World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/BlogExplore the best of British Columbia that few others ever dohttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2479/go-wild-in-canada-best-of-british-columbiaActivities,Multi-Activity,Destinations,North America,CanadaMon, 16 Jul 2018 15:53:00 GMT<p>It's the first contact point for most Australians heading to Canada, and for an initial introduction to the raft of adventurous activities this country has to offer, <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=British%20Columbia&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Canada_BC" rel="noopener" target="_blank">British Columbia</a> (BC) packs in plenty. Whether it is multi-day walks, sea kayak exploration, wildlife viewing or cycling, BC will keep you well entertained.</p> <h3>Walks that pack a punch</h3> <p>For hikers, BC is brilliant. Vancouver Island’s <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Canada/Trekking-with-a-Full-Pack/West-Coast-Trail-to-Victoria?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Canada_West_Coast" rel="noopener" target="_blank">West Coast Trail</a> (WCT) is rated as one of the world’s 10 best multi-day hikes – and with good reason. This epic hiking experience is a moderate-to-challenging ramble along the island’s southwestern coastline, through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/WCT-Stairs-cr-Nicole-Moreau-685x1024-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/WCT-Stairs-cr-Nicole-Moreau-685x1024-###width###px.jpg" width="300" /><span class="blogImageCaption">The ladder down to Tsusiat Falls on the WCT. Photo: Nicole Moreau</span></p> <p>It follows the route of an old rescue track that authorities (and survivors) used when the oft-wild seas of the Pacific Ocean wrecked ships off the island’s coast.</p> <p>The terrain lurches from long, sandy beaches to dense rainforest and rivers, through to root-filled tracks, old (and new) duckboard sections and more than 70 ladders that take you over the most challenging parts of the track – and deliver you at day’s end to your beachside campsite.</p> <p>A very different walk can be tackled in BC’s northwest, on the 53km <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Canada/Trekking-Hiking/Chilkoot-Trail?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Canada_Chilkoot" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chilkoot Trail</a>. This retraces the route used originally by the Tlingit First Nations people, then by desperate treasure-hunters in the late 1800s, lured from the world over by the siren call of the Klondike Gold Rush.</p> <p>The Chilkoot starts across the US border in Dyea, Alaska, travelling through coastal forest, before taking you back into Canada and northwest BC where you climb high above the tree line before crossing the often snow-covered Chilkoot Pass (1074m).</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/View_on_the_Chilkoot-cr-Nathalie-Gauthier-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/View_on_the_Chilkoot-cr-Nathalie-Gauthier-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Take a wild adventure through coastal rainforests along the Chilkoot Trail, passing small lakes, creeks and rock outcrops</span></p> <h3>Why heli-hiking is the next best thing</h3> <p>Hiking in BC doesn’t have to mean lugging your pack and heading off into the wild for a week or more, though. Heli-hiking is a brilliant option, as are lodge-based walking adventures, such as those found in the <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Canada/Walking-Guided/Bugaboos-and-Nimbus-Heli-hiking-Adventure?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Canada_Bugaboos" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bugaboos mountain range</a> in eastern BC.</p> <p>Imagine being transported by helicopter to a trailhead, walking for most of the day (or being a bit more adventurous and trying a few via ferrate routes), then being picked up and flown back to the lodge for a shower, dinner and a few celebratory drinks at the lodge bar. Yes, please!</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/The_Bugaboos_British_Columbia_Canada-cr-Keri-May-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/The_Bugaboos_British_Columbia_Canada-cr-Keri-May-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Drink in stunning ridge top views following a helicopter drop-off in the Purcell Mountains</span></p> <p>Other hiking options include hut-to-hut adventures, such as a <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Canada/Trekking-Hiking/Hut-to-Hut-in-Wildflower-Heaven?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Canada_Wells_Gray" rel="noopener" target="_blank">six-day sojourn through Wells Gray Provincial Park</a> in central-eastern BC, and also the beautiful <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Canada/Walking-Self-Guided/Sunshine-Coast-Hut-to-Hut?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Canada_Sunshine_Coast" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sunshine Coast hut-to-hut adventure</a>, in BC’s south-west corner, is another great multi-day experience with the benefit of walking with light day-packs, and having your food dropped at each hut.</p> <p>And, after walking the Sunshine Coast and not wanting to leave, you can also explore this region <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Canada/Raft-Canoe-Kayak/Sunshine-Coast-Kayak?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Canada_Kayak" rel="noopener" target="_blank">by sea kayak.</a></p> <h3>Where to spot the best wildlife in British Columbia</h3> <p>Other water-based adventures on offer in the province include the chance to explore <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Haida%20Gwaii&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Canada_Haida_Gwaii" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Haida Gwaii</a>, an archipelago off the BC coast often referred to as ‘Canada’s Galapagos’ due to its rich and unique marine life.</p> <p>It is also the spiritual home of the Haida First Nations people, with some of the islands containing historic sites, such as villages and engraved totem/burial poles.</p> <p>Of course, a trip to BC isn’t complete without the chance to view one of the province’s most famous wild residents: bears. There are numerous bear lodges that provide some amazing close-up viewing opportunities.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Oystercatcher-cr-B.-Whittington-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Oystercatcher-cr-B.-Whittington-###width###px.jpg" width="749" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Haida Gwaii is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the striking black Oystercatcher. Photo: B. Whittington</span></p> <p>Yep, no matter how long you think you have to ‘do’ BC, it will never be enough. But it does means you have the perfect excuse to plan a return trip…</p> <p><em>Words by Justin Walker</em></p> <p> </p> 24793 gear mistakes to avoid when going on a trekhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2462/3-gear-mistakes-to-avoid-when-going-on-a-trekActivities,Trekking/Walking,Gear and Training TipsSat, 31 Mar 2018 23:00:11 GMT<p>If you’re a new player wishing to hit the trails for the first time, it’s best to keep these helpful tips and tricks in mind so you can make your outdoor experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.</p> <p>Our friends at Paddy Pallin share their insider know-how on some common trekking mistakes and how not to make them.</p> <h3>#1: Bringing too much luggage</h3> <p>Just because it fits, doesn't mean you should take it. A big thing we notice among first-time trekkers is the overwhelming desire to take everything they own when on the trails.</p> <p>Planning ahead can mitigate this problem. Ultimately, it is important to remember that whatever you pack you will have to carry. Especially for those who do not have experience carrying large loads for long distances, there is elevated risk of discomfort and potential injury when taking on a hike covering a greater distance.</p> <p>Consider taking your load on a day hike as preparation before attempting a long-distance or multi-day hike.</p> <h4><span style="color:#949e17;">The best way to distribute weight</span></h4> <p>Everyone has his or her own tricks of the trade in terms of packing a backpack. It will vary depending on the pack as well as the gear you put in it.</p> <p>  •  Avoid putting heavy items near the top, as this will cause imbalance, throwing off your centre of gravity, and create an uncomfortable pull on your shoulders.<br />   •  Ensure the weight is evenly distributed between the left and right side of your pack. Try to pack heavy items, such as a tent, horizontally to avoid having one side of your pack abnormally heavier than the other.<br />   •  If you are travelling with a group, consider splitting the load between trekkers. For example, a tent can be split into different loads, with one person carrying the poles and pegs while the other trekker carries the remaining pieces.<br />   •  Make sure you always pack things you might need often (water bottle, camera, lights, insect repellent, water filtration) in places that are easily accessible, such as the top of main pockets or exterior pockets of the pack. There’s nothing worse than holding up the group unpacking your entire kit on the hunt for mozzie spray!</p> <h5>Staff tip:</h5> <blockquote> <p><span style="color:#666666;"><strong>I like to pack my bag with medium weight items on the bottom, heavy items in the middle closest to my back, and light items up at the top. This ensures that my centre of gravity isn’t too high and makes for a distributed load between my shoulders and hips.</strong></span></p> </blockquote> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/53b29d84d82b6-cr-mar-knox-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/53b29d84d82b6-cr-mar-knox-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">An organised pack can mean you can focus on the stunning mountainscape on your trek. Photo: Mar Knox</span></p> <h3>#2: Not testing your pack</h3> <p>When it comes to a pack, we know it can be a big investment, especially for a first-time trekker. We highly recommend a pack that is fitted correctly for your body. Whether it is an old pack you already own or a new purpose-purchased pack, bring it into your local Paddy Pallin store and their staff will fit it for you.</p> <p>As many first-time trekkers may be borrowing or repurposing a pack, we would highly recommend testing the strength and durability.</p> <p>When trekking, there is a lot of action that can happen and a lot of time for it to happen in. It would be unfortunate to find yourself halfway through a trek with a broken pack, especially if it impaired your ability to carry all your kit.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/destinations/himalaya/5-remote-treks-beyond-everest-base-camp/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Beyond Everest Base Camp: 5 sublime treks to get you off the beaten path</span></a></strong></p> <p>Test your pack with your expected load on a trial hike is always a good idea. As an extra precaution, if bringing old gear in which you are unsure of the quality, life expectancy or previous wear and tear on the gear, it’s always a good idea to bring along a repair kit including duct tape, tenacious tape, a sewing kit and any fabrics or materials you would need to patch your gear.</p> <h5>Staff tip:</h5> <blockquote> <p><span style="color:#666666;"><strong>My first time trekking I used an old pack that had been in my family for ages. I didn’t think much of it, but once I packed it full of all bells and whistles it was busting at the seams. I didn’t think of the way this heavy load might affect an old pack, and it ended up busting in a few places before we even started our first trek.</strong></span></p> </blockquote> <p>When braving the elements, it’s important you protect not only yourself, but your gear too! It’s a defeating feeling when you finally arrive to a campsite entirely soaked just to discover that your warm clothing, once dry tent and sleeping system are all soaked too.</p> <p>To keep your belongings dry on the trails, consider a pack cover to keep your entire bag and its contents dry or a pack liner to ensure your must-be-dry items stay that way.</p> <p>Bringing a camera onboard to never miss a moment on your first trek? A dry bag will ensure your electronics and other important items that don’t hold their own against rain stay intact on your walk.</p> <h3>#3: Skimping out on trekking poles when you experience joint or muscle pain</h3> <p>Trekking poles can be classified as an absolute necessity for some, whereas for others they can take up precious pack space. Trekking poles help distribute weight, aid with balance, help some people keep pace as well as alleviate joint and muscle pain.</p> <p>For the less agile or for people prone to joint or muscle pain, we would recommend trekking poles. They can help ease the stress on your hips, leg muscles, ankles and knee joints, and even help correct your posture and thus can reduce back pain and neck strains.</p> <p>For first time trekkers making hefty investments on new gear, trekking poles could be something you come back for in the future if you don’t classify as someone who needs them for their first trek.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Huma_Kilimanjaro_Open_Challenge-cr-Georgia-Canning-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Huma_Kilimanjaro_Open_Challenge-cr-Georgia-Canning-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Trekking poles can provide some extra support for your knees when trekking in rough terrains. Photo: Georgia Canning</span></p> <h4><span style="color:#949e17;">Quick tips for using trekking poles</span></h4> <p>  •  Set your trekking pole at the correct height which may depend on the terrain you are walking along. Your shoulders should be relaxed and your elbows by your side. A general rule is having your pole at a height that your arm forms a 90-degree angle.<br />   •  Properly adjusting your wrist straps is important to maintain control in case you stumble. Ensure that the strap crosses the palm and wraps beneath the thumb, then tighten or loosen the strap as needed. It shouldn't be too tight that it restricts movement or circulation, just tight enough to support the weight of your hand in the pole.<br />   •  If unsure, check in with an expert. Find your nearest Paddy Pallin gear store and ask a staff member about specific poles and ideal adjustment recommendations.</p> <p>If you have any further questions, need a pack fitted or are looking for gear tailored to a specific trip or personal needs, drop by your local Paddy Pallin store or reach out to their Customer Service team by phone, email or social media and Paddy staffers will be more than happy to help you get out there and start exploring.</p> <p>Happy trekking!</p> <p><em><strong>What's a mistake you later learned from when you went trekking? Let us know in the comments below.</strong></em></p> 2462