“ Expose yourself to the possibilities , Explore all the ways life is lived . " - Brianna wiest

Cedar path founder & trip leader -

Kellsie Forbes

My inspiration & Story

Every time we allow our nervous system to match the earth’s energy, deep healing happens.

Cedar Path was born out of a desire to heal humanity and the Earth. No small feat, but it starts with individuals. In my outdoor education work I have seen the rapid increase of mental health illnesses; the rise of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and anger. I believe the farther we stray from Nature and from ourselves, and the more we let the polarization around differences grow, the deeper these fractures in society will go.

I was inspired to create Cedar Path Expeditions as an antidote to this sense of disconnection.

Read more about the Cedar Path philosophy here.

My hope for Cedar Path Expeditions

to explore the most beautiful places on earth
to bring laughter and joy to the forefront of expeditions
to encourage growth, expansion and transformation
to give opportunity for spaciousness in daily life
to broaden views, deepen curiosity and encourage learning
to share the journey with people ready for adventure and fun

You are not meant to spend your life waiting for it to begin

Cedar Path Expeditions Kellsie Forbes Tofino British Colombia Old Growth Flores Island

Cedar Path Expeditions Kellsie Forbes Zion National Park hiking

Cedar Path Expeditions Kellsie Forbes Backpacking Camping Yukon Canada

Our mission is to empower individuals to cultivate deeper connections with nature, to nurture their relationships with themselves and others, and to lead more joyful lives. By prioritizing these pillars on our backpacking expeditions, we strive to bring balance, healing, kindness and a sense of purpose to both individuals and the world around us.

As a kid

… played outside and came home when the street lights turned on,
… protested to save the old growth forests,
… liked school for the social life,
… loved pulling up our crab trap,
… worked at Environmental Youth Alliance,
… camped in the Coastal Mountains and sailed the Gulf Islands of BC.
As a young adult

… went to McGill and studied Anthropology, Social Studies of Medicine & East Asian Religions,
… became an Acupuncturist,
… explored South America & Mexico,
… fell in love with Spanish,
… lost friends too young to die,
… learned about plant medicine,
… uncovered my passion for hot springs and saunas.
As an adult

… sailed across the Pacific Ocean,
… started a business in Tofino, BC,
… traveled the world,
… became a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) instructor and Evacuation Coordinator,
… moved to Wyoming,
… adopted a traveling cat,
… found meditation changed my life,
… am integrating these life experiences into Cedar Path Expeditions.
Core values

FREEDOM
AUTHENTICITY
HONESTY
JUSTICE
OPEN MINDEDNESS
KINDNESS
CREATIVITY
JOY
- Unrealistic is only what you have not yet made real -

What people are saying…

“Kellsie has a strong sense of adventure, and such a joyful approach to life. She excels at living her life in true alignment with herself, her values, and her needs. She brings this alignment to how she leads her group. The authenticity she has as a person is one of the things that makes her such an effective leader. Kellsie is open-minded and appreciates discussions with all different perspectives and opinions. She demonstrates a growth mindset, and has a love of learning and a natural curiosity towards life that is infectious. She has a strong sense of awe, wonder, respect and appreciation for the outdoors.”

— B. Schmidt- Multiple Expeditions

“We were a group of senior women, all friends, and in decent physical shape who thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our trip in Zagori region with Kellsie. She was very well organized and took great care of us. She has a wonderful sense of humour and is a very calm person. Nothing fazed her. Her choice of accommodation was varied and excellent. All were very comfortable and we enjoyed experiencing the different places we stayed. The hikes she chose for us were well planned and suited our abilities. I'd do it all again. “

— D. Gardiner- Northern Greece Hiking

“I was ultimately inspired to book a trip with Kellsie because I could feel her excitement for the area we were going to and her sense of adventure in discovering and delighting in it. Kellsie wasn’t just putting together the logistics and crunching the numbers - she was joining us in experiencing a place.”

— J. Fuller- Iceland Expedition

“I loved our hiking trip with Kellsie in the Zagari Region of Greece in September. Our accommodations were amazing and the food and wine were delicious! The scenery on our hikes was spectacular! Kellsie was a delight to be with and helped make our time with her so special.

I highly recommend her and Cedar Path for your next adventure.”

— F. Black- Northern Greece Hiking

Cedar Path & AWC grief support are collaborating to offer

Bereavement HIking retreats

These unique retreats brings together the expertise of grief therapists and a professional hiking guide to create a supportive and meaningful experience for adults who have experienced the death of someone important to them. Through guided hikes, reflective practices, and connecting with others who have experienced a death, participants are invited to explore how grief can be integrated into their lives—not as something to overcome or leave behind, but as an experience that becomes woven into their ongoing story.

Next retreat: Slovenia- May 30- June 4, 2027. Read more here about the retreat.

Learn about AWC Grief Support.