This is a continuation of our Inspired By Nature series, where we highlight individuals who are dedicated to sharing the health benefits of nature by getting others outside and unplugged. Know someone who we should feature? Email news@bcparksfoundation.ca.
Photo by Alissa Ward
Meet Alissa from the travel and lifestyle blog, AlissaWard.Co
Hi, Bonjour, G’day! As a multi-citizen: American, Canadian, and Australian, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel and find that I’m happiest with a 75L pack on my back, carrying all that I need to survive a few days in the backcountry. I now live on an island off of mainland Australia, called Tasmania, which has many similarities to Vancouver Island where I grew up.
Having grown up on Vancouver Island, I started to get into hiking just before moving to Australia now over two years ago. “Bush walking” is the common term used out here in Australia and is what I have found most of my weekends to consist.
Getting outside
Having grown up on Vancouver Island, most of my time spent outdoors was running a local lake trail in Nanaimo, or day hikes that were accessible within a few hours’ drive. This year I decided to challenge myself to try one new hobby a month, which has led to quite a few new outdoor activities including surfing, mountain biking, and most recently trail running.
Photo by Alissa Ward
Favourite places to go for outdoor adventures
Although I have an incredibly long list of places that I cannot wait to get to whenever I return to Canada, Strathcona Park and Garibaldi Provincial Park were both areas that left me in awe.
Photo by Alissa Ward
Advice if you want to get outside and unplugged, too
My best piece of “advice” would be to just get outside, move your body, and find a small group of people to go with. Experiencing the great outdoors is one thing, as is photographing it for you to reflect back on later, but sharing those moments with someone else, those are the memories that a picture never does justice.
Also, remember that you definitely don’t need to invest large amounts of money to get outside. Use what you have, borrow/rent what you don’t have, just be sure you are taking the 10 essentials to try to minimize risks while out in nature. If you end up falling in love with a particular outdoor activity, then slowly start to upgrade your gear as you see fit, but really just get out there and have fun.
I find that each time I get out, rain or shine, I come back feeling more rejuvenated. Start with shorter hikes that are within your capabilities and as you gain experience and become more confident, start to increase the difficulty level of the trails you choose.
Trails may be more crowded than usual, more so now than ever, do your research to find less popular trails if you are looking for more of an escape. However, if your once well-kept secret spot is now busier than usual, be sure to remember that the outdoors is for everyone. Oh and pack all the snacks.
