canadian wilderness RSS

Raised in a hunting family, Michael’s passion for the outdoors started young and was shaped by years of small-game and deer hunting before reigniting later in life through remote mountain pursuits. That passion peaked when Michael beat 0.11% odds to draw a once-in-a-lifetime Alberta mountain goat tag—an opportunity that demanded fast planning and creative problem-solving.

Facing extreme remoteness and foot-only access, Michael turned to packrafting to reach deeper terrain and safely float meat out. The hunt was successful within days, but the most intense moment came during the swollen river exit, where fast water and tight decisions turned the packraft into both a lifeline and a test of skill.

The experience reinforced a simple truth: preparation, adaptability, and respect for the wild matter more than perfect gear—and sometimes the best stories begin where others say a plan won’t work.

We are delighted to interview Nathalie Long today, organizer of the recent Raid the Rockies event in Alberta.  Congratulations on the recent Raid the Rockies 2024 race! We were there and experienced the excitement firsthand. Can you describe what the race consisted of for our readers?  The race was a four-day stage adventure race in the stunning Abraham Lake, AB, area. Teams of two, three, and four biked, trekked, and paddled through over 280 km of this breathtaking landscape, using maps and compasses to navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint. We also had them doing some canyoning and via Ferrata on the...