Outside YYC

Today marks the winter solstice—the shortest, darkest day of the year. ❄️

It’s bitterly cold out there, and for so many of us, this season feels heavy. Between sickness, tight budgets, and the whirlwind of holiday prep, it’s easy to feel worn down.

But the solstice reminds us of something gentle and powerful: brighter days are coming. ✨

Whether you honour the shift with a sprinkle of salt at your doorway, a cozy feast, or simply pausing to breathe, this is a moment to welcome the return of the light.

For us, we celebrated by heading to Southland Leisure Centre. Our little guy got to ride his first waves—and his very first water slide. 🌊💙

Even in the coldest season, joy finds a way in.
Here’s to longer days ahead.

When it’s -30°C with the windchill and winter is just getting started… we sometimes enter indoor mode ❄️🏠

If it’s too cold to go out, here are a few things keeping us sane (and busy!):

🎨 Channel your inner artist — Pinterest DIYs, finger painting, colouring… anything messy is basically a hit in our house.

🛋️ Obstacle course magic — throw pillows, blankets, tunnels, climbers… if it’s soft and safe, it becomes part of the course.

🧸 Cozy playtime — forts, storybooks, stuffed-animal adventures like living room picnics.

💃 Burn the wiggles — dance parties, freeze dance, we love Ms. Rachel.

🍪 Tiny chef time — simple baking or “helping” in the kitchen.

Winter may be long, but we’ll make it fun… one indoor activity at a time, when we have to. 🤍✨

❄️🌲 Calgary’s been buried in snow, and it’s the perfect reminder that winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation. With the right layers, the outdoors can be just as welcoming now as it is in June.

✨ Pro tip: When you’re active outside, always choose non-cotton next to your skin. It wicks away sweat, keeps you dry, and makes a huge difference in staying warm.

It’s been a quiet stretch here at Outside YYC — a mix of illness and the challenge of keeping up with social media — but we’re still here, still adventuring, and excited to reconnect with this community. 💛

Let’s get out there and enjoy everything winter has to offer.

☀️Summer adventures look a little different with a toddler in tow… but that doesn’t mean they’re any less special. From long car rides filled with snacks and songs, to spontaneous roadside stops, traveling as a family has taught us to slow down and see the journey through curious little eyes. 🌿👣

Sure, packing takes a little longer, naps don’t always go as planned, and we might not check off every hike on the list—but the memories made along the way are worth everything!

One of the biggest gifts this summer has been traveling alongside friends. Having extra hands (and hearts) makes the journey lighter—whether it’s entertaining little ones on the trail, swapping snacks, or just sharing those late-night laughs once the kids are asleep. Community really does turn travel into something even more memorable. ✨

👉 Parents—what’s your best tip for traveling with toddlers in the summer?

Then 👉🏻 Just my backpack, hiking boots, and all the freedom in the world.

Now 👉🏻 One extra (adorable) hiker, diapers, all the snacks and bottles, baby carrier, and somehow… more joy than ever before!

I used to chase summits—now I chase my toddler, snack breaks, and shade. It is not easy, but it’s perfect. 💛

Getting outside looks different these days, but we’ve learned that adventure doesn’t stop when you become a parent—it evolves.

Whether you’re walking local trails, exploring backcountry campsites, or just throwing down a picnic blanket in the yard… it all counts.

You’re still raising wild hearts ⛰️❤️

Throwback to the trail that taught more than we ever expected, and on none-other than The famous West Coast Trail.

We didn’t quite finish…

Halfway through, an infected brown recluse spider bite forced us to make the tough call to head out early.

It wasn’t the ending we planned, but it was still unforgettable:

🐚 beaches.
🪜Towering ladders and endless mud.
🏕️Campfire laughter and quiet awe at every breathtaking view.

Most importantly, it reminded us:
🌿 Every adventure, no matter how far you make it, is worth it.
🌿 Nature teaches resilience, flexibility, and how to listen to your body.

We’re big believers that getting outside isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. Even when the trail changes your plans, it leaves its mark.

📸 Have you ever had an adventure that didn’t go as planned? Tell us your story below 👇

We are beyond grateful to call this wild, beautiful land our home. 🍁 Whether we’re chasing sunsets, paddling calm lakes, or capturing golden hour through mossy forests on our bikes — Canada fuels our passion for storytelling and adventure.

Here’s to the trails that challenge us, the skies that inspire us, and the people who make it all worth it. ❤️

Get outside, explore respectfully, and celebrate everything that makes the True North strong and free.

🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦

Did you know kids under two can start using a balance (push) bike?

We just got our little one rolling and — it’s amazing for his development! 💪👶

Here’s why getting those tiny feet on two wheels matters:

🧠 Boosts balance and coordination
💬 Sparks confidence and independence
🌞 Encourages more time outdoors
👣 Builds gross motor skills naturally
💤 Helps burn energy (hello, full night sleep 🤞)

If you’ve noticed white fluff floating through the air or blanketing the trails lately, you’re not alone—it’s poplar season! 🍃

This fluffy stuff isn’t pollen. It’s actually seed dispersal from female poplar trees, like cottonwoods. Each seed is surrounded by soft fibers that act like tiny parachutes, helping the wind carry them far and wide. ✨ Nature’s version of confetti 🎉

Next time you’re out exploring and it looks like it’s snowing in June, remember: the forest is just planting its next generation. 🌱

Hey friends - it’s been a minute (okay… more than a minute 😅). Life got busy, priorities shifted, and we took some much needed time off to grow, reflect, and just be.

But we’re still here - same us, just a little more tired, but ready to reconnect!

So, whether you’re new here or have been with us since the start:

👋 We’re Erin and Ryan
👩‍❤️‍👨 We’re an outdoor couple who loves all things outside
👶 🐺Parents to the best lil’ guy and doggy around
📍Currently based in Calgary, Alberta 🇨🇦

Follow along as we share our favourite outdoor hacks, cozy setups, and all the moments in between.

❤️