We’ll never forget the first time we visited New York City in December. We’d seen it in movies, but standing there, seeing the Rockefeller Center tree all lit up for the first time, with skaters below and festive music in the air… it was pure magic. But December travel isn’t just about snow and Santa. … Read more

Let’s get right to the big question: Is Egypt safe to travel? For the traveler that informed and prepared, the answer is yes, and it is an incredibly rewarding destination. We’ve explored the country ourselves multiple times and can tell you that standing before the Pyramids of Giza or wandering through the temples of Luxor … Read more

We’ll never forget our trip to Zion National Park one November. After battling the summer crowds on a previous visit, we returned to find the trails almost completely to ourselves. The air was crisp, the autumn colours were still holding on in the lower canyon, and the experience felt so much more personal and raw. … Read more

There are few places we’ve explored that are as much of a feast for the senses as Portugal. We spent two full months traveling the entire country, from the sun-drenched seafood restaurants of the Algarve to the historic heart of Guimarães in the north. Our mission was simple: to eat everything. We tried food from … Read more

For us, a trip to Hamilton is like coming home. Dave’s dad was born and raised in Hamilton, and he spent much of his childhood visiting family in the city. We’ve seen “The Hammer” transform from the industrial “Steeltown” we knew as kids into the thriving, creative city it is today. Now, with friends living … Read more

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, spanning an incredible 11,000 square kilometres (4,200 sq miles). It boasts some of the most awe-inspiring hikes for every skill level. With its shimmering glacial lakes, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife, Jasper is a hiker’s paradise. But you don’t have to venture deep … Read more

Finding the best things to do in Toronto can feel overwhelming, but after calling this city home for 25 years, we’ve got you covered. We remember when the CN Tower was the only giant in the sky, when a trip to the Islands felt like a journey to another world, and when Queen Street West … Read more

I’ll never forget the first time we saw a grizzly bear in the wild. We were driving slowly down Maligne Lake Road in Jasper, windows down, with the scent of pine hanging in the cool mountain air. And then, there he was, a huge male grizzly, foraging for berries just metres from the road. We … Read more

The first time we visited Vancouver, BC, we did what a lot of first-timers do. We found a great deal outside the core, close enough to the skyline to tease us, and booked it. We thought we were being clever. The reality was that we spent half our trip crossing bridges and waiting for buses, … Read more

Editor’s Note: This guide was originally published in 2021 and has been completely updated for 2025 to ensure all information is accurate and current. After more than 20 years of travelling the world, you get pretty good at spotting the difference between tourism hype and an authentic experience. Nova Scotia is the real thing. We’ve … Read more