Looking back upon 2022

In my latest blog post, I listed the stories that you have read the most this year. But I also wanted to look back upon my favourite hikes in 2022.

This year, I found this blog post particularly difficult to write! I have done many hikes that took my breath away, surprised me or challenged me, so choosing my favourites among all of them was not easy!

2022 was far from perfect, but I feel privileged to have been able to enjoy all these beautiful moments in nature, close to home or abroad, alone or with my loved ones. So here are my favourites from the past year!

The most memorable hike – Ampersand Mountain in the Adirondacks

Last fall I went hiking for the first time in the Adirondack Mountains, in upstate New York, and I took the opportunity to summit all six mountains of the Saranac Lake 6er Challenge. These hikes challenged me, but Ampersand Mountain stood out in particular. It was a technical and difficult hike, more than what I’m used to, but the view at the top blew me away!

My favourite local hike – Montagne d’Argent in the Laurentians

I enjoyed all my hikes in the Laurentians this year, but I fell in love with the Montagne d’Argent in La Conception. I’m not used to more technical trails, and for this one I had to use ropes and ladders to get to the top of the mountain. And I ended up having a lot of fun, even if I was a bit scared at times!

My favourite hike abroad– The loop around the lakes of Kongens Lyngby in Denmark

I was so happy to finally be back in Denmark after a two-year break! I took the opportunity to do a few hikes there, including this one, a 14-kilometre loop around the Lyngby and Bagsværd lakes, north of Copenhagen. This trail took me past some pretty protected natural spots, but also an art gallery, the ruins of a castle, and a rowing training center!

The unexpectedly pretty hike – Scarface Mountain in the Adirondacks

Scarface Mountain is the last peak I summited for the Saranac Lake 6er Challenge. It is the least popular hike in the challenge, so I didn’t have high expectations for it. Maybe that’s why I ended up really enjoying this hike. Unlike the other hikes of the challenge, the views at the top were scarce, but the trail itself was very beautiful and peaceful.

The must-do hike I have finally done – Mount Royal in Montreal

In fact, I had already been to the top of Mount Royal several years ago, but I had never really hiked the trails on the small mountain, located in the middle of Montreal. I’m glad I finally did. It was a reminder that even in the city it is possible to enjoy nature!

The place I’m hoping to go back to – Sept-Îles in Quebec

I lost a loved one last summer, so I had to spend some time in Sept-Îles, on Quebec’s North Shore, for personal reasons. It was the first time I had been back there in almost eight years, and I hadn’t realized how much I had missed this beautiful northern area. A short hike along Rivière des Rapides reminded me of why I fell in love with this region many years ago. I’m already looking forward to going back.

For 2023, I wish you all lots of beautiful sceneries, unforgettable adventures and peaceful moments with your loved ones! Happy new year!