Road trips are an essential part of summer and an inexpensive way to take a vacation. If you live in Toronto or the GTA consider a day trip down to the Southern Georgian Bay area this summer. Whether you hike, bike or drive, there are plenty of routes, sites and activities to find in this geologically diverse corner of Ontario.

To inspire your next getaway, we asked Beverley Smith, the illustrator of the new book Backroads of Southern Georgian Bay about her favourite day trip, picnic lunch spots and places to explore in the Southern Georgian Bay area.

Winter may nearly be over, but there's still time for one last winter camping trip!

Never tried winter camping? Everything you need to know can be found in Kevin Callan's latest book Complete Guide to Winter Camping.

Already a seasoned pro? Callan also has plenty of insights into buying — or borrowing — the best camping gear, keeping safe on the ice, and even choosing your camping buddies wisely.

Check out the infographic below for some of Callan's must-have items for any winter camping trip. 

Canada is the world’s second largest country and is a natural wonderland, home to epic mountain ranges, stunning lakes and rivers, rugged coastline, and plenty of great hiking routes.

For Take a Hike Day, we’ve made a list of five of our favourite hiking spots in Canada, each of which features in one of our travel books.

1. The Rocky Mountains, Alberta and British Columbia