January 3, 2025 by Wandering Whit

2024: A Year in Review

This intro is always so hard to write. How do I summarize my feelings on an entire year in just a single paragraph? This year was… a mixed bag. The world around me continues to feel so turbulent and chaotic and I think that instability has drawn me inwards more than usual. Typically I find sanctuary in travel. It is the activity that most gets me outside my head and into my body. When my world feels confusing – travel makes sense. But in 2024, I found more respite in ritual. In weekly rhythms. In familiar places. In deeper bonds. When my enthusiasm for travel began to slip later in the year, I knew that I had to regroup and refocus. And so as I turn the page to 2025, I still see travel (I’m boarding a flight to Hawaii in 24 hours) but with more intentionality perhaps. I don’t do stillness very well but maybe I can practice presence. Wherever I go, there I am.

Some places I found myself this past year…

Bowen Island, BC (January)

I began the year with the most restorative and transformational weekend in the woods on nearby Bowen Island. I had wanted to do a yoga retreat for years and finally found the ideal fit for me at Nectar Yoga Retreat. The deluxe cottage and common spaces were tranquil and gorgeous with delicious shared breakfasts prepared each morning as well as morning and evening yoga classes in a geodesic dome heated by a wood fire. During our unscheduled time we went for nature walks and explored the nearby village of Snug Cove. Could anything be cozier? Not only did I find stillness and rest but I also awakened my desire for movement. Moving my body each day felt incredible and it inspired me to do more of it. When I returned home I committed to moving my body weekly through yoga, pilates, and barre classes – something that I’ve truly learned to love this year.

Halfmoon Bay, BC (January)

My book club’s annual ritual of creating our own retreat each year continued to the Sunshine Coast during a rare winter snowstorm. We braved the weather and literally hauled our bags up a steep snow covered hill to our cozy cabin in Halfmoon Bay. We played games, ate snacks and I think we even squeezed in some book chatter.

Bellingham, WA (February)

My first international trip of the year was to nearby Bellingham as my partner had a much anticipated NEXUS interview in Blaine. We decided to turn it into a getaway and found a gorgeous rental outside the city that allowed us the opportunity to check out all the cute small towns in the area, including Fairhaven and Edison as well as Whatcom State Park. It’s an area that I know I’ll return to again and again.

Ottawa, ON (February)

The first of two work trips to Ottawa this calendar year – found me arriving to 15°C temperatures that suddenly dropped to -10°C over night. I was staying in a different part of the city than usual – and while not close to any of the usual tourist haunts, I instead braved the very icy pathways to walk along the Rideau river. In retrospect this was probably unwise as I definitely fell a couple of times and cracked my 14 year old boots wide open… but I managed to make it home mostly unscathed and lightened my luggage by one pair of shoes.

Palm Springs, CA (March)

After a long, cold winter… it was time for a spring break trip down south. My bestie Joy and I ventured to Palm Springs for a fabulous girls weekend. We stayed at the most instagrammable boutique hotel – Fleur Noire. We ate delicious food and drank yummy cocktails on patios that weren’t quite as warm as I hoped. Hung out by the pool when the wind wasn’t knocking over the umbrellas. Spent a day hiking in Joshua Tree National Park. And rented bikes to explore all the cute mid-century neighbourhoods. I loved this weekend and will forever find excuses to squeeze a California trip into my annual travel plans.

Métis Crossing, AB (April)

For my annual girls weekend with my university besties, we chose a place close to Rachel’s home in St. Albert and decided to check out the Lodge at Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake, Alberta. I’ve been loving more Indigenous tourism experiences in Canada and was very excited for the opportunity to learn more about Métis culture. We stayed for two nights in our very own geodesic skywatching dome which we booked as an all-inclusive package with all our meals and 3 different signature experiences: Meet the Métis, Through the eye of the Hunter and Visions, Hopes and Dreams Wildlife Tour. We loved all 3 experiences and especially learning to fire bow and arrows (we were surprisingly good at it!) and getting to drive through herds of wild horses, elk and buffalo. The hospitality and the quality of our stay cannot be over-stated. I would whole-heartedly recommend a visit to anyone!

Asheville, NC (May)

We loved Asheville. What a cool city. Dubbed the Portland of the East – we spent our long weekend trying to visit as many breweries in the Brewery capital of the US as possible. Nestled in the foothills of Apalachia, just outside the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville offers stunning natural beauty, excellent BBQ, and a brimming art scene. We visited the stunning Biltmore Estate and did a small parkway hike but mostly just spent our time day drinking with friends Megan and Joe (and 9-month-old Sophie in tow). We were heart-broken to hear about the catastrophic flooding that hit this area just a few months after our trip and hope that people will be able to rebuild and return to such an awesome corner of the world.

Osoyoos, BC (May)

After two-consecutive years visiting our beloved Naramata Bench, we decided to redo our 2021 trip to Osoyoos that was derailed due to debilitating wildfire smoke. This time, moving our trip to the safety of spring secured us stunning clear skies and summer-like temps to kick off the season. We also brought sister and brother in law along for their first Okanagan wine trip! We stayed at Sprit Ridge resort which was the perfect spot to unwind lakeside after full days of wine touring and desert wandering. We even got our adrenaline up after nearly walking into the path of a rattlesnake – my first IRL encounter after a lifetime of visiting this area.

Pender Island, BC (June)

No BC summer is truly complete without a trip to the Gulf Islands. We were so happy to be back on Pender to do nothing new – simply visiting our favourite spots and enjoy the relaxation that only island time can provide. Rinse. Wash. Repeat… Forever.

Helsinki, Mäntyharju and Turku, Finland (July)

And… we’re back! We intended to return to Finland sooner than we did but the pandemic had other plans and so 6 years after our first visit we returned – this time for a classic Finnish summer experience at our dear friends new mökki (or cabin) that they just renovated into an idyllic escape from the city. We enjoyed epic bedtime sunsets marvelling at the midnight sun. The classic ritual of sauna followed by lake swims. Picking wild blueberries and strawberries to turn into crumble. In addition to our cabin time, we spent a few days revisiting Helsinki as well as a first time visit to Turku – a city that we quickly learned to love. The oldest city in Finland and former capital is brimming with history and charm. We enjoyed the daulity of terrace cocktails outside Turku Cathedral and Finnish rock music outside Turku castle. The new and old live together and it just works. Thanks for another beautiful trip Finland!

Stockholm, Sweden (July)

Is everyone sleeping on Stockholm or was it just me? I really didn’t have Stockholm on my radar. Of course I knew about it and wanted to visit someday but I had no idea that it had so much to offer from a tourism standpoint. It may be the most beautiful city in Europe – there I said it. It’s clean. It’s colourful. It’s surrounded by water. It’s old and also new. It’s got neighbourhoods and islands. It has a royal family complete with a daily changing of the guard and totally bomb marching band. It has so many great museums – we only made it to 3 – Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum and the SpiritMuseum (Museum of Swedish Drinking Culture). Even the metro system is beautiful with its 100 stations turned into an art gallery of murals. Definitely could spend a whole week here and not run out of new things to do and explore.

Ottawa, ON (September)

Ottawa round 2 was actually my 4th trip to the city but first time seeing the city without snow… and oh what a feeling! The city is so beautiful and alive in the summer – take me back! This time not only did I get to enjoy bopping around the city without freezing, but also got to hang out with my conference friends, which made the city come alive in a whole new way. Can’t wait to be back again soon!

Las Vegas, NV (September)

What happens in Vegas! So about once every 10 years, some forces pull me to Vegas and this time it was our first couples trip with friends Patrick and Natasha. Vegas is a polarizing city and while not my favourite place to go – I firmly believe that there is something for everyone. We chose to stay on The Strip at The Treasure Island Resort as 2/4 of our crew were Vegas first-timers. With that in mind, we definitely checked off some obligatory Vegas experiences – slot machines ✓ pool party ✓ Fat Tuesday ✓ My favourite experience of the trip kind of surprised me actually as I’d somehow avoided it until now. We ended up splurging on a cabana rental (mostly to guarantee us shade from the 41°C temps) at the pool and I had the best time drinking pina coladas with strangers and a DJ. I’m sure this experience varies wildly but the vibes at our hotel were chill and I was mostly just loving the diversity of faces at the pool. We were definitely on the younger end of the crowd and I loved seeing so many middle aged folks partying it up. Definitely not the rager that I’d imagined. I’ve probably had my fill of ciagarette filled casinos and overpriced cocktails for the next ten years or so… but who knows… if the right residency pops up or someone wants to take me to F1, I may be back again sooner than later.

Thunder Bay, ON (October)

The death of a beloved grandmother and matriarch of my partner’s family meant an unexpected trip to Thunder Bay and an opportunity to connect with many extended family members. Grief is deeply complicated but there was a lot of beauty in the shared memories and traditions that meant so much to mummo like sauna/swim at the family camp. I hope to be able to spend more time here in the years to come.

New York City, NY (November)

Autumn in New York just hits different. My cousin and I were trying hard to time our trip for peak foliage and I think we nailed it – just look at Central Park! Also – the weather could not have been more perfect. Blue bird skies and 15°C (including 25°C for both arrival and departure days) made for optimal 25,000 step days. This trip we stayed in Williamsburg (my first time to Brooklyn) and I loved it. The lack of cars, the boutique shops, the skyline views! Since we’d both been to NYC before, we decided to prioritize shows and our most favourite spots – no mandatory sightseeing for us! We ended up seeing three shows: Comedy Cellar, Cabaret, and Suffs. All super fun and different. We also got to take in the fan fare of the NYC marathon and let me tell you – the city was a vibe. If you can swing it, do try to be in town for this. Getting around was not easy but the energy was electric. We also did some classic new york activities like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and drinking at the Plaza Hotel. The greatest city in the world? Yes.

2024: By the Numbers

Countries Visited: 3 (1 new one!) – USA / Finland / Sweden

States Visited: 5 – Washington / California / North Carolina / Nevada / New York

Provinces Visited: 4 – British Columbia / Ontario / Alberta / Manitoba

Plane Rides Taken: 18 one way flights (I count a flight as a flight regardless of how many segments or layovers it has).

Ferries Taken: 7

Airports Visited: 14 (YVR, PSP, YOW, YEG, ATL, ASH, YYZ, YUL, HEL, ARL, LAS, YQT, YWG, EWR)

Kilometres Flown in 2024: 64,035

Beds Slept In: 18. Of those, 8 were hotels, 5 were vacation rentals, 2 were staying with friends/family, 1 was a cabin, one was a geodesic dome, and one was my own bed!

December 22, 2022 by Wandering Whit

Winterlude: A Canadian Rite of Passage

The last trip I took before the COVID-19 pandemic grounded my travel plans for the next 21 months… was to Ottawa for a little family reunion with my brother and his family. At the time he was living in Waterloo, Ontario and neither of us had ever visited Canada’s capital… so we decided to make the most of their proximity and I flew out to join them for the Family Day long weekend.

Having grown up on the West Coast, I’m not acclimatized to the typical Canadian winters that the rest of the country experiences but I did my best to dress for the -15°C temperatures and was determined to tough it out. And to my delight I held up rather well for our outdoor activities.

The Highlights

Skating on the Rideau Canal

We really weren’t sure if the weather would be cold enough (I can’t believe I’m even saying that) to be able to skate on the Rideau Canal but we were super lucky and had ideal conditions to check off this iconic Canadian activity. My brother is actually a very good skater from his childhood hockey days and it was really fun to get back on the ice with him. I ended up pushing my niece for most of the time in her little sled which I low-key loved because it definitely kept me balanced when those uneven bumps came out of nowhere. We also made sure to grab a famous Beaver Tail and Hot Apple Cider to enjoy from one of the convenient snack huts on the ice.

Visiting Parliament

I really wasn’t expecting to enjoy visiting parliament as much as I did. The one hour tour was actually a really interesting peak inside our government. I especially enjoyed getting to visit the interim House of Commons that has been constructed inside the courtyard at the centre of the West Block, which even has a glass roof sealing it off from the outside but still allowing lots of natural light. Architecturally, it was really unique and interesting and I’ve read that it’s quite eco-friendly too.

Crossing the Border to Gatineau

Ottawa is actually just across the river/bridge from Quebec, and when combined with neighbouring Gatineau, form the National Capital Region. We took advantage of the beautiful sunny day to visit the Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park and enjoy the family friendly activities like snow tubing and interactive ice sculptures. This was definitely the trip highlight for my niece, if her squeals could tell the story.

Looking back…

I didn’t realize it at the time, but after this trip I wouldn’t get to see my family for a year and a half due to pandemic travel restrictions. And while that time of separation was heartbreaking, I was so grateful that I had made the extra effort to visit them in Ontario one last time before they moved back to BC. Among many lessons the pandemic has taught me, one that always rises to the top is to make the most of every opportunity. You never know when your time with loved ones will be cut short or taken away and I will never regret making these memories.

So, thanks Ottawa, I’ll always remember you.

June 17, 2016 by Wandering Whit

Bowen Island: The Perfect VanCity Escape

I’ve made it a personal mission to visit as many of the lovely islands off the coast of Vancouver as humanly possible. So far that list includes Galiano, Keats, Salt Spring, Thetis, Vancouver Island and most recently Bowen. Each island offers something similar and at the same time unique.

And of all the islands I’ve visited so far, the one that is the obvious choice for best day trip from Vancouver is… Bowen Island.

A couple of months back, I organized my third annual spring getaway with my university girlfriends. Now that we are all settled with careers and busy lives, I know that we all look forward to our quiet weekends away to relax and refresh.

What makes Bowen Island the perfect retreat from city life?

Proximity

Bowen is conveniently located in the Howe Sound just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Many people even make a daily commute to the mainland for work or school. We were all able to put in a full-day of work before heading to the ferry terminal, knowing that departures left nearly every hour. Exactly the type of stress-free travel that I’m looking for after a busy week.

Serenity

Within seconds of disembarking at Snug Cove, I could feel the calmness settling in. The Sunshine Coast is quiet and tranquil and full of natural beauty. It’s almost hard to believe that a place like this exists merely an hour away (door to door) from my big city life.

Our itinerary for the weekend was pretty simple: Spend time outdoors, enjoy good food, and be together. We chose an adorable cottage in the woods off of Airbnb and opted to make all of our meals at home. Even though the island is quite populated and definitely no hidden gem, it still felt at times like we were on our own. Stillness can be hard to come by in our tech-filled world, so I seek nature to ground me as often as possible.

Activity

Although I keep touting relaxation and the “lack” of activity, there actually are quite a few things to do on the island. Our group enjoyed visiting the shops in the small town of Snug Cove (so adorable!) and wandering along the seaside boardwalk. The stunning views of Howe Sound always remind me of the fjords in Norway (or at least what I imagine they would like… that one is still on the bucket list for now).

We also did a short hike right from the main ferry dock to Dorman Point where we admired the arbutus-strewn plateau and tried to sneak a peak of the mainland. We wrapped up the day with a leisurely stroll around Killarney Lake, which is another popular area within reasonable walking distance from the main pier.

We ended up spending two nights on Bowen Island but we all agreed that it would be just as easy to do a day trip if you want to save on accommodation expenses. I’m glad we took our time to savour the delicious spring weather and island vibes, but sometimes a day away is all you need to recharge your batteries.

June 12, 2016 by Wandering Whit

Montreal Memoire: 3 Days in Canada’s Cultural Capital

For someone who has visited over 300 cities across 6 continents, I’ve sadly seen very little of my own country by comparison. When the Canadian dollar started to tank towards the end of last year, I decided that 2016 would be the year of Canada. I called up my friend Katie in Toronto and organized a long weekend in Montreal, a city I’ve wanted to visit for years. It would be the first time in Quebec for us both. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but as it turns out, I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.

I took a red-eye flight, arriving in Montreal early Saturday morning. After waking Katie up in our adorable Airbnb apartment and enjoying a wake-up coffee on our lovely terrace, we set off to to explore.

Feeling fresh on no sleep – Take that jet lag!

Lachine Canal

We didn’t intentionally go looking for the canal but somehow I’m always drawn to the water. When we stumbled across the Lachine Canal we decided to take advantage of the warm weather and stroll along the path to the Old Port. Along the way we discovered that the park is also a National Historic Site and the third most beautiful urban circuit in the world as ranked by Time magazine in 2009.

Vieux Port

After walking the canal we ended up in the Old Port which is by far the most touristy part of Montreal. We strolled the cobblestone streets, visited the stunning Notre Dame cathedral, and spontaneously bought tickets to the latest Cirque du Soleil show, Luzia. We simply couldn’t pass the opportunity to see Cirque in the place where it originated. It was a fantastic Mexican inspired production that wowed me even as a long-time fan. We even had the privilege of running into several of the star performers later the next day when they were casually doing back flips in the street. When in Montreal…

I’ve already written about all the delicious food that we ate in Montreal but my favourite location was certainly Chez Suzette. We had a lovely spot in the window where we could enjoy our crepes and some epic people watching. Basically the perfect setting for our 10 year friendaversary celebration!

Mont Royal

On Day 2 my main objective was to visit the Mont Royal park, which I didn’t realize is actually a large volcanic hill/small mountain. I heard that there was a great viewpoint, which should have tipped me off that we would have a climb ahead of us to reach the Chalet. It was well worth the effort for the views and subsequent relaxing in the park.

Parc Jean Drapeau

The rest of our day was a bit haphazard. We had a plan to check out the first day of the Piknic Électronik, an EDM festival that happens every Sunday throughout the summer at Parc Jean Drapeau. However, by the time we got there, the line to buy tickets was so long that we figured we wouldn’t make it inside by closing. So, instead we opted to try out the much touted bike share and get ourselves some Bixis. We rode around the park and then ultimately decided to find our way back to the Old Port. A lot easier said than done considering the lack of bike lanes and the steep incline to the bridge. We made it across though and were rewarded again with some lovely views of the city.

Along the way we made friends with Samantha from LA and the three of us spent the rest of the evening riding through the city, searching for night life, and making friends with locals. It was one of those spontaneous nights that made me feel fully alive, like this is what it means to be young and adventurous and free.

We ended our trip on Monday with a relaxing walk through our neighbourhood to a local Polish bakery.

Montreal is completely unique to any city I’ve ever been before. The history and language made it feel slightly European, while still maintaining a distinctly Canadian feel. The people were so friendly and the city was notably vibrant and energetic.

At the end of any trip, I’m always wishing for at least one more day. But, even though I didn’t scratch every item off my wish-list, I had a truly memorable starter weekend in Montreal. I have a feeling that I’ll be back. Until next time… À bientôt Montréal!

May 30, 2016 by Wandering Whit

The Best Food I ate in Montreal

One weekend in Montreal was in no way enough time to experience all of the culinary delicacies and amazing restaurants in this city. But… I did the best that I could and these are some of the dishes that topped my list.

Caution: Photos below may induce hunger.

Poutine: La Banquise and Les Folies

When I mentioned to friends in conversation that I was planning a trip to Montreal, the first thing they recommended was poutine. And La Banquise came up again and again as the go-to spot. This place has been creating legendary poutine creations since the 1980’s and offers no less than 30 different types. We struggled to decide but eventually opted to share two: (1) La Reggae: ground beef, guacamole, diced tomatoes & hot peppers and (2) L’Astérix: smoked meat, mushrooms, sour cream & pepper sauce (both pictured above left).

And no weekend getaway would be complete without brunch so in true Montreal form, I ordered La Voisine de Poutine at Les Folies, basically breakfast poutine. Mais oui!

Crêpes: Chez Suzette

Since Montreal is in the French speaking part of Canada, it is also a great place to try French-inspired cuisine. I indulged my sweet tooth with La Rougemont, which is a sweet crêpe with apples, cinnamon, ice cream, and almonds served with 100% pure Quebec maple sirop. This may have been my dinner and I’m not mad about it.

Avo Yo Toast: Buck 15 Espresso Bar

I’m pretty sure that the Avocado Toast craze is not a “Montreal thing” but I was plenty delighted to see it on the menu at Buck 15. This unassuming coffee shop had a beautifully curated breakfast menu that made me want to return every day just so I could try them all.

Bagels: Fairmount

I didn’t know this before I visited Montreal, but apparently the city has its own critically acclaimed style. In contrast to the New York-style bagel, the Montreal bagel is smaller, thinner, sweeter and denser, with a larger hole, and is always baked in a wood-fired oven. I was under strict orders to head to Fairmount, which claims to have the best bagels in the world. I don’t know that I’ve sampled enough bagels in my life to have a firm opinion but I definitely liked what I tasted. I recommend the Chocolate Chip and the Sesame Seed.

On this trip we also enjoyed Sangria, Smoked Meat sandwiches, and delicious French pastries. I can’t wait to return so that I can add to my list – what do you recommend?

October 1, 2015 by Wandering Whit

Keats Island: The most beautiful place you’ve never heard of

This past weekend I took a much needed break from the rat race and retreated to the deliciously isolated and epically beautiful Keats Island. Where you ask? Well don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard of it before. Keats is a teeny tiny island sandwiched between Gibsons and Bowen Island in the Howe Sound off Vancouver’s coast. In fact, you can’t even access it by ferry. My group chartered a small water taxi to get there. Now that may sound like a lot of work but like hiking, most things that take effort have a pay off.

See what I mean?

I could not have asked for better weather for this first weekend of fall. And the panoramic views from our hideaway at Barnabus Landing had me swooning.

Now if you’re looking for loads of activities or shopping or restaurants then you’ve come to the wrong island. Keats is a residential community and aside from a few cleared fields, it’s mostly forest. But, if you’re looking for solitude and relaxation (like me) then it couldn’t be more perfect. I went for a lovely hike in the woods and even found a sandy beach piled with driftwood but other than that… it was a reading and journaling and lounging in the sun kind of Saturday.

Whenever I find a place this beautiful, I wonder, could I live here? Part of me never wants to leave. But then I think of the long, wet winters with nothing to do and I remember that I’m a city girl at heart. The few locals who live on the island year round will most definitely own their own boat, and fortunately the town of Gibsons on the mainland is very close, but that’s still quite a stretch for me.

Fortunately, I can have the best of both worlds. Travel is a way to visit these places and try on a different way of life, even if only for a weekend. I get to explore a new destination and then return home, to a place that always fits me like a glove.

Could you live on a remote island or go off the grid?

August 30, 2015 by Wandering Whit

Three Vibrant Years in Vancity

“The past is like an anchor holding us back; You have to let go of who you are to become who you will be.”

(Carrie Bradshaw, Sex in the City)

Three years ago, I moved to Vancouver: new apartment, new job, new life. After 24 years stuck in suburbia, living at my parent’s house to save money and finishing up my baccalaureate in business, I was ready to make a change.

In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined that my life could look like this. I often take for granted all of the amazing experiences I’ve had in this city that I love: Volunteering at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, watching fireworks over English Bay from a rooftop apartment, sending paper lanterns into the night sky at Diner en Blanc, and most recently meeting Colin Mochorie at a VIP gala with Vancouver Theatre Sports. My routine is unpredictable at best. I have a pub trivia crew and a well-worn transit pass and an apartment right beside the beach, incredible friends with whom to enjoy happy hour and Saturday brunch and enough savings to travel the world. I get to attend amazing events, concerts, festivals, shows and spend Friday nights doing self-guided brewery tours. I’ve fallen hard for a city that often gets a bad rap.

There are certainly mornings when the bus is sufficatingly crowded or when the rain seems to last for weeks. There are days when I feel disconnected and alone in a city full of strangers. Sometimes the cost of living makes me question if the price is worth it. But, then I take a look at the majestic mountains and the glass skyline and I pinch myself because I GET to live in one of the most beautiful cities on earth. For every day that I am frustrated, I have a dozen more that make up for it with excitement and energy and joy.

I am a different person here than I was before. I feel like I’m thriving and alive and the best possible version of myself. Vancouver fits me like a favourite pair of jeans that you just want to wear every day. This city life is a dream come true and I don’t expect that I’ll get tired of it any time soon. I can’t wait for another year (or ten) of living in Vancouver. It’s home to me.

Happy 3 Year Anniversary Vancity!

August 30, 2014 by Wandering Whit

Vancouver: The Best Place on Earth

Another Vancouver-centered blog post? That’s right people… just because I love to travel doesn’t mean I don’t love the place I call home.

Today is my 2nd anniversary of living in Vancouver and to celebrate I thought I would share a few of my favourite things about my favourite place on earth!

1. The Skyline

Vancouver was recently ranked 9th in the world for most number of ‘highrises’ – defined as a multi-storey building with at least 12 floors or a height of 35 metres (115 feet). But, it’s not simply the numbers that impress me… it’s the combination of the mountains, ocean, green space, and glass buildings. Just look at that view!

2. The Beaches

It is no secret that I love beaches (see some of my favourites here). And lucky for me, Vancouver has SO MANY!!!

3. The Mountains

Living minutes from multiple ski hills (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress) and world-class hiking is a huge draw for many Vancouverites that move here to play in our mountains year round. They aren’t so bad to look at either.

4. Seawall

When I say that I’m going for a walk or a bike ride, you should just assume that I’m talking about the Seawall. This scenic 22 km path that lines Vancouver’s waterfront could not be more perfect for a walk, cycle, or jog and is by far the most popular recreational spot in the city. Just make sure that you stay in your designated lane (walking/jogging vs. cycling/skating) or you might just get knocked into the sea.

5. Nightlife

Vancouver sometimes gets a bad rap for being a ‘no fun city.’ Say what?! You will quickly see from this list, that that is definitely not the case. In fact, it could easily be called a ‘more fun city!’ Now I can see how some of the legislation may seem uptight but lucky for us locals it is loosening quite a bit (hello happy hour!). But, the best part of the Vancity nightlife has to be the cool bars in historic Gastown. Several of my favourite spots remind me of the unspeakably cool Speak Easy culture of the 1920s, such as Pourhouse, Guilt & Co, and Revel Room. Cheers!

6. Food

From Street Food Trucks to Top-chef restaurants and award-winning gelato to sushi on every corner… Vancouver cuisine is diverse, local, probably organic, and always delicious.

7. Events

Long before I lived in Vancouver, I had been coming here each summer to enjoy many of the spectacular events. If you like theatre then we have Bard on the Beach and Theatre Under the Stars. If you like movies then we have the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Summer Cinema Series featuring outdoor movies in Stanley Park. We have one of the largest Pride Parades in North America and the always popular Pacific National Exhibition(aka really big summer fair). But of all these events, my favourite has to be the Celebration of Light. Not only is it Vancouver’s biggest event, but it’s also the largest offshore fireworks competition in the world and attracts up to 400,000 spectators along English Bay. I’ve been coming for years and now I can even enjoy the show from the comfort of my couch.

8. Culture

Vancouver is still a relatively young city by the world’s standards having just celebrated it’s 128th birthday. But even still the city is rich in history and culture. Whether it be the legend and deep-rooted history of the First Nations people or the kaleidoscope of diversity brought through immigration, Vancouver is a place where you can experience the new and different. Sometimes I catch myself on the bus and no one around me is even speaking English. I love that! I hope my city always remains a place where people from all over the world feel welcome. Our differences are what make us stronger.

9. Parks

Not only does Vancouver have the largest and top rated city park in the entire world (Stanley Park), it also has 750 hectares devoted to forest research at Pacific Spirit Regional Park. From small neighbourhood community gardens to large destination parks and feature gardens, the Vancouver Park Board maintains more than 220 parks that make up 11% of Vancouver’s land mass. We are well on our way to becoming the greenest city in the world in more ways than one.

10. Architecture

It is so hard to choose a favourite building in the city when you have options like Science World and the Vancouver Convention Centre in the running. But, the one that never ceases to amaze and impress is the Vancouver Central Library, which was recently ranked as the 6th most beautiful library in the world. Inspired by the Colosseum, this architectural gem combines the old and new with such perfection. The words certainly don’t fit the picture.

July 18, 2014 by Wandering Whit

My Top 5 Favourite Beaches

I decided to finally take the time to reflect on my travel past and document some of my absolute favourite finds over the past twenty-something years.

This is the first post in a new series on my travel Favourites (yes – I am Canadian, and this is how we spell favourite!)

Since it is summer, I thought it would be apropos to begin with the best beaches I’ve been blessed to sink my toes into.

Top 5 Favourite Beaches

Bai Dai Beach, Nha Trang, Vietnam

This gorgeous beach on the South China Sea had everything: White Sand, Warm Waters, and No one around. Touted as the best beach in a country with over 3000 km of coastline… it is easy to see why people love Southeast Asia.

Muchavista Beach, El Campello, Spain

I was incredibly lucky to spend 3 months living just a mere 5 minutes from this expansive beach north of Alicante. The entire length of the beach is lined with a boardwalk and a tram so that even getting groceries became an exciting event.

Lanikai Beach, Kailua, Oahu

On my second trip to Oahu, I decided to do my research and find a beach, ANY BEACH, other than Waikiki. My search landed me on lovely Lanikai in the sleepy town of Kailua where public access is restricted to pedestrians only, making it the perfect island escape. It’s also made quite a few top 10 lists so this one is a no-brainer.

Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

Whenever I go to San Diego (which is fortunately quite often) I always look forward to spending time on the island of Coronado. I can’t believe that people actually live there all the time because it is almost too lovely to be real.

Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, BC

No top 5 list would be complete without the place that makes me happier than any other. I live about 1 minute from the Pacific Ocean and it is a frequent stomping ground for me all year long. Vancouver has a lot of great beaches that I could include on this list (English Bay, Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks, Wreck Beach) but Kits beach is home. With breathtaking views of the North Shore mountains, Stanley Park, and the Vancouver skyline, it’s my favourite walk in the city! Our version of Venice Beach is also great for people watching, dog walking, bike riding, or playing some beach volleyball all year long.

What is your favourite beach?

July 17, 2014 by Wandering Whit

City Girl goes Camping: Lac Le Jeune

One short week after returning from my first trip to Asia, I decided to take on another first – camping!

I know what you’re thinking… FIRST TIME CAMPING? How is that possible? Well, I’m a city girl. That doesn’t mean I don’t know how to rough it (especially where travel is concerned) but it does mean that I prefer sleeping on a real bed and having access to a shower.

When I was a kid my family would go to Lake Kalamalka every summer and I loved it! I thought we were camping but my friends have since informed me that I was actually “glamping.” Essentially we stayed in a trailer park resort beside the lake with all the creature comforts of home.

In an act of defence I also proclaimed that I had tented for 4 days in Peru… but I admitted that the amazing G Adventures crew carried all my gear (sherpas and llamas for the win!), set up the campsite each night, and cooked all my meals. So, I guess this really was my first real camping trip!

My amazing friends showed me the ropes and the six of us had a fantastic two nights at Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park. My time in Vietnam trained me for the heat so the 38°C didn’t bother me and we even lucked out with very few bugs. It was so nice to leave my phone in my bag and spend some quality time playing games, floating on the lake, and roasting marshmallows over a camp fire. I’m still a city girl at heart but I think I’ll try to spend some more time in the great outdoors!

February 10, 2014 by Wandering Whit

Frozen in Victoria

This past weekend I got the chance to take a quick trip to the island to visit my friend in Victoria.

I have visited BC’s provincial capital several times but never in such cold temperatures. As much as I prefer the beautiful cherry blossoms that line the streets in springtime, the frozen fountain in front of the parliament buildings was quite the sight to behold.

Wandering with Whit

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