Meet Jordan. Jordan was born and raised in Kamloops. She is the founder of hikekamloops.ca, a blog that is dedicated to getting people out and exploring the hiking trails around Kamloops.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born and raised in Kamloops! Both my parents grew up here, and all my closest family live in Kamloops too. Our childhood home was actually my father’s home growing up.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favourite persons to spend time would be my dog @Justyna_dog, followed in close second by my boyfriend, Peter. Together, the three of us love to be outside exploring trails, checking out sights, and enjoying the fresh air.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Can I say restaurant? Because Be Teased is my favourite local food spot in Kamloops! If you haven’t tried their Ninja Bowl – do it now! You can thank me later.
Describe yourself in one word.
Enthusiastic.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to a small town in France called Lourdes. When I was in grade 10 at South Kamloops Secondary, I did an exchange with a French family living in Lourdes and had the opportunity to spend 3 months living and learning from them.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Hiking – definitely! Kamloops has so many fantastic local trails to explore!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
One of my most embarrassing moments was shortly after I got my wisdom teeth out. Long story short, I ended up puking on my boyfriend’s hands as he was handing me a bin to get sick into. Luckily, he still loves me!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Last Christmas I decided to sell Hike Kamloops calendars as a way to support the blog financially. I was super nervous and hoped I could sell about 20 calendars. To my astonishment and surprise, I created ONE Facebook post which resulted in over 60 orders! It was absolutely overwhelming. I had no idea that so many people cared enough about my blog to want to buy their friends and family a 2018 Hike Kamloops calendar. It definitely inspired me to keep blogging and sharing all our wonderful trails! Keep your eyes open for a 2019 Hike Kamloops Calendar!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
On the weekends as a kid, my dad was always working on various projects around the house and he’d often have to take trips out to the landfill. Occasionally, he’d ask either my sister or I if we wanted to join him for the drive. On the rare occasion we would even get to stop at a gas station first and choose some 5 cent candies to share on the drive. Then we would chat, snack on our candies, and enjoy the drive. It is always one of my favourite memories because of the special father-daughter time.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Although we are currently taking a break, my boyfriend and I have been kitten foster parents with the BCSPCA for the past 3.5 years. In that time, we have had over 40 sick, injured, or just too tiny kittens come through our house and lives that we’ve loved and cared for as needed before they were able to be adopted. Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves animals (especially cute tiny kittens!).
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would like to see a greater respect for nature worldwide. No illegal dumping, pack out what you pack in, take nothing but pictures and leave no trace.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
West Highlands Park or McConnell Lake.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Better, more efficient bus routes and a city wide composting program.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The amount of outdoor recreation available year-round. I love spending my time out exploring the vast number of trails around, either in hiking boots or in snowshoes in the winter!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Roadtrip across Canada
2. Get a puppy
3. Hike Machu Picchu
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I didn’t always love hiking. It became a part of me after spending a summer working in Waterton Lakes National Park and hiking most of the trails and peaks in the park.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and www.hikekamloops.ca
What is the name of your business/organization?
Hike Kamloops
Why did you get into/start this business?
The blog actually started as a university project where we had to build a blog and post regularly during the semester. Friends and family were very supportive and encouraged me to continue posting. 3 years later – here I am still exploring new trails.
What is the goal of your business?
Hike Kamloops’ goal is to make it as easy as possible for everyone to get out and explore our wonderful local trails. That is why every post includes the most important trail details, google maps directions, and a writeup on the trail itself.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Work-life Balance.
What do you always find yourself saying?
It’s fine!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Fresh air and exercise is the best medicine.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My best friend Taylor Rae. She is currently living and working up in Clearwater as an elementary school teacher. We just don’t get to see each other enough anymore and are long overdue for a visit.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because you’re reinvesting in our community, helping make it a better place.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is my blog and everything that goes with it. I’ve been fortunate to work with a number of partners to promote hiking or snowshoeing in our region, I love reading comments from people who checked out a trail for the first time.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My boyfriend Peter for always being extremely supportive in all things work and life, for being my proof reader and tripod, and for having the greatest dog around!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Michelle McAleese of Tourism Kamloops
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
