About Explore the Map

Hi, I’m Sam. I’m the writer, photographer, and all-around hat-wearer behind Explore the Map. I love scouting out awesome trails and outdoor adventures. Having grown up in the Okanagan, I’ve learned a thing or two about the area.

I absolutely love sharing adventures and empowering you to get out and explore. Whether you’re brand new to outdoors or have been exploring your entire life, you’re welcome here.

When I first started exploring, I would spend hours and hours tracking down info, trying to find details and photos for hikes and road trips. I’m a little OCD with planning, so I wanted to know absolutely everything about what I was getting into before I got there. But none of the sites had enough detail for me (especially in the Okanagan). Planning took forever.

So now, I share all the details I’d want for a hike or road trip so you can get outside faster and easier! Say goodbye to hours in front of the computer and say hello to fresh air, dirty boots, and views you never knew existed.

A Little About Me…

Like a lot of people, I thought my path was set: college and corporate job, then house, husband, and kids. You know the story.

For a long time I thought that’s what I wanted, so I dove right into it. Within two years of highschool, I was right on track with a good job, condo, and boyfriend (now husband). But by then, I knew something was missing. I couldn’t sit in an office all day making someone else’s dream a reality.

So I didn’t. I started Explore the Map as a creative outlet with a vague idea of a different life. I had no idea where it would lead, but I love where it’s brought me. It’s been a slow journey (I stayed at my first job for 6 years, after all), but I learned a lot along the way.

I’m now fully self-employed as a web designer (although my ultimate goal is to transition to travel blogger), no longer living for the weekends and two-weeks of vacation. It’s been a wild ride and I couldn’t do it without you. I can’t even begin to thank you enough for your support. It means the world to me.