MOUNTAINS
GO WITH A GUIDE
P H O T O G R A P H B Y T AY L O R B U R K
Why the best way to explore nature is with someone who knows where to go, how to get there safely and how to make the most of the journey and the destination.
W
hether you’re trekking high up in the mountains or fishing down at the water’s edge, being outdoors in nature is a heightened experience. But it can also weigh you down with worry: What if we get lost? What if we get hurt? What if we meet a bear? The solution is to go with a professional guide. Without feeling anxious about where you’re going and whether you
have the right food, water and gear, you can more fully enjoy your surroundings, experience the wellness and mental health benefits of being in nature, and lose yourself in the moment, knowing that someone else is taking care of things. “Hiring a guide can provide a safe and educational experience and allows you to better understand the environment you’re traveling through,” says Sylvia Forest, president of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides
BY JACQUELINE LOUIE
avenuecalgary.com
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