen, but might come back later in winter to see how it looks with loads of snow. In summer Emerald Lake is the place to be for canoeing.

2. Photography

Emerald Lake is the spot to get your camera out and get shooting. The lake has stunning reflections, from many angles! The advantage of going in early winter is that you get snow AND reflections, which is in my opinion the best!

3. Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge is a beautiful force of nature. It’s a natural rock formation, looking a bit like a bridge – although I didn’t really see it. It’s a very impressive piece of work though, and the rushing water makes you want to hold on to the edge extra firm.

We visited the Natural Bridge before checking into Emerald Lake Lodge, and visited it again two days later. The scenery had changed totally!! Suddenly the waterfall was frozen and there was ice everywhere. Winter had arrived!

4. Field

Field is a cute, little town at only a 15-minute drive of Emerald Lake. There isn’t much, but the houses are just adorable. There is one restaurant, Truffle Pigs Bistro, and it’s luckily a good one. I ordered a flatbread, which I rarely do (because it’s just a piece of bread..), but this time I gave it a try. Man, was I surprised. The cook managed to create an incredible tasty flatbread, with a mix of flavours. It really was way above expectations! Maybe I should order flatbread more often..

5. Takakkaw Waterfall

The Takakkaw waterfall is an impressive and high waterfall. It has a height of about 380meters. The road is to get there is open from June to mid-October and closed the rest of the year due to avalanches. You can visit in winter, but avalanche training is required.

How to get to Emerald Lake?

You find Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, in British Columbia. It is 30 minutes west of Lake Louise and 2,5 hours from the Calgary International Airport.

You then take the Trans-Canada Highway towards Field and Golden. The turn off to Emerald Lake is located 1km west of Field. Follow the road until you reach the lake. Emerald Lake Lodge is at the lake. On the way there you will also pass the Natural Bridge on your left, makes a perfect stop! If you’re visiting Emerald Lake Lodge in winter, be extra careful for the roads. They might be a bit icy and slippery.

I was hosted on this trip, but I really enjoyed the entire experience. From the rooms, to the views, to the staff, it was all great. It’s a bit a more luxurious stay, but I would definitely come back here for an anniversary or special occasion. It’s the perfect setting for a weekend away and to get your romance and nature on

Tempted? You can book a room via the Emerald Lake Lodge site.

And one more reflection picture, ’cause I just can’t help it!

Like it? Pin it!

What’s your favourite winter destination? Or are you more a summer person? Let me know!

Read more about my Canadian adventures:

Maligne Lake Canoe Trip

Hiking Garibaldi Lake

My First Aurora Borealis

Welcome To Canada

Disclosure: This blog was sponsored by Emerald Lake Lodge. All opinions, are as always, my own. Some links might contain affiliate links. That means that by no extra cost of your own, you will be supporting this blog by buying something through these links. Thank you!

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Although I had a good year, in 2017 the world wasn’t always a safe place, with terror attacks, hunger and the ongoing climate change. We definitely have a lot of work to do in 2018, but let’s not loose hope. I suggest we start by being nice to each other and take care of our planet.

My love for our planet grows with every moment I spend outside, whether that is in New Zealand, Canada or Belgium. Of course with my camera by my side to capture it all.

Below you find my 2017 highlights in photos! 

1. Weekend Adventures in Wharariki – January 2017

I spent a lovely long weekend at one of my favourite places in New Zealand: Wharariki Beach. Me and some photography friends had a lot of fun capturing sunsets and sunrises. It’s a wonderful feeling when everyone is on the same page and just loves being out there with their camera.

2. West Coast Heli Flight – February 2017

I’m a lucky girl, I’ve seen quite a bit of New Zealand from above. My flight over glacier country with West Coast Tourism though was by far the best. Sometimes I have to pinch myself by the amazing things I get to do with The World is a Circus. This helicopter flight almost got me emotional, as it was incredibly beautiful to see the glaciers, the crevasses and patterns from above. If you want to do one flight in New Zealand, do this one!

3. 30^th Birthday at Liverpool Hut – April 2017

2017 was also the year I turned 30… Yes, I’m starting to feel (get?) old. Just think about it, the year 2000 is almost 20 years ago! I still remember being in high school, and don’t know where the time went. To make the transition less painful Nico and I decided to hike to Liverpool Hut, in Mount Aspiring National Park. I spent my last day as a 29-year old in the mountains, and that was a great decision. At least I could tell myself that my ‘old’ legs were still able to climb high

4. Romance in Queenstown – June 2017

My boyfriend and I often go shooting (photography ) together in the most beautiful locations. That’s pretty awesome, but you’re mostly busy with your own stuff and not with each other. So I got the idea to focus on romance one weekend in Queenstown. You’d be surprised how many romantic activities are available in the adventure capital of the world! In need of some ideas? Get some inspiration: Queenstown romance. 

5. Jane Goodall Talk – June 2017

After years and years of admiring and following anthropologist and activist Jane Goodall, I finally got to see her speak in Christchurch. She’s 83 years old and still radiates inspiration. Her work is so important for this world, and I hope she has a good influence on you too. Visit the Jane Goodall Institute if you want to learn or do more.

I took some pictures that night, but unfortunately can’t find them anymore. I still wanted to mention it, as she is a kick-ass woman!

6. Mount Cook Goodbye – July 2017

I’ve visited Mount Cook many times, but this was a special visit, as it was my last New Zealand weekend before going to Canada. It was hard to say goodbye to New Zealand, because it is the most amazing country. Nico and I wanted one last roadie, and of course we went to Mount Cook.

7. Garibaldi Lake Hike – August 2017

In August we hopped on a plane to Canada. It felt quite nice to go from New Zealand winter to Canadian summer. August was all about hiking. It was the end of summer, so we had to make the most of it. And we did. Our first longer trip once the smoke cleared was Garibaldi Lake, with a sunrise hike to Panorama Ridge.

8. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park Week – August 2017

I spent a week in nature, when hiking in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. A week without phones, computers or civilisation is something that everyone needs once in a while. We hiked, laughed and took many photos. The only thing we forgot was a bottle of wine. Beautiful area and on the list to return!

9. Multi-Day Maligne Lake Canoe Trip – September 2017

Canoeing Maligne Lake was one of my highlights. I discovered that I didn’t like canoeing, but still absolutely loved the experience (if that makes sense?). We got wind, snow and most of all insane scenery.

10. Family Christmas in Belgium – December 2017

I ended an amazing 2017 with some long overdue Christmas time in Belgium. It had been four years since I spent it in Belgium. The previous years I was in Australia, India and New Zealand, so 2017 was the year to have a winter Christmas with lots of presents!

I also spent a lot of time with family and friends and even explored my own backyard a bit (including spending a night in a castle in Wallonia!). My Belgium trip was the cherry on the cake of a memorable 2017.

Time has flown by, when I look at all these amazing things I’ve done. I’m ready to enjoy 2018 and can’t wait to see what it has in store.

What were your 2017 highlights? Tell me about your favourite moment!

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