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At Playwest Mountain Experience, our guiding philosophy has always gone beyond summits and mileage. It’s about place, perspective, and the stories that shape how we move through wild landscapes. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the first-ever Wild Voices Speaker Night , presenting Baffin & Beyond, an evening dedicated to hiking, working, and living in Canada’s High Arctic. This event isn’t just a talk. It’s a window into one of the most remote and powerful hiking destinat

Part 2 picks up where the boat pulls away and the real hike begins — long valleys, big mountains, unexpected wildlife encounters, and the moment we crossed the Arctic Circle on foot.

A casual conversation in a hot pool sparked a journey to one of the most remote landscapes on Earth. Join Playwest founder Chris Skinner as he begins his unforgettable backpacking expedition through Baffin Island and Auyuittuq National Park.

“A Golden Season. Wide-Open Trails. Pure Columbia Valley.” Every September, the mountains around Invermere and the Columbia Valley light up in a way that feels almost impossible. Whole hillsides turn molten gold as the larch trees trade their green needles for fiery shades of yellow. For just two or three short weeks, it’s like stepping into another world—one that feels secret, fleeting, and wild. Most people have heard of the crowds chasing larch season in Banff and Lake Lou

Five Days. One Trail. A Real Conversation. There’s a silent pressure that lives in most men. You can’t always see it, but it’s there—tucked behind the busy schedule, the strong face, the never-let-them-see-you-struggle mask. We see it all the time in the mountains. A guy shows up to a backcountry trip thinking he’s just here for the hike. But somewhere between the steep climbs and the still mornings, something opens. The noise settles. And the truth gets a little clearer. Tha

When it comes to hiking gear, few decisions are as personal—and important—as what you put on your feet. Whether you're exploring mellow forest trails, scrambling over boulders, or setting off on a multi-day backpacking mission in the Purcells , your choice of footwear can make or break the experience. At Playwest, we’ve seen it all—from blisters on the first kilometre to folks hiking 100 km in the same dusty pair of sneakers they wear to the gym. So let’s break it down: trail

Check out this awesome trip report from our guest and friend Lana! It’s a good one!   By: Lana Osborne-Paradis I’ve always been an active person. From a young age I played many sports, and in my mid-teens I discovered exercise classes and lifting weights at the gym. I was hooked, it was all I wanted to learn about or think about, and that led me to a kinesiology degree and a career in the fitness and exercise world. But, I have never been an adventurous person. Yes, I love na

There are few places on Earth where the landscape tells a story as rich and untamed as the West Coast Trail. A rugged, 75-kilometer path carved along the remote shores of Vancouver Island, this trail is a pilgrimage for hikers seeking challenge, beauty, and a deeper connection to nature. But the West Coast Trail is more than just a hike—it’s a journey through history, a lesson in resilience, and an immersion into one of Canada’s most breathtaking wilderness areas. With Playwe

Lead Guide, SKinner....don't worry this is training. Ha! (Gotcha) Hiking in the Canadian Rockies or any remote wilderness, with or without Playwest offers breathtaking views and a deep connection with nature. But even the most experienced hikers can run into unexpected situations. A well-stocked first aid kit is an essential piece of gear that could make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious emergency. Whether you're heading out on a half-day trek or a mu

Deb from Edmonton reached out to Playwest to see if we could get her and her sisters out for some adventures. Of course we said yes! Deb explained that her mom and sisters get together annually at Deb’s cabin in the Columbia Valley for a ladies trip in August. A typical trip involved days spent at the lake taking in all the sun they could, some shopping, dining at some of our local restaurants and a little bit of exploring the area. When we spoke over the phone Deb wanted to

The Columbia Valley is an incredibly diverse ecological hub. This tour explores one of the crown jewels of our area, The Columbia Wetlands. This wetland is a protected migratory nesting area for hundreds of species of birds. The birder can spend countless hours here enjoying the sites and sounds. After a visit along the shores of the wetlands we make our way north crossing many of the tributaries in search of larger mammals and ungulates. As we travel along we keep our eyes p

This question is regularly brought up, “Why do we need a guide?” Hiring a guide makes total sense for some, and others not so much. This blog is meant to shed some light on reasons why hiring a certified ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) might make sense for you. SAFETY The number one concern of any guide is safety. The guests safety, their own safety, the safety of other user groups and even the safety of the critters. Guides are trained to assess, manage and mi

The title of this blog says it all. It’s not all doom and gloom, it really can be enjoyable to hike when mother nature is weeping. But how, you ask? Playwest Mountain Experience has some helpful tips. Read our top five tips to have fun when backpacking the West Coast Trail in the rain. It starts with the right attitude. That may sound easier than it is but look at it this way; you could be working in the office instead. Take advantage of your time outside and embrace the beau

“The Benefits of Impactful Experiences in the Mountains: Reflection, Growth, and Connection” At Playwest, we have long known of the power of impactful experiences. They have guided our business and personal lives from day 1. Here are some of our thoughts on why experiences in the mountains are powerful. Enjoy. There’s something undeniably special about the mountains. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, there’s a certain level of peace an