Ever since I was a kid, roaming the open meadows of my childhood friend's farm, I've been obsessed with the cowboy lifestyle. The wide-open grasslands, horseback on dusty trails, heck, even wrangling (though that might involve a bit less flailing on my end). So, when the Canadian Cattle Association invited me out for a real ranch experience, you better believe I saddled up faster than you can say "yeehaw!" Turns out, these ranchers are about way more than just steaks on the barbie. They're like the ultimate grassland guardians, keeping these ecosystems healthy – and get this, grasslands are mo ..read more

Ever since my first safari adventure through the stunning landscapes of South Africa nearly a decade ago, I've been gripped by an insatiable yearning to experience one again. That exhilarating experience evoked a sense of being immersed in my very own 'Jurassic Park’. Although I didn’t see any big cats at the time (cheetahs, lions, Leopards), each animal sighting felt straight out of a thrilling blockbuster. As a child, my fascination with these incredible creatures was such that I often found myself engrossed in school projects centered around the speed and elegance of cheetahs, their unparal ..read more

As an avid traveler with a deep-seated fascination for all things nature, my yearning to witness the enigmatic mountain gorillas was sparked in the early '90s at the tender age of 11. I fondly remember the cover of National Geographic, an image that stirred my imagination and planted the seed for an unforgettable adventure that I never knew was possible at the time. The front cover was of a mountain gorilla. Its eyes pierced through me, conveying a level of depth, emotion and a quiet strength that awoke a sense of wonder in me. My father's subscription to National Geographic brought the captiv ..read more

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Christmas is my absolute favourite holiday. You can read more about where my love for Christmas sprouted from here. When I visited Fairmont Banff Springs a few years ago during the summer months, I knew I had to come back during the holidays. Perfectly perched at the base of Sulphur Mountain and with breathtaking views of the surrounding area, the castle offers and idyllic setting for a magical Christmas getaway. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the castle continues to unwrap its many gifts in the form of Christmas related activities and expe ..read more

For the past few months, work has kept me busy and I longed for a weekend getaway with my family - A moment to hit the pause button and reflect on the past year. Josh (a friend and owner of The Wilson Family Cottage) reached out several months ago to kindly offer his family cottage for a little escape at a time when I needed it most. Before long, I found myself lost in the charm of The Wilson Family Cottage in Buckhorn, Ontario, for a relaxing fall weekend. The cottage is surrounded by the Canadian shield; massive boulders of the earth’s crust that surround the cottage. The flow of the propert ..read more

My recent trip to Palm Springs was nothing short of incredible. So much so, that Rikki and I vowed to ourselves that we will make this a destination we visit at least once every five years (if not more), to mark our anniversary milestones. Palm Springs was our first international trip destination over 5 years ago. Although it was work that brought me here, we decided to extend our stay for a weekend to explore this desert paradise. Palm Springs is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and those seeking a taste of classic Hollywood glamour. Surrounded by mountains, and an en ..read more

I discovered the city of Belleville several years ago and ever since, it’s one of my favourite places to visit in Ontario. Situated on the eastern part of Lake Ontario and on the north side of Bay of Quinte, Belleville is a charming gem nestled just two hours away from the bustling cityscape of Toronto. If you're looking for the perfect road trip, Belleville has it all. From delicious restaurants to rich cultural heritage, this vibrant city is the perfect road trip destination. Given its location and being surrounded by water, Belleville also boasts some of the best patios in southern Ontario ..read more

Summer in Ontario is synonymous with road trips and that time of year when adventure beckons around every corner. With longer days, warmer weather, and beautiful landscapes, it's the perfect time to hit the road and explore the province's diverse offerings. When Tourism Windsor Essex reached out to invite me back, I was all in. A few years ago I explored the city of Windsor for the very first time and was blown away by its history, people and food scene. To this day, I reminisce about some of the meals I had. I was excited to visit again and get lost in its charm. Situated on the banks of the ..read more

On Day 4, we embarked on an unforgettable excursion to Gros Morne National Park. Our destination for the day was the renowned Western Brook Pond, and we were eager to witness its breathtaking beauty. I had seen photos in the past and this was definitely on my bucket list. Joined by the knowledgeable team of Bon Tours, we set off on a guided boat tour that promised to be a highlight of our Newfoundland journey. Braving the windy, treacherous, and cold journey, which left us soaked but exhilarated, we embarked on a thrilling adventure into the heart of Western Brook Pond. Once inside the fjord ..read more

Day 3 of our Newfoundland adventure began with the comforting aroma of a delicious breakfast included in our stay at The Harbourside Inn & Cafe. I love a good breakfast at a B&B and this one did not disappoint. We had a traditional Newfoundland breakfast that included Toutons which are like a pancake crossed with a donut. So good! Fuelling up for the day ahead, we savored a hearty meal before we made our way to our next destination. Feeling recharged and ready for more adventure, we embarked on a journey that I was really looking forward to with Discovery Sea Adventure Tours. We were ..read more