Girl Gone Good

Girl Gone Good GirlGoneGood© is a community focused on wellness and wilderness. GirlGoneGood© is focused on our connection to self, others, and nature.

It provides insights and resources for trails in Ottawa and beyond, such as a trail finder map, trail reports, packing lists, challenges, resources for kids, + trail recommendations. Our mission is to promote the prioritization of wellness while exploring nature for all persons, through safe and responsible recreation.

Let’s hike! If you watched my last interview with CTVYourMorningOttawa, then you’d know that I’m a fan of Baxter Conserv...
06/13/2026

Let’s hike! If you watched my last interview with CTVYourMorningOttawa, then you’d know that I’m a fan of Baxter Conservation Area and the work Rideau Valley Conservation is doing there.

I went out for their community day today, a celebration of their 60th anniversary. 🥳

Baxter Conservation Area in a nutshell:

• 7 trails that cover 5kms
• new boardwalks through the woods
• gorgeous boardwalk over the marsh
• lookout tower and viewing platforms
• wide flat trails, very accessible
• accessible outhouse
• benches along the trails
• the trails are well marked, easy to navigate
• dogs on leash welcome
• plenty of info boards along the trails
• entrance fee payable online

Aaaaaand there’s a beach. With a mobility mat to access the water!

Honestly, it’s a stunning conservation area that has a lot of heart.

Interested in trails? Grab the latest edition of the ‘Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory’ with over 700 individual trail listed! Available at Amazon.ca, Mill Street Books, SPARK books & curios, World of Maps

A portion of the proceeds from the trail directory are donated to mental health and conservation. We donated over $27,000 since 2020 and I’m trying to reach $33,000 this year!

Like doing hard things, being prepared, personal growth? Grab a copy of my newest book, High Agency Human, available at Amazon.ca, Mill Street Books, SPARK books & curios

🐻 Trail Manager: Rideau Valley Conservation

🗺️ Trail maps and more information: rvca.ca/conservation-areas/baxter

📍 7498 Carter Rd, Kars, ON

We’re at the tail end of lilac season but there are still enough in bloom in Franktown to enjoy this week! Lilac lane sm...
06/03/2026

We’re at the tail end of lilac season but there are still enough in bloom in Franktown to enjoy this week! Lilac lane smells incredible. Then head over to for pizza and baked goods, which is, in my opinion, always a good idea.

📍Franktown, Ontario

Hiked the trails at Shaw Woods Education Centre again today, and had the entire forest to ourselves! We chatter about ho...
05/30/2026

Hiked the trails at Shaw Woods Education Centre again today, and had the entire forest to ourselves!

We chatter about how lookouts are great, but nothing quite beats the soft sounds, earthy seals, and hidden beauty of a forest.

We hiked Old Growth Trail a total of 2kms.

There were a few downed trees across the path from yesterday’s high winds as an added obstacle-course-like bonus.

• the trilliums are still in bloom
• the trails are well marked, easy to navigate
• roots and rocks in different sections
• a beautiful wood bench near the 1/2 half mark
• dogs on leash welcome
• plenty of info boards along the trails

Interested in trails? Grab the latest edition of the ‘Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory’ with over 700 individual trail listed! Available at Amazon.ca, , ,

A portion of the proceeds from the trail directory are donated to mental health and conservation. We donated over $27,000 since 2020 and I’m trying to reach $33,000 this year!

Like doing hard things, being prepared, personal growth? Grab a copy of my newest book, High Agency Human, available at Amazon.ca, ,

🐻 Trail Manager:

🗺️ Trail maps and more information: shawwoods.ca

📍 2065 Bulger Road, North Algona Wilberforce Township

Some fun things about .inn: • a stay at .inn Calabogie is always include in our annual hiking contest • there’s two a...
05/30/2026

Some fun things about .inn:

• a stay at .inn Calabogie is always include in our annual hiking contest
• there’s two ads for .inn in the Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory
• they’ve hosted me at both their Calabogie and Collingwood locations, and I’ve stayed on my own as well
• I’ve written good chunks of my books, High Agency Human and the Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory in those rooms
• they make a great home base for hiking and sunset views

Besides the aesthetic, comfort, and overall good vibes, it’s the staff that have become friends that I appreciate most.

They’re just darn good humans.

Happiness IS somewhere.

What’s your favourite thing about .inn?

The 2026 goal is to reach over $30,000.Since 2020, I’ve been able to donate just over $27,000 to mental health and conse...
05/22/2026

The 2026 goal is to reach over $30,000.

Since 2020, I’ve been able to donate just over $27,000 to mental health and conservation charities. Primarily to and Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust

$40/month is donated to .

I’ve also donated to , , and .

How? Through the sales of the Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory. Newly updated as a 5th edition with more trails and hiking tips than you need to have an incredible year outdoors.

It’s you that makes these donations and actual positive community impact possible!

You can grab your copy, or a copy for friends, here:
in Almonte
in Perth
Perth Museum and Tourism
in Ottawa
or online at Amazon.ca

There is also Best Hikes: Ottawa-Gatineau with 50 trails, including trail maps, available at:




➡️ Grab your copy today, and if you already have one, kindly consider leaving a review!

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.ca/Southeastern-Ontario-Trail-Directory-Comprehensive/dp/B0GL7KG1MX/

Aye ooooohh, did you catch me on this morning chatting about summer hiking tips and trails with ? One of the areas feat...
05/21/2026

Aye ooooohh, did you catch me on this morning chatting about summer hiking tips and trails with ?

One of the areas featured was the Southern Farm and Pinhey Forest sector of our Greenbelt in Ottawa.

Did you know that we have FOUR DUNES in Ottawa?! Dune 1 is off of Vaan Rd, and Dunes 2,3,4 are off of Slack Rd. Parking is at P15.

• trails are clearly marked in true NCC fashion
• info boards located at trailheads and trail intersections
• outhouse or portapotty at trailheads
• the butterflies are starting to populate the area :)
• home to hundreds of species at risk
• volunteers actively work on the area to w**d out evasive species and plant native ones
• dogs on leash welcome, do not let off leash

I cannot stress the importance of not allowing dogs off-leash in ecologically sensitive areas enough. Dogs are our best friends but we should also respect ongoing conservation efforts and be good stewards on the land by keeping them on leash, and on trail, when requested.

Read more on hiking with dogs, and find off leash dog parks, here: girlgonegood.com/blog/guide-hiking-dogs-ottawa

Another reason to stay on trail… poison ivy 👀🌱

The diversity in trails, the flora and fauna, that we have both within, and near our nation’s capital, never ceases to amaze me.

Where are you hiking next?

Interested in trails? Grab the latest edition of the ‘Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory’ with over 700 individual trails listed! Available at Amazon.ca, , ,

Like doing hard things, being prepared, personal growth? Grab a copy of my newest book, High Agency Human, available at Amazon.ca, ,

🐻 Trail Manager:

🗺️ Trail maps and more information: ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/southern-farm-and-pinhey-forest

📍 P15 on Slack Rd and behind the Nepean Sportsplex in Ottawa

Is it brave or foolish to hike in white sneakers in the spring?!An impromptu hike at Shaw Woods Education Centre meant t...
05/18/2026

Is it brave or foolish to hike in white sneakers in the spring?!

An impromptu hike at Shaw Woods Education Centre meant that I borrowed socks and hiked with the shoes I had on hand.

Because really, how could I pass on getting outside on a gorgeous day, with my bestie, and Arlo the adventure cat?!

We hiked Johnny’s Lookout Trail and Snake River Trail for a total of 3kms.

• the trilliums are starting to bloom!
• the trails are well marked, easy to navigate
• roots and rocks in different sections
• beautifully platform to rest at lookout
• boardwalk along the river
• dogs on leash welcome
• plenty of info boards along the trails

Somehow my shoes stayed mostly white, ha ha, and there are more trails on the south side but that’ll wait for another day, and when I have all my gear.

Interested in trails? Grab the latest edition of the ‘Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory’ with over 700 individual trail listed! Available at Amazon.ca, , ,

Like doing hard things, being prepared, personal growth? Grab a copy of my newest book, High Agency Human, available at Amazon.ca, ,

🐻 Trail Manager:

🗺️ Trail maps and more information: shawwoods.ca

📍 2065 Bulger Road, North Algona Wilberforce Township

Before the long weekend rushed in, I headed out on an adventure with my friend to hike Oiseau Rock. This 9+ km trail (d...
05/17/2026

Before the long weekend rushed in, I headed out on an adventure with my friend to hike Oiseau Rock.

This 9+ km trail (depending on where you park and what side trails you take) gives you 4 gorgeous vista views over the Ottawa River, a pond to jump into, and a darn good workout with the elevation dips/gains.

• 12$ hours per car for access (must register for safety)
• access road steep/rocky, cars not recommended
• open from May 1 to October 31
• takes 3-4hrs to complete minimum
• hiking boots recommended roots/rocks/elevation/dips
• no cell reception on trail, prepare accordingly

It’s been a few years since I hiked this trail, she humbled me, but it was well worth it. Next time however, I’ll arrive earlier, in better form, and hike to the last lookout which we ran out of time (and I ran out of steam) to do.

Interested in trails? Grab the latest edition of the ‘Southeastern Ontario Trail Directory’ with over 700 individual trail listed! Available at Amazon.ca, , ,

Like doing hard things, being prepared, personal growth? Grab a copy of my newest book, High Agency Human, available at Amazon.ca, ,

🐻 MRC Pontiac / ZEC Saint-Patrice

🗺️ Trail maps and more information: baliseqc.ca/3S/explorer/outaouais/sentier-du-rocher-a-loiseau-LR0917?

📍 charming Schyan, Sheenboro, Quebec J0X 2Z0

Let’s check out the Mississippi Riversidewalk Trail in Carleton Place! Last Friday, Patrick from the Ottawa Ruck Club jo...
05/12/2026

Let’s check out the Mississippi Riversidewalk Trail in Carleton Place!

Last Friday, Patrick from the Ottawa Ruck Club joined me for a 3 mile hike along the river. He rucked with 30lbs, and I didn’t, lol, being the lazy one I sometimes am, but it is a nice route to ruck for sure.

My recommendation is to start at Foundry, then walk an out and back on the trail.

🐻 Carleton Place

📍Trail Manager and Info: visit.carletonplace.ca/trails

🗺️ Princess Street, Carleton Place, ON

➡️ Find hiking resources, packing lists, and recommendations at girlgonegood.com

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In The Wilderness
Almonte, ON
K0A1K0

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