Top Places to Explore When Hiking in Canada

If you want to go hiking in a place where you will find just about every stunning natural landscape you can imagine, you should look no further than Canada. Hiking holiday enthusiasts have been heading here for decades to explore the wild, rugged and beautiful terrain, but the problem you might have is deciding where to go. After all, it is a huge country and there is no shortage of options.

Here are a few of the best places in Canada to explore to help you make your decision.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

This reserve is a huge area, and within it you will find three different regions consisting of the Long Beach Unit, the Broken Group Islands Unit with over 100 islands, and the West Coast Trail Unit - a hiking route almost 50 miles long. Any area is well worth visiting, but the West Coast Trail is one of the most famous routes in Canada. Hiking holiday enthusiasts will traverse cliffs, through forests, along beaches and truly be able to see the country at its finest.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

This park is named as such because of the huge number of fossils that have been found here. But, even aside from the fossils, a trip to this park is like a trip to another world when you visit Canada. Hiking holiday specialists may be able to offer guided walks here, and lead you through incredible land features that have been shaped by the wind, the weather and time.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Nova Scotia is one of the most famous wilderness areas of them all; and at over 350 square miles it is a huge expanse of breath-taking scenery to explore. Comprising coastal trails and highland scenery, and taking in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this is an exceptional area to go hiking. The best feature of all is the Cabot Trail, one of the most well-known hiking trails in Canada, which goes right through the park. If you get a chance to hike this route then you are in for a real treat - and a swathe of photo opportunities unlike any other.

Canada: A Hiker's Paradise

Canada is a true wilderness paradise for anyone who wants to get out into the open and go exploring. Because of all the options available in Canada, hiking holiday fans will have plenty to choose from, but the above may help you to get a better idea of some of the best places to include on an intinerary.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a Canada hiking holiday to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.

An Essential to Pack for Your Next Hiking Trip

Paracord is a nylon rope, comprising a central core with a braided exterior. The central core provides the tensile strength, whilst the braided exterior provides protection against abrasion. In actual fact the central core is made up from several thinner yarns, each yarn made up of several individual nylon strands. Different manufacturers of Paracord vary the number of inner yarns and strands, genuine type III military standard Paracord has 7 inner yarns each made up from 3 strands.

A while back you could only buy Paracord from Military surplus stores, however today there are many suppliers on the market. Just ensure that if you are checking out Paracord for sale, that no other materials other than nylon are used in the construction and that the construction follows the above pattern and that the core is not made from bulk nylon fibre.

There is no actual specification for the diameter of Paracord, but it tends to be around 5/32 inch. Breaking strength can also vary dramatically; from around 95 lbs up to 750 lbs. Paracord 550 is named so, because it has a breaking strength of 550 lbs. Paracord is flexible, it takes a sudden increase in load well, stretches a little, and then returns to its original length when the load is released.

If you do anything outdoors you should always pack some Paracord in your rucksack or day bag. You can use Paracord as a line to dry wet clothes. Strip it down to make bootlaces or thread. Use it to keep your food out of reach of animals. Not just that, but Paracord projects include making grips for your knife or axe, as well as a multitude of other decorative and utility items like belts, lanyards and watch straps. Paracord comes in a multitude of colour combinations. You are sure to find exactly what you want for your needs.

Just a few notes about using Paracord:

If you are cutting Paracord, using a non-serated knife on a flat surface will result in less fraying of the ends rather than using scissors.

Always melt the ends of your Paracord to prevent fraying. Just hold a normal lighter an inch or so under the end until the nylon fuses to together. If you are preparing your Paracord at home then you can further secure the ends using heat shrink tubing, shrunk down with a normal hair-dryer.

Paracord is very flexible, always double-check Paracord knots.

Paracord absorbs water, so pre-shrink your Paracord before you use it for making utility items. Just soak in warm water for 10 minutes and then leave to dry on a flat surface.

Hi I'm Jim. I came across this amazing material a few months ago and was astonished at just what you could do with it. It really is worth getting hold of some. Here is a good website with a shop linked to Amazon best sellers offering Paracord For Sale. Hope to be writing more soon. Bye for now

Diabetic Foot Treatment While Hiking

It is always important to pay attention to diabetic foot treatment, especially when out walking or hiking. To make our feet able to withstand the mechanical stress and weight of walking, jogging or during movement, we need continuous coverage of soft and supple skin, good blood circulation and the ability to quickly recover from injured, dry or worn- out skin.

The diabetic population tends to suffer from poor blood flow that delays healing of wounds. Typically, untreated injuries and infections can develop into slow healhng ulcers, partially because of the decrease in the body's ability to resist infection.

Here are some tips for diabetic foot treatment, prevention, care and protection during hiking. The tips are intended for the general population, and especially for those suffering from diabetes.

Washing your foot every day is essential to prevent accumulation of dirt which can lead to infections.

Be sure to dry the foot completely - especially between the toes, which are sensitive to the accumulation of bacterial and fungal infections. You can use talcum powder containing anti-fungal ingredients sprinkling it on the foot and toes.

Prevent your foot from becoming dry or cracked by using lubricant ointments. There are preparations offering a variety of concentrations: for dry skin; very dry skin, and cracked skin.

For walking you should use shoes that are flexible, soft and airy in order to give the foot full support and protect it from external injuries or blisters caused from friction.

It is recommended to use cotton or special synthetic socks that prevent the absorption of natural sweat so as to prevent the development dampness and fungi on the foot and shoe.

Avoid tight socks that leave a mark on the leg and can disrupt normal blood flow.

It is possible sprinkle anti-fungal talc in the shoe to prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria.

Regularly cutting the nails (once a week) and professional treatment can prevent infections and warts. The nails have to be cut straight across and not rotnded to avoid ingrown toenails. Any itching or redness suspected as fungal should be treated immediately.

Among the significant risks of diabetes is the development of infection. The recommended treatment would be to use antiseptic foot wash soap, sprinkling talcum powder containing anti-fungal agents and applying anti-fungal medication.

Currently, a variety of over the counter anti-fungal diabetic foot treatment preparations are available. Some of them contain natural ingredients such as Australian tea tree oil. These drugs help to calm the skin, reduce redness and cure the fungus; therefore, they are excellent for diabetic foot treatment.

Avoid walking without shoes to prevent foot injury. All wounds should be treated immediately with daily monitoring until completely healthy.

It is recommended to remove shoes to air the foot during the breaks while hiking.

Foot sole thickening due to dryness may create cracks or deep grooves (especially in the heel). This dryness constitutes a substantial risk in developing foot infection which is a typical phenomenon when walking for long periods.

Today, diabetic foot treatment is based on innovative developments that are based on advanced technology which combines melatonin (a natural ingredient), an antioxidant (that accelerates the rehabilitation of the skin) and then combined with vitamins that are specific for diabetics. This combination helps in preventing and treating skin damage in the feet and reduces the risk of infection.

For those interested in the traditional treatment, you can always use old fashioned remedies that can be performed even during a trip: soak the foot for several minutes in a tub of lukewarm water and dry it while rubbing with a towel to remove dead skin.

For a diabetic in particular, the risk of eczema (an infection that may be created by scraping the skin and causing an open wound) is to be prevented. It is recommended to wash the foot with antiseptic foot soap and air dry.

Chaim Golz Is a retired Electronic and Computer Engineer. Most of his free time he is writing articles for his many websites. On his free time he is active on Nordic Walking http://www.walkingisraelis.com/ and Ham Radio with call sign 4x1cg.

Canada Hiking Holidays Around Niagara Falls

The quintessential Canada hiking holiday must include a visit (or at least a stopover) to the renowned Niagara Falls. Sitting on the international border of the Canadian Province of Ontario and the American state of New York, Niagara Falls is the second largest falls on the planet, after South Africa's Victoria Falls. Every year, 12 million tourists from across the globe converge to experience the sight of these wondrous cascading waters. A number of different hikes around Niagara will offer you stunning views of the falls.

Why choose the Niagara Falls on a Canada Hiking Holiday?

The composition and workings of the Niagara Falls are bemusing, and are bound to intrigue you on your Canada hiking holiday if you delve a little deeper. The word 'Niagara' is derived from the Iroquois Indian word 'Onguiaahra', which translates to 'the strait'. Niagara Falls is actually the collective name for the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, which combine to form the highest flow rate of any falls in the world. With a vertical drop of over 165 feet, the cascading waters of the Niagara come from the four Upper Great Lakes -Michigan, Huron, Superior and Erie, which empty into the Niagara River. One fifth of all water in the world lies in the Upper Four Great Lakes. Once at the base of the falls, the water travels 15 miles over many gorges until it reaches the fifth Great Lake - Ontario. The land between the lakes forms a spectacular drop, known as the 'Niagara Escarpment' - it's approximately the same height as a 20-storey building! Two billion years ago this land was buried under a blanket of ice. Glaciers pressed down on it during the last Ice Age, leaving layers of sediment. Eventually, ice and water slowly eroded the surface of the escarpment.

Niagara Hiking Trails

Niagara has hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails that pass near the falls. The Niagara River Recreation Trail is the closest and most prominent route around the falls. It commences at Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake in the north, passing the famous Horseshoe Falls, and extending some 58 kilometres to the town of Fort Erie at the south end of the peninsula.

The Bruce Trail is the other significant route at Niagara, starting at Queenston Heights, taking a diagonal path through southern Ontario to Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula. A Canada hiking holiday including these trails will introduce you to the timeless beauty of the Niagara Falls. Before the advent of film, the falls were the subject of many artists' work, but it's also been immortalised in films like Niagara (starring Marilyn Monroe) and Superman.

The charming appeal of the Niagara Falls has also made it a popular venue for honeymoons - so much so, that it's known as the 'Honeymoon Capital of the World.' It was first given this name after the daughter of former U.S Vice President Aaron Burr honeymooned there in 1801. Napleon's brother (Jerome Bonaparte) followed on his honeymoon in 1804. Other noteworthy visitors drawn by the charms of the falls include King George the V in 1939, and Princess Diana with Princes William and Harry in 1991.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a Canada hiking holiday to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.

Canada Hiking Holidays to the Rocky Mountains

Canada is the site of many great trails for various uses, including hiking, mountain biking and more. Its vast expanse and diverse topography make for scenic views wherever you go. In fact, Canada is home to some of the most beautiful, postcard-perfect mountain scenery in the world - concentrated in a set of seven parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Snow-capped peaks and burnished autumn leaves carpeting picturesque settings are some of the best-known images associated with a Canada hiking holiday.

So where are the best places to go for a Canada hiking holiday in the Rockies? There are four national parks to choose from - Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay - and adjoining them are three British Columbia provincial parks - Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine and Hamber. Take your pick!

Banff National Park.

Built around the Cave and Basin Hot Springs, discovered in 1883 by Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers, Banff National Park is Canada's first and oldest park preserve. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a wealth of natural wonders surrounding the many trails. From short and easy hikes on gentle slopes, to long challenging trails along the jagged peaks, the region is perfect for your Canada hiking holiday. The landscape boasts glorious peaks and conifer-clad slopes, crystalline glacial streams and turquoise lakes, as well as the vast Columbia Icefield and the mystical Castleguard Caves. Banff National Park is also home to an assortment of wildlife such as elk, deer, sheep, black bears and grizzlies - so there'll be a lot to see!

Jasper National Park

Often called the glacial jewel of the Rockies, Jasper National Park, one of the country's oldest parks, was established in 1907, and offers over 1200 kilometres of trail for your Canada hiking holiday. With a wealth of campsites, cascading waterfalls, wildflowers and teeming wildlife - including elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, wolves, wolverines and bears - Jasper National Park is one of the largest protected ecosystems in Canada and the perfect getaway from city life. Visitors will enjoy the Dark Sky Preserve- a place to forget all about the city lights and enjoy the magical beauty of nature.

Kootenay National Park

Located in the southwestern region of the Canadian Rockies, Kootenay, established in 1920, is the epitome of diversity. You can see glacial peaks along with semi-arid, cactus-covered grasslands all on the same leg of your Canada hiking holiday! The site of the famed Radium Hot Springs, it is a great place to enjoy the many colors of the nature and culture of Canada: from the green new pine forests, crystal blue glacial waters, rust and ochre mineral pools and beds of the Paint Pots- and of course, the white shaggy mountain goats that are the park's symbol.

Yoho National Park

With rock walls, glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, snow-topped mountain peaks, and roaring rivers, Yoho National Park is aptly named: after the Cree word expressing awe. The site of Burgess Shalev is one of the world's most significant finds of soft-bodied, Middle Cambrian-age marine fossils. There are around 150 species, including some bearing no resemblance to known animals, and dating back 515 million years. Yoho's trails offer many surprises for your Canada hiking holiday- both historic and prehistoric.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. For walking holidays Peru is a fascinating destination. Join us to experience scenic locations & landscapes at the best value pricds. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.

Animals to Look Out for When Hiking in Canada

Canada is a hiker's paradise, there's no doubt about it. But aside from the stunning landscapes featuring mountains, glaciers, ravines, coastlines and just about everything else you could imagine, there are also plenty of fascinating wild animals to try and spot during your time in Canada. Hiking holiday enthusiasts heading off on a guided walk may want to keep a close eye out for these ones below.

Polar Bears

Polar bears have a fearsome reputation, so you'd do well to keep your distance if you do spot one! These majestic creatures live in the Arctic Circle so you'll have to venture north to see them, and you may find guided walks that are dedicated to spotting them. Threatened by global warming and the receding ice at the North Pole, there are real worries that polar bears may face serious survival problems in the future. If you can, get to see them now before it's too late.

Beavers

Beavers are large rodents famous for their dam-making, and although they are considered pests by some due to their efficiency at felling trees, they are a special animal and one to look out for. Beavers are found all over North America, so there is a good chance you may see some of these quirky creatures when you visit Canada. Hiking holiday specialists may even be able to take you to places where they know there is a good chance of spotting one.

Grizzly Bears

Another bear you don't want to get too close to is the grizzly bear. Bear safety has to be taken seriously when in Canada, so if you do come across one of these then keep your distance. Grizzly bears hunt for salmon and are often found around streams and rivers, but your best bet for seeing one may be on a guided walk with seasoned animal experts.

Moose

Moose are still fairly common in these parts so there is a good chance you may be able to see one while in Canada. Hiking holiday organisers will normally advise you not to get too close to these large creatures, so always be sensible. Although they are not as dangerous as grizzlies and polar bears it doesn't pay to take chances. Moose are solitary so you are more likely to see them alone, apart from during the mating season during the autumn. Again, make sure you keep your distance as this is also the time when the males start to fight.

Look Out for These Animals

The above comprise just a small selection of the animals that you may encounter when you head off for a trip to Canada. Hiking holiday enthusiasts should definitely keep an eye out for them in the wilds of Canada, and you may get lucky - but just remember to always be respectful of the animals and to never get too close.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a Canada hiking holiday to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.

Hiking Tents: Outdoor Home For Hikers

Hiking has been an activity that many people enjoy doing even from way back. This is because this is exciting, healthy and challenging. People would form groups so that they can go hiking and spend days in the wild. This is when people find it very challenging and have the need to survive. But more than this, they also need to hike up all the way to their destination which makes it even more exciting and very healthy for the body. Aside from endurance and agility, the hikers will also need to make sure that they have all the equipments that they needed to survive their outdoor challenge. One of the most important equipments is the hiking tents.

Hiking tents are one's temporary home while being out in the outdoors. The outdoors has lots of elements that humans may not be able to handle properly. This may give harm or danger to humans. And with the use of hiking tents, hikers will somehow have a safe place to rest and sleep in. Tents these days are very durable as people may use it even for many days in the outdoors. They do not need to worry about the ability of the tent to protect them as these products are now made stronger and useful for hikers and campers.

If you are going out with a group of campers, you can just take a large tent so that you can all stay in one place together. Large tents can also provide enough space for all the equipments and things that a camper or hiker will need to bring along. Tents are also waterproof so that everyone and everything will stay dry and safe all throughout their hiking trip. Best of all, modern day tents are very lightweight that campers and hikers will not have a difficult time carrying it all throughout their hike.

There are now many different types and styles of tent that campers and outdoor enthusiasts can choose from. There are even those that are made in different materials. There are also different sizes and shapes to choose from depending on the needs of the person who will use it. When one chooses for a hiking tent, they should always consider their needs and preferences. Their activities will also help them determine the type of tent that they should have. Keep in mind that the tent should be appropriate for the activities done during hiking or camping. This will lengthen the life of the tent and other equipments used for the activity.

It is also better to choose from the more popular brands so that you can be sure of its quality and reputation. Make sure that you inspect it first before purchasing it so that you can get the best value for your money. Hiking tents will always be an important part of an outdoor activity. Choosing the right one can definitely provide one with the best hiking experience ever.

Find out more info about Best Hiking Tents with my top recommended Camping Tents in Australia and learn more from the Hiking Tents authority site here as well with www.besthikingtents.com.au.

Choosing A Winter Hiking Boot

As the temperature starts to drop, avoid the risk of cabin fever by getting outside for some winter hikes. When you're well-prepared to tackle cold conditions, hiking in the winter fills your ordinary trails with new opportunities to enjoy spectacular, snow-filled views.

Of course, nothing spoils a beautiful hike faster than numb toes or falling from snow and ice. Avoid these disastrous outdoor fates by planning ahead and selecting the proper footwear for your winter outings. Choosing the best hiking boots for winter weather might seem like a challenge, but if you follow these tips you'll have no trouble picking out a great match for your needs. Don't forget to pair your boot with wool socks, and you're good to go for the season.

When considering your options, make sure you look for added insulation without too much bulk, a rugged outsole for handling any icy terrain and waterproof features to keep feet dry in the snow. Most quality boots share high-tech features designed to challenge the elements. To help you find the best winter boot, here's a breakdown of the top features you'll want to look for:

Insulation

A boot's insulation is measured in grams, and the higher the number, the warmer the boot. Some boots use Thinsulate, which is a form of insulation that keeps feet dry and warm without adding bulk or weight.

Outsole

If you'll be navigating icy terrains, a rugged outsole is key. Rubber outsoles will grip to slippery surfaces and help maintain footing on the wintry trails. And you can't go wrong with Vibram soles.

Waterproofing

When you're trekking through the snow, it's important that no moisture seeps through to your socks. Find a boot that has a waterproof feature like Gore-Tex lining or nubuck leather to keep toes dry.

A few good brands to try:

Hi-Tec creates winter-friendly footwear that includes the Altitude Snow, with 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation and a nubuck leather construction to keep feet warm and dry on your hike. A compression-molded EVA midsole comforts feet for the long haul, and the boot boasts a hardcore winter-lugged rubber outsole. The Altitude Snow also has an affordable price point, which is a nice bonus.

Rocky manufacturing styles like their Arctic BearClaw boot that cater to winter needs. Equipped with 1400 grams of Thinsulate insulation and a Gore-Tex lining keep the cold and moisture out. This is a pricier option, but the construction of Rocky boots make them built to last at long time.

Katie Frasier is a contributing writer at Hiking Boot News, a blog dedicated to providing the latest hiking boots news, reviews and commentary for the outdoor gear enthusiast.

Hiking Backpack: Choose The Right One

A hiking backpack is very vital in having an enjoyable and hassle free hiking trip. This is because this will contain or carry all the equipments and things that are important for hiking. This is why it is vital that the hiker is able to find the right hiking backpack to use for their outdoor activities. A hiking backpack is not just for hiking; it can also be used for many different activities like picnics, going to the gym, camping and other activities where one will need to carry many items and things. So, how can one choose the right backpack for them? Here are some tips.

First of all, one must keep in mind that there are actually different types of hiking backpacks. So, one must determine the types of activities that one will be doing where the backpack will be used. This will help you know the type and size of backpack that you should purchase. Your height and body built should also be appropriate for the size of the backpack that you will purchase. You should be able to carry the bag comfortably on your back while hiking or getting on with the activities that you will do.

Another thing to consider is the comfort of the bag. Check on its size and weight. It should not add too much weight on what you are about to bring. Choose one that is lightweight and will keep you comfortable all throughout your hiking trip. The straps will also be an important factor to bring you comfort in carrying the bag. The straps should be well fitted onto your shoulders so that you will not have a difficult time in carrying your things. It should also have supporting straps or a belt that can be strapped around your waist to level out the weight of the bag.

There are backpacks for hiking that are affordable. Anybody would like to purchase a cheaper hiking backpack. However, quality should not be sacrificed in replacement for price. Make sure that what you are purchasing is just right for your budget and in good quality. This way, you can be able to use your bag for a very long time. Keep in mind that the bag will be carrying lots of things. It should be able to provide its real purpose and you should make sure that it will not get broken especially when you are already out in your hiking trip.

It is easy to choose a backpack for hiking if you know the right things to consider. You should purchase from a known hiking equipment store so that you know that you are purchasing a product that is made for outdoor activities. Hiking can be a very enjoyable thing to do especially when you do not experience any hassles and problems along the way. Start it right by using the right hiking backpack. This will prevent any problems that you might encounter during your hiking trip.

Find out more info about Best Hiking Tents with my top recommended Camping Tents in Australia and learn more from the Hiking Backpack authority site here as well with www.besthikingtents.com.au.

Great Reasons for Buying Hiking Gaiters

Experienced hikers have known the importance of owning a good quality pair of hiking gaiters since they started hiking, there are plenty of benefits using these gaiters when you are contemplating going on a hiking trip.

The first major benefit is they will stop anything from getting inside you're hiking boots, such as water, snow, sludge, anything that could make your feet wet. Wet feet can cause problems when hiking and is something you need to avoid at all costs, they also can help to keep the heat inside the lower leg which helps to stop your feet getting cold when hiking in snow.

Other benefits they have is they can be used as a ground sheet to keep you're other hiking equipment from being in contact with the ground, you could also use them to cover a tree stump or rock that you intend to use as a seat providing you sit on the inside of the hiking gaiters.

You should also understand that the gaiters should be fixed to you're hiking boots correctly, the should be clipped down on to the laces so that it forms a seal among the boot and your leg. When correctly fitted you should feel from the knee down that it is all one unit, this way you will get maximum protection from you're hiking gaiters.

These gaiters are your main defence against sharp rocks and broken bits of trees, therefore they need to be made from strong materials like leather or tough types of nylon. Most manufactures have taken all these considerations in to account when producing there range of gaiters, so no matter, which pair you purchase they all should be up to this standard.

The last thing you need make sure of before you set of on you're hiking trip is that the hiking gaiters are comfortable to wear, you should have no chaffing areas when walking and everything should feel as one piece with no restriction to you're walking action.

You will the price of these can range from $35 right up to $100 depending on what make and style you want, outdoor research are makers of quality hiking gaiters and there price range is between $40 and $70. These are probably some of the more popular types of gaiters worn by hikers today, with a reasonable price for high quality gaiters make them a firm favourite with hikers.

Knowing which pair is right for you can be a bit daunting, so make sure you read the manufactures information on each type before you decide to buy, this should give you some indication what the particular gaiters are capable of and what materials they are made from.

If you are looking for more information on hiking gaiters then visit us at http://walkingboot.org to learn more, here you can also fhnd information on the popular types of womens hiking boots.