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A Tryst With Adventure - Inspiring Stories Of Outdoor Enthusiasts

Dikshita Nahar Darpan, 20 Jul, 2022
  • A Tryst With Adventure - Inspiring Stories Of Outdoor Enthusiasts

Outdoors is a great place to be. When one ventures outdoors, they not only enjoy the stunning views but also get a slice of nature’s healing touch. It makes you feel alive and appreciate life a little better. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world that comes alive when the sun is out, giving us a lot of time to explore the wilderness and outdoors. Valleys, rivers, mountains, forests, lakes, the ocean, you name it, we have it here in British Columbia.

Vancouver is a coastal city surrounded by the English Bay, Burrard Inlet to the north and the Fraser River in the south. ​It is truly one of the most scenic places in the world that has something for everyone to enjoy, be it summers or winters. If you are someone who loves the outdoors and adventure, then you are in for a treat. British Columbia is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Hikers, skiers, mountain climbers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds travel to Vancouver and other parts of British Columbia to immerse themselves in the marvels and beauty that this place has to offer.

You could start your day with a hike or even a bike ride or a run, then go for a swim in the ocean, climb some mountains and enjoy sunsets at some of the most stunning viewpoints here in Vancouver. You’d never find this city dull or boring, be it summers when we get to enjoy the sun or even winters where one can ski on the glorious snow-capped mountains. Go solo or with friends and family for a great bonding time and explore the glorious outdoors and scenic views that this beautiful city and province has to offer.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown that forced everyone to stay indoors, the importance of physical and mental wellness has drastically improved. People started venturing outdoors and exploring the areas close to them. Few took up cycling, walking, hiking and other outdoor activities to get some sun, and fresh air and also keep themselves fit as gyms were closed. Now, you can see more and more people venturing out and taking a keen interest in the world of outdoor sports. It not just keeps your body fit and healthy but also refreshes your mind, leading to a healthy mental state too.

The South Asian community constitutes a major part of the population in Vancouver with notable contributions in every field, including outdoor sports and activities. Be it hiking, biking, skiing or even mountain climbing, South Asians in British Columbia have not just explored them as a hobby but turned them into their passion.

Meet these 5 incredible South Asian outdoor enthusiasts who are inspiring and paving way for others to create their own mark in this space as well as showing us what nature has to offer. 

Outdoors is a great place to be. When one ventures outdoors, they not only enjoy the stunning views but also get a slice of nature’s healing touch. It makes you feel alive and appreciate life a little better. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world that comes alive when the sun is out, giving us a lot of time to explore the wilderness and outdoors. Valleys, rivers, mountains, forests, lakes, the ocean, you name it, we have it here in British Columbia.

Vancouver is a coastal city surrounded by the English Bay, Burrard Inlet to the north and the Fraser River in the south. ​It is truly one of the most scenic places in the world that has something for everyone to enjoy, be it summers or winters. If you are someone who loves the outdoors and adventure, then you are in for a treat. British Columbia is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Hikers, skiers, mountain climbers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds travel to Vancouver and other parts of British Columbia to immerse themselves in the marvels and beauty that this place has to offer.

You could start your day with a hike or even a bike ride or a run, then go for a swim in the ocean, climb some mountains and enjoy sunsets at some of the most stunning viewpoints here in Vancouver. You’d never find this city dull or boring, be it summers when we get to enjoy the sun or even winters where one can ski on the glorious snow-capped mountains. Go solo or with friends and family for a great bonding time and explore the glorious outdoors and scenic views that this beautiful city and province has to offer.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown that forced everyone to stay indoors, the importance of physical and mental wellness has drastically improved. People started venturing outdoors and exploring the areas close to them. Few took up cycling, walking, hiking and other outdoor activities to get some sun, and fresh air and also keep themselves fit as gyms were closed. Now, you can see more and more people venturing out and taking a keen interest in the world of outdoor sports. It not just keeps your body fit and healthy but also refreshes your mind, leading to a healthy mental state too.

The South Asian community constitutes a major part of the population in Vancouver with notable contributions in every field, including outdoor sports and activities. Be it hiking, biking, skiing or even mountain climbing, South Asians in British Columbia have not just explored them as a hobby but turned them into their passion.

Meet these 5 incredible South Asian outdoor enthusiasts who are inspiring and paving way for others to create their own mark in this space as well as showing us what nature has to offer. 

    -> CLICK LINK BELOW TO READ THEIR INSPIRING STORIES <--

Meet Ajinder Mangat

Till date, he has done almost every hike there is in British Columbia and even enjoys road trips across the country as well as the US to explore different hiking spots.The hike to Berg Lake, which is a 21-kilometre hike, is the most memorable hike I've done to date. The view was to die for and it stays fresh in my memory even today. He has also added Angel's Landing (Utah), which is one of the most dangerous hikes in the world to his kitty.  .... CLICK TO READ HIS STORY

Meet Indra Hayre

At the age of 22, she turned around this hobby into her passion. With a vision to carve her own path, she followed her love for the outdoors and started skiing again. While skiing, she soon realised that it is predominantly a white sport and an expensive one tthat lacks inclusion. She started Inclu-SKI-vity to drive the conversation forward and make the world of snow sports more inclusive and accessible to everyone.  .... CLICK TO READ HER STORY

Meet Gian Singh Kothli

He has climbed the Grouse Grind trail nearly 210 times till date which is a remarkable achievement for any age. He has done almost all hikes around Vancouver and enjoys spending time outdoors - exploring and inspiring people. He has also hiked Dam Mountain and Thunderbird Ridge to name a few. He was featured on Global TV News for his infectious energy and amazing athletic power of acing the Ground Grind on a weekly basis. .... CLICK TO READ HIS STORY

Meet JoJo Das

Born in Kolkata India, he has lived across India, Canada, Indonesia, the United States of America, and Saudi Arabia, all before the age of 11. Until having moved to Vancouver in 2013 for his bachelor’s degree at UBC, he never considered himself to be an outdoor enthusiast. He developed a strong love and passion for rock climbing during his visits to Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh First Nations. What started as just an interest has now turned into his passion. .... CLICK TO READ HIS STORY

Meet Surinder Sahdra

A transit supervisor who has been working with Translink for the last 22 years is someone who believes in enjoying the outdoors with a cause. Be it hiking, road biking, bike touring, overnight backpacking, or multi-day hiking, he enjoys everything outdoors. However, biking has a special place in his heart. He was never really an outdoor enthusiast but in 2006 he was inspired by his colleague who had hiked the Grand Canyon and thus his hiking journey began. Ever since 2006, he has hiked all the local mountains in British Columbia and also covered over six among the top 10 hikes in North America. .... CLICK TO READ HIS STORY

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Meet Surinder Sahdra

Meet Surinder Sahdra

His love for biking started when he started volunteering for the fundraising events for the Canadian Cancer Society called Ride To Survive in 2008. Ever since then, he has been volunteering with them for the past 10 years and also participated twice in the ride. He has been a crew member for the Ride To Survive where about 150-200 riders cycle through Kelowna to Delta in one day.

Meet JoJo Das

Meet JoJo Das

Until having moved to Vancouver in 2013 for his bachelor’s degree at UBC, he never considered himself to be an outdoor enthusiast. He developed a strong love and passion for rock climbing during his visits to Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh First Nations. What started as just an interest has now turned into his passion.

Meet Gian Singh Kothli

Meet Gian Singh Kothli

While walking through Stanley Park, his love for hiking grew deeper and deeper. He is the uncrowned king of Grouse Grind which is one of the most difficult hikes in Vancouver. He also had received an appreciation letter from British Columbia’s Premier John Horgan for his undying spirit and contributions to Punjabi literature, poetry, and having climbed the Grouse Grind over 200 times.

Meet Indra Hayre

Meet Indra Hayre

She advocates for diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life. Indra is an avid skier, runner, hiker and mountain biker. She is also the founder of the Instagram-based community called Inclu-SKI-vity where she elevates the voices of the traditionally marginalized groups in the snow-sport community by sharing their stories through interviews. 

Meet Ajinder Mangat

Meet Ajinder Mangat

Till date, he has done almost every hike there is in British Columbia and even enjoys road trips across the country as well as the US to explore different hiking spots. He has also added Angel's Landing (Utah), which is one of the most dangerous hikes in the world to his kitty.

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Women of Steel: Inspiring Stories of South Asian Female Achievers

These women of steel have shattered the glass ceiling, and are making sure the next generation of women are well-equipped with the tools as well as the power to take charge of their own lives. Meet these incredible 7 South Asian female leaders who are paving the path for the next generation of women to create their own remarkable stories. 

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