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: 

• Excalibur Sqaure Food Dehydrator: https://amzn.to/4op88Z2 

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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