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In this episode, we sit down with an adventurous mama who shares how she and her family got into climbing together, including why she took a lead climbing course to gain the confidence and technical skills needed to bring her kids safely into the sport. She opens up about how she stays practiced, informed, and comfortable as a parent when introducing children to higher-risk outdoor activities like family rock climbing.
We also dive into their summer of outdoor adventures, from a cross-Canada road trip and long driving days with kids, to hiking classic Canadian routes like the Rockwall Trail, Flow Lake, and the Skyline Trail in Alberta. She shares their canoe tripping experience on Maligne Lake near Jasper and how they approach trip planning with both ambition and flexibility.
As their children move into the teenage years, we talk honestly about navigating resistance, respecting autonomy, and balancing bigger adventure goals when not everyone feels ready. She explains why intentional discomfort is a powerful tool for building resilience, adaptability, and confidence — and how cultivating responsibility helps kids recognize their own capabilities.
If you’re a parent who loves the outdoors and wants to raise resilient, capable kids through family adventures, climbing, hiking, and canoe tripping, this episode is full of encouragement, insight, and practical inspiration.
Topics covered:
How to get into family rock climbing
Lead climbing for parents
Outdoor adventures with kids in Canada
Raising resilient and capable kids through discomfort
Systems for successful family trips
Back-to-back adventures & organized gear
Canoe tripping with children
Hiking with kids in Alberta
Navigating teenage resistance to outdoor adventures
Building confidence through shared challenges
Places mentioned:
Prince Edward Island
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Bay of Fundy
Juan De Fuca, British Columbia
Rock Wall Trail, Alberta
Elk Lake Hut, Alberta
Flow Lake, Alberta
Skyline Trail, Alberta
Hidden Cove, Alberta
Fisherman’s Bay, Alberta
Coronet Creek, Alberta
Gear mentioned:
Connect with :
Jessica Bolton - [email protected]
Join the FREE Facebook community: Connect with other women in your area to go exploring with, ask your gear and trip questions, search in FB groups Let’s Go Outside Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984734118616209/
Connect with me on IG: @besidethemountain
Try Danika’s healthy snack recipes: https://besidethemountain.com/
Watch on podcasts YouTube: @besidethemountain
Email me: [email protected]
Codes & Discounts:
Travel Gear Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing
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