Should We Stay or Should We Go - Our Travel Journal

Hiking the Grotto in the Bruce Peninsula had been on my bucket list for many years. I'd  heard about how stunning it was, and I knew I had to experience it myself. That day finally came when I found myself up at Sauble Beach for a weekend getaway with some friends and my sister. We got there, and of course, the weather decided to throw a bit of a curveball—rain, non-stop, for three days straight. But just when we thought we'd be stuck inside forever, the skies cleared up on our last day. We didn’t waste any time—booked an early time-slot, set the alarm for the crack of dawn, and made our way up the Peninsula. We were ready for a day of exploring one of Ontario's most iconic natural wonders.  The Bruce Peninsula is a 156 km stretch of rugged shoreline, dense forests, and dramatic cliffs, and it’s home to one of the most photographed spots in Canada — the Grotto. The park itself is located on the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, which is sandwiched between Lake Huron and...

We used to think all cruises were basically the same — you unpack once, let the world glide past your window, and wake up somewhere new each morning. And while that part holds true, we quickly learned that river cruises and ocean cruises offer very different experiences. Having done both, I wanted to share what stood out to me on each — the highs, the trade-offs, and which one might be the better fit depending on what you're looking for. 1. Where You’re Going Makes All the Difference River Cruises When we took our first river cruise through Europe last Fall, we were blown away by how close we got to the heart of the cities. One morning, we were in a little town in Germany and touring a castle within minutes of stepping off the boat, and another we were in the beautiful city of Vienna. The scenery — castles, vineyards, charming villages — was like something out of a storybook. These cruises really are about cultural immersion, and we were often docked steps away from cathedrals, m...

Retirement, they say, is the time to slow down, enjoy the fruits of one’s labor,  travel or pick up hobbies set aside during the busy working years. While that picture still holds true in part, our reality right now looks a little different — less about leisure and more about love, resilience, and responsibility. Over the last three years, John and I have walked a long and emotional road. We supported three of our elderly parents through incredibly challenging health issues — hospital stays, diagnoses, tough decisions — and ultimately, we stood by their sides and provided whatever support we could until they passed away. Those experiences left deep imprints on our lives. We grieved, we learned, and we grew in ways we never expected. The emotional weight of witnessing decline, while holding space for love and dignity, has been profound. In the midst of supporting parents, we also dealt with the sudden loss of John's sister. And just as we began to catch our breath, a new phase beg...

There’s something kind of magical about standing on solid ground, looking out at the ocean, and seeing a massive chunk of ancient ice just floating by like it has nowhere special to be. Icebergs are one of Newfoundland’s most iconic natural sights, especially along the province’s northern and eastern coasts. These towering masses of ice originate from glaciers in Greenland, breaking off and drifting south along the Atlantic in a route known as Iceberg Alley . Many of the icebergs that appear off Newfoundland’s shores are over 10,000 years old and have traveled for years before reaching Canadian waters. Their size and shape vary dramatically—some resemble jagged mountain peaks, while others are rounded and sculpted by wind and waves. The best time to view icebergs in Newfoundland is typically from April to early July, with June usually offering a good balance of visibility and mild weather. Only a small portion of each iceberg is visible above the surface—about 10%—with the majority hi...

We are in the midst of planning our next trip. In June we are flying to Vancouver Island where we'll be spending two weeks exploring the island, soaking in its wild beauty, quiet beaches, and winding roads. We have both been there once before - separately, and each very briefly, so this trip feels like a long-overdue deep dive into one of Canada’s most stunning destinations. We’ve been mapping out our route, tweaking and reworking the plan to make sure we have enough time to see and do everything—though let’s be honest, is there ever really enough time? We’ve already had to deal with one flight cancellation, just to keep things interesting. But after a few adjustments, here’s the basic itinerary we’ve landed on: Day 1 - Fly to Victoria, pick up rental car and drive to Port Renfrew Day 2 - Port Renfrew Day 3 - drive to Tofino Day 4 - Tofino Day 5 - Tofino Day 6 - Drive to Campbell River Day 7 - Campbell River Day 8 - Ferry to Mainland and drive to Whistler Day 9 - Whistler Day 10 -...