Health

What Is Hiking?

Hiking is another version of walking but for longer distances.  It can be done in the forest, mountains or any type of challenging trail.  Some people believe hiking is difficult or must be done on a steep trail – they are wrong! Hiking can be enjoyed at any level and that’s what makes it really unique.  You don’t need to be an expert or have sophisticated equipment.  All you need is a trail and some comfortable shoes and you’re ready to go!

How I Got Started Into Hiking

I was never a hiker or ever thought that I would become one someday.  I do enjoy going out for walks around the neighbourhood but that’s it. It all started in 2014 when my wife challenged me to go Ziplining up in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec but this was no regular zipline.  Here’s a video showing exactly what this experience was all about (it’s not me but some other person who recorded it).

Right after this, that’s when I started appreciating the outdoors.

My wife and I went on to do some canoeing, biking and finally tried hiking for the first time and that’s when I fell in love with it.

 

7 Key Benefits of Hiking    

I’m sure you already know that exercise is good for you at any age.  It’s one of the best ways of staying healthy these days and you don’t need to go hardcore at it.  It’s recommended that you give yourself 20min, 3 times a week of cardio exercise.  This will help your muscles stay active and your heart pumping.

Obvious Benefits of Hiking

• The smell of nature
• The sounds of birds
• Breathtaking views
• Breathing fresh air

On the other hand, there are many other benefits to hiking:

1. Improves blood pressure
2. Improves bone density
3. Strengthens your core
4. Maintains a healthy weight
5. Strengthens your overall balance
6. Improves your mood (positive effect!)
7. Strengthens your hips & legs

I’m sure there are many more positive benefits to hiking but I believe those are the most important ones.

Whenever I feel emotionally tired or stressed from work, I plan for some hiking.  It really allows me to relax my body unlike any other sport I’ve tried before.  Sometimes, you feel sore but nothing to intense unless you’ve hiked a very difficult trail.

After every session, I feel unbelievably good and ready to tackle what life has to throw at me.  I’m in a better mood and fully energized.

Equipment I Purchased for Hiking  

Only after 3 hiking sessions that’s when my wife and I decided to step up our game.  We realized how much we like this sport and figured we need to purchase the right equipment since we plan on doing it more often.

You really don’t need much in terms of equipment unless you want to feel comfortable during and after each hike.

4 Reasons Why I Decided to Purchase Some Hiking Equipment

1. My feet started hurting whenever I did long trails
2. My shoes were slippery
3. I was sweating a lot
4. I needed something to carry my wallet, keys, water bottle and some snacks

We decided to visit a Salomon hiking store in Montreal.  This brand is known for its quality products when it comes to hiking.  I also bought some other items from brands like Nike and Under Armour.

My Hiking Equipment List

1. Shoes
2. Comfortable socks
3. Stretch pants
4. Long sleeve shirt
5. Boxers
6. Hoodie
7. Walking sticks
8. Insulated water bottle
9. Hiking backpack
10. Sunglasses (already had a pair)
11. iPhone with headphones

What should You Bring With You When Hiking?

My wife and I try our best to carry the least amount of things on each hiking trip.  It makes it a lot easier and you don’t need to carry lots of heavy things.  Here’s a list of items we bring with us:

• Water
• Veggies snacks
• Protein bars
• Simple sandwiches (for longer trails)
• Camera

List of Hiking Trails in Quebec, Canada

Since I live in Montreal, I decided to try as many hiking trails as I can that are close enough to my city.  I didn’t want to have to drive more than 2 hours to reach one.  That was my limit.  Here’s  list of all of them I’ve tried so far:

1. Mont-tremblant
2. Mont St-Bruno
3. Mont-Royal
4. Mont Saint-Hillaire
5. Old Montreal
6. Île-du-Boucherville
7. Lachine Canal

If you’re familiar with some of those areas, you will notice how accessible they are.  I consider long walks to be hiking as well as long as we maintain a fast walking speed.

Final Words

I plan on hiking in Winter but will need to purchase some extra stuff such a warm jacket, gloves and maybe snow rackets.

You should really give it a shot and try it.  Do it with someone as that makes it a lot more fun since you have someone to talk to along the way.  Remember to stretch before hiking.  Start slow.  You don’t need to go all out with the equipment. Use whatever shoes you have and just get out there and walk!

Let me know if you discover new hiking trails near Montreal that I haven’t mentioned above 🙂

You can follow me on Instagram since that’s where I share my hiking pics!