Into The Great Wide Open

Hunter Valley Adventures

What began as a search for an extraordinary outdoor adventure almost 20 years ago has turned out to be so much more for Kelly Beaton, owner, and operator of Hunter Valley Adventures (HVA). She came as a guest to the camp on the Upper Red Deer River (about an hour from Cochrane), then joined her new river family and began guiding full time. When the opportunity arose to take over HVA, it was a natural transition.

A Winning Combination

Many years’ experience as an educator combined with her love of the outdoors has helped her create some unique group-oriented adventures. Her partner, Shea, brings to the table a deep understanding of river and forest sustainability, based on his background in the environmental sciences. They both share a passion for paddling and a burning desire to share the soul-satisfying experience of spending time in nature.

Adventure Quest

Given the current conditions, no rafting trips are happening this season but, ever resourceful, they have developed a new experience, launched in mid-August. HVA Adventure Quest provides families and cohort groups (members of your bubble/inner circle) an opportunity to come together in the natural environment and complete a series of challenges that build outdoor knowledge, survival, and communication skills. Making positive memories together is the cherry on top.

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Cochrane has been home base for Kelly, Shea, and their two children for three years now. “There is a strong sense of community values here and that parallels the values we have at Hunter Valley.”

Guest Journalist – Jane Usher