Calgary, AB – Douglas Fir Trail

Edworthy Park is one of my favourite parks in the city but I frequently visit and needed some new challenge when we stumbled upon the entrance to an amazing inner city hiking trail. The trail entrance forks between the Bow River Pathway and the Douglas Fir Trail. The Bow River pathway looks to be flat and not very challenging whereas the Douglas Fir Trail had a quaint little warning about how it’s not maintained, not suitable for pets and small children and is one of those enter at your own risk types.

I feel like I have the fitness level of a 300 lb man who’s diet consists of double cheeseburgers and smokes at least a pack a day so why not take this on as a challenge? People speak of this moderation thing where you start gradually and build up to bigger challenges. I’m stubborn, determined and unaware of the concept of moderation. I’m also addicted to forests and trees so this seemed like a good time to throw some caution to the wind.

That day we travelled all the way downtown from Edworthy Park. My feet started a separatist movement to depart from my body in protest afterwards. 15 KM was an accomplishment and a cure for any quarantine boredom while social distancing like a pro. If you’re looking for an inner city wilderness challenge this is a great place to wander.

Portland, OR – Fall 2019

We went to Portland on a whim last fall for a much needed break from the chaos of daily life. Portland is one of my favourite US cities as it’s home to forests, oceans, bridges, doughnuts, coffee shops, small batch local everything. Lots of people showcase their vibrantly coloured hair, pin collections and body modifications at all ages. The city displays signs with their slogan of “Keep Portland Weird” which is accurate and just as awesome as they are down there.

On this trip I revisited some of my favourite places in the city and finally drove through Forest Park. We detoured a little on our way home to see Cannon Beach as I’d never been to the most famous of the local beaches with Haystack views. It was a chilly, drizzly day on the beach and yet it was just beautiful. I ran into the cold ocean with my shoes on and we saved Belinda the crab from being attacked by a seagull. She looked like she was having a rough go of it.

10/10 would visit again.

Some e places I would suggest you check out if you visit the Portland area:

  • Creo Chocolates
  • Bridge City Cafe
  • Peets Coffee
  • Forest Park
  • Portland Japanese Garden (see Portland 2016 post for photos)
  • Oregon Zoo
  • The rose garden
  • Powell’s bookstore
  • Alberta Street – Art District
  • The rows of food trucks downtown
  • Pioneer square
  • Biscuit Bitch restaurant
  • Stumptown coffee
  • Random Order Pie Bar
  • Moonstruck Chocolates

    I’m not a drinker but Portland is known for it’s large number of micro-breweries that I have heard are amazing if you’re into that.

Revelstoke, BC – Day Trip

I need to start off by saying I LOVE British Columbia. Not necessarily the cities, people or tourist attractions any more than others but I love the trees and ocean views. The whole west coast of North America from mid California up to Northern BC has the best places for “tree bathing” if you will.

I once visited the “Boardwalk of the Cedars” near Revelstoke on a camping trip. I’ve been back numerous times since. It’s a somewhat unknown gem you just have to check out if you like the big old coastal forests as much as I do. I often miss the Redwoods in the US and Vancouver Island living in Calgary and this is my go to spot to visit that’s reasonably close by. The drive from Calgary to inland British Columbia never disappoints.