Alison Karlene Hodgins

Vancouver

Managing Editor at Explore Outdoor Media

Journalist & editor 📚 Writing my debut memoir about breaking my back abroad 🌎 Find my articles on @cantravelmag, @explore_mag, @globeandmail & @fodorstravel

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Articles

Film Review of Trailblazing: The Matt Hadley Story” – Explore Magazine

2 weeks ago | explore-mag.com | Alison Karlene Hodgins

Kim Logan’s new film, Trailblazing: The Matt Hadley Story, tells the inspiring Canadian story of a local legend. Matt Hadley grew up in the country on a dead-end road in New Brunswick. There weren’t many mountain biking trails around, so he and his brother started building them. “Growing up with Matt was an adventure all the time,” Adam, Matt’s brother, says. “We were always outside.”Hadley was three years old when he rode a bike for the first time.
Testing Columbia’s New OutDry Extreme (ODX) Waterproof Technology – Explore Magazine

1 month ago | explore-mag.com | Alison Karlene Hodgins

Columbia Sportswear’s new matte OutDry Extreme (ODX) is the latest game-changer in the technical realm of waterproof, breathable fabrication. It’s setting a new standard in rain gear, and we wanted to put it to the test. Living in Vancouver, BC, I rarely leave my house without an umbrella—especially in the spring. Waterproof gear is a must-have in the PNW, where the temperate rainforest provides fresh air, verdant ferns and healthy ecosystems.
10 of the Best Gear Items for Spring 2025 – Explore Magazine

2 months ago | explore-mag.com | Alison Karlene Hodgins

While spring might not have “sprung” in most of the country yet, flowers will soon be blooming, snow will be melting on mountain trails and fledglings will be learning to fly. And you can get outside, too, with these 10 must-have gear items for spring outdoor adventures. Icebreaker’s lightest merino fabric to date, the new Merino Blend 75 feels like nothing next to your skin.
The Most Unique Winter Outdoor Adventures in Charlevoix, Quebec – Explore Magazine

2 months ago | explore-mag.com | Alison Karlene Hodgins

Snow flies from beneath the huskies’ paws. Seven dogs pull a wooden toboggan, ears flapping, tongues lolling, fluffy tails wagging. I laugh as we turn, throwing my weight into the bend, trying not to tumble into the deep powder once again. I’m dog sledding in Charlevoix, Quebec, on the first of five epic winter outdoor adventures.
15 Cozy and Romantic Winter Date Ideas for a Heartwarming Snowy Escape – Explore Magazine

Feb 14, 2025 | explore-mag.com | Alison Karlene Hodgins

Take your loved one outside for an adventure together this winter season. Whether you’re searching for serene nature vibes, hoping to impress them with your culinary skills in the snow, striving to get in some cuddle time in a relaxing outdoor setting or finding a fun way to get your hearts racing, we’ve got 15 of the best outdoorsy winter date ideas for you.
Support Local: 5 Canadian Outdoor Brands You Might Not Have Heard Of – Explore Magazine

Feb 3, 2025 | explore-mag.com | Alison Karlene Hodgins

While you likely have your favourite outdoor gear brands, here are a few Canadian companies you might not have considered before. There’s no better time to support local!Based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), this label was born in 2016 out of a struggle to find clothing made in Canada. Considering the conditions of overseas factories and the incredible talent within our own country, Wolfe Co. Apparel and Goods® strives to make quality goods locally.
10 Easy Winter Adventures for Everyone to Try – Explore Magazine

Jan 3, 2025 | explore-mag.com | Alison Karlene Hodgins

Winter can be a difficult time to enjoy the Great Outdoors—especially if you don’t ski, snowboard or enjoy other traditional snowsports. The colder, darker months can be slippery, wet and icy, and you might feel like hibernating inside by the fireplace with a mug of tea and a good book. But if you’ve vowed to get outside for more adventures this year, there are some entry-level ways to slowly start enjoying Mother Nature’s stunning, sleepy, silent season.
The Best 2024 Holiday Gift Guide for Nature Lovers – Explore Magazine

Dec 4, 2024 | explore-mag.com | Alison Karlene Hodgins

These 10 gear items are sure to delight, inspire and equip your loved ones for more adventures in 2025. From $23 to $295, there is something for everyone in this curated gift guide. Everything has been tested and reviewed by Explore’s community, so you can rest assured only the best outdoor adventure gear makes our holiday wish list. Sporks. Carabiners. Backcountry meal packets. There are plenty of common outdoorsy items you can stuff into a stocking that dangles above the fireplace.
Fun, Outdoorsy Adventures To Get In The Holiday Spirit – Explore Magazine

Nov 30, 2024 | explore-mag.com | Alison Karlene Hodgins

Canada’s cold season doesn’t have to mean staying indoors or acting like the Grinch in frigid temperatures. Amp up the joy and chase away the winter blues with these fun outdoor holiday adventures. Pull on your warm winter clothing and get outside for an adventure!Here are 10 of our favourite activity ideas for December. Wander Through Magical LightsAlison Karlene HodginsOne of the most beautiful ways to brighten up winter’s dark nights is by visiting an outdoor light display.
These Lodges Are The Best Base For Nature Relaxation – Explore Magazine

Nov 11, 2024 | explore-mag.com | Alison Karlene Hodgins

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, the storm rages on. The lake collects scattered red and yellow leaves, blown by the howling wind that bends trees and rattles raindrops against the glass. I relax in a different basin of frothy water, allowing the Epsom salts to calm my body. I flip the page of my book as I melt in the bathtub overlooking Harrison Lake in our private cabin, warm and safe from the inclement weather outside.