About Explore the Map

Hi, I’m Sam! I used to be stuck in the whole 8-4 routine at a corporate job… and let’s just say, it wasn’t exactly my happy place. For years I played it safe; commuting, answering endless emails, counting down to Friday like it was a holiday.

The outdoors became my escape. Getting outside, exploring local trails, and chasing little hidden gems made me feel alive in a way that desk life never could.

Late at night, I’d find myself researching cool spots, writing about them, and secretly dreaming of turning all that passion into something of my own.

Then one day, I stopped treating my dream like a side project.

Eventually, I left my 8-4 and started pouring my energy into this blog and started a website business. This blog isn’t my full-time gig (yet!), but it’s where my heart is and I love everything about it.

Now I spend my days exploring cool places and sharing them with you. Whether you’re here for a quick weeknight trail or inspiration for your next trip, I hope Explore the Map makes you want to slow down, see the beauty in the world, and enjoy life.

I believe adventure should feel accessible. I’m all about sharing fun, approachable ways to slow down and enjoy where you are.

find an adventure New? Start here!

My Favourite Adventures

More Favourites

Get to Know Me

go-to coffee order

iced latte

Couldn’t live without

my water bottle

All Time Favourite meal

all pasta

I’d rather be

paddleboarding

My Favourite Memory

stargazing at arches

Take my money

artisan sourdough

You can always find me

outside

On Repeat

friends

FAQ

Starting a travel blog is easier than you might think! The biggest step is just getting started.

I recommend setting up a self-hosted WordPress site so you have full control over your content. I use WP Engine for hosting; it’s reliable, super fast, and their support team has saved me more than once. For the design side, I love the Kadence theme.

My biggest advice is don’t wait until everything feels perfect. Start simple, hit publish, and grow with your blog.

Nope! I’m based in Kelowna, BC and Explore the Map grew out of my love for exploring close to home.

I take trips when I can, but most of what I share is local or regional like hikes, wineries, hidden gems, and adventures that are easy to plan without quitting your day job.

I think that makes the blog more relatable, since you don’t need to travel full time to have amazing experiences.

Yep! Explore the Map does bring in income, though it’s not my main gig (yet). I earn through a mix of ads, affiliate links, working with tourism boards, and the occasional partnership with brands I genuinely love.

Most of my income still comes from my web design and development business, but Explore the Map is where my heart is. The goal is to keep growing it so I can spend even more time creating guides and inspiring your adventures.

Thanks for asking! My photos are copyright protected, so you can’t use them for commercial purposes without permission.

If you’re a business and want to use my photos for marketing, please reach out; I license images and also create custom content.

Yes, but I’m selective. I only partner with brands, tourism boards, and businesses that feel like a natural fit for Explore the Map. If it’s something I’d genuinely use, recommend, or get excited about sharing with my audience, then I’m all in.

If you’re a business looking to collaborate, you can head over to my Work With Me page to learn more.

Most of the time, yes! Jacob’s usually my adventure buddy and he’s in a lot of the behind-the-scenes moments (and sometimes the photos, too). But I also head out with friends or on my own now and then. Explore the Map is a mix of all those experiences.

I started Explore the Map back in 2016, though it’s been on and off over the years. Life has always taken the front seat and I’ve never been able to give the blog my full attention.

Honestly, I’m probably the slowest blogger of all time (definitely not one of those who “makes it” in a year or two). Even so, it’s always been my passion project and now I’m excited to finally be pouring more energy into it.

No, Explore the Map is written from my own adventures and experiences, so I don’t publish guest posts. I want everything you read here to be something I’ve actually done and can personally recommend.

I only write about places I’ve actually been and experiences I’ve personally had. Explore the Map started as my way of keeping track of hikes, hidden gems, and cool adventures I didn’t want to forget, and it’s grown from there.

If something makes me stop and think, wow, people would love this, then it usually ends up on the blog.

Shop My Favourites

Shop my curated collection of gear and tools that I use and love on my own adventures.

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