Backpacking gives you a freedom which few activities can match. To be self-sufficient while making your own way in the wilderness is somehow exhilarating and peaceful at the same time.

Canoeing Canada has more fresh water than any other nation and has endless interconnected waterways for never ending adventure and solitude.

Climbing & Mountaineering are finally getting some world wide attention. Crags are no longer the lonely places they were, and rock gyms are sprouting up everywhere.

Clubs provide the opportunity to share your passion with others and perhaps give a little back to the outdoors. They range from trail building, to volunteer groups working on advocacy issues, to those that concentrate on the camaraderie of group outings. Remember, clubs are amongst the best sources of regional outdoor information.

Ecology Groups need our support. These groups are working to provide a sustainable economic system, conserving rather than exploiting, theirs is often a thankless task. If you can help out in any way, please do so. If you don't know why you should, then you definitely need to have a long look through our listings.

The Events links just keep on growing. If you're looking for the world cup mountain bike schedule or maybe a local adventure race, you should find what your looking for here. If you're a promote, then fill out our form to get your event listed for free.

Federal and provincial Governments have a wealth of backcountry information. If your from outside Canada particularly, you may just find that some of your key questions can be answered here. You might want to have a look in the tourism section. The governments are also well represented there.

If your looking to take a tour, hone your skills, find a backcountry refuge or maybe you just need some extra gear for a single trip this is the place for you. The outdoor services listings include Guides, Outfitters, Schools, Lodges and Instructors. You'll find links for every category, covering every area of the country.

Hiking is one of Canada's most popular outdoor pastimes. Walks and hiking trails are available everywhere and everybody can join in, regardless of fitness or income. Nature welcomes us all.

Our How To/Technique section is great set of links to technical and instructional information. This ranges from how to build a climbing wall to what to look for in a backpack. It's a great place to just surf or to try and find that elusive piece of information you've been searching for.

If your looking to take a tour, hone your skills, find a backcountry refuge or maybe you just need some extra gear for a single trip this is the place for you. The outdoor services listings include Guides, Outfitters, Schools, Lodges and Instructors. You'll find links for every category, covering every area of the country.

On-line Magazines sites provide some of the best quality information you can get on the web. The same production values that make them so professional in print can often be found on there web sites (as an example check out the National Geographic site). You'll find endless pleasure sifting through these sites.

Mail Order Houses have found the perfect marriage with the web. Most, if not all have their full catalogue online and allow you to order on the net. This is a great convenience if you just need a replacement item and you don't have the time to head down to the store.

Canada has vast tracks of Managed Lands which are classified differently depending on which provincial authority manages them. They range from wilderness areas to managed forest to conservation areas. There natural variety varies as much as there classifications , ranging from wetlands to endless forests or the tundra of the north.

Manufacturers are the backbone of the industry, endless searching for better ways of doing things. New methods, materials and techniques continue to provide us with gear which is tailored to our every need. The manufacturers are listed by sport and are also grouped alphabetically.

If you venture into Canada's vast wilderness you have little choice but know how to use a Map. While topographical maps are ideal when you need to orient yourself, we also have links to recreational and special purpose maps. If your looking to purchase we also have links to various Map Sources.

Our Media listings include magazines, festivals and publishers which cover all outdoor activities. Online magazines provide some of the best quality information you can get on the web. The same production values that make them so professional in print can often be found on there web sites (as an example check out the National Geographic site). You'll find endless pleasure sifting through these sites.

Mountain Biking ranges from a leisurely family pedal on a rails to trails linear park to a heart-stopping downhill through the worst mud, rocks and ruts you could imagine.

Mountain Huts can change the way you think about backpacking or backcountry ski camping. They range from small wooden shelters to huge log homes in the backcountry. Your home away from home on the trail.

Nature has links to pictures and information on many of Canada's animal species. Along with detailed information and even whole sites dedicated to the wolves and the grizzly you'll find lots and lots of birding links. You'll also find a select number of links to artists that are particularly dedicated to the natural world.

News groups are one of the best, but too often overlooked resources on the Internet. You'll find a wealth of information along with lively discussions within climbing, mountain biking, paddling and nature groups, just to name a few. You also have the opportunity to share your knowledge with other interested parties by submitting your own posting.

Canada's extensive National Parks system has something for everybody. Each park listing has information on recreation, adventure and usually includes trail descriptions and camping information. You'll also find those important details regarding permits, fees and regulations in the backcountry. If your planning a visit to one of our parks this is the place to start.

Nordic Skiing is one of the best ways to stay in shape and enjoy the winter. Canada has tens of thousands of kilometers of trails within wilderness areas, parks and outdoor centers or adjacent to resorts.

Orienteering is a huge sport in Scandinavia and is gaining popularity in Canada. A number of clubs throughout the country will be pleased to introduce you to the sport. One of the great benefits (aside from getting outside and staying in shape) is the confidence you'll gain in your map and compass skills. If you're looking for bigger challenges, then you might want to try Rogain which takes place in more isolated and wild areas. Have a look in our events section if you follow the competitions.

Canada has a system of Provincial Parks that rivals some countries national systems. With almost 1000 parks located in every imaginable natural setting, the opportunities are endless. You'll find hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and nature information within the listings, along with the details about reservations, fees and access.

Rafting can be enjoyed by almost any one. The time of year, the river and the weather determine how easy or rough the ride will be. Don't be fooled into thinking that there is a cap on the challenges that rafting offers. If you're really looking to test your limits, try an excursion on one of Canada's wild rivers. These can last from several days to weeks. Check out our rafting section for guides and tour operators on your river of choice.

Retailers supply us with the gear we need but they provide a lot more than that. You're more than likely to find that a shops employees are avid outdoors people eager to help and provide great advice on equipment choices, usage and fit. You'll also find that you can get great information on all aspects of your sport including directions to some excellent locales in your area.

Sea Kayaking is relatively easy for the novice and combines great outdoor skills and activities.

Ski Mountains are evolving into year round outdoor centers. Aside from snow boarding, these center may provide nordic skiing, backcountry & telemark skiing, mountain biking, hiking and backpacking. Nature observation is another great activity that these areas provide. In the fall there is no better vantage point for observing the turning colors of the maple trees.

Tourism is one of Canada's major industries and eco and adventure tourism are a significant part of it. The tourism section provides you with links to provincial and regional sources of information for your vacation or adventure get away. The breakdown even includes cities and towns throughout the country. When used in conjunction with the travel pages you'll find a wealth of information to assist your planning.

Travel contains most of the links we use in our "Online Itinerary Builder". You'll find links for transportation, accommodations, banking, maps and even travel agents. What ever your requirements, you should find what you're looking for here or in our tourism listings. The final details are only a click away in our main "Travel" section on the left.

Weather is always the final consideration no matter what time of year it is. Depending on your activity you'll want to know what the skies have in store for you. Precipitation, temperature and winds are critical to any adventure and may even play a part in your survival. We list the weather by region and we also have links to maps and satellite images. Always make a point of checking before you go.

White Water Paddlers are in paradise in this land of lakes and rivers. River canoeists,white water canoeists and kayakers all share the same passion for rapids.