Here at Iksplor, the heart of our mission is empowerment—equipping you with confidence to go adventuring in whatever stage of life you are in. Brooke Willson, one of our Iksplor ambassadors, embodies this message with her whole soul. In a recent Instagram post she said “Continuing to post until all of those who are on the fence about having babies cause your ‘adventures’ may stop, find me. Trust me, the adventures only get better.” 

So, we reached out to Brooke and asked her questions to capture her love for adventure and how she has embraced the changing seasons of life and the impact it can have on those adventures.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what adventure looks like in your life?

I was born and raised in Red Deer, Alberta, one of four sisters. All of us are pretty different, me being the “outdoorsy/travel” one, which I found a love for on my own time. We did camp every summer as a family at RV parks, spending time boating and at lakes, though my sense of adventure and love for the outdoors continued far past that.

I started getting out to the mountains more so when I graduated high school—biking, hiking, camping, backpacking, paddling, the list goes on. If I was outside I was happy. My greatest love is running, and that all started my first year of college, back in 2008, and has been my biggest passion. Around five years ago, I combined that with the mountains and started more ultra distance running.

I have always loved to camp. We were always tenting, though this past summer we bought a trailer and have done many trips in the last six months: Kananaskis, Drumheller, Mabel Lake, Pigeon Lake, Nordegg, and more.

We love being outside at home, in town, biking on trails and exploring our local parks.

 

What types of adventures have always filled your cup, before becoming a parent?

I have always loved hiking, backpacking, long days spent on the trail, trail running, and paddleboarding. I also love traveling abroad. I have been to 28 countries and have hosted seven international trips and two local trips here in the Canadian Rockies. I love connecting with people off social media in person and adventuring together. I currently don’t have another trip planned but do hope to launch something soon. Just need to decide where to go.

How has becoming a mom changed the way you approach adventure?

I have always been one to seek “BIG” days on the trail. How much elevation can we do today/ How many kms do you think we can get in? How many trails can I do in a summer, etc. I loved going hard and the endorphins that came with it. I always worried that by having kids these “big” days would end, and a kid may slow me down. I wasn’t sure when the time would be right to even have kids (even though I knew I always wanted them).

Though I haven’t stopped adventuring since our baby girl came along over a year ago, it just looks a bit different. The hikes are shorter. The backcountry trips are only a few kms in. I haven’t gotten out on as many long trail days, though the adventures are more rewarding. It’s all about being flexible and knowing things will indeed look a bit different. It takes more planning, packing time, and flexibility on car rides (with stops to get to where we’re going), but it is all possible.

We also bought a trailer. Before we were doing strictly tent camping (or sleeping in my car). Having a trailer makes it a bit easier to get out for sure—a warm place to be on cooler days, and has AC for the hotter ones. We always said that once we had a child we would start camping in an RV opposed to just tenting. I still plan to tent camp with her, it’s just less frequent than before. It’s perfect for our little family.

What have been some of the most rewarding parts of bringing your baby along for the ride?

Getting to the top of a mountain with her on my back, or the end of the trail feels more rewarding than without her in the past. The way her eyes light up when she sees certain things, and experiencing life in general through her lens. I notice things I wouldn’t have before. Slowing down. Picking up pinecones. Touching the moss on the trees. “Ooooing” and pointing at waterfalls. Saying hello to chipmunks and squirrels. Playing in puddles. Throwing rocks in the river. It’s all so exciting for her and it allows me to take a step back and appreciate the smaller moments again.

Have you had to let go of any expectations, or redefine what “adventure” means?

In a sense, yes. Of course adventure is different. I can’t just pack up and go any day of the week. It does indeed take more planning, packing, mindfulness, and time in general when going anywhere. Timing things around her naps. Making sure she has appropriate attire for the adventure and the weather. Packing for her meals. She only started walking about two weeks ago, so all summer it was myself or my husband carrying or following her around on adventures, whether in the mountains, on trails, at camp, at the lake, etc. Putting things in her mouth. Next summer she will be walking so it may make things a bit easier in a sense (though harder in other ways). Hiking and backpacking with her is hard work. We have had meltdowns on the trail from her being overtired, hungry, cold, or not wanting to be in the carrier.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows but it’s so very rewarding. Before, I was only worrying about myself, so it is different now, but the adventure is so much better.

 

How do you prepare differently for outings now with your little one?

Like mentioned above, it just takes more planning. Seeking out baby friendly trails that are okay in length and elevation. Driving time from home, and timing naps along the way. I always try to make sure she has time to get her wiggles out before I put her in the car for the drive. We live 2.5 hours away from the mountains so that is a lot of time for her now.

Making sure she has all her different layers and enough snacks for the day, weather appropriate clothing and accessories, sunhats, sunscreen, etc. The car is always packed to the brim it feels like, but I feel like I’ve got it pretty dialed. My front seat is filled with toys, books, and snacks that I am constantly handing back to her to keep her occupied on our longer driving days.

 

What’s one memory from being outdoors with your baby so far?

Our first couple backpacking trips together. It is so much work but SO incredibly rewarding. The little smile and google she gave me when she rolled over in the morning, after a night together cuddled up in the tent.

The way she “Oooo’s” at the waterfall and river when she saw them, truly was the best. Her love of the outdoors is so special.

What would you say to new parents who feel like their adventurous lifestyle has to pause?

It’s 100% doable, it just takes more planning and flexibility. Slowing down and enjoying the smaller moments. The adventure may be “smaller” but the memories are so big.

Brooke’s story is a beautiful reminder that adventure doesn’t end when life changes. It simply evolves. Whether it’s summiting a mountain with a baby on your back or discovering the wonder of pinecones through little eyes, the spirit of adventure only grows richer. At Iksplor, we believe every season of life brings new ways to explore, connect, and be inspired by the outdoors. The gear may change, the pace may slow, but the joy of adventure? It only gets better.

 

Where you can find Brooke and follow her adventures: @brookewillson