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Outdoor Adventure

If you love hiking, cycling, paddling, caving and outdoor adventure, you’ll love these articles. Read on and explore the great outdoors with us! We’ve visited some amazing nature hot spots and we’ve got some great tips to help you plan your own adventures in nature.

Canada, Indigenous Experience, Outdoor Adventure

Things to Do in New Brunswick: Houseboating and Indigenous Adventures on the Wolastoq

I’ve travelled to several of the provinces in Canada, but had never visited New Brunswick until this past June on a trip with my family. Aside from it being a coastal province, with great seafood and beaches, I really didn’t know what to expect. Funny enough, our trip barely involved the ocean at all. Instead, we experienced New Brunswick from a fresh perspective- on the Wolastoq, or Saint John River, by houseboat with Lakeway Houseboat Vacations, along with a few other Indigenous-led outdoor adventures. It turned out to be a truly memorable trip, full of family time, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. It also made me realize that New Brunswick offers plenty of unexpected, worthwhile experiences for travellers willing to …

Kelsey Olsen
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Alberta, Articles, Canada, Outdoor Adventure

The Crossing at Ghost River: A Stunning Alberta Retreat

I’ve lived in Cochrane, Alberta for about five years now and it wasn’t until very recently that I learned of The Crossing at Ghost River. Set amid 145 acres of wilderness, the cozy property is the perfect Alberta retreat. Despite being only a 20 minute drive from Cochrane and a 45 minute drive from Calgary, I felt completely disconnected from city life, in the best possible way. The remote location in combination with the optimal service and comfortable accommodations truly make this property one of Alberta’s best hidden gems. I had the opportunity to experience The Crossing at Ghost River earlier this summer as part of a small media trip, and from the moment I arrived, I understood why so …

Kelsey Olsen
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carricitos beach
Articles, International Travel, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do, Travel Inspiration

Carricitos Beach near Sayulita, Mexico: Everything You Need to Know

Sayulita, Mexico is a small surf town located near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I’d only ever visited the little town on a day trip during a vacation to Puerto Vallarta, but I instantly fell in love with it. The cute Mexican flags overhanging the main streets, locals and tourists driving around in golf carts, and the vibrant energy of the town made it feel like a hidden gem. Street vendors sold fresh fruit and handmade jewelry, while the scent of tacos and grilled seafood filled the air. Plus, gorgeous beaches were only a short walk away, including the secluded Playa Carricitos. It had the perfect mix of laid-back beach vibes and lively culture, making me wish I had more than just …

Kelsey Olsen
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Articles, Canada, Outdoor Adventure, Places To Stay, Travel Inspiration

Muskoka, Ontario: 48 Hours Exploring Deerhurst Resort and Ontario’s Scenic Trails

On the drive from Toronto Pearson International Airport to the Deerhurst Resort near Muskoka, Ontario, I understood quickly why people affectionately refer to the area as “cottage country”. We must have passed by hundreds of lakes with cottages scattered around the shores. I could definitely see the appeal and it made me all the more excited for my visit to The Deerhurst Resort, located directly on Peninsula Lake. My partner, Garrett, and I were about to spend the next 48 hours in lake country and we couldn’t wait.  There are over 250,000 lakes in Ontario which makes up approximately 20 percent of the world’s freshwater supply. With plans to explore some of Muskoka and travel on some bumpy backroads, we …

Kelsey Olsen
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Manitoba northern lights
Articles, Canada, Experiences, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do, Travel Inspiration

Manitoba Northern Lights: A Bucket List Adventure

“Does anyone wish to stay out later or should we head back to the hotel?” Mark Dunsmuir, our guide from Frontiers North, asks the group. It’s our last night in Northern Manitoba searching for the aurora borealis, and we are exhausted from an early morning and late night the previous day. It’s 11:15 pm, and all of us are napping in the Tundra Buggy. I’ll admit, I’m ready to head back and sleep in a comfortable bed rather than the Tundra Buggy seats. It’s been an overcast day, and I’m convinced the Manitoba northern lights won’t come out tonight. A couple of people speak up and say they’d like to go outside one last time to do some stargazing. I’m …

Kelsey Olsen
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Articles, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do, USA: State-Arizona

Best Hiking Trails Sedona, Arizona: Exploring Red Rock Wonderland

Sedona holds a special place in my heart as one of the most captivating destinations Garrett and I explored during our road trip through Arizona. If you’ve had the pleasure of experiencing it yourself, you’ll understand the enchantment: majestic red rock formations envelop you, transporting you to what feels like the surface of another planet. Situated within this breathtaking landscape lies the charming town of Sedona, where it’s evident that many residents are drawn by the promise of boundless outdoor adventures just steps from their door, including discovering the best hiking trails in Sedona. We spent our time in Sedona exploring its hiking trails with our pups Rae and Bowie. Yet, with so many options to choose from, selecting the …

Kelsey Olsen
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Girl sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon
Articles, Experiences, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do, Travel Inspiration, USA: State-Arizona

Williams AZ to Grand Canyon: A scenic Adventure via the Grand Canyon Railway

Known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams, Arizona, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the wonders of the Grand Canyon. Visitors often embark on the iconic Grand Canyon Railway journey from Williams, AZ, to the Grand Canyon, offering a truly unforgettable experience. My partner, Garrett, and I were able to experience this unique opportunity on a recent trip to Arizona and we loved it. If you’re contemplating taking the Grand Canyon Railway form Williams, here’s everything you need to know: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your …

Kelsey Olsen
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An image of a woman hiking the wave in Arizona, USA.
Hiking The Wave in Arizona is an experience of a lifetime. Photo by Greg Olsen.
Articles, Outdoor Adventure

Hiking the Wave in Arizona Just Got Easier!

Hiking the Wave in Arizona is an experience of a lifetime, but you have to win a lottery to get a permit to do it. According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 200,589 people applied for 7,300 permits to hike the wave in 2019. The odds of success in 2019 were about 3.5 percent and the number of applicants is similar today. My husband and I were in that 3.5 percent. As of Feb 1, 2021 the BLM increased the number of permits from 20 people per day to 64 people per day. This made it a little easier to get a permit for one of the world’s most exclusive hikes. You still need luck, but there are things …

Debbie Olsen
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Girl sitting in mist mountain hot springs
Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do, Travel Inspiration

Mist Mountain Hot Springs: Nature’s Serene Oasis

As a lover of natural hot springs and hiking, Mist Mountain Hot Springs has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Located in Kananaskis, Alberta, the hike leads you up a trail that provides gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains before arriving at several warm natural hot springs to soak in and enjoy the spectacular views. If you’re not too tired, you can continue up to the peak of Mist Mountain from here, but we only adventured to the hot springs and it was well worth it.  There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost …

Kelsey Olsen
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Railay Beach in Thailand.
Railay Beach, a climbers paradise.
Articles, Outdoor Adventure, Travel Inspiration

Rock Climbing in Krabi: Conquering New Heights in Nature’s Paradise

As someone who has always been captivated by the beauty of nature and the allure of adventure, trying out rock climbing had been on my bucket list for quite some time. So when I discovered that Krabi, Thailand was not only a stunning vacation destination, but also a prime spot for beginner rock climbers like myself, I knew I had found the perfect opportunity to challenge myself and fulfill a lifelong dream. I’ll admit it wasn’t my first choice when deciding what we should do for the day, my partner Garrett suggested we go rock climbing in Krabi. After taking a few moments to consider, I realized it would be a great way to experience something new in one of …

Kelsey Olsen
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