Discover the hidden magic of Canada’s great outdoors
Through stories, science, and simple moments outdoors, Wild Wonders helps families reconnect with nature — one discovery at a time.
Start your family’s Wild Wonders journey today.
Childhood is made of moments: a chickadee landing on a mitten, the sparkle of fireflies at dusk, the hush of fresh tracks in the snow.
Wild Wonders turns those sparks of curiosity into opportunities to learn. It invites families to look closer at the species that share our world, to discover where to find them, and to understand what we can do to help protect them.
Meet your Trailside Guides
Meet the Trailside Trio
Maple the Moose
Guide. Gatherer. Gentle giant of the woods.
Maple reminds us to slow down and notice what’s right in front of us — a patch of sunlight, the rustle of leaves, the sound of wings overhead. She’s the heart of the Trailside Trio, always nudging us to look closer and tread kindly.
The voice of calm in a noisy world.
Chesley the Chipmunk
Curious, clever, and always full of questions.
Chesley pokes his nose into every leaf pile and hollow log. He’s our little scientist — collecting facts, forming theories, and learning (sometimes the hard way) that curiosity and care must go hand in hand.
The spark of curiosity that keeps adventures going.
Winslow the Wood Frog
Wide-eyed, joyful, and endlessly full of wonder.
Winslow reminds us that joy hides in small places — a loon’s echo, a pond’s sparkle, the first snowflake on your hand. He helps families rediscover that childlike sense of awe.
He finds magic in the smallest moments.
You’ll find Maple, Chesley, and Winslow throughout Wild Wonders, each bringing their own spark of curiosity, kindness, or wonder to every story they tell. Learn more about our Trailside Trio.
Explore by Species
These Wild Wonders highlights invite families to learn more about the animals that shape our landscapes and discover where their stories unfold in the wild. Learn how these species live, where to find them, and what makes each one worth protecting.
See it for Yourself
Winslow says: “Now that you know their stories, want to see them in the wild?” These family-friendly guides will help you plan simple, memorable outings.
Protect What You Love
At Paddles & Packs, we believe the outdoors holds lessons no screen or classroom can teach, and that wild places grow brave hearts and curious minds.
Across Ontario and beyond, countless people are working to protect the wild places that make those lessons possible. Through Wild Wonders, we’re honoured to share their stories and inspire families to take small steps that make a lasting difference.
Final Thoughts
The best family memories are made outdoors. When we pause to watch a heron take flight or follow fireflies through the dark, we’re not just exploring — we’re making memories that last.
Through Wild Wonders and our Trailside Trio, we hope to spark curiosity, kindness, and a sense of wonder in your family’s adventures, helping you build deeper connections with the natural world.
Because every spark of discovery brings us closer — to nature, and to each other.
