Welcome to Paddles and Packs, a place for parents who want to spend more time outdoors with their families—without the stress of planning. If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking scenic trails, camping under the stars, or paddling across quiet waters with your kids but felt overwhelmed by the logistics, you’re in the right place.
I’m Celeste Ireland, a busy working mom, Scout leader, and passionate advocate for getting kids outside. Through my experiences raising two adventurous boys and leading Scout groups, I’ve seen firsthand how nature fosters resilience, creativity, and meaningful family connections. Our family spends as much time as possible exploring the outdoors—whether it’s a weekend camping trip close to home in Ontario or an unforgettable road trip through Canada’s national parks.
Here at Paddles and Packs, I share what I’ve learned to help other parents make outdoor adventures easy and accessible. You’ll find practical tips, destination guides, gear recommendations, and stress-free planning resources to inspire your next family outing—whether it’s a backyard campout or a cross-country road trip.
When we’re not traveling, we explore Ontario’s incredible outdoor spaces, kayaking inland lakes and rivers, hiking through scenic forests, and making our way along the Bruce Trail, an 885 km footpath stretching from Niagara to Tobermory. But no matter where we go, I believe that the best family memories are made outside.
If you’re looking for more guidance, my book, Natural Escapes: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Stress-Free Family Adventures, is packed with low-cost, high-impact ideas to help you and your family explore the outdoors with confidence. My goal is to take the guesswork out of planning so you can focus on what really matters—creating lifelong memories with your kids.
Join me on this journey to make the outdoors a bigger part of your family’s life! Sign up for my email list for exclusive tips, trip ideas, and free resources:
Let’s get outside!
