Hi, I’m Nic!
I am a mountain adventurer, traveller, dreamer, and storyteller based in the Canadian Rockies. And I am here to inspire you to go outside.
Also aptly known as Nomad Nic, I have both lived and travelled around the world and I am thrilled to share my passion for adventure with you. My love of the outdoors began in early childhood and has since grown into a lifelong passion. I also now possess a seemingly endless desire to climb mountains. I gravitate towards travels that involve exploring mountains, new experiences, pushing my limits, and undiluted adventure. Whether I am travelling within Canada or around the world, you can find me camping, trail running, hiking, rock and ice climbing, snowboarding, and mountaineering. By profession I am a critical care nurse, and by passion I am an explorer of the great outdoors. My journey is one of balancing the intensity of a demanding healthcare career with the exhilarating freedom found in nature.
I was born in the Canadian Arctic and moved to the Pacific Northwest at a young age. I feel very fortunate to have grown up surrounded by ocean and mountains, with endless adventure awaiting me. I also grew up reading adventure novels and Nat Geo magazines, dreaming of all the places I would go and wild adventures I would have. So, during my senior year of high school I worked part-time and saved my earnings for my first backpacking trip abroad. I then took a gap year prior to university to “cure my travel bug.” Spoiler alert – there is no antidote for such an ailment and the experiences I had on this trip have led to a life full of travel and adventure.
From an early age, the mountains have called to me. The beauty and vastness found in peaks and valleys, and the unparalleled sense of awe that comes with standing atop a summit continue to motivate my alpine aspirations. Whether I’m navigating a challenging trail run, trekking through dense forests, or climbing a mountain, I find peace and purpose in nature’s embrace. Each adventure is a story of pushing boundaries, both physical and mental.
My latest endeavour is to conquer some of the world’s high peaks as a mountaineer. In 2022, I took an ‘Intro to Mountaineering’ course in the Canadian Rockies that has changed my life. I have since successfully climbed several peaks in North America, and am currently training for my biggest mental and physical feat yet – a 23 day long high-altitude climbing expedition in Nepal. High-altitude mountaineering is a test of endurance, skill, strength, and willpower. The preparation is rigorous, involving physical training, mental fortitude, personal sacrifices, and meticulous planning. Yet, the rewards are immense. The sense of accomplishment, personal growth, and the deep connection with nature are a few of the many reasons I have irrevocably fallen in love with this sport. Climbing mountains is a testament to unwavering dedication and relentless discipline, and the journey and growth that come with each climb are what drive my motivation to dream bigger.
Traveling is another passion that complements my love of adventure. Exploring new cultures and landscapes, and meeting people from different walks of life enriches my perspective and fuels my desire to keep moving. After all, every new place I explore offers unique experiences, mountains to climb, and stories to share. I have travelled to nearly 50 countries so far, and am counting down the days until I get to experience Nepal.
One of my greatest joys is inspiring others to leave their comfort zones, try something new, and embrace the outdoors. I believe that nature has a unique way of healing and empowering us. The challenges we face in the mountains teach us resilience, patience, and a profound appreciation for the world around us. Through my adventures, I hope to show that anyone, regardless of their background or experience level, can find joy and fulfillment in the great outdoors.
I invite you to join me on this journey of exploration and growth. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or someone new to the world of outdoor activities, there’s a place for you in this community. Let’s share our stories, support each other, and celebrate every step we take outside our comfort zones and towards achieving our goals.
Happy trails, friends!
Nomad Nic ⛰︎
