New to Off Track Travel? Welcome – we’re so glad you found our website!
If you’re wanting to explore the great outdoors and discover the best destinations beyond the beaten path, you’re in the right place!
Off Track Travel is an adventure travel blog written by Jean Robert and Gemma, a Canadian/British couple currently based in the Okanagan Valley in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
Over the last 10+ years, we have paddled, hiked and driven thousands of kilometres in the backcountry of North America and Europe.
We like road trips, adventure, nature and solitude. Our preferred method of travel is by kayak, foot or backroads (in our DIY converted van).
We spend most of our time off the beaten track, avoiding crowds and appreciating the natural world. Most of all, we love sharing these experiences to inspire and help others to do the same.
Does it sound like we have something in common? If so, I think you’ll find lots to enjoy reading here.
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Nancy
Tuesday 20th of December 2016
Hi Gemma and Jean Robert,
I'm a fellow Canadian (Hi!) on the other side of Canada who found your blog... somewhere. Anyway, just wanted to say how much I love your photos, your story of how you two met and your passion for traveling!
It sure does get my foot itching to try some slow traveling :)
Nancy
Gemma
Tuesday 20th of December 2016
Great to meet you Nancy! Alway love to connect with fellow Canadians. We'll be checking out your blog too!
Adam
Friday 27th of November 2015
Hi Gemma & Jean Robert, I hope all is well. Great info on your posts. Do you have an e-mail address as i have a few questions about a holiday visa that im hoping you can help me with and give me some good advice? Thanks for your time and help, Kind Regards Adam
Gemma
Saturday 28th of November 2015
Hi Adam! My email is [email protected] :)
James Reeves
Wednesday 12th of August 2015
Hi Gemma, I have applied for a holiday visa twice but been refused twice, I am going through an agency to guarantee a visa, but I want to know about the police check, it is dated from the 19/03/15, will this still be valid, thanks for your help, much appreciated.
Thanks James
Gemma
Monday 24th of August 2015
Hi James,
If it's a UK police certificate and you currently live in the UK, it will be fine. CIC updated their police cert requirements from three months to six months a little while ago. As far as I am aware, an agency cannot guarantee you an IEC work permit.
Leslie
Saturday 11th of July 2015
I noticed in one of your trip responses you referred to Main Lake circuit after you description of the Sayward lake circuit. Could you please tell me where that main lake is? Also, we have paddled Sayward Lakes and loved it. One of my favourites and will be taking some family on it this August. Just a little worried about water levels this year in the rivers, but will deal with that as it comes. I also suggest that you try, if you have not already, the Columbia River, starting at Canal Flats and ending in Golden or Donald crossing. We found an outfitter in Golden who transported us. Worked out great. Also the north Thompson from Vavenby to Kamloops is excellent. We love river canoeing and have done a few other as well. We are not expert rapid paddlers, so try to stay in class 2 or less.
Gemma
Saturday 11th of July 2015
Hi Leslie,
Thanks for you the recommendation of the Columbia river and north Thompson! We have not paddled any other rivers besides the Yukon and small ones on canoe circuits. I was referring to the Main Lake Canoe Route, which is on Quadra Island. It's not a circuit but a very pleasant canoe camping experience! I
I did not consider the water levels on the Sayward until now - I hope you have a great time nonetheless.