I do not know what it is but every time she gets into that boat, something weird happens. Perhaps it is her morbid fear of boats and waves and water or perhaps it is my over exuberant desire to show her how much fun boats can be.  No matter what the reasoning, something always goes wrong.

A few years back was a classic year.  For the May long weekend we were going to join some friends up at Okanagan Lake.  They had rented a cabin and we were going to bring the boat.  I couldn’t wait to show off in my little toy.  Even better, after a long wet winter, the weather couldn’t be better.  We had reached record highs.

Like everyone else on the long weekends, we ducked out of work early on Friday to avoid the traffic.  Yah right!  Have you ever had the joy of trailering a boat in rush hour traffic with a standard vehicle?  Let me tell you it is not fun.

We eventually got past the bottleneck sometimes referred to as the Port Mann Bridge.  Whoever Mr. Mann was, I am sure he does not deserve the cursing he gets each and every day from irate drivers.  The traffic on the other side of the bridge was not that much better.  One second we would be cruising along at 100 km/h the next second we would have to slam on the brakes to avoid introducing ourselves to another bumper.

Not exactly our lemon, but close!

We finally got onto the Coquihalla Highway.  This spectacular highway is certainly worth all the hype.  Not only do you get to marvel at wonderful engineering feats or awe-inspiring mountain peaks but you also get to see how fast people can really drive.  I often wonder how the speed limit through this mountainous highway, with its sharp corners and steep grades, can be higher than the flat, wide open Trans-Canada Highway, which cuts through the Fraser Valley.

Due to the heavy traffic, I was trying to make up time so I was driving a little faster than I like with a trailer.  Sure enough, we had a blow out.  Those bias-ply tires sure do explode when they go!  Better yet was the fact that the blown tire was on the traffic side.  We had the good fortune of being just over the crest of a hill at a bend in the road.  This way, vehicles (mostly fast moving semis) would come barrelling over the hill and try to cut the corner.  I do not know how many times I felt the streamline effects of those massive semi-trailers shake the boat and trailer while I dangerously tried to change the tire.

Luckily we made it to our destination with no other problems.  It was dark so I did not bother to put the boat in the water.

The next day was a scorcher.  By 10 am, it was 25 degrees Celsius.  What a day to go boating.  So the chicks went shopping (I know when I mentioned cabin you thought we had some lovely wilderness retreat, we did but that still did not stop the girls)!  Meanwhile, my friend and I decided to put the boat in the water.  Down to the boat launch we go.  We unhook the boat and unload it no time flat.  Only one problem, I cannot get the engine to run.  It would turn over fine, but every time I revved the engine, it would stall.  Meanwhile my poor friend was standing in the lake all this time.  It is quite amazing the slight shade of blue ones legs can turn if subjected to cold conditions long enough.

After several wanna-be technicians (myself included) looked at the engine, we still had no answer.  We did figure out that if we kept the motor idling it would run fine.  Just don’t juice it.  Eventually, we decided to cruise the boat down to the cabin.  I was sure the problem is only temporary and we will be up and running in no time.

The hefty bill did not turn our lemon into this...but at least it was working now.

Let me tell you, I have no problem trolling in a boat for hours as long as I have a fishing rod.  But to troll in a speedboat and helplessly watch as other boats zip on by has got to be one of the most embarrassing things.  What made matters worse was to see the hysterical laugh my wife and her friend broke into as I puttered around the corner.

After helplessly working on this user-unfriendly engine, you know the kind without a carburetor, for hours and pumping in every fix-it chemical I could find, I gave up.  The caretaker of the cabin was a mechanic and he fared no better.

The next day was another beauty.  After exploring the nearby mountain in the morning, we all decided it was time to see the lake from the water.  We all hoped into the boat (dog included) and prepared for a cruise…I mean troll.

It was fun at first but once again, we were getting a little antsy watching all of these speedboats cruise on by.  It seemed the faster they were going the bigger the smiles on their faces.  Every now and again, we would try to squeeze a little speed out of the engine.  This was like trying to ride one of those mechanical bulls.  It would speed up and then slow down, speed up and slow down, speed up and slow down, speed up and slow down.  I think you get the picture.

When we finally brought the boat into the mechanic, we had a lovely $900 bill.  No one ever said toys were cheap.

Manitoba: Nueltin Lake (Map 83/E1)
Nueltin Lake is one of those lakes that shouldn’t exist anymore. Fishing shouldn’t be this good. The lake has produced Master Angler sized fish in a variety of species. Not just Master Angler sized, but the lake has produced top 25 record holder sized Arctic grayling, lake trout and northern pike, often multiple fish in each category. Adding to this impressive list is the largest ever lake trout caught in Manitoba at 137.2 cm (54 inches), which was caught in 2001. Indeed, this is a phenomenal fishing lake. It is also a big lake, at 1851 sq km (715 sq miles), and is found along the boundary with Nunavut. True, the lake is mostly in Nunavut, but with such great fishing, Manitoba will lay whatever claim it can to the lake. The lake was the first lake in Canada to institute catch-and-release fishery, the first to enforce barbless hooks and the first lake to go to single barbless hooks. The lake is found 300 km (200 miles) from the nearest road and the only access (other than as part of a month-long paddle) is by air.

Cottage Country Ontario: Big Sound (Map 31/F1-40/F7)
Big Sound is known for its large northern pike, which can be found in the 12 kg (26 lb) range. The best time to find big pike feeding in shallow bays and inlets is springtime. Though less common, some huge muskie can also be found in the sound. Fishing for lake trout can be good during ice fishing season and by trolling during open water season. Big smallmouth and largemouth bass are prevalent in most areas of the sound and fishing is good for bass to 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). Walleye receive a lot of attention throughout the year and fishing is generally good for walleye that can reach 3.5 kg (8 lbs) in size.

Nova Scotia: Bras d’Or Lake (Maps 43, 44, 47, 48)
Bras d’Or Lake is one of Canada’s largest inland seas, dominating the middle of Cape Breton Island. There are three outlets to the ocean: Great Bras d’Or Channel, Little Bras d’Or Channel, and the St. Peters Canal. Baddeck is the recreational boating centre with several marinas, a yacht club, and various services for cruisers. The Barra Strait Marina at Grand Narrows is a sponsored Barrier Free fishing area. Bras d’Or is the top Nova Scotia destination for rainbow trout, along with more than 20 other species of marine fish including cod, herring, and lobster. Cod school near the shores and allow anglers a chance to pull them without needing a commercial fisher or charter boat to go further out to sea. Some of the best chances are around the Dundee area to Whycocomagh and Iona. Mackerel are also a good catch here at the appropriate time of year, while ice fishing for rainbow trout is possible.

Manitoba: Riding Mountain National Park (Map 23, 31–33)
The 3,000 square kilometre park (1,863 square miles) Riding Mountain National Park hosts one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in North America. The park is bisected by Highway 10 from which visitors will find five picnic areas along with five hiking trails. For those just stopping overnight, the Wasagaming and Moon Lake Campsites are right off Highway 10. They are open from the May long weekend until the Thanksgiving weekend in October. The alternate entrance to Riding Mountain Park is at the east gate or Whirlpool entrance (Map 33/G7), which is a National Historic Site of Canada. The gate is a significant example of the Rustic Design tradition of the 1930s in Canada’s National Parks. This entrance is on Highway 19, which has a 10% grade between the park entrance and its junction with Highway 10. Outdoor enthusiasts find Riding Mountain an enjoyable destination year-round. Summer activities include fishing, boating, horseback riding, swimming and bicycling. In winter, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing are popular pursuits. Nature lovers will find an extensive aquatic ecosystem that includes more than 900 lakes. The wildlife includes black bear, beaver, elk, moose and numerous others such as a herd of bison. There are 260 types of birds, which can be sighted at various times throughout the year.

- Deep Lake Campground (Map 32/A4) is the most remote campground in Riding Mountain National Park. It requires self-registration and offers well water, pit toilets, canoeing, swimming and fishing.

- Lake Audy Campground (Map 32/G6) is a remote campground that also requires self-registration. Amenities include well water, a campfire circle, kitchen shelter and pit toilets. The area features a swimming area close to the picnic area, several hiking, cycling and horseback riding trails as well as the nearby Bison Enclosure.

- Moon Lake Campground (Map 33/C5) is a smaller campground with self-registration only. It features Moon Lake Beach, which is a short 100 meter (330 ft) walk from the nearest parking lot to the water. Many people carry a boat or canoe down to the lake to try their luck fishing.

- Wasagaming Campground (Map 23/B1; 33/B7) is the only Riding Mountain campground with serviced sites. It features 578 sites, with sites 1-86 fully serviced with sewer, water and electricity. The remaining sites range from no services ideal for tenters to limited services for smaller camping units. It has drinking water, fire pits, flush toilets, showers and sewage dump. The beach on Clear Lake and the interpretive programs are popular with summertime visitors.

- Whirlpool Lake Campground (Map 33/E7) is a small campground with walk-in access. Amenities at the self-registration site include well water, a campfire circle, kitchen shelter and pit toilets, while activities include hiking, swimming and canoeing.

Reservations for Riding Mountain National Park campgrounds may be made online at www.pccamping.ca or toll-free at 1-877-RESERVE.

Northern Alberta: Musreau Lake Recreation Area (Map 6/A3)
The word Musreau means young moose. It also means something noisy or devil-like. The lake probably took its name from the latter, as pockets of gas bubble to the surface from the bottom of the lake. In the winter, the pressure from the gas builds, causing the ice to fracture with a loud crack. Musreau Lake is located 80 km (48 miles) south of Grande Prairie on Highway 40. There are 67 campsites here, as well as a large day-use area. The recreation area provides canoe rentals, while fishing, hiking and ATVing are other popular activities in the area.

Northeastern Ontario: Killarney Provincial Park (Map 4/D1–10/D7; Inset Map 87)
Killarney Provincial Park is a pillar of the provincial park system in Ontario. The 48,500 hectare park has long been the inspiration for famous Canadian artists such as A.Y. Jackson of The Group of Seven and more recently, Robert Bateman. The most striking feature of the park is the white and pink mountains that dominate the landscape. At over 2.3 billion years of age, Killarney’s hills were once a great mountain range that was higher than the Rockies. The highest peak in Killarney is now found at 539 metres (1,768 ft). Today, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities and programs. In addition to beaches and a campground, there are rentals and a park store. For interior trip planners, Killarney offers some of the most scenic canoe route opportunities in the province. Kayakers will also find Killarney’s Georgina Bay coast very peaceful and beautiful, while trail enthusiasts can explore the elaborate trail system year round including the famed La Cloche Silhouette Trail.

There are five interior access points into Killarney:

- Bell Lake Access Point (Map 10/F7)
Located at the end of Bell Lake Road off Highway 637, this access area is very busy during most weekends in July and August.

- Carlyle Lake Access Point (Map 4/E1)
Found at the western corner of Carlyle Lake, not far off Highway 637, Carlyle Lake has a number of cottages along its southern shore and is usually busy during summer weekends. Permits must be picked up at the George Lake Access Point.

- Charlton Lake Access Point (Map 9/G7)
The only access point on the western side of the park, it lies outside of the boundaries of the park, near the community of Willisville off Highway 6. Paddlers can enter Killarney by travelling east on Charlton Lake and then up Howry Creek or, by paddling along the east arm of Frood Lake to Cranberry Bay. This access is one of the least busy access points, but provides access to some of the most remote sections of Killarney.

- George Lake Access Point (Map 4/D1)
The site of the main park office, the vehicle campground, as well as an interior access point, this is the busiest access point in the park, although is also the most scenic from its outset. There are 126 campsites, a day-use area, boat launch, park store and canoe rentals available here.

- Johnnie Lake Access Point (Map 10/F7)
Found along the Johnnie Lake Road off Highway 637 at the western corner of the lake, this access is also very busy on summer weekends, especially in August. Permits must be picked up at the George Lake Access Point.
The park can be quite busy throughout the summer, especially on weekends. It is highly recommended to make reservations to ensure your Killarney adventure goes as planned. For reservations call (888) ONT-PARK.

Canadian Rockies: Castle Mountain Lookout Trail (Map 7/C2)
This 4 km (2.5 mile) trek up the side of Castle Mountain leads to the old Mount Eisenhower Fire Lookout. You can find the trailhead 5 km (3 miles) west of Castle Junction on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). Although short, the trail is quite steep, gaining 520 m (1,690 ft) in elevation. The trail leads from the forest to meadows full of wildflowers (in season) and an exposed cliff, which offers great views of the Bow Valley. Experienced rock climbers can continue from the scenic lookout and onto Goat Ledge.

Eastern Ontario: Rideau Trail (Map 8, 9, 15, 23, 24, 34, 35)
The Rideau Trail is a fantastic long distance hiking trail that is known throughout Eastern Ontario by hiking enthusiasts. It was established in 1971 and spans 387 km (240 mi) from Kingston to Ottawa, passing several towns and settlements along the way, including Perth and Smiths Falls. The trail is divided into three sections, the Kingston, Central and Ottawa sections. The Kingston portion travels north from near the shore of Lake Ontario, quickly ascending into the rolling hills of the Frontenac Axis. The Central portion is the most rugged and often involves rocky granite hills and low use trail conditions. The Ottawa section of the trail is characterized by lowland terrain, mixed with agriculture and the odd mixed forest. For an extended trip, there are a number of provincial parks that the trail passes near or through that can offer overnight camping. For a more rustic trail experience, there are a few established user maintained campsites found along the way. In general, the trail is well marked and the difficulty of the route depends on how far and where hikers plan to travel. While hiking is the main activity, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are possible in winter on the more maintained sections near urban centres. A guidebook is available from local retailers offering a detailed map and description of all sections of the trail.

New Brunswick: Grand Manan Trails (Map 1/D4)
Grand Manan and its neighbouring islands create a special treat for hikers. Over 70 km (43 mi) of trails are maintained on the island, allowing visitors of all levels of ability to enjoy at least one portion of the existing pathways. The western side of the island is quite rugged, characterized by rock walls or cliffs that can reach 100 metres (328 ft) and span approximately 25 km (16 mi). The eastern side of the island contrasts this jagged landscape with land that has been settled for hundreds of years, which is much more friendly and forgiving. It is also the more populous part of the island. The group of islands, including Ross and White Head Islands to the southeast, is full of incredible scenery. They are a favourite destination for birdwatchers and whale watchers alike. Those interested in the geology of the area will certainly be intrigued by the unique rock formations and evidence of glacial activity that typify the landscape. In general, the trails form a loop around Grand Manan and the smaller islands, with some trails cutting though the centre of Grand Manan to allow access to the island’s various communities. Below are descriptions of some of the more popular parts to the trail system, which have been broken up into sections. A more detailed description of the Grand Manan Trails is also available for purchase from local retailers.

When a person is buried in an avalanche, mere minutes can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful rescue.  Consider these three items as the bare minimum for your mountain adventures:

• Avalanche Transceiver – is a small electrical device that is worn by everyone in the group.  The device emits a signal that can be tracked.  In the event of an avalanche, those not buried would switch their devices to “search mode” to seek out lost members of the group.
• Probe – is used to find the person once the Transceiver has got you close to their location.  With varying diameters and materials, it is important to get one that is durable enough for your adventure.  Some of the preferred features are: carbon material, 320cm units, and measurement markings to tell how far under the surface a person is.  Recently there have been electrical probes that work in conjunction with the transceivers.
• Shovel – may just seem obvious, but not all are created equal.  Plastic becomes brittle in cold weather, so there is a need to balance quality with weight.  An extendable handle and a flat top that can be used to step on are two of the main features to look for.  Once you have your shovel, take some time to perfect your technique.  One of the widest accepted techniques is the V-Conveyor Strategy.

Backroad Mapbooks wishes everyone a safe winter on the mountains. As always, we look forward to seeing your pictures and stories on our Facebook page.

Canadian Rockies: Siffluer Wilderness Area (Map 11, 17)
The Siffluer Wilderness is a large wilderness area located just east of Banff. There is no road access into the area; instead, you will have to explore this area on foot. If you stay in the valleys, expect to see ungulates such as moose, elk and deer. You may also see predators, such as grizzly bear, cougars, wolves and wolverines. If you venture higher into the alpine, watch for mountain goats, woodland caribou, golden-mantled ground squirrels, bighorn sheep, hoary marmots and pikas. Hikers should be experienced and well prepared for wilderness travel before setting out on any of the several access trails.

Cottage Country Ontario: Conroys Marsh Conservation Reserve (Map 38/F1)
Conroys Marsh is located east of the town of Maynooth and is part of the York River system. The marsh, in its entirety, is approximately 2,400 hectares and the game preserve is about 2,100 hectares. The reserve is a refuge to many fur bearing animals, including fox, beaver and marten. There are no direct road access points to the marsh, although Mayhews Landing, up river, can provide a means of access.

Prince Edward Islands: Auburn Demonstration Woodlot (Map 7/E2)
Found on Route 213 this woodlot features several wildflowers and plants along with a good selection of wildlife. There is a good population of Snowshoe Hare, Red Squirrels and raccoons, while birdwatchers can see robins, Whit-throated Sparrows, Northern Juncos, Northern Flickers and sometimes merlins or Northern Harriers. Wood Frogs, American Toads and Eastern Garter Snakes are the main sort of reptiles or amphibians you can find here.

Manitoba: Woodridge Area (Map 9/A3)
This is the hub of ATVing in Manitoba, and sets the standard for ATVing in the province. Found in the Sandilands Provincial Forest, the area is sandy with lots of rolling, forested hills. There are many trails that are quite challenging. But there’s a little something for everyone here, from easy family rides to some hardcore mud and deep water. Many people riding in this area use the Wagon Wheel Campground as a base camp; trails start right at the campground.

Eastern Ontario: Nation Valley ATV Trails (Map 25, 26)
The Nation Valley ATV Club, formed in 2008, has put together a 100 km (60 mile) loop trail that offers a little bit of everything for riders. While the trail is not extremely challenging, there are some sections that are fairly muddy or very tight, which beginners might want to avoid. The trail passes through Winchester and South Mountain. About 30% of the loop trail is road riding, while the rest of it is along road allowance and cut trail. Most of the route is on private or township land, so please respect the land owners and stay on the trail. A popular destination is the Sandy Road Golf Course in South Mountain (you will have to walk in from the trail).

Nova Scotia: Judique Flyer Recreational Nature Trail (Map 42/ B1–C5)
This 22 km (13.7 miles) long section of trail on the west coast of Cape Breton Island is actually an old railgrade and part of the Trans Canada Trail. The riding is easy as it skirts around the edge of St. George’s Bay. It connects to the Inverness Rail Trail for a round trip of 156 km (97 miles).

Central Alberta: Chambers Creek Recreation Area (Map 11/A4)
Next to Chambers Creek off Highway 11, some 30 km west of Rocky Mountain House, this year round recreation area has 25 campsites as well as a group camping area. Creek fishing for brown trout, brook trout, pike and mountain whitefish is popular, or you can explore the 86 km (53.4 miles) of unmaintained trails, which are used by hikers, bikers and ATVers. As always, ATVs cannot be operated in the recreation area itself. Reservations for the group camp can be made by calling 403-721-3975.

Northwestern Ontario: Wabakimi Provincial Park (Map 40–41, 53–55, 63–66)
Taken from an Ojibway word meaning “whitewater”, Wabakimi is an enormous expanse of remote wilderness. Encompassing almost 900,000 hectares of natural habitat, this is an area greater than the entire province of Prince Edward Island. About 300 woodland caribou roam the park and spotting one of these elusive creatures is a highlight for many guests. The rocks within the park are also marked by Native pictographs that are hundreds of years old.

Wabakimi Provincial Park can be accessed by air, road, water and rail. The three main water access points can be sought via the three adjoining provincial parks; Brightsand River located at the southwest corner, Kopka River located at the southeast corner and Albany River located at the northeast corner. Rail access is provided by VIA Rail who will also transport gear and equipment into the park. Canoeists can also access the park along the Canadian National Railway line located at the south end of the park. Passengers and their equipment can be dropped off and picked up at specified points between Armstrong and Savant Lake, including Collins or Allan Water Bridge. Road access can be obtained at the Caribou Lake Road via the Armstrong Road (Highway 527) for access to the southeast portion of the park. Camp 702 Road east of Savant Lake will grant access to the Flindt River System located in the southwest portion of the park.

Anglers are spoiled in Wabakimi with its fine fishing opportunities and many fly-in fishing outfitters. Some outfitters provide boat caches to nearby lakes, adding variety to the angling experience. There are some hunting lodges and outpost camp operators that offer fly-in moose hunting packages in the park expansion area. In total, the park hosts seven mainbase lodges and 40 fly-in outpost camps. Some of these lodges also provide ecotours, canoe exploration and wildlife viewing.

Wabakimi is also renowned for its fine padding opportunities. The park includes over 12,000 lakes and 2,000 km (1,242 mi) of canoe routes in a labyrinth of lakes, rivers, creeks and streams. All visitors should be equipped for emergencies and be prepared for wilderness travel along unmaintained routes. Some of the river systems also contain whitewater that should not be attempted without proper exploration and experience. Park staff or local outfitters can help plan your canoe trip to suit your timeline and experience level.

There are about 500 backcountry campsites scattered throughout the park. Bears and other animals live in the park, emphasizing the need to properly maintain food preparation sites and to store food safely. Interior travellers are also asked not to camp on small islands at least mid-summer to avoid caribou cows and calves from being frightened onto the mainland where their predators lurk. Reservations for camping can be made at 1-888-668-7275.

New Brunswick: Parlee Beach Provincial Park (Map 22/D2)
Regarded as one of Canada’s best beach areas, Parlee Beach provides plenty of opportunity for fun with family and friends, particularly on those hot summer days. Situated northeast of Shediac on the Northumberland Strait and the Bay of Shediac, the large beach is staffed with professional lifeguards, security services, washrooms and showers and plenty of room for sports and recreation. Many would argue that the beach boasts the warmest saltwater north of Virginia. The campsite is equipped with 170 sites, including 58 with electricity. Other perks consist of an amphitheater, daily sports programs, a playground, a canteen and park store and walking trails. To find the park, travel east of Shediac along Route 133 for a few kilometres. For more information or reservations, call (506) 533-3363.

Yes, it is hard to imagine that it has been almost 20 years since my brother and I started the Backroad Mapbooks (originally known as the Backroad and Outdoor Recreation Mapbooks). What started out as a university thesis on starting your own business has now turned into one of the biggest mapping and outdoor recreation publishing companies in Canada. Even better, we make a living telling people where to go.

Outside of this claim to fame, the biggest perk of our industry is we truly get to play for a living. I can’t think of too many jobs that can ‘write off’ a camping or fishing trip, where you ‘need’ to explore a few backroads or hike trails few have ever heard of, or even spend hours searching the internet for cool places to visit.

Algonquin Park

However, that is the hard part. We obviously cannot get everywhere that looks enticing in our great country. There are simply too many places I want to go and only so much time for this type of research. So sadly, I sometimes live vicariously through the researcher/writers and the constant stream of updates and photos our readers send in.

But, every once in a while I do get out there and enjoy what we promote, the Great Outdoors! In fact, this year has been one of those special years. Over the last month or so, I have been able to travel to some truly amazing areas.

Myra Canyon

In late August I decided to join my sister in-law and her kids on a short overnight canoe camping trip into Algonquin Park, Ontario. What made this trip so special was the fact I brought my two young kids along. There is certainly no better time to introduce children to the trials of backcountry adventures than when they are young and impressionable.

A few weeks later, back in BC, the wife and I decided to celebrate our anniversary in a unique way. So we arranged for a babysitter and set off to explore the famed Myra Canyon outside of Kelowna along the Kettle Valley Railway cum Trans Canada Trail. This was our first trip up there and we were certainly amazed at this impressive spectacle of engineering. It was a gorgeous day and truth be told one of our better anniversary events. We certainly challenge our readers to come up with a better way to spend quality time together.

Manitoba Pike

To top things off, the annual boy’s only fishing trip was scheduled the following weekend. For something different, we headed to northern Manitoba in search of big pike and fast action for walleye. We picked a remote, fly-in only outfitter and were dumped off in the middle of nowhere for a few days. As usual, we enjoyed some amazing Canadian fishing, landed some monster pike and shared stories we have heard too often. Indeed it was a great experience and a good way to catch up with the boys.

Looking back on the last month, it is not hard to sit back and say, “Wow, this is a great job!”