In a world that often associates adventure with youth, older Canadians are rewriting the narrative — one hiking trail, kayak trip, and plane ticket at a time.
Take inspiration from Angela Voroby, an 89-year-old from the U.K. who became the oldest person to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Her story reminds us that adventure isn’t reserved for the young — it’s a state of mind. And here in Canada, many seniors are proving that age is no barrier to bold new experiences.
Canadians Are Exploring More Than Ever
According to ParticipACTION’s 2023 Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults, older Canadians are increasingly engaging in outdoor recreation. Activities like hiking, cycling, paddling, and even snowshoeing are gaining popularity among those aged 60 and older — and the benefits are significant.
“Outdoor activity improves physical health, lowers stress, and builds social connection — all vital to aging well,” the report notes. ParticipACTION encourages older adults to embrace movement in nature as a powerful way to stay mentally and physically vibrant.
The Health Benefits of Adventure
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) recommends that adults aged 65+ engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity each week. Beyond fitness, adventure and novelty stimulate the brain and improve mental health. Trying something new — whether it’s exploring a local nature trail or learning how to paddle a canoe — keeps us curious, connected, and confident.
A 2022 survey by the Environics Institute found that 68% of Canadians over 60 planned to travel or take on a new hobby in the next five years, with a strong interest in nature-based experiences. These aren’t just bucket list items — they’re wellness strategies rooted in curiosity, freedom, and fun.
Canadian Trailblazers Redefining Aging
Across the country, seniors are making headlines with their adventurous spirits. In British Columbia, Evelyn Kirkaldy, an artist and educator in her 70s, leads wilderness painting retreats that combine hiking and creativity. In Quebec, Yves Durocher took up paragliding at 78. “You don’t stop dreaming because you get older,” he told Radio-Canada. “You stop dreaming when you stop trying.”
Programs like Parks Canada’s Learn to Camp, Seniors in Motion, and local community centre hiking groups make outdoor adventure more accessible to older adults — with many offering beginner-friendly options and accessible trails.
Adventure Can Be Whatever You Want It to Be
Adventure doesn’t have to mean climbing the tallest peak. For some, it’s a guided kayak tour on Lake Ontario. For others, it’s joining a hiking club or taking a solo trip for the first time. It might even be volunteering abroad or trying a new sport.
The key is to say “yes” — to new experiences, new friendships, and the belief that it’s never too late to try something for the first time.
What’s On Your “Someday” List?
If there’s one thing older Canadians are proving, it’s that aging can be a beginning — not an end. Whether you’re 65 or 95, your next great adventure could be just around the corner.
So, what dream will you chase next?