Multicultural Trail Network

Because safer outdoor spaces don’t happen by accident. 🏔️

Thanks to funding from the David Elton Family Fund through the Outdoor Council of Canada, MTN Lead Volunteer Ivan recently completed a Wilderness First Aid course that had been on his bucket list for six years.

When Ivan moved to Canada from Mexico, he brought experience in mountaineering and Search and Rescue volunteering. But like many of us, certifications expire - and accessing updated training can be financially challenging while balancing student loans and everyday life.

This opportunity made it possible for Ivan to refresh and strengthen his skills here in Calgary, ensuring he can continue providing safe, thoughtful leadership in our programs.

One of his biggest takeaways? Wilderness First Aid goes beyond standard first aid training. It emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and adapting quickly when external help may be limited. Practicing real-life scenarios outdoors - with their own gear, in unpredictable weather - made the learning both practical and memorable.

We’re incredibly grateful for partners, like the who invest in volunteer development and community safety. 🌲✨

Last Saturday reminded us just how special it is to learn something new outdoors, together. ✨️🎿

We spent the day learning (and laughing through) the fundamentals - finding strong posture, getting up after a fall, tackling hills with the herringbone, gliding in rhythm, and most importantly… learning to trust our bodies, our balance, and our technique instead of overthinking every step.

What stood out most? Everyone showed up ready to face the fear of falling, encourage each other and move through the learning curve together. 🙌🏼

Huge thank you to Ashley and Caitlin from for their patience, care, and instruction, and to every participant who joined us and made the space what it was.

Until next time on the trails ❄️

Trying cross-country skiing for the first time? These common mistakes are part of the learning process.

There’s no “right” way to start - just curiosity, patience, and a willingness to ask questions. 🎿❄️

Creating spaces where people feel safe to ask questions, show up as they are, and try something new - especially in outdoor spaces that haven’t always felt welcoming - is at the heart of what we do.

Hearing that someone arrived alone, new to the activity, and still felt included reminds us why these spaces matter.

A shout-out to everyone who steps out of their comfort zone and shows up with openness, care, and curiosity. ✨

Winter is more than a season - it’s a chance to build resilience, try something new and connect with the land we live on in a whole new way.

Activities like snow shoeing, ice skating or cross-country skiing support confidence, endurance, and joy in movement in the colder temperatures.

Curious to try it yourself or know someone who would love it? Join us for our beginner-friendly Intro to Cross-Country Skiing on January 31. ⛷️✨

🔗 Link in bio to learn more or register!

Ready to try something new this winter? 🎿 ❄️

Join Multicultural Trail Network for a fun and beginner-friendly Intro to Cross-Country Skiing at Confederation Park Golf Course! This 3-hour lesson is led by experienced instructors from UofC’s Outdoor Centre, alongside MTN group leaders, and is designed to help you feel confident on skis - no experience needed.

✨ What you’ll learn:
• How to properly fit and use cross-country ski gear
• Basic techniques to get you gliding comfortably
• Winter outdoor skills in a supportive group setting

🗓 Saturday, Jan 30, 2026
🕒 12:30 – 3:30 PM
📍 Confederation Park Golf Course
👥 BIPOC, Newomer & Refugees - Ages 14–24

🎒 Gear included (provided by UofC)
🚗 No transportation provided
💸 $20 registration fee (includes rentals + full lesson)

🔗 Register link in bio or at mtntwork.ca/programs

📝 Registration deadline: January 18

Whether you’re brand new to winter sports or looking to try something different, this is a perfect way to get outside, move your body, and enjoy winter together

👉🏽 Spots are limited—register early!

Not all gifts come wrapped. Some are warm, practical, and perfect for just getting outside. 🌲✨

If you’re looking for low-cost, meaningful ways to share the outdoors with someone this winter, here are a few ideas we love:

🧶 Thrifted fleece or wool layers are warm, affordable, and sustainable. Thrift stores are great for finding winter treasures!

☕ A trusty thermos - perfect for hot coffee, green tea or chai.

🍫 Gather granola bars, dried mangos, pita chips or rice crackers for a snack pack for someone’s next outing.

🗺️ Printed maps are an often-overlooked, old-school way to navigate and explore parks and trails. You can't always rely on your phone!

And one of our favourites?

🎟️ A homemade voucher for an affordable outdoor adventure together with MTN - because shared experiences beat fancy gear every time.

We're all about making the outdoors accessible for all youth, and small gifts like these can help someone feel more ready and more excited to step outside.

What’s one budget-friendly outdoor gift you’d give someone? 🎁

✨Gear Bundle Giveaway!! ✨ Thanks to a generous donation, we’re able to give some well-loved outdoor gear a second life. We’re giving away 10 used gear packs — each bundle includes:

🎒 A 65L hiking backpack
🛏️ A Thermarest sleeping pad
🥾 Hiking shoes (sizes vary — based on availability)

How to enter:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Tag your hiking buddy
3️⃣ Be following MTN

Important details:
✨ Winners must identify as BIPOC, newcomer, or refugee
✨ All three items come as one package
✨ Winners will have to pick up their gear in central Calgary
✨ Winners announced Dec 22 and last date to pick up gear will be Jan 31

Let’s reduce waste, share resources, and keep outdoor gear moving through community hands this holiday season. ♻️💚

You don’t need a big budget (or a big adventure) to enjoy the outdoors this season. ❄️

Here are 9 simple, affordable ideas to help you stay grounded, mindful, and connected this winter in Calgary:

1️⃣ Pack some chai, Mexican hot chocolate or ginger tea and enjoy it on a winter mindfulness walk. Tune into the sounds and stillness around you.
2️⃣ Visit a nearby urban park like Prince’s Island or Lindsay Park or St. Patrick's Island.
3️⃣ Try a short “sit spot” - find a bench, put your phone away, breathe, and observe.
4️⃣ Look for winter birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and magpies.
5️⃣ Walk along the Bow or Elbow River and enjoy icy patterns and wildlife.
6️⃣ Do a quick night sky check-in - winter stars are unreal.
7️⃣ Explore an easy winter trail in Fish Creek Park or your neighbourhood.
8️⃣ Book a firepit (for free on the City of Calgary website), invite some friends and enjoy some food & drinks over a warm fire!
9️⃣ Bring a small notebook outdoors. Write or sketch what you notice: sights, patterns, feelings, or wildlife.

🌨️ Even a few minutes outdoors can boost mood, energy, and connection.

What's your favourite winter nature activity? ⬇️✨

As daylight hours shrink, it’s natural to feel your energy shift - but nature is still one of the best ways to care for your mental well-being. 🌅

Here are a few ways to stay grounded through the darker months:
✨ Get outside daily, even for a short walk
🌲 Embrace winter activities that make you feel alive
💡 Catch daylight when you can - it really helps your mood
🧠 Stay socially connected
🧣 Slow down and rest intentionally

The outdoors doesn’t close for winter - it just looks a little different. Bundle up, breathe deeply, and take time to notice the beauty of the new season. ✨️

This past Saturday, we joined the Life Hacks YYC Youth Conference at the Central Library for a hands-on Outdoor Skills Workshop! 💪🏽

From mastering the three-layer system for cold weather to learning how to pack smart and set up a tent, newcomer youth got to test their teamwork and problem-solving through a fast-paced obstacle course and lightning round quiz with prizes! 🏕️🎒

Huge shoutout to all participants who brought their energy and curiosity, and laughter and to the AfterSchool program for hosting us.

Workshops like these are all about building confidence, learning practical skills, and helping youth feel more at home in the outdoors. 🌲✨

From spotting animal signs (yes, even wolf and weasel s**t 👀) to soaking up the sunshine at our lunch spot with those bluebird skies - our Fall Community Science Hike last Saturday was a day full of curiosity, learning, and connection. ☀️🌿

A huge shoutout to for helping make this happen & to the wonderful Sheri for guiding us through and making nature learning so fun and engaging - and helping us see nature through a whole new lens! 📱

🔍 Fun fact: Every observation on apps like iNaturalist - whether it’s a bird, plant, or even s**t - helps scientists track changes in biodiversity and climate over time.

We can’t wait for the next one! 🏔

📍 Our day of hiking and learning took place on the traditional lands of the Stoney Nakoda, Blackfoot, and Tsuut’ina Nations and we’re grateful to experience this place and continue learning how to care for it.