During my time in Canada, I stayed with family in Abbotsford, which meant we had a car and could easily do a few day trips. But I also wanted this blog post to be helpful for travelers who are staying in Vancouver without a car.  The good news is that many of these places are either reachable by public transport or guided day tours.…

Go Fish is one of those places locals always recommend when you ask where to get good fish and chips in Vancouver.  It’s a casual seafood shack tucked near Granville Island, right by the water, so not only do you get fresh, tasty food, but you also get a great view while you eat. It’s popular for a reason, and there’s usually a queu…

If you're visiting Canada and looking for a hearty breakfast or brunch spot, Cora Breakfast and Lunch is a solid choice – especially if you’re craving something a little more indulgent. With over 130 locations across Canada, it’s a popular go-to for locals and tourists alike.  We dropped by the branch in Abbotsford during my sta…

During our family trip to Canda, we set aside a day for Squamish, which is a small mountain town that’s often overlooked but totally worth visiting. The main highlight was the Sea to Sky Gondola, which I’d seen in a few travel guides and photos, but experiencing it in person was something else. Here's a quick guide if you're…

One of the most unexpected highlights of my Canada trip happened on October 11, 2024 – and I still can’t believe it. I saw the Aurora Borealis for the first time. No long drive to the Yukon or hours of chasing forecasts. Just one random night in Abbotsford, a friend who knew I was in Canada texted me to let me know the northern ligh…

When people talk about Banff, they’ll almost always recommend renting a car—and to be fair, having one does make things easier. But as a solo traveler who wasn’t planning on driving, I did a ton of research and found out it’s actually very doable without one.  With a bit of planning and flexibility, you can experience Banff’s highli…

After nearly two weeks of burgers, pasta, pizza, and enough poutine to last a lifetime, I found myself craving something warm, hearty, and homemade. It was a cold day in October too. That’s when I stumbled across Seoul Country Korean Restaurant while scrolling through Google Maps. The moment I stepped inside, I had a good feeling. I…

Going up the Banff Gondola was one of the highlights of my trip. It’s a popular attraction for good reason - it's easily accessible, scenic all the way through, and surprisingly packed with things to do at the top.  This is one of my highly-recommended activities in Banff. You get the full mountain experience without needing to…

If you’re looking for an easy yet rewarding hike in Banff, Johnston Canyon should be on your list. It’s one of the most popular spots in the national park, known for its dramatic cliffs, rushing water, and two stunning waterfalls.  Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just in it for the views, the trails here are doable for most fitn…

During my stay in Banff, I decided to have lunch at Nourish Bistro, a well-known vegetarian restaurant that lots of people had recommended. Now, I’m not vegetarian, but at the time, most places in the area were packed for lunch, and their food did look good. I do enjoy vegetarian and vegan food every now and then, as long as it’s ta…

I spent four days in Banff, and after ticking off the iconic lakes, I found myself with a free morning and looking for something else to do. A quick Google search led me to Tunnel Mountain - a short hike right in town with great views. It sounded perfect for a low-key morning adventure without needing to travel far, so I decided to …

During my trip to Banff, I joined a guided day tour to visit some of the most popular lakes in the national park. These tours usually include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and a quick stop at Vermillion Lakes. But since I went at the beginning of winter, Moraine Lake was already closed for the season. As a replacement, the tour took u…