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Kate O'Neill

Kate O'Neill grew up on Vancouver's North Shore where she still lives and spends her time when she's not outside exploring all that B.C. has to offer.

Kate will be providing the Vancouver Observer with insight into the world of outdoor adventure through her blog, "Outside".

Leaning how to snowboard

My advice to others who want learn: don’t expect too much of yourself. If you aren’t falling then you aren’t trying hard enough. Bring Advil.

Never Too Late to Learn Something New

Once upon a time, I used to go snowboarding each winter with my older sister. As she was both older and my sister, I was under the impression that she was an incredible ninja-snowboarder and I longed

Waiting for Winter: Vancouver's Top Snow Activities

Snow brings a slew of broken trees and branches, unavoidable traffic, and unpleasant piles of former flakes turned disgusting colors of black and brown. However, snow also brings a whole slew of aweso

Sunset Climb up West Vancouver's Lighthouse Park Cliff Satisfies Adrenaline Junkies at All Levels

It was a late Saturday afternoon. The sun was setting, a vibrant orange, and I could hear the waves starting to crash a little harder than an hour earlier. Hanging off a brutal over-hang on the side...

Cleveland Dam: A Hike of Many Bridges

Ever since I adopted my puppy, Yogi,  a couple weeks ago, my favorite activity has been taking her for a hike. There is something purely joyous about watching a puppy become thrilled...

Whatever Became of Andrew Feldmar?

This is the story of how an article traveled from The Vancouver Observer website around the world.   “Acid Free America?” by Linda Solomon was published on April 22, 2007 on...

Deep Cove(r) Kayaking

Where will you see a big deck with a man wearing a skirt rolling around? This might sound absurd, so I’ll give you a little more context. This man was in Deep Cove (North Vancouver) and his deck was...

Rainbow Lake: The Trail Less Traveled

Instructions: Head north out of Vancouver on the 99 heading towards Whistler. Just past Function Junction, take a left on Alta Lake Road. After about 7 km keep an eye out for the Rainbow Lake Trail...

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

I’m almost 20 meters up on a gneiss crag and my right arm is getting a little pumped; I’m out of shape. “There’s a bomber jug up to your left,” my belayer shouts. With my left hand awkwardly by my...

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

I’m almost 20 meters up on a gneiss crag and my right arm is getting a little pumped; I’m out of shape. “There’s a bomber jug up to your left,” my belayer shouts. With my left hand awkwardly by my...