Where it began...
A love for the outdoors, cultivated in a small town defined by rivers and trails
Growing up in Fergus, Ontario, with the Grand River and forest trails at my doorstep, the outdoors has been a huge part of my life and I always had a dog by my side. From fishing to trail blazing, these experiences shaped my deep connection to nature.
When I was young, my mother worked with a local naturopath which introduced my family to holistic remedies, making natural wellness a part of our upbringing.
In the late 90s, my mom and I co-created an annual Herb Fair. This gave me the opportunity to connect with a wonderful variety of people and learn about the natural medicinal and holistic remedies nature has to offer.
This rich history, combined with my desire for safe, natural ingredients for myself and my own loved ones became even more apparent being a mom to four boys. I always gravitated to the natural remedies for all their bumps, scrapes and bruises (and there was many).
Today, not much has changed.. aside from my boys not being boys anymore and now we're living in the neighbouring town of Elora. I'm still lucky enough to have the Grand River and forest trails at my doorstep and I still have a dog or two by my side at all times (and if I'm lucky, a few of my not-so-little boys as well)
Where Happy Trails Began...
Happy Trails Botanicals was born after a tick was found on our dog following a hike. It began with a simple goal: to create a natural outdoor, DEET free, spray that I would feel comfortable using for myself, my loved ones and my dogs.
As a mom, dog mom, and outdoor enthusiast, I spent countless hours researching essential oils and botanical ingredients that have a long history of traditional outdoor use that would be safe for the whole family. I needed a formula that was simple, effective, made with pure ingredients I trusted but most importantly it had to be safe enough for the pups.
What started as a personal project, quickly became something friends and family began requesting for their own outdoor adventures.
Today, Happy Trails Botanicals has expanded beyond our outdoor spray to all-natural hand and lip balm products for you and your family plus all-natural paw and snout balms for your favourite furry side-kick. Each product is hand-blended in small batches with the same care and attention that inspired my first bottle of outdoor spray.
Meet the crew
I'm the maker behind the balms and sprays, while my four-legged teammates handle trail testing, squirrel spotting, stick collecting and quality snuggles. Together we're on a mission to help people and their pups enjoy every outdoor adventure - one happy trail at a time.
Kristy
Founder and Adventure Enthusiast
Boy mom, dog mom, master-blender, dreamer, dog walker, nature lover and the heart behind Happy Trails Botanicals.
Blue
Chief Inspiration Officer (CIO) and Trail Boss
The title says it all, he is the biggest inspiration. He might be my son's dog but he's absolutely my best hiking buddy (don't tell Chewie). This boy is happiest outside in the most extreme conditions. He believes every trail leads to a magical adventure.
Chewie
Assistant to the CIO and Comfort Specialist
A firm believer that adventures should only happen when the weather is just right. And when it isn't just right he's happy to cheer the team on from the comfort of the couch.