Fourteen years ago, Kristen Cooper relocated to Fort St. James, B.C., it was here that the new landscape inspired a series of solo adventures. She has since embraced the outdoors, with a passion for exploring remote locations alone.
The mom of two said out of all her solo trips so far, one of her "coolest" was her first local trip, which began with a daring swim.
Two summers ago, she packed her gear and swam 2.5 kilometres across icy waters to an isolated island on Stuart Lake.
“The ice had just come off the lake maybe a month before I had done the trip, and it was a choppy, cold day when I was swimming," she said.
After getting her body temperature back to normal, however, Cooper said she had an incredible experience.
"It was such a wonderful time because it was my first solo trip, my first time camping alone, and just this freedom of being alone on an island and having to trust yourself and your experiences," she said.
Cooper faced both challenges and surprises, describing how she hiked around the island and had many encounters with wildlife, including beavers who she said patrolled outside her tent each night.
"It was such a confidence builder. It just it felt so amazing to be like, 'yes, I did this all by myself.'"
Cooper’s passion for solo expeditions did not stop there. She has also embarked on a six-day solo kayaking trip.
“The more experience I get, the more capable I feel,” she said.
On each trip she takes, Cooper creates a journal entry and drawing to commemorate her travels. Whether it is a furry friend she spotted along the way or a beautiful landscape, she always adds an artistic flare to her journal.
"I bring along a journal and my paints, spending some time just sketching. I'm a very visual person, so I love seeing the little mementos of my trip," she said.
Preparation, Cooper said, is crucial for solo adventurers. Equipped with GPS, bear spray and communication devices, she said she takes every precaution to stay safe.
However, even the best-laid plans can go awry. On a winter trip this past year, she ended up waist-deep in snow with a broken ski binding. She managed to get out to the main road but was forced to abandon the trip. She said that being prepared for any outcome was crucial.
“Sometimes it doesn't go to plan, and you have to think through what could go wrong and how you can get out of that situation ahead of time."
According to Cooper, the area surrounding Fort St. James is full of unappreciated sights.
"There's just so many really cool opportunities, outdoor opportunities, and there's almost no one out there doing them."
For aspiring adventurers, Cooper has simple advice: start small and be well prepared.
“Do solo hikes, not overnight first," she said. "I think preparation is everything, like knowing what to pack, getting advice from someone who knows the area about what kind of terrain to expect and what kind of adversities you might face."
"To me, there's a huge untapped potential of fun here, there's always something to be doing. I just wish more people got involved."
