Stories from the trail

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.

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

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