Stick around until the end for personal recommendations from myself and Jared!
The Joy of Hiking with Family
Hiking is so much more than just exercise; it’s an opportunity to bond with family, create lasting memories, and instill a deep love of nature for the next generation. Here are a few reasons why hiking with family is a fantastic way to spend time together:
- Quality Time Together: In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in screens and schedules. A hike offers a welcome break from the day to day business, allowing for uninterrupted time to chat, laugh, and share experiences.
- Collaboration and Encouragement: Navigating trails together helps children develop valuable skills in working together, perseverance, and lifting each other up. Whether helping a younger sibling overcome obstacles or offering words of encouragement, these experiences foster cooperation and strengthen family connections.
- Natural Learning: Nature provides an ideal environment for organic learning. While hiking, children will observe local plants, animals, and geological features, gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them.
- Inspiring Healthy Habits: When parents have a love for getting outside and moving it instills that love for being nature in their children. A love of getting outside is a gift that will last a lifetime.
More Benefits of Being in Nature
- Stress Relief: Nature has a calming effect, which reduce stress and anxiety levels. The sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors will improve your mood and promote relaxation.
- Increased Physical Activity: Hiking is a fantastic way to get moving. It boosts cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves balance and coordination—all while enjoying the beauty of the landscape.
- Enhanced Creativity and Focus: Studies suggest that spending time in nature can improve cognitive function and creativity. A hike can refresh your mind, making it easier to focus when you return to daily tasks. A beautiful break to rejuvenate your creativity!
The Merino Wool Advantage
When hiking in chilly weather, dressing properly is key for comfort. Merino wool is an excellent choice for outdoor adventures because it regulates temperature, wicks moisture, resists odors, and stays soft against the skin. It's durable, versatile, and suitable for both kids and adults, ensuring a comfortable experience on long hikes.
The Sleeping Giant in Thunder Bay
Northern Ontario offers an array of trails, catering to all levels of hikers. Jared, located in Thunder Bay, and myself, located in North Bay, have come up with a few of our favourite local hikes. Check those out below!
Jared's Favourites - Thunder Bay, ON
Mink Mountain, Finger Point: Canadian/American Border and the James Duncan Trail (to the first lookout)
'We are very lucky in The Thunder Bay area to have topography that allows for many great hiking experiences. Today's listed favourites of mine are a few great hikes that are for all skill levels. Not everyone is hardcore and wants to hike 15+ kilometres into the wilderness and camp out. These hikes are very manageable distances with a fun journey and big rewards along the way. The whole family can get together on an afternoon with a picnic and easily be home in time for dinner.
The Mink Mountain Trail is a personal favourite of mine. It is a short distance to a really great view. Finger Point is likely the easiest difficulty of the three hikes. It is a nice calming journey through the trees then along the shore of Lake Superior. For the James Duncan trail, I suggest just doing a bite size of the hike. The whole hike is beautiful but if you are taking the whole family out, the first lookout point of the hike is probably a sufficient distance.'
Courtney's Favourites - North Bay, ON
Chickadee Trail, Kate Pace Way, and the Beaver Meadow Loop at the North Bay Nordic Ski Club
'There are so many trail networks woven throughout North Bay, it's beautiful! There are terrains and trails suitable for all ages and abilities. We're lucky to have a large waterfront as well, which balances the deep forest nature walks with the waves and cool breeze off the water.
My most favourite would have to be the Kate Pace Way. It takes you through the entire waterfront area, into a tree-canopied paved trail, and if you have the gusto (or a bike!) you can make your way to Callendar, the next town over. We've spent many hours biking these trails, enjoying the rivers, animals and winding trails. It's an easy stroll for after dinner with the family and dogs. Chickadee Trail is a little more uneven terrain, there are bridges and logs to cross, but you can hand feed birds and let your dogs explore (responsibly, of course). There are multiple small trails within it, so you can adventure freely! The Beaver Meadow Loop is a stunning hike, and a bit more challenging, especially if adventuring in the winter. You'll need your snowshoes! The sights are stunning, with the ski hill in the distance, and bluffs that show the landscape in the most picturesque way.'
Hiking in Northern Ontario is an incredible way to connect with nature and each other. Whether you choose an easy walk or a more challenging hike, the experience can strengthen family bonds and promote a love for the great outdoors. And with the right gear, like merino wool clothing, you can ensure comfort no matter the weather. So grab your family, lace up your hiking boots, and hit the trails—adventure awaits!
Calling all hiking enthusiasts! 🥾🌲
Share your favourite hike and tell us what you love most about it for a chance to win a cozy Hocosa Ocean long-sleeve shirt and legging set! Whether it's the scenic views, peaceful solitude, or the thrill of the adventure, we want to hear all about your go-to trail.
How to enter:
- Send us an email, or
- Comment on our most recent reel about hiking and share your favourite parts of exploring outside!
Deadline for entries is midnight on Monday, October 14, 2024.
We'll announce the lucky winner on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. We can’t wait to hear about your favorite hikes!
Blog post by Courtney Audette