If you're a mom who's ever packed snacks, wrangled kids into boots, and wondered if outdoor adventures are really worth the effort—this episode is for you. I chat with Annika Mang, a fellow adventurous mom, author of Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies, and creator of TrailCollectiv, a hiking app for families. We dive into what hiking with kids really looks like at different ages, from babywearing on mountain trails to toddler-led nature walks and muddy backyard play. Annika shares how her approach to adventure shifted with each child, why she challenges the idea of what’s considered “family-friendly,” and how she self-published a hiking guidebook with two little ones at home. If you’re craving encouragement, relatable stories, and practical ideas for getting outside with your kids, you’ll love this conversation.
Places we mention:
West Coast Trail BC,
Juan De Fuca BC,
Regina SK,
Vancouver BC,
Edmonton AB,
Calgary AB,
Kananakis AB,
Banff AB,
Crowsnest Pass AB,
Ontario,
Chicago,
Montana,
Utah,
Hawaii,
California,
Lindeman Lake BC,
Peter Lougheed AB,
Point Backcountry AB,
Three Sisters Lake AB,
Porcupine River AB,
Pickle Jar Lakes AB,
Mount Assiniboine BC,
Helm Creek BC
Connect with Annika:
Personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/borntobeadventurous/
Trail Collectiv Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trailcollectiv/
Website: https://www.borntobeadventurous.com/start-here/
Hiking app: https://www.trailcollectiv.com/
Get Annika’s book - Hikes for families: https://amzn.to/3ZT1b9s
FOR SPOTIFY:
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: hello@danikavanderpyl.com
Codes & Discounts:
Travel Gear Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IEqVfpGk-5uJ29uoiScoZXLPnTY4r311/view?usp=sharing
Muffin recipes: Besidethemountain.com/muffins
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