Adventure travel isn’t always about peak performance or picture-perfect moments—it’s about pushing boundaries, embracing discomfort and discovering strength in unexpected places. In this heartfelt personal essay, guest blogger Dani Wiesenthal shares her transformative experience on an all-women’s hiking trip through the Canadian Rockies with Backroads. From sore muscles and self-doubt to breathtaking vistas and connections with the other women travelers, this story captures the raw, real magic of venturing into the wild—especially when shared with someone you love.
Ever since I was in high school, my mom and I have bonded over our love of the outdoors, and we have gradually conquered hikes together over the years. On a beautiful spring day in 2024, we were relaxing over some coffee after one of those hikes. Out of the blue, my mom remembered that she’d heard great things about Backroads, and we decided to look at what trips they were offering. She found an all-women’s, six-day hiking trip across the Canadian Rockies. She looked at me as if a lightbulb had gone off in her head. Seeing the brightness in her eyes and hearing the excitement in her voice, I knew I had to jump on this opportunity.
After arriving in Calgary the night before, I woke up the morning of the trip kind of nervous. This was my first multi-day hiking trip: new terrain, new challenges and new faces. But my anxiety eased as soon as I met our trip leaders, Jami-Lynn and Noah. As they began to introduce themselves, go over their background and expertise and explain how Backroads worked, I knew we were in good hands. There is a stereotype about all Canadians being nice, and that could not have been more accurate with these two. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering any and all questions about Canada, the wildlife, the history of the land and so much more.
But this trip did come with its challenges as well. I’m used to navigating the gym and using machines and dumbbells. But hiking the Canadian Rockies is a different beast. I will admit, I struggled. I sweat, I cried, I chafed. I didn’t think my body could handle it. I had never hiked this much in my life, and my body reminded me that every day. Moreover, as someone who wants to be “the best,” I was intimidated by the older women on the trip. Watching them conquer longer, harder trails than I could was a hard pill to swallow. But I did the damn thing. Not only that, but I was surrounded by a supportive, encouraging and empowering group of women who inspired me and stood by me on this trip. I felt like I was surrounded by 12 other moms looking out for me.
As challenging as it all was–being away from home, being the only woman my age, challenging myself mentally and physically–everywhere I looked it was like I was seeing the world with new eyes. Was I in pain some days? Absolutely. Would I have changed a thing? Absolutely not. Nothing beats the sights and sounds of a country in its natural state; untouched, unbothered. There were plants, animals, landmarks, bodies of water I would have never seen if I hadn’t gone. How could I not? Even in the moments of struggle, when the trails felt never-ending and unbeatable, all I had to do was take a breath and look up. It was a privilege, and I had to take it all in.
This trip taught me three things: 1) Learn your limits and don’t be ashamed of them, 2) An intense week of travel with my mom was not as bad as I feared and 3) I can do hard things. And doing hard things with a view? Well, then that makes it all worthwhile.
