Taryn Eyton: Adventure Travel Writer and Wilderness Ethics Educator (Vancouver, Canada)

Taryn Eyton goes beyond just inspiring people to get happier outside. Her outdoor and adventure travel writing actually tells you where to go, what to expect, and how to make your outdoor experience even better – for you and for the environment.

Taryn is currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She’s lived in the Vancouver area for most of her life – except for three years when she lived on the other side of Canada: in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She recently returned from a longer stint in Australia.

On her website HappiestOutdoors.ca, Taryn publishes comprehensive guides to the incredible locations she has explored. Her articles are complimented by breathtaking photos that will inspire you to plan your own outdoor adventure.

But that’s not all. Taryn also shares her vast outdoor experience in a variety of how-to articles about backpacking, camping, cycling, snowshoeing,… and about hiking solo, with dogs, without hurting the environment… and so much more.

Taryn also works as a freelance writer. And she is a certified Leave No Trace Master Educator! She volunteers to teach workshops about how to minimize our impact on nature when we hike, camp, kayak, climb, etc. How cool is that?

Naturally, we felt drawn to a person whose online identity is HappiestOutdoors. It’s so exciting to meet other people who share the idea of being happier when out in nature. So we’re especially excited to now present this interview with Taryn Eyton who is happiest outdoors.

Taryn Eyton – what do you do?

While I was growing up, my dad enjoyed spending time outdoors, so I went hiking a few times a year. It wasn’t until university that I really got into hiking and camping. I discovered that spending time in nature was a great stress reliever, a way to unplug.

Over the next decade I went on more and more outdoor adventures. I progressed from shorter hikes to longer ones and from day hiking to multi-day backcountry trips. And of course I learned A LOT along the way.

I learned how to navigate with a map and compass. I got waaay too interested in outdoor gear. I took a wilderness first aid course. And I got certified as a Leave No Trace Trainer to teach others how to minimize their impact on nature.

Five years ago, I started my website, HappiestOutdoors.ca. It took me awhile to come up with the name. I wasn’t sure if I should pick something with “hiking” in the name or something that sounded cute. In the end it was obvious. I am happiest outdoors, even if it’s raining, I’m cold and there’s no view. So HappiestOutdoors.ca it was!

A few months ago, I quit my day job to write for my website and my freelance clients full time. It also give me lots more time to spend outdoors!

Why do you do what you do?

I love the outdoors and want to make sure everyone gets to experience what I experience. There are a lot of barriers to getting into the outdoors. Getting the right information is just one of those barriers. With my website, I try to provide the info people need to get outside, and to hav a great time doing it.

I also volunteer to teach Leave No Trace since I want to ensure that if more people are getting outside in nature, we are all minimizing our impact. Nature is a fragile place and we need to learn how to protect it.

General Happier Place category?

My happy place is definitely the mountains, specifically anywhere up above the treeline. Alpine meadows full of wildflowers and marmots are my heaven.

Specific Happier Place locations?

As Dorothy says, “there’s no place like home”. I’ve hiked and camped in mountains all over the world. But my favorite mountains are still the Coast Range near my home in Vancouver.

What do you always bring out into nature with you?

I always bring my camera since I love taking photos… and a rain jacket. I come from a wet climate so I’m always prepared for rain, even if it’s not in the forecast.

Happier Place tips or hacks?

My first tip would be, no matter where you are in nature, slow down. Stop and listen to the soun of the wind or bees buzzing. See if you can smell which plants are around you. Crouch down and study the insects walking along. Lay down and look up at the birds overhead. You see so much more if you slow down.

My second tip is to do some research before you go. The last thing any of us wants to do is hurt nature, the place we love. But if you don’t know the best ways to treat nature, you may end up trampling plants, disturbing wildlife or poisoning a stream with your human waste. Gross! Before you next hike, read more about how to Leave No Trace and why it’s so important.

A dream destination?

I love to spot wildlife, so my dream destination would be a wildlife safari in Africa!

Words of inspiration?

My personal tagline is…

I think it summarizes me well 🙂

Find Taryn Eyton and her outdoor adventures online:

Website: happiestoutdoors.ca
Instagram: happiestoutdoors
Facebook: happiestoutdoors
Twitter: happiestoutdoor

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All photos courtesy of Taryn Eyton.