My son and I had the chance to explore Texada Island – a Sunshine Coast, British Columbia Gulf Island and I was struck with a grounding and calm sensation that is rare for me to feel so strongly. Perhaps it was the iron ore or gold reserves hidden deep in the ground, but it was clear that this island was a magical place that produced intense vibration. Along the way, we also had fabulous food, saw aboriginal arrowheads on display at Shelter Point, and witnessed the largest douglas fir we’d ever seen (wait for it – HOLY!). You can read about our full adventure on ZenSeekers here >>
You’re headed to the Big Apple, and you’d love to take in a show, but you’re limited on time and budget. You want to explore Lower Manhattan, but the weather isn’t exactly cooperating.
Or maybe you’ve got your kids with you and they are not interested in hiking all over looking at old buildings and statues while you read from a guide book. Let’s be honest, you’re fed up from wrestling the devices out of their hands when they get even slightly bored.
I could list dozens of reasons why you might be interested in The Downtown Experience, Powered by The Ride. Any one of them would be valid, but it would be window dressing for the real reason: It’s a blast.
My family grew up and in and around the Niagara area, and my ancestors settled here as they came over from the British Isles. I have two specific ancestral links to the Niagara River. My great-great-grandfather (my grandfather’s father) moved his family to Welland, Ontario so that he could work on the fourth Welland Canal. And I recently discovered that my grandmother’s cousin married into the infamous Niagara Hill family—and her husband died in an attempt to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
I’m not that adventurous, but I have a great love of the Niagara Region and have spent some time on many an occasion enjoying the wine, spas, hotels and other attractions in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. When we were offered the opportunity to do a family jet-boat tour for UrbanMommies, we jumped at the chance.
I recently took a trip into the city to marvel at a new exhibit at the Museum of Vancouver called Unbelievable. I was fortunate enough to attend a behind the scenes tour led by Gregory Dreicer, MOV’s Director of Curatorial and Engagement who was both riveting and expansively knowledgeable. The exhibit was put together in a relatively short period of time by museum standards (3-4 months) and was in fact still being assembled before our very eyes. The central theme of the exhibit was around stories, the multitudes and power of stories, competing narratives and how our stories define the past, present and future.
Who knew that on a little North Pacific Island, aviation thrives and pilots abound? My son Ford and I had the opportunity to spend a day on Texada Island while learning more about the Texada Aerospace Camp for kids. This intimate camp runs from July 12 to 15, and space is always at a premium. You can read about our full adventure on FestivalSeekers here >>
About to embark on a March Break trip with kids, what makes it into the carryon bags is crucial. We’ve got the swimsuits, the loveys and airplane activities. We’ve got books, flip flops and first aid kits. But one thing I’ve just discovered has been added to the roster of travel essentials for us. The Philips goLITE BLU energy light is a portable light therapy device designed and clinically proven to help increase your energy level naturally and help fight Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), winter blues and jet lag. JET LAG. Do you know what’s worse? KIDS with JET LAG. I know. They’re like a cross between Gremlins and heavy rocks. Here are 7 ideas to combat jetlag in kids so the gremlin thing doesn’t happen.
It’s not every day you meet a guy named Snowy Joey and ski perfect glades wearing a personalised scarf deeming you to be a Babe. But over the Family Day weekend, my family and I did just that.
Explore Mount Baldy – ski over to the Mt. Baldy website for more.
Nestled between Oliver and Osoyoos, B.C., Mt. Baldy is an extinct volcano that looks like a bald guy without a comb over. At 1,722 metres ( 5,650 feet) above sea level, Baldy has the highest base altitude of any ski resort in Canada. With three lifts serving 395 metres (1,293 feet) of vertical, a new racing team, terrain park, snow cross course and robust social event calendar, Baldy is the name being whispered in conversations across the ski community.
There is a chance I may never scuba dive again. Because then I will be able to say “the last time I dove was in Bora Bora.” And really, with a drift snorkel jammed with vibrant coral and exotic fish directly next to Le Taha’a Resort, I have one less reason to don a scuba tank. (And one more excuse to visit this property again). For the record, we didn’t sleep at Le Tahaa, but I was given an extensive tour of the rooms, the pool and spa while also experiencing a spectacular lunch. I’d heard many mutterings about the Relais & Chateau – operated property on Taha’a, but had no idea how blown away I would be at the vistas and service until I approached the small French Polynesian island in the resort’s private shuttle.
Even after visiting many schools in Liberia for Right to Play, I wasn’t prepared for what I would see when I did a similar outing in Jamaica. Maybe because Africa is farther. Maybe I equate the Caribbean with vacations. You see photos of soft beaches, tropical drinks and killer sunsets and think everyone must live a resort lifestyle. Whatever the excuse, it’s embarrassing that I’ve been so blasé and undereducated.
We don’t even need a gift to want to board a plane. But, well, ok. People who travel tend to know themselves and their world very well, so finding the perfect gift can be a challenge. I tend to favour minimalist packing, stylish plane attire, and good luggage. There are a few other traveler gifts on the list too…