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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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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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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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The view from the summit of Porcupine Ridge in Kananaskis.
Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Photos, Things To Do, Travel Inspiration

Porcupine Ridge – A Wonderful Hike in Kananaskis

I always feel like the summer flies by in a blink and I am never able to complete as many hikes or camping trips as I would have liked. This year, Garrett and I made it a priority to go hiking whenever we both have a free day or even a few spare hours in the afternoon. It was a surprise when we both realized that we didn’t have plans on a random Sunday in June and we quickly decided to head out to the mountains. Since we made these hiking plans super last minute (that very morning!) We were looking to do a hike near Calgary. I was also wanting to do a hike that I hadn’t done before …

Kelsey Olsen
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A girl looking at the view at the summit of Sarrail Ridge in Kananaskis.
Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do

10 of the All Time Best Hikes in Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in all of the Canadian Rockies and oftentimes it has fewer crowds than many of the hiking trails near Banff or Canmore. Being born and raised in Alberta and living only an hour away from Kananaskis has allowed me to explore the area extensively. I’ve compiled a list of ten of my all-time favourite hikes that you’ve got to add to your hiking list for this summer. The hikes range from beginner to advanced so there is something for everyone. Read on to discover some of the very best hikes in Kananaskis. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander …

Kelsey Olsen
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An image of two female cyclists on a trestle bridge in Myra Canyon near Kelowna, BC.
The views are amazing when you’re cycling in Myra Canyon.
Articles, British Columbia, Canada, Canada Provinces, Hike, Things To Do, Travel Inspiration

Myra Canyon Trail – An Amazing Adventure

The Myra Canyon Trail is one of the most stunningly beautiful half-day cycling or hiking excursions in Canada. As I cycled across the first wooden trestle bridge, I gazed out at the canyon and I was blown away. It was one of the most amazing views I have ever seen on two wheels. This scenic section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trail runs through a dramatic canyon and it takes cyclists and hikers through two tunnels and across 18 trestle bridges. This former rail line was built through the canyon between 1912 and 1914 and was used as an active railway line for many years. When it was discontinued as a railway line, local volunteers converted it into …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of two women standing on Mystic Beach, Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
Mystic Beach is an amazing hike with spectacular views.
Articles, British Columbia, Canada, Canada Provinces, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do

Experiencing Mystic Beach on Vancouver Island

Mystic beach is a hidden oasis located on the southern coast of Vancouver Island. One visit to this beach and it’s clear why it was given its name. With a short but beautiful trail through the ancient forest of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park and a waterfall cascading off a cliff onto the beach shore, you are sure to gain an experience with the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation in British Columbia’s natural paradise. 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.  Getting to Mystic Beach on Vancouver Island Mystic beach is located about …

Kelsey Olsen
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An image of a couple and a dog at Halfway River Hot Springs in British Columbia, Canada.
An image of a couple and a dog at Halfway River Hot Springs in British Columbia, Canada.
Articles, British Columbia, Canada, Canada Provinces, Experiences, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do

Halfway Hot Springs – A Natural Oasis

The phrase “hidden gem” gets used too often, but there are times when it really fits. Halfway Hot Springs in the Kootenay region of British Columbia is a secluded, undeveloped off-the-beaten-path set of natural hot springs that really are a hidden gem. These hot springs are different from other hot springs, because they are rustic, rugged and all natural. They are very popular in summer. We visited them in early spring when there was still snow on the ground. Getting to these hot springs was challenging, but it was well worth the effort to soak in the serenity and beauty of Halfway Hot Springs. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of …

Kelsey Olsen
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