Category: Travel and Adventure

“Explore Canada with Les Stroud: His Five Ultimate Outdoor Adventures”

Les Stroud, renowned survival expert and creator of the acclaimed TV series Survivorman, has traversed some of the world’s most rugged terrain and inhospitable climates. Yet, in his vast array of global adventures, Canada holds a special place. As an Ontarian who has devoted much of his career to exploring and surviving the wilderness of his homeland, Stroud’s insight into Canada’s outdoor experiences is invaluable. From the icy reaches of the Arctic to the temperate rainforests of British Columbia, Stroud’s favourite Canadian adventures reveal the country’s diverse and breathtaking beauty. Here are his top five outdoor adventures in Canada.

  1. South Nahanni River, Northwest Territories/Yukon: A beginner’s dream

For those who want a mix of stunning landscapes and accessible adventures, the South Nahanni River is a must-visit. Stretching for 560 kilometres along the border of the Yukon and Northwest Territories, this river represents Canada’s wilderness at its most pristine. With features such as the majestic Virginia Falls, the dramatic Grand Canyon, and ancient caves, the South Nahanni River offers a canoeing experience like no other.

Stroud recommends this river for its breathtaking scenery and relatively accessible paddling conditions. “It’s an epic canoe trip,” he says. “Every corner of the river reveals something new and spectacular.” The river’s National Park Reserve, one of the first UNESCO Natural Heritage Sites, is renowned for its geological wonders and rich natural history.

However, Stroud advises that this adventure is not without its challenges. “Outdoor adventures in Canada must be done the right way,” he warns. “Either with skills you’ve learned or with a highly skilled guide with research.” Despite the risks, including potential wildlife encounters, the South Nahanni River remains a top choice for both novice and experienced paddlers.

  1. Telegraph Cove, British Columbia: Advanced sea kayaking paradise
    For those who are more experienced in the art of sea kayaking, Telegraph Cove, located on the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, offers a unique experience. This charming village, known for its colorful wooden cabins, is a hub for marine sports enthusiasts.

“Telegraph Cove is paradise for advanced kayakers,” says Stroud. “You’ll find yourself moving in tidal currents while spotting bald eagles, orcas, and whales.” The area’s rich marine life and rugged coastline offer an exciting challenge for experienced paddlers.

However, Stroud advises caution, especially with regard to wildlife. “Once I was confronted by a sea lion that was aggressively coming toward us,” he recalls. “Always respect wildlife and know when to back off.” Despite the potential dangers, the benefits of kayaking in Telegraph Cove are immense, offering both stunning natural beauty and exciting adventures.

  1. Temagami, Ontario: Hot Tent Winter Camping
    For those who thrive in extreme conditions, hot tent winter camping in Temagami offers a unique and rewarding experience. This form of camping involves pulling a sled with a canvas-walled tent and stove through snowy landscapes, immersing yourself in the harsh but beautiful Canadian winter.

Stroud describes hot tent winter camping as an experience that blurs the line between pleasure and pain. “Done correctly it’s one of the most beautiful experiences you can have,” he says. “But if not done correctly it can be incredibly miserable.”

Temagami, with its pristine wilderness and lack of crowds compared to more popular places like Algonquin Park, is Stroud’s recommended destination for this adventure. “It’s stunningly beautiful,” he says. “You get a chance to experience the splendor of a Canadian winter without the usual tourist crowds.” 4. Marten River Provincial Park, Ontario: The Pleasures of Boondocking
The vast expanse of Canada offers not only thrilling outdoor activities, but also the simple pleasure of a well-deserved rest. Stroud recommends Marten River Provincial Park for those who enjoy the freedom of boondocking, or camping outside of designated campgrounds.

“It’s a great place to take a break during a cross-country drive,” explains Stroud. “Marten River is simple and not filled with tourists. It provides a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Ontario’s natural landscape.”

Marten River Provincial Park is notable for its ancient pines and rare flora, including the purple fringe orchid. Stroud highlights the park’s charm and tranquility, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing overnight stay.

  1. Inuvik, Northwest Territories: The thrill of dogsledding

For a quintessential Canadian winter experience, there are few activities that rival dogsledding in Inuvik. Located at the far end of the Northwest Territories, Inuvik offers the chance to get involved in this traditional and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

“Exploring the Wadi Rum Trail: A Long-Distance Adventure in Jordan”

Jordan’s Wadi Rum Desert, with its brilliant red sands, towering rock formations and ancient Bedouin culture, offers one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Now, it’s also home to a new long-distance hiking route – the Wadi Rum Trail. Unveiled in early 2023, this 120-kilometer loop offers an experience that combines the natural beauty of Wadi Rum with the cultural richness of the Bedouin people who have called this place home for generations. The Wadi Rum Trail is more than just a hike; it’s a journey through time, tradition and some of the most dramatic desert scenery on the planet.

Introducing the Wadi Rum Trail
The Wadi Rum Trail is a 10-day hiking route that takes adventurers deep into Jordan’s Wadi Rum Protected Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike more popular 4×4 tours that follow well-trodden paths, this trail heads into lesser-known areas, crossing valleys, gorges, cliffs and mountains that most visitors never see. Created in collaboration with local Bedouin guides and international adventurers, the trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the vast and varied desert landscapes that have inspired countless travelers, including people like T.E. Lawrence, whose early-20th-century adventures immortalized Wadi Rum in his book “Seven Pillars of Wisdom.”

A landscape that feels otherworldly
Wadi Rum is often described as a place that feels like another planet. In fact, its rugged terrain has been used as a stand-in for Mars in films like The Martian (2015) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). The desert is characterized by its sharp, red sand and tall sandstone mountains, some of which rise to nearly 2,000 meters. The mountains also contain deep gorges and narrow valleys that create a maze-like landscape. The Wadi Rum Trail passes through these dramatic formations, giving hikers a chance to see the breathtaking beauty of the region up close.

In the first stage of the trail, hikers are taken to the cliffs of Jebel Umm Ishrin, a massive sandstone mountain that stands 1,753 meters high. Here, the route passes through narrow gorges and steep peaks, from where spectacular views of the surrounding desert are offered. It is not uncommon to hear the whistling sounds of starlings echoing off the rocks – a sound that Bedouins believe mimics the voices of ancient spirits. Along the journey, hikers encounter ancient petroglyphs, Thamudic inscriptions, and even Nabataean temples carved into rock, reminders of the people who have lived and traveled in the region for millennia.

Bedouins: Guardians of Wadi Rum
The Wadi Rum Trail isn’t just about exploring the physical landscape; it’s also about connecting with the Bedouin people who have lived in this desert for centuries. The trail’s creators, including British adventurer Ben Hoffler and mountaineer Tony Howard, worked closely with the local Zalabieh tribe to ensure the route benefits the community. The Bedouin people of Wadi Rum have a deep understanding of the land, and their knowledge of the terrain, flora, and fauna has been passed down for generations.

Hiking the trail without a Bedouin guide is permitted, but doing so means missing out on a treasure trove of local knowledge. Bedouin guides not only help hikers through the often challenging terrain, but also share stories of their culture and traditions, providing an experience that is far more rich and meaningful than just a scenic walk.

“The Wadi Rum Trail first and foremost pays tribute to the Bedouins of Wadi Rum,” Howard said. “They know the area, its flora and fauna intimately from ancestral knowledge – and they are always good company and fun!” The trail is seen as a way to keep Bedouin culture alive, provide younger generations with meaningful work that connects them to their heritage and promote a more sustainable form of tourism.

A sustainable alternative to mass tourism
Unlike the typical 4×4 tours that dominate Wadi Rum’s tourism industry, the Wadi Rum Trail offers a more sustainable way to explore the desert. By taking it slow and traveling on foot, hikers are able to fully enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The trail deliberately avoids popular tourist sites and instead takes hikers to remote areas where they are unlikely to encounter other visitors. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of tourism but also helps spread the benefits more evenly across the local community.

As cultural anthropologist Tatiana Haddad said, “The creation of the trail symbolizes a growing consideration of Wadi Rum’s ecological fragility and the vitality of its preservation.” Desert ecosystems, despite their harsh appearance, are surprisingly delicate, and the Wadi Rum Trail aims to promote a deeper understanding of this unique environment. The trail is carefully managed to ensure that.

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