Should We Stay or Should We Go - Our Travel Journal

Sometimes the best moments are the ones we never plan. We came up to the lake for a few quiet days enjoying the peace and slower pace that always seems to come at this time of the year. Last night I had settled into my pajamas, ready for nothing more adventurous than a Netflix video. Then my phone buzzed with a notification from my aurora borealis app: there was a chance the northern lights might be visible in our area. In an instant, my evening plans shifted. Pajamas off, clothes on, camera and tripod in hand. We grabbed a couple of chairs and headed down to the beach in hopeful anticipation. As soon as we arrived, we could see faint ribbons of movement across the sky. They weren’t dramatic, just gentle waves of light that hinted at something bigger. I set up my camera and began shooting, each image revealing an array colors our eyes couldn’t quite catch. Greens, pinks, even hints of purple danced across the screen. Every photo shot revealed the aurora borealis' colourful glory. I...

 Life often throws unexpected adventures our way, and this past week, we found ourselves on a quick, two-night trip to Montreal for our #3 son’s green card interview. It was a stressful few days prior (including our daughter-in-law having to courier their original marriage license from their home in Virginia a couple of days prior.) But what began as a brief and somewhat stressful mission turned into a memorable time away. We checked into the Nouvelle Hotel , which was conveniently located near the U.S. Consulate. The hotel was in the perfect spot for easy access to everything. It felt like we were right in the heart of downtown Montreal, surrounded by tons of great restaurants and lively city energy. After settling in, we decided to take a leisurely walk around the area and to grab some dinner. We were pretty tired from the long drive, so we were happy to grab something quick - Montreal smoked meat sandwhiches! The food was delicious, but it didn’t quite take away our nervous en...

Photo by Samer Daboul I can't believe how quickly time has passed this summer. Back in July I took part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and managed to post every day (okay, maybe I missed one). But since then, it's been radio silence here. Not because we’ve been off on some grand adventure. It's actually quite the opposite. Life has carried on as usual. In July, when I wasn’t blogging for the UBC, we spent a lot of time at our little summer getaway: a 37-foot RV trailer parked at a seasonal spot about an hour north of Toronto, on the shores of Lake Simcoe. It's on the grounds of a Salvation Army children's camp, so there’s always a lot of activity happening around us. I spent one of those weeks volunteering at one of the camps. While I enjoy being involved, I’m always wiped by the end of the week. The following week was all about recuperation and enjoying time with friends and family, both at the trailer and at a pool party at my cousin’s place. Earlier this month,...

For the past month, I took part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge - a month-long challenge where we write a blog post every single day for the month (well, I missed one!) I decided to make my theme all about where I live - Canada. What started as a fun goal turned into a deeper journey into the country I proudly call home. Over the 31 days, I covered all kinds of things from the Northern Lights in the Yukon to maple syrup and hockey. I talked about the weather (because Canadians love to talk about the weather!), must-see spots, Indigenous Peoples, and even shared the story of Canadian hero Terry Fox. I celebrated famous Canadians and dove into some of the quirks that make this country so unique. It definitely wasn’t always easy to write every day, but I learned a lot—about Canada and about myself. What really stuck with me? That Canada isn’t just one story. It’s many. It’s made up of Indigenous histories and immigrant journeys, big cities and quiet towns, snowy days and sunny ones. It’s...

Right in the heart of the country,  Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba  make up what we call  the Prairie Provinces . Known for open landscapes, endless skies, and strong community spirit, this region plays a big role in shaping Canada’s story. People often think of the Prairies as flat farmland. While that may be true,  there’s so much more to discover here: vibrant cities, deep cultural roots, natural beauty, and a history built on resilience. Photo by Ric Matkowski on Unsplash A Landscape Like No Other What sets the Prairies apart is their dramatic geography . Fields stretch for miles. The skies feel massive. Sunsets and stars can stop you in your tracks. Manitoba begins in the forested east and stretches into wide-open plains and wetlands. Its thousands of lakes - including Lake Winnipeg - give it a rich natural diversity. Saskatchewan , with its rolling fields, wheat farms, and badlands, is often seen as the archetypal prairie province. It’s also home ...

  Walk through any Canadian city today - whether it’s Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Winnipeg - and you’ll hear multiple languages, smell foods from around the world, and see people of all backgrounds sharing space. Canada is often hailed as one of the most multicultural countries on Earth. But how did we get here? Canada’s multiculturalism didn’t happen overnight. It is the result of centuries of migration, evolving immigration laws, shifting societal values, and a deliberate commitment to building an inclusive national identity. Here’s how Canada became a country where diversity isn’t just tolerated - it’s celebrated. A Country of Immigrants from the Beginning Before we talk about multiculturalism, it’s important to recognize that Canada is Indigenous land first and foremost . Long before European settlers arrived, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples lived, traded, and governed on this land. When European colonization began in the 16th century, primarily with the Frenc...

Welcome to day 28 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge.  I had another post prepared, but as the question to the participants was on how the current President of the United States has affected us, I knew this was the right post for today. When Donald Trump returned to the political spotlight with his 2024 presidential campaign, and then won his second term as President, many Canadians felt a familiar mix of disbelief and great concern.. His first term had already strained U.S.-Canada relations through trade disputes, public insults, and unpredictable policies. But this time, things have been so much worse, as the insults fly, our Prime Minister is referred to as a Governor,  the trade war began, and the rhetoric of taking over our sovereign country is constant. This time, Canadians are angry. Rather than bracing for impact, we are stepping confidently into our own space, put our elbows up, and have united as one country to fight this battle together.  Instead of breaking us ap...

Canada is the birthplace of many global icons. Whether in film, music, science, sports, or activism, Canadians continue to shine brightly on the world stage. Here's a short list of some famous Canadians you may have heard of. Ryan Reynolds – Witty and charming star of Deadpool , business owner, and philanthropist from Vancouver. Rachel McAdams – Ontario-born star of The Notebook , Mean Girls , and Spotlight . Keanu Reeves – Toronto-raised action legend known for The Matrix and John Wick . Catherine O’Hara – Beloved comedic actress from Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek . Dan Levy – Emmy-winning co-creator and actor of Schitt’s Creek . Sandra Oh – Ottawa-born actress acclaimed for Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve . Mike Myers – Creator of Austin Powers and Wayne’s World , born in Scarborough, Ontario. Seth Rogen – Vancouver comedian, writer, and actor in films like Superbad and Pineapple Express . Ryan Gossling – Born in London, Ontario, known for films like  The Not...

Photo by kwan fung on Unsplash There are few natural wonders as captivating as the Aurora Borealis -  waves of colour dancing across the night sky, shifting in shape and hue. Canada, with its vast northern expanse and minimal light pollution, is one of the best places on Earth to witness this awe-inspiring light show. What Is the Aurora Borealis? The Aurora Borealis , also known as the Northern Lights , is a phenomenon caused when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere near the magnetic poles. The result is shimmering curtains of green, pink, purple, and red light that ripple across the sky. Though visible in several high-latitude countries, Canada's northern location and clear, dark skies make it a top-tier destination for aurora viewing. Photo by Aaron McKay Best Places in Canada to See the Northern Lights 1. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Often referred to as the Aurora Capital of North America , Yellowknife offers some of the most reliable and ...

Photo by Michaela St Canada’s Indigenous peoples are the original stewards of this land, with histories, cultures, and worldviews that stretch back thousands of years. Despite being foundational to the nation’s identity, Indigenous peoples’ stories have often been overlooked or misunderstood. To truly appreciate Canada, it’s essential to understand who Indigenous peoples are, their rich cultures, the struggles they have endured, and their ongoing contributions and resilience. Who Are Canada’s Indigenous Peoples? Photo by Farouk Animashaun Canada recognizes three distinct Indigenous groups: First Nations: Comprising over 600 distinct communities and nations, First Nations peoples have diverse languages, traditions, and governance systems. Examples include the Haida in British Columbia, the Anishinaabe in Ontario, and the Mi’kmaq in the Atlantic provinces. Métis: The Métis emerged from mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, primarily French and Scottish fur traders intermarryi...

Sitting along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Québec City feels like you've landed somewhere in Europe - cobbled streets, centuries-old stone buildings, and charming alleyways. As the only North American fortified city north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Québec City offers a unique blend of Old World charm and Canadian spirit. A Walk Through History Photo by Tejash Shah on Unsplash Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Québec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. The heart of the city is Old Québec , divided into Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and Lower Town (Basse-Ville). Walking through these districts feels like time travel - every corner unveils heritage architecture, wrought-iron balconies, and glimpses of French colonial life. Photo by Benoit Debaix on Unsplash Towering above it all is the iconic Château Frontenac , a grand hotel that looks more like a castle from a fairytale. Even if you’re not staying there, a visit is a must. Wand...

The world over, people come together over food and drink. In Canada, it's no different. While we might not be famous for fine dining, we’ve got plenty of beloved dishes that blend comfort, creativity, and multicultural flavours. From savoury bites to sweet treats, here’s a taste of some iconic Canadian food and drink you’ll definitely want to try.