About Us

Brett Pawlyk

Co-owner & Head Guide

Born and raised in Edmonton, Brett grew up in a family that embraced adventure and travel, igniting his lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. After completing university, he relocated to the Rocky Mountains, beginning a rewarding career in guiding that has spanned over two decades.

Brett has led expeditions on wild rivers throughout Canada and the US, co-founded an outdoor education program for high school students, and established a forest school for youth. His extensive travels across North and South America and Asia have enriched his understanding of diverse landscapes and cultures.

Brett feels most at home in Nordegg, which he proudly considers his favourite place for both work and play in the great outdoors. Drawing on his teaching background and experience in training future outdoor leaders, he transforms his tours into immersive learning experiences that foster a genuine connection with nature. With his unique blend of knowledge, skill, and passion, every journey with Brett offers an opportunity to deeply appreciate and engage with the natural world.

Certifications:

Wilderness First Responder
Wilderness First Aid Instructor
OCC Field Leader Instructor - Hiking, Paddling, Winter and Overnight
Paddle Canada Advanced Lake Canoe Instructor Trainer;
Paddle Canada Advanced Moving Water Canoe Instructor Trainer
Paddle Canada Camping Leadership Instructor Trainer
Swiftwater Rescue Technician
Alberta Education Certified Teacher

Annabelle Oung

Co-owner & Administrative Director

Annabelle excels at working in the shadows, and feels right at home doing the background work to ensure the smooth operation of Canadian Rockies Escapes! Originally from France, she really didn’t grow up outdoorsy. Her love for the mountains began during a year working in Scotland, and later deepened when she moved to Alberta for a nine-month French teaching job. That temporary move turned into a lasting love affair with the Rockies, and she has called the Nordegg and Abraham Lake region home for the past 15 years. Alongside her work at Canadian Rockies Escapes, Annabelle is also a translator.

Her passion for the mountains has led her to explore some of the world's most stunning ranges, with the Nepal Himalayas and Patagonian Andes holding a special place in her heart. Here in the Canadian Rockies, she spends her time off hiking, backpacking, trail running, or biking. If you stay in Nordegg long enough, you will likely catch her chasing her daughter on her bike—make sure to say hello!