Let's Take This Outside

Dr. Alison Criscitiello is an ice core scientist and high-altitude mountaineer. She is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Canadian Ice Core Lab at University of Alberta, and co-founder of Girls on Ice Canada. Criscitiello explores the history of climate and sea ice in polar and high-alpine regions using ice core chemistry. This involves long months of living in a tent and drilling ice cores in places like Antarctica, Greenland, the Yukon, and the Canadian high Arctic. Criscitiello's work also focuses on environmental contaminant histories in ice cores from the Canadian high Arctic and the water towers of the Canadian Rockies. She has earned the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, three American Alpine Club (AAC) climbing awards, the John Lauchlan and Mugs Stump alpine climbing awards, and the first PhD in glaciology ever conferred by MIT. Criscitiello and her team installed the highest weather station in North America near Mount Logan's summit in 2021, and in 2022 drilled a record-breaking 327m ice core on its summit plateau that will shed light on how climate change impacts even the world’s highest peaks. Most recently, in spring 2025, she drilled a new ice core on Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian high Arctic. At 613m, this is the deepest ice core ever drilled in Canadian history, and will contain critical information about Arctic Ocean and climate variability over the Holocene. Dr. Ali's Instagram: @alisoncriscitiello Canadian Ice Core Lab: @ice_cicl Girls on Ice Canada : @girlsonicecanada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lindsay Davies is a proud Ontario explorer, storyteller, and creative who’s been thoroughly bit by the travel bug. A graphic designer and social media marketer by trade, Lindsay travels the world while documenting her adventures on her blog I’ve Been Bit!, inspiring others to explore with curiosity, respect, and intention. Whether she’s chasing waterfalls, exploring backcountry trails, driving ice roads, or uncovering hidden gems close to home, Lindsay believes adventure does not have to be far-flung to be meaningful. She has a deep love for local food, experiences, and accommodations, and is passionate about supporting small businesses and community-driven tourism wherever she goes. Lindsay is also a strong advocate for learning the true history of the lands we live and travel on. She actively supports Indigenous-owned businesses and encourages travelers to engage more thoughtfully with the places they visit. Known for her colourful hair, bold tights, and infectious enthusiasm, Lindsay brings creativity, authenticity, and heart to every journey. Her work and regional expertise are featured in the book Greenbelt Trails: The 36 Best — West of Toronto from Oakville and Hamilton to Niagara and Beyond, available here. Also find her blog, Hiking the Ontario Greenbelt & Why This Area Is So Important. Lindsay’s adventures remind us that the true heart of a destination lies in its people, its communities, and the stories we share along the way. Lindsay's Blog Lindsay's Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re heading to Lanaudière-Mauricie, in the heart of Québec along the North Shore of the St. Lawrence River, perfectly positioned between Montréal and Québec City, and just a few hours from Ottawa. I was lucky enough to spend some time there over the family day long weekend. This is a region of scale: nearly 50,000 square kilometres of forests, rivers, countryside, and over 30,000 lakes. Two national parks. Dozens of regional parks. Endless space to move (or to slow down). In winter, it becomes a true playground for the outdoor lover. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fatbiking, frozen lakes, quiet trails. And no shortage of hot tubs and saunas. Check out the places we stayed and played: Les Boisés De La Rivière Noire Discover our unique recreational centre nestled by the river, offering private and exclusive chalets for an unforgettable nature escape. With 15 rental units—including 7 innovative Pod chalets (3 with saunas), 3 yurts, 2 standard chalets, and 3 ready-to-camp sites—every stay comes with a private spa and, for most units, direct river access plus 2 kayaks. Standout Features Enjoy complimentary fresh farm eggs every morning from our on-site farm. Gather in our large communal yurt perfect for family reunions or events, and unwind at our small private beach. Seasonal Fun In winter, thrill seekers love our tubing slide and outdoor skating rink. Summer brings kayaking and riverside relaxation, blending comfort with authentic outdoor adventure. Le Baluchon Éco-villégiature Le Baluchon Éco-villégiature began in 1982 as a bold idea from seven students who wanted to create an eco-friendly destination rooted in nature and community. After years of planning and support, it officially opened in 1990 with 12 rooms and quickly gained recognition for its innovation and regional impact. Over time, it expanded its accommodations, spa, and outdoor experiences (snowshoeing, xc skiing, hiking, dogsledding, etc.) while staying committed to sustainability. It has evolved into an internationally recognized eco-resort known for refined nature experiences and strong environmental values. Steeve Carpentier - 2800 Du Parc Steeve Carpentier, owner of 2800 du Parc, located right next to La Mauricie National Park. While I was there, we hiked Lac Solitaire, an incredible trail that opens up along a ridgeline with sweeping winter views. It’s the kind of hike that reminds you how vast this region really is. Steeve has completed 17 Ironmans, raced Ironman Mont-Tremblant, and taken on the extreme Canadaman, but what stands out most is how deeply connected he is to this place. We went snowshoeing (Lac Solitaire) at La Mauricie National Park. We went fatbiking at Parcs Des Chutes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernadette McDonald is an award-winning author, speaker, and one of the world’s leading voices in mountain culture. She has written thirteen books and received many of the highest honours in mountain literature including two Boardman Tasker Prizes, the Banff Mountain Book Festival Grand Prize, Italy’s ITAS Prize, two National Outdoor Book Awards, and India’s Kekoo Naoroji Award. In 2011, the American Alpine Club awarded her its highest literary honour for excellence in mountain literature. Bernadette was the founding Vice President of Mountain Culture at the Banff Centre and spent 20 years as director of the Banff Mountain Festivals. She is a recipient of the Alberta Order of Excellence, an honorary member of the Himalayan Club and the Polish Mountaineering Association, and a Fellow of The Explorers Club. When she’s not writing, Bernadette can be found climbing, hiking, skiing, paddling, and growing grapes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lee Nordbye is a fine art landscape photographer, speaker, and teacher based in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Known for his bold and soulful style, Lee captures the intimate details and hidden beauty of the natural world. A self-described recovering accountant, Lee left a 26-year career in finance to pursue his creative passion full-time. Since then, he’s become an award-winning and published photographer, leading workshops, mentoring other artists, and inspiring people to connect more deeply with nature through his work. When he’s not exploring wild places on foot with his camera, you’ll find him enjoying bad dad jokes, dark chocolate, and a good cup of coffee, often while watching Formula 1 or British crime dramas. Lee's Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Swansea to the peaks of Patagonia, Ollie Treviso is redefining what it means to live adventurously. An endurance walker and modern explorer, Ollie became the first person to walk the entire length of the Andes, a 14,000-kilometre journey across seven countries that took nearly 20 months to complete. In this episode of Let’s Take This Outside, Ollie opens up about losing direction in his twenties, leaving behind a conventional career, and finding purpose through long-distance walking. He shares powerful stories from the road, altitude sickness, moments of isolation, and the unexpected kindness of strangers who carried him through some of South America’s most remote landscapes, including Venezuela. More than an adventure story, this conversation explores the connection between movement, simplicity, and mental health. Ollie reflects on how walking became a form of therapy, what modern life has lost in the pursuit of comfort, and why the outdoors can be a gateway to healing, gratitude, and resilience. This is an episode about endurance without ego, adventure without spectacle, and the quiet power of putting one foot in front of the other. Ollie's Instagram Article from BBC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Born in Calabria, Italy, and raised in Ottawa after immigrating to Canada in 1959, Angelo Fulco’s life is a powerful reminder that discovery does not have an expiration date. After building long careers in retail, finance, insurance, and real estate, Angelo stepped into retirement and found himself not slowing down, but beginning again. In his sixties, Angelo took up long-distance running, progressing from 5Ks to half marathons and completing his first full marathon at age 66. Around the same time, he joined the Ottawa Independent Writers, where his storytelling flourished. He has since contributed seven published short stories and poetry, including the poem “The Path,” featured in his book Searching for Serenity: Finding My Way on the Camino de Santiago. In 2023, Angelo walked the Camino de Santiago, a deeply transformative experience that inspired both his memoir and a documentary chronicling not only his own journey, but the shared humanity of people from around the world. Today, Angelo spends his time with family, cooking, travelling, photographing the world around him, and writing stories rooted in resilience, reflection, and lifelong curiosity. Angelo's Youtube Buy his book now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I’m joined by Adam Kourakis: lifelong athlete, race director, and co-owner of Somersault Events. Adam’s been part of Somersault for over 20 years. First as a volunteer, then an athlete, and now as the person leading one of Ontario’s most iconic race series. We talk about the Winterlude Triathlon, a one-of-a-kind event that could only happen in Ottawa, where athletes skate, ski, and run as part of the city’s Winterlude Festival. Adam shares how this 40-year-old tradition brings the community together, and what it means to celebrate sport in every season. BIO - Adam Kourakis I've been with Somersault for 22 years (and I'm only 34 years old now!). I was hooked on Somersault from my very first event. For over two decades, I've been at every Somersault race - as a volunteer, a participant, a sponsor (with my other business Velofix Ottawa), and now as the owner & Race Director. I'm a lifelong athlete who loves to swim, bike, run, ski, snowshoe, rock climb, ice skate, etc. I love being outdoors and I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to give others chances to enjoy outdoor events. I'm also a father to an energetic 18-month-old girl. Ellie might be young, but she's already done a multisport race and is already training to take over the family business. About the Winterlude Triathlon An event so unique that it could really only be hosted in Ottawa! Here's your chance to participate in the World's Oldest Winter Triathlons. This event has been going on since 1984 and it's part of the annual Winterlude Festival. This winter triathlon is made up of skating, running, and cross-country skiing. Watch dedicated winter enthusiasts ice skate for 7-8 km, cross-country ski for 6 km, and run for 5 km. About Somersault Events ​​Somersault is a race series, based in Ontario, Canada, that specializes in multisport and running events. Somersault has been producing events for over 35 years and has grown to now host thousands of athletes each year. Now under new ownership, co-owners and husband and wife, Adam Kourakis and Elizabeth Krause are committed to continuing the Somersault legacy of putting on incredible events in the National Capital Region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Jeff Douglas, a Canmore-based mountain guide who recently completed a three-year quest to hike every single one of Banff National Park’s 2,000-plus kilometres of trails… all in hopes of seeing the park’s elusive bison herd. As the owner of Mountain Goat Adventures and a certified guide, Jeff has spent more than 15 years exploring the Bow Valley, Banff, and beyond, turning his passion for the outdoors into a way of life. From long trail runs in remote corners of the Rockies to technical backcountry ski traverses, Jeff’s story is about curiosity, endurance, and what it means to truly know the mountains. ABOUT JEFF Jeff has lived and guided in the Bow Valley for over 15 years. As a certified ACMG Hiking Guide, Professional Interpretive Guide, and instructor of both flatwater canoeing and nordic skiing, Jeff has made his passions into his profession. Having worked at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the last 15 years, Jeff has been able to explore and connect with the endless trails surrounding Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and beyond. If there is a trail that you want to check out Jeff has most likely planted a hiking pole on it. Currently, Jeff’s pursuits revolve around trail running in remote areas of the National Parks as well as long and technical backcountry skiing traverses. Article that started it all:https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/canmore-man-hiked-every-trail-in-banff-national-park-on-quest-to-see-the-elusive-bison-herd/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re exploring how art can become activism through the story of aerial artist and climate advocate Sasha Galitzki. After losing her home in the 2024 Jasper wildfire, Sasha turned grief into purpose, using her breathtaking performances to spotlight the fragility and beauty of our changing planet. Her new project, Embers, is a powerful visual journey through loss, resilience, and renewal, blending art, science, and environmental storytelling. Featuring voices from glaciologists and wildfire experts, Embers reminds us what it means to find hope amid the ashes. ABOUT SASHA Sasha Galitzki is an acclaimed aerial artist and climate advocate. Her unique style of performance art shines a spotlight on the beauty and vulnerability of mountain environments. Losing her home in the 2024 Jasper wildfire strengthened her resolve to use her art to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on the places she loves and works to protect. Her unique perspective, breathtaking performance art, and creative approach to storytelling have made her a powerful voice in the fight against climate change. Additional voices from the scientific community — Glaciologists Dr. Alison Criscitiello & Dr. Mauri Pelto and wildfire experts Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson & Dr. Mike Flannigan — support Sasha’s first-person narrative. ABOUT EMBERS After losing everything in a wildfire, aerial artist Sasha Galitzki performs amidst burnt forests and receding glaciers, channeling her grief into a visually arresting journey of environmental advocacy. On July 24, 2024, a wildfire tore through Jasper, Alberta, reducing aerialist Sasha Galitzki's home to ashes. Embers connects Sasha's loss in the wildfire and the glacial recession she has witnessed in her creative work to highlight their common cause: climate change. Set in the year following the fire, Embers follows Sasha as she rebuilds her life and confronts the realities of a warming world. Through interviews with wildfire and glacier experts, she seeks to understand the heartbreaking changes affecting the mountains and community she loves. Gradually returning to her aerial practice, she performs over the ashes of her home and amidst the whirling winds of melting glaciers—inviting us on an intimate journey to find hope out of darkness. Embers captures a profound shift within Sasha, who channels her grief and art into a powerful and visually impactful message of environmental activism. Watch the trailer for Embers here Sasha's Instagram Previous episode with Director Trixie Pacis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Julie Rak is a professor in the Department of English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta, Canada. Her 2021 book False Summit: Gender in Mountaineering Nonfiction (McGill-Queens University Press) is the first book-length study of gender, feminism and mountaineering narratives ever made- and she hopes that it won't be the last. She has also published on Rockies mountain guide and writer Tex Vernon-Wood, on gender and mountaineering film festivals, about the body of George Mallory and about Sherpa, the autobiography of Ang Tharkay. Julie was a novice to intermediate general mountaineer and ice-climber in the Canadian Rockies (she is now retired), and enjoys snow-shoeing, hiking, road cycling and kayaking in the mountains, and other places too. Watch Julie's TEDx Talk - Rope & Tshirts: Mountaineering Objects & Gender Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melissa Hafting is an ethical, passionate, and respected birder, photographer, and mentor. Her love for birding has helped shape who she is and has helped with her mental health, along with enabling her to cope with the difficult aspects of grief and loss after the death of her mother and father. Showcasing some of Melissa’s most stunning bird images from the continental United States, Hawaii, and Canada, Dare to Bird explores the joy that birding and photography has brought to her life and how both have allowed her to foster meaningful connections with young birders from diverse backgrounds, along with the conservation community, eco-travel advocates, rare bird enthusiasts, and ethical wildlife viewing practitioners in order to preserve bird habitats that are constantly under threat. At the same time, she is determined to expand birding to include more BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), women, and LGBTQIA+ through youth outreach and talking about the barriers (racism and sexism) she herself has faced in her journey to become part of the birding community. The magical imagery of birds is unparalleled in this inspiring collection, and Hafting helps the reader to understand why – as she believes – birds have the power to both save and heal us amid many of life’s challenges. Purchase your copy of Dare to Bird. Read Melissa's blog. Follow Melissa on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Rubinstein is an Ottawa-based writer, editor, and stand-up paddleboarder. His latest book, Water Borne, was published in 2025 and is based on his most recent epic solo paddling journey and also explores the importance of deepening our relationship with water. Dan is also a National Magazine Award–winning journalist who contributes to publications such as The Walrus, The Globe and Mail, and enRoute, and he’s a former editor at Canadian Geographic magazine. His first book, ⁠Born to Walk,⁠ was a finalist for the Ottawa Book Awards and Kobo Emerging Writer Prize. About Water Borne: In June 2023, Rubinstein lashed camping gear to his stand-up paddleboard and embarked on an improbable solo voyage from Ottawa to Montreal, New York City, Toronto, and back to Ottawa along the rivers, lakes, and canals of a landlocked region. Over 1,200 miles and 10 weeks, he explored the healing potential of “blue space” — the aquatic equivalent of green space — and sought out others drawn to their local waters. But the farther Rubinstein paddled, the more he realized that being in, on, or around water does more than boost our mental and physical health and prompt stewardship toward the natural world. He discovered that blue spaces are also a way to connect with the kaleidoscopic cross-section of people he met and the diverse geographies and communities he passed through. Weaving together research, interviews, and an unmacho, malodorous, anticolonial adventure tale, Water Borne shows us that we don’t need an epic journey to find solutions to so many modern challenges. Repair and renewal may be close at hand: just add water. Follow Dan on Instagram. Visit Dan's website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marlis Butcher is an environmental conservationist, author, and photographer. She is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and of The Explorers Club, an international organization promoting field exploration. Marlis is the first visitor to have “bagged” (visited) all 48 of the Canadian national parks, a third of which do not have road access. Her photographs and articles have been published in: • Canadian Geographic Magazine, • Explore magazine, • The Explorers Club’s “Far Afield” magazine, • CBC News on-line, • CTV News on-line, • Canadian Encyclopedia, and • the travel brochures of various wilderness outfitters and travel bloggers. Her book “Park Bagger - Adventures in the Canadian National Parks” made Amazon’s “best seller” August 2022. The movie “Park 33,” a short thriller, was inspired by her adventures. Marlis volunteers as a director on the board of the Royal Botanical Gardens, and has served on the board of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, protecting the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Marlis is also an Ambassador for Canadian Geographic Adventures, “Making Canada better know to Canadians and the rest of the world”. Upcoming book: The Ladies’ Guide to Backpacking (Secrets Men Didn’t Tell You, And Don’t Even Know About) Women have been backpacking, carrying heavy overnight supplies through the wilderness, since the beginning of time. Yet somewhere, someone decided that “ladies” should not be partaking in such physical, risky activities. Still, there have always been women who continued to backpack - we found ways of adjusting the equipment to better fit our physique, and methods to accommodate our uniquely female requirements. In her new book, Marlis documents some of the unique adaptations and procedures that allow women to backpack comfortably: What backpack features to look for, how to carry a backpack, what type of boots to select, clothing requirements, and how to manage your menstrual period. With fun anecdotes and examples, Marlis shares what she’s learned through trial and error in the Canadian wilderness, so that “ladies” too, can enjoy backpacking. Available in 2026. Visit Marlis' website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Weber is a full-time travel blogger and content creator who brings the spirit of travel into everyday life. With a background in marketing and a passion for storytelling, Julia creates compelling photo and video content that resonates with an engaged audience seeking both local discoveries and international adventures. Julia’s mission is to inspire others to live every day with the spirit of a traveller— whether they’re dining at an international restaurant in their own city or hiking to a hidden lookout on the other side of the world. She believes every destination has something special to offer, and she’s made it her goal to uncover and share those gems through in-depth guides, immersive Reels, and engaging TikToks. Since starting her blog, Little Miss Ottawa, to showcase her hometown and Canadian travel, Julia has grown a loyal community of curious adventurers and everyday explorers. She loves exploring near and far and has been to 40 countries. She's proud to call Ottawa, Ontario home and keeps herself busy being a tourist in her own city and province. Her storytelling is rooted in authenticity — always camera in hand, Julia captures beautiful views, unique stays, local flavours, and one-of-a-kind experiences. She knows how to showcase a destination in a way that feels exciting yet attainable, leaving her audience feeling inspired and ready to plan their own trip. She’s enjoyed working with Canadian tourism brands from 1000 Islands to Nova Scotia and International brands like Tourism Peru and Visit Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, it’s Mary Anne Ivison—and right now, I’m doing exactly what I hope you’re doing… playing outside. Let’s Take This Outside is taking a short summer break, but don’t worry—we’ll be back this September with brand new episodes and inspiring conversations. Coming up: guests like Dan Rubenstein, Marlis Butcher, Melissa Hafting, and Julia Weber, as we explore the powerful ways the outdoors connects us—through nature, conservation, and adventure. So get out there, enjoy every minute of summer, and we’ll meet you back here in September! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanda Hill is one of the most accomplished ultra endurance athletes on the planet and a proud Canadian from Vernon, British Columbia. She is the only person in the world to have completed three Double Deca Triathlons. Each one includes a 76 kilometre swim, a 3600 kilometre bike ride, and an 844 kilometre run. That is the same as doing 20 full Iron-distance triathlons back to back. In 2024, Shanda made history by becoming the first woman ever to complete a Triple Deca Triathlon in the continuous format. This extreme event includes a 114 kilometre swim, a 5400 kilometre bike ride, and a 1266 kilometre run. That is equal to 30 full Iron-distance triathlons completed one after the other with no stage breaks. As of today, Shanda has completed 145 full Iron-distance triathlons across just 12 ultra events, all officially sanctioned by the International Ultra Triathlon Association. She holds the women's world record for the most IUTA iron-distance finishes and has been inducted into the IUTA Hall of Fame 100. In 2025, Shanda is taking on her most ambitious goal yet. She is aiming to complete 51 Iron-distance triathlons in a single year with the goal of breaking the current men’s world record. Her races will take her across South Africa, Brazil, France, Poland, Germany, Estonia, and Austria. Known for her unmatched grit, deep connection to nature, and relentless mental toughness, Shanda continues to inspire people around the world. Whether she is racing, training, or speaking to communities, she lives by the belief that you are always capable of more than you think. Learn more about Shanda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flow explores diverse women’s narratives in adventure sports in this anthology that challenges stereotypes while promoting unity. It advocates for a transcultural feminism, one offering hope and empowerment to break barriers and live fully. Flow takes readers on an inspiring journey through the world of women in adventure sports, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the strength, resilience, and unity of women across the globe. This unique collection highlights the powerful, diverse voices of women who are redefining what’s possible in outdoor sports like whitewater kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, and highlining. With photography and stories from around the world, Flow captures the personal narratives of women from a wide range of countries, including Ecuador, India, México, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, the United States, and Canada. These women share their unique experiences, whether as newcomers or seasoned professionals, offering insights into their journeys and the challenges they face. Edited by Denisa Krásná and Alena Rainsberry, Flow examines the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexual identity within the context of extreme sports, offering a fresh perspective on the barriers these women have overcome. More than just a collection of stories, this book is a celebration of the diverse paths these women have taken, and the common drive that unites them in their pursuit of adventure. Flow is not just about extreme sports; it’s about the women who are shaping them. It’s about empowerment, breaking down barriers, and embracing a more inclusive vision of outdoor adventure. Denisa Krásná is a Czech highliner and climber with ambitions as lofty as her lines in the sky. She aims to walk long, high lines in beautiful airscapes all over the world, combining her passion for highlining and alpinism, and simply appreciating the beauty of mountains. When she’s not on the line, Denisa is a dedicated scholar in the fields of Indigenous studies, critical animal and vegan studies, environmental humanities, and ecofeminism. She comes from Přerov, Czechia. Alena Rainsberry is a queer American kayaker who wants to explore rivers all around the world. Since being introduced to whitewater kayaking in 2021, she has navigated rapids from the Ecuadorian jungle to the Indian Himalayas. She thrives in immersing herself in diverse cultural environments and has a knack for making friends and community wherever she travels. She is a passionate advocate for increasing representation, getting women into the outdoors, and encouraging people to experience new things. She is from the Pacific Northwest, where she currently lives and kayaks. Purchase your copy of Flow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The winner of numerous writing honours, including a National Magazine Award, Nicola Ross is the author of 12 books, including the bestselling Loops & Lattes series of hiking guides. Having sold over 50,000 copies of these self-published guidebooks, Nicola is a fulltime writer and professional hiker. Her latest book, published by ECW Press in Toronto in 2024, is entitled 40 Days & 40 Hikes: Loving the Bruce Trail One Loop at a Time. Part illustrated memoir, part hiking guide and part good storytelling, it describes her journey along Ontario’s 900-kilometre Bruce Trail from Queenston Heights on the Niagara Peninsula to Tobermory on the Bruce. 40 Days & 40 Hikes is in its second printing. (See reviews.) Ross’s other adventures include crossing Costa Rica from coast to coast via the Camino de Costa Rica, crossing Spain via the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, crossing Mexico’s Zapateca lands in the Sierra Norte, crossing parts of Austria, Slovenia and Italy along the Alpe Adria Trail and following Newfoundland’s east coast on the East Coast Trail, among others. She has canoed the fabled Mountain and Keele Rivers in the Northwest Territories and kayaked through Haida Gwaii, the Sea of Cortez and Georgian Bay. Moreover, she’s cycled through Cuba, Italy, France, Canada and Mexico, and has ridden a horse across Patagonia. Formerly a climate change consultant, Nicola is a biologist and columnist with In the Hills magazine. Her articles have been published in The Walrus, The Globe and Mail, Explore magazine, Mountain Life, Avenue, Ontario Nature, Alternatives Journal, and more. She was a regular environmental contributor to CBC Radio in Calgary, regularly appears on the CBC Radio program Fresh Air and was the long-.me editor-in-chief of Alternatives Journal, Canada’s national environmental magazine. She is a popular speaker at various events. Nicola’s adventures and the books and articles she writes about them reflect her love for nature and passion to be on the trail, atop a bicycle, paddling a kayak or seated on a horse. Similarly, her talks combine these passions taking them beyond the adventure to the importance of what she learns and sees. More recently, she chronicled her journey along Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail with a series of annotated hand-drawn maps. It will be the first installment of her new e-zine, Hither & Yon, An Illustrated Field Journal of Adventure Travel along Trails, Roads, Rivers and the High Seas. In 2025, she has set her sights on walking the 415-kilometre Andalusian Coast to Coast Trail and, possibly, the 1000-kilometre Via de la Plata, both in Spain. Among an emerging group of female adventure travel writers, Nicola is bringing the 2025 Women’s Adventure Film Tour to Southern Ontario. The event, to be held in her home village, involves a showing of half a dozen films. She hopes to add a series of panel discussions and interviews with female adventurers in future events. Nicola resides with her partner in a small stone mill (circa 1857) in Alton, Ontario and writes a popular blog at nicolaross.ca. More on the Women's Adventure Film Tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Watson was born and bred in Scotland is the creative force behind the Adventure Diaries, a podcast that delivers authentic stories of adventure, exploration, and the natural world. Chris spends much of his time outdoors, hiking and paddling in the Scottish highlands and has a passion for the natural world, wild places, and adventures. Chris brings a unique blend of curiosity and storytelling to every conversation, including a unique format that encourages adventure in everyday life. Through his Call To Adventure & Pay It forward segments listeners will discover new perspectives and adventures from every guest – making adventure, exploration and the natural world wholly accessible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices