Life is too short
to stay inside!
We help you get out and explore.
Honest, practical and inspiring trail guides for everyone.
🥾 Explore trailsin Quebec & Alberta
the trails
every month
passionate
Our story
It started with a frustration
Like many Canadians, I was looking for reliable trail information. Actual difficulty? Parking? Trail conditions? The answers were either non-existent or scattered across ten different sites.
In 2014, I decided to document every hike I did — with the real info I wish I had before leaving. One trail at a time.
"Build the resource you wish existed."
Today, Let's Go Play Outside has become the go-to resource for thousands of hikers who want honest and practical information to plan their adventures.
Discover the story in 2 minutes
Why I created Let's Go Play Outside and how it can help you
Video coming soon!
We're working on a video to share the Let's Go Play Outside story. Stay tuned!
Our mission
Make the outdoors accessible to everyone
We believe everyone deserves to enjoy the outdoors — regardless of experience level, physical condition, or budget. Our job? Give you all the info you need to get outside with confidence.
As long as you're breathing, you can always move forward!
Inform
Detailed guides with real practical info
Inspire
Stories and interviews that make you want to get outside
Support
Advice for all levels, beginners to experts
Connect
Photo sharing, comments, and group activity planning
Unique features
Tools designed for you
Our platform offers practical features to help you plan and enjoy your outdoor adventures.
Calculated distance
See the distance between your location and each trail to better plan your trip.
Trail length
Each trail displays its total length and elevation gain to assess the effort required.
Real-time weather
Check current weather conditions for each location before heading out.
Photos & ratings
Share your photos, read comments, and discover community ratings.
Our journey
12 years of documented adventures
Beginning of systematic trail documentation. A passion project that started modestly.
Website launch with the first trails from the Montreal area. The platform takes shape.
Lockdown pushes Quebecers outside. We document trails across the province.
New "Inspire" series with outdoor personalities. Human stories to inspire and motivate.
Expanding coverage to Alberta and the Rockies. New territories to explore.
More trails, more quality content. The adventure continues — one step at a time.
From the founder
François Dumaine
Passionate hiker, Photographer & Content creator
Hi there!
If you're reading this, you're probably looking for your next adventure. Or maybe you just want to know who's behind this site.
My name is François. Since 2014, I've been hiking the trails of Quebec and Alberta with one goal: to bring you the information I wish I had before leaving.
As a professional photographer, I always have my camera in my backpack to capture the beauty of the landscapes I discover. Every photo on this site tells a story — one of a moment lived on the trails.
In 2015, I participated in the Mount Kilimanjaro climb for the Cancer Research Society, an experience that reinforced my belief that the outdoors can transform lives. I also served as vice-president to promote S.R.C. challenges.
No marketing bullshit. No hidden partnerships influencing my recommendations. Just a guy who deeply loves the outdoors and wants to help you enjoy it too.
My philosophy is simple: as long as you're breathing, you can always move forward. Whether you're an experienced hiker or taking your first steps on a trail, there's an adventure waiting for you.
This site exists to help you find it.
See you on the trails! 🥾
What guides us
The values behind every article, every guide and every recommendation
Radical honesty
We tell you the truth about every trail. The good, the bad, and what you really need to know before leaving. No bullshit.
Usefulness first
Every guide answers real questions: where to park, actual difficulty, required gear. Practical info comes first.
Accessible to all
The outdoors isn't just for athletes. We offer options for all levels, all physical conditions.
What hikers say
"Thanks to Let's Go Play Outside, I discovered trails 30 minutes from home that I didn't even know existed. The descriptions are super accurate and honest!"
"Finally a site that gives the REAL difficulty of trails! No more bad surprises with the family. We know exactly what to expect."
"The interview videos really inspired me to get back outdoors after years of inactivity. Thank you for this authentic content!"
Protect what we love to explore
We can't promote the outdoors without protecting the natural spaces that make it possible. That's why we commit to supporting conservation initiatives and promoting responsible trail practices.
Ready for your next adventure?
Explore our trail guides and find your next outdoor destination.
