Banff, Alberta

Banff is one of Canada’s most iconic mountain destinations, located in Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains. It’s a resort town with an adorable village full of restaurants and shops, along with chateau style hotels and charming accommodations. With incredible hiking, skiing, and endless adventure activities available, it’s truly a world class destination all year round and the perfect spot to kick off an epic trip. Be sure to set aside a day to explore, grab lunch at a cute spot in town, take the gondola up Sulphur mountain for some sightseeing, and don’t forget to try a Beaver Tail! 

Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Banff Springs is a stunningly beautiful and world famous hotel in Banff. Known as Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies”, it’s a top Fairmont property and has been rated the #1 luxury hotel in the world. It’s an absolute dream! Built in 1888, Fairmont Banff Springs has such a fascinating history, and it’s an iconic landmark in Banff National Park. We absolutely loved our stay there and it felt so special to experience such world class luxury, while being completely surrounded by nature. From the amazing dining to the gorgeous spa to the unique wilderness activities available, the hotel really is a destination in itself and we can see why people travel from all over the world to stay there. It really is the perfect spot to experience all that Banff has to offer! 

We spent an amazing two nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs, and we can absolutely say that the hotel lives up to its reputation. It really is such a special place! Keep reading for our top tips for things to do during your stay.

Things To Do

Fairmont Banff Springs is a resort style hotel with so much to do right on the property. Our first recommendation is to start with a hotel history tour when you arrive! It’s such a unique property with so many interesting stories behind it (including some spooky ghost stories), and it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the property at the beginning of your stay. If you’re looking for some time to relax during your vacation, you should definitely check out the Fairmont Banff Springs spa. It’s a gorgeous 40,000 sq ft facility with soothing mineral pools, and a beautiful outdoor hot tub with views of the castle. You could absolutely spend a full afternoon taking it all in. If you’re looking for a bit more adventure during your stay, definitely take some time to enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds the hotel! Banff National Park is so stunning and you can book tours and activities like nature walks, forest bathing, and other guided adventures. Also, if you’re into golf, the hotel golf course has the most incredible views to take in while you play! Lastly, no amazing vacation is complete without amazing food, and this hotel will definitely blow you away with its dining experiences. Start with breakfast in bed and order from the excellent in-room dining menu, and eat while you’re admiring the “million dollar view” outside your window. Next, be sure to book an Afternoon Tea! Fairmont is very well known for their traditional tea service at different locations around the world, and the tea at Banff Springs is unforgettable (they can even do a fully vegan version!). Then, be sure to have cocktails at Rundle Bar and have a seat in the secret section behind the bookcase, if you’re into speakeasy vibes. And finally, enjoy dinner at Grapes Wine Cellar, they have an incredible wine list, an amazing menu, and a really romantic dining room. 

Driving the Icefields Parkway

Once you’re finished with your time in Banff and ready to head to Jasper, it will be time to drive the famous Icefields Parkway. This stretch of Alberta highway is absolutely stunning and such an activity of its own. It’s even been voted one of Canada’s most beautiful drives! There are so many stops along the way you could truly take all day to explore, but be sure to give yourself at least three and a half hours to make the journey. There isn’t a lot of cell service along the way, so plan your route in advance and don’t forget to bring water, snacks, and some different clothing layers for the quickly changing temperatures. This drive was absolutely one of the highlights of our trip, and we couldn’t believe the views of the mountains, valleys, and icefields along the way. It’s such an iconic experience and definitely one of the best parts of this itinerary! Keep reading for our top tips on where to stop on the Icefields Parkway.

Lake Louise

Just outside Banff and at the start of the famous drive, is Lake Louise. Another iconic, bucket list destination, Lake Louise is a place that people travel from all over the world to see. It’s a beautiful, glacier fed lake with such gorgeous views, and it looks so different at different times of year. In the summer the water is a stunning turquoise blue and you can take a canoe out for a paddle on it, and in the winter it freezes over enough for people to ice skate! When we visited in mid-May, the lake hadn’t fully thawed yet and it still looked incredible. There’s really no wrong time of year to go. This spot can get really busy, so seeing it in shoulder season can be a great way to avoid the crowds, but any time of year it’s a very magical place.

Peyto Lake

About 30 minutes into the drive is another gorgeous lake called Peyto Lake. Also glacier fed, the water of Peyto Lake is a bright turquoise, and the surrounding views are absolutely majestic. It’s a short hike from the parking lot to the viewing platform, but it is completely worth it to take in the views. It’s an unforgettable spot!

The Columbia Icefields

The largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia Icefields is definitely worth a stop. About a one hour drive up from Peyto Lake, it sits on the northwestern edge of Banff National Park, and the south tip of Jasper National Park. If you have more time to explore, you can do an Ice Explorer tour on the Athabasca Glacier, as well as visit the Skywalk and the Glacier Discovery Centre, but even if you just have time for a short drive by, be sure not to miss it! 

Sunwapta Falls

There are several beautiful waterfalls along the drive, but if you only have time for one we recommend Sunwapta Falls. About another 30 minutes past the Columbia Icefields, Sunwapta Falls is a pair of waterfalls on the Sunwapta River, and accessible by a short walk/hike from the parking area. It’s absolutely beautiful! 

Jasper, Alberta

Once you arrive in Jasper, you will be blown away by the natural beauty. An iconic Canadian alpine town, Jasper is known for its beautiful glacier fed lakes, mountains, rivers, and forests. It is truly a bucket list destination with so many activities available including hiking, skiing, and water sports, along with so many opportunities to see wildlife and even the aurora. The town of Jasper is the jumping off point for Jasper National Park, and downtown Jasper is very charming and quaint. Be sure to leave yourself some time to explore, walk through the historic downtown, take the SkyTram up Whistlers Mountain, and take in the endless sights! 

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge 

Jasper Park Lodge is such a unique Fairmont property, as it’s a remote wilderness resort surrounded by nature in the Rocky Mountains. Rather than one big hotel, there are cabins spread out over the 700 acre property, with unbelievable views of the mountains and lakes. It’s quite honestly one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen! The resort has an incredible spa, amazing dining, and an outdoor pool that overlooks the view. It’s such a perfect place for a romantic getaway or special occasion trip, and it’s also very dog friendly and a great spot to bring your pet! We loved our time there and it’s an experience we will never forget, we are already dreaming of going back to experience the resort in another season. 

We spent an incredible two nights at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and it was definitely one of our all-time favourite travel experiences. It is such a unique place and the perfect way to see Jasper! Keep reading for all of our tips on things to do during your stay.

Things To Do

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a very special property, and truly somewhere you can create lifelong memories. Our first recommendation to make the most of your stay is to get out in nature and explore the grounds! There are so many beautiful trails around the resort, and it’s very dog friendly if you decide to bring your pup along with you! If you’re looking for a way to relax and recharge during your stay, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has an incredible spa on site. We highly recommend the ‘Forest Therapy’ treatment if you’re looking to de-stress, and then be sure to have a soak in the outdoor heated pool and hot tub that overlooks the lake! And if you’re blown away by the lake views, one of the best ways to see it is by going for a paddle out on the water. During the spring and summer season you can rent kayaks, canoes, SUPs, or pedal boats from The Boathouse, and the views from out on the lake are unforgettable. If you’re looking for something romantic to do during your stay, you can have a champagne picnic on the property! It’s the perfect way to celebrate something special with your partner or commemorate your trip, and the Fairmont team will put together the most beautiful picnic basket you’ve ever seen. And finally, one of the most incredible parts of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (as with any Fairmont location) are the dining experiences it offers. Be sure to grab a meal at The Great Hall, and if you bring your pup with you there’s a dog friendly section of the restaurant and patio. You can even order them something off the dog menu, which our dog Theo absolutely loved! As well, have dinner at Orso Trattoria and try the chef’s tasting menu. The restaurant serves modern Italian cuisine and the food and ambiance is amazing. 

Our Personal Experience as a Lesbian Couple

One of our favourite things about travelling through Western Canada is definitely how safe and inclusive the region feels. Banff and Jasper are both very LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, and we were really happy to experience firsthand just how welcoming they are! The locals were incredibly friendly, and we absolutely felt comfortable being ourselves as an out and open lesbian couple. It’s a region that really feels like it’s for everyone, and we can definitely recommend it for other lesbian couples and queer travellers. 

All in all, this was such an incredible trip to tick off our bucket list and it’s a trip that we want everyone to be able to experience! The Canadian Rockies are a really special place, and definitely a must-do for everyone, whether you’re travelling to Canada for the first time, or you’re a fellow Canadian who just hasn’t explored this area yet. 

The biggest thank you to Fairmont for supporting this trip, they are one of our favourite partners and we are lifelong fans! 

Disclosure: This trip was in collaboration with Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge! Both hotels hosted us for our stays and helped us to experience so much of what Banff and Jasper have to offer. We’re so happy to share these amazing destinations with our audience.

The post A Romantic Bucket List Trip to Banff and Jasper, Alberta appeared first on Lez See the World.

Where to Stay

The Willamette River that runs through the city, divides Portland into the East side and West side. Depending on what your preferences are, both sides are great places to stay when you come for a visit.

East Side

East Portland is the perfect spot to stay if you like to live like a local when you travel. It’s home to charming neighbourhoods, as well as some of the best restaurants, bars, and cafes the city has to offer. As a whole, Portland is very inclusive and welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community, and the east side feels particularly so. You will see signs on front lawns saying that “diversity is celebrated here”, “love wins”, and “all people are equal”. And in the windows of businesses all over the city are posters stating that all sexual orientations and genders are welcome. East Portland also has some neighbourhoods that are especially popular among the lesbian community specifically, including the Hawthorne and Alberta areas. Our favourite east side spot is the Buckman neighbourhood, which is walking distance to the best parks, cafes, and breweries. If you choose to stay in East Portland, we recommend booking an Airbnb so you can have a local’s experience. 

West Side

West Portland is a really great choice if you want to be downtown and in the middle of all the action. It’s neighbourhoods are lively and eclectic, and the West side of the city is home to some of Portland’s most iconic spots. The downtown area is full of great places to stay at adorable boutique hotels, and is perfect if you love being in the centre of the city. Our favourite neighbourhood on the west side is the Pearl District, which is filled with artisan cafes, indie shops, galleries, museums, and great restaurants. It has undeniable charm and energy. West Portland is also home to some of Portland’s gay nightlife, as well as the best shopping, food trucks, and a Saturday market. If you choose to stay in West Portland, we recommend staying at Staypineapple. Staypineapple has locations throughout the US and is incredibly dog friendly! They also have free bike rentals, so you can explore Portland like a local!

What to Do

Portland is the city of amazing food, the best coffee, and incredible craft beer. So naturally we love it! It’s also full of beautiful green spaces, independent shops, and quirky businesses. Below is our list of “must dos” for your trip, and includes all of the things that are iconically Portland!

Powell’s City of Books

Powell’s is a landmark in Portland. Located in the Pearl District, this independent book shop sells both new and used books, including rare and out of print publications, and is the largest of it’s kind in the world. Covering an entire city block, a visit to Powell’s can easily eat up an afternoon, but it will be well worth it. 

Food Carts

Portland has hundreds of food carts scattered around the city, and many of them are organized into food cart pods, or lots with multiple carts. You can’t visit PDX without hitting up a food cart, and because there are so many, you’ll easily find one that you love.

City Parks

Portland has a number of beautiful parks to visit including Washington Park, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Forest Park, Mt. Tabor Park, Rhododendron Garden, and the Portland Japanese Gardens. The city boasts itself on being full of green space, and you can pretty much find a beautiful park to admire in any Portland neighbourhood. 

Women’s Soccer

Portland is an awesome place to catch a women’s soccer game! The Portland Thorns are reigning NWSL champions and draw an incredible crowd. They boast a roster full of fan favourites such as Christine Sinclair, Tobin Heath, and Adrianna Franch. The team has an enthusiastic official supporters club, the Rose City Riveters, who help to create an incredible stadium atmosphere. Support for the women’s team cannot be compared, and they often draw crowds of more than 20,000 spectators. The story of this team has been heralded as one of the biggest success stories in women’s sports, and their partnership with the men’s team is just that; a partnership. The women have access to the same facilities, resources, and staff as the men’s team, and many of the players have said that, in rare fashion, the female players are treated equality to their male counterparts. For an amazing experience and to show your support to this amazing organization, be sure to catch a game while you’re in town!

Historic Cinemas

Put it on your list to catch a film while you’re visiting Portland! The city has so many amazing historic theatres that are independently run, scattered all over the East and West sides of the city. Laurelhurst Theater, Clinton Street Theater, McMenamins Theater, Cinema 21, Cinemagic, Academy Theater, Hollywood Theatre, Roseway Theater, Moreland Theater, Joy Cinema, and the list goes on.

Craft Breweries

If you’re into craft beer, then you’re visiting the right place. Portland is known for it’s incredible craft breweries, and amazing patios! Liquor laws in the city are strictly enforced though, so be prepared when you go out. If you’re non-American, you will need an international passport as a valid ID. See below for our favourite Portland breweries and pubs.

Where to Eat

Portland has a really great food scene, and it’s one of the reasons why it’s such an awesome city to visit. It’s also a city that caters to many different dietary needs, especially vegan. PDX has been a leader in the plant-based food scene for years (even before it was trendy), and continues to offer amazing vegan options at most cafes and restaurants, as well as fully plant-based establishments that are fantastic. There is a vegan mini mall on Stark Street on the East side that includes our favourite Portland cafe Sweetpea Baking Co., as well as a vegan grocery store, and vegan clothing shop with animal friendly fashion and house wares. There is the well known doughnut shop, Voodoo Doughnut, which offers delicious vegan doughnuts, and the most amazing plant-based pizza place called Virtuous Pie. Portland has tons of vegan dining options, including casual daytime spots like Prasad, and Rabbits Cafe on the West side, and Papa G’s Vegan Organic Deli on the East side. It also has some great vegan dinner spots including a modern Middle Eastern and Israeli restaurant called Aviv, and a South American eatery called Epif. Portland really has it all, from food carts, to upscale dining. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it!

Where to Drink

Coffee

There are hundreds of cafes in Portland, and most of them serve really good coffee. You’ll be able to get a solid latte pretty much everywhere you go, but when it comes to the actual quality of the coffee the only thing that really matters is the beans. If you’re looking for a top quality single origin pour over coffee, be sure to look out for these local roasters while you’re in Portland. All of these roasters have direct relationships with the farmers they buy their beans from, and pay appropriately for the superior quality they ask for. So even though these coffees will cost you more than your regular cup, it’s worth it for the exquisite nuances in flavour, and for the fact that the extra dollar or two is contributing to a fair wage for the workers at the source.

Heart Roasters

I love Heart, and I often pick up their beans at home in Vancouver, BC. They carry a variety of beans from Central and South America as well as Africa, and their delicate roasts tend to be more on the fruity and floral side. If you’re looking for people who know their coffee, go to Heart! But you’re going to have to drink your coffee hot, since the idea of iced coffee is sacrilegious to their Finnish owner.

Coava Coffee Roasters

This unique roasting company was started by a guy roasting coffee out of his garage! All the roasters on this list have great relationships with their producers, but this guy takes it to the next level. The incredibly high level of quality in the beans they source not only gives us amazing coffee to drink, it also helps the producers of these top notch beans pay their workers well.

Ristretto Roasters

Ristretto is all about small batch roasting, and they roast their beans daily, so they’re always fresh. They tend to stick to medium roasts, and have a variety of single origins and blends that change seasonally. Again, I would stick to the single origins to get a full appreciation for their quality.

Stumptown Roasters

Chances are you’ve heard of Stumptown. They pretty much put Portland on the map when it comes to high quality coffee. Now you can find their beans and cafes all over the country, including several in NYC. They roast beans from the usual locations such as Africa and Central America, but also have a direct trade relationship with producers in Indonesia, which is less common for single origin roasters. Stumptown carries several blends, but I would suggest sticking to their single origin beans!

Beer

Portland definitely has no shortage of amazing craft breweries, and one of the hardest decisions to make when visiting is what spots to choose! The city also happens to have an exorbitant variety of our favourite styles of beer, which can be harder to find in other parts of the country – most specifically, sours and hazy IPAs. Here are a few of our favourite bars and breweries, and why we love them so much!

Cascade

Cascade is like the holy grail of sour beers. They have over a dozen sour beers on tap at any given time, and are definitely considered specialists in the genre. Their beers are skillfully barrel aged and can run on the expensive side, but if you enjoy sour beers, then Cascade is a must when you’re in Portland! Bonus: their patio is now dog friendly!

Ecliptic

Ecliptic is a relatively young Portland Brewery and was founded by the former Deschutes brewmaster responsible for many of their signature beers. Ecliptic is quirky and creative and I always enjoy seeing the interesting brews they come up with. They always have delicious hazy IPAs and creative sours, so they tend to keep us both happy!

Deschutes

The Deschutes brewery is located in Bend, Oregon, but they have a pub in a very central spot in downtown Portland. They have a well-rounded line up of year round beers, and an eclectic list of seasonals, special releases, and experimental beers. This pub will definitely have something for every type of beer drinker in your group. 

Loyal Legion

If you’re looking to sample a variety of Oregon beers, but you only want to go to one spot, then look no further! The Loyal Legion is a trendy beer hall with 99 Oregon craft beers on tap! If you’re indecisive… good luck! They have vegan food options, and beers to satisfy every taste.

*If you want to ensure your drinks are vegan, try using this handy tool: Barnivore is a site that allows you to search for your favourite beers, wines, and liquors, to make sure they’re vegan friendly!

Lesbian Scene

Portland doesn’t have a designated “gaybourhood” because there are multiple neighbourhoods that are popular with the LGBTQ+ community, and there are queer establishments all over the city. As we mentioned above, there are a couple of specifically lesbian friendly neighbourhoods on the East side, but overall, the entire city is very welcoming. Our favourite place for queer women in the city has to be a bar that opened up in 2022 called The Sports Bra. This amazing queer-owned space is a sports bar that shows only women’s sports, and queer women have flocked to it. We went to watch a WNBA playoff game and the place was packed! Another new queer spot, a lesbian bar called Doc Marie’s has recently opened up in Portland, but not without controversy. It you’re looking for some nightlife, and a place where you can go out with your partner, or maybe meet some other queer folx, we recommend Crush, a mixed bar on the East side in the Buckman neighbourhood. Crush has been voted the best queer bar in Portland every year since 2015, and they host meet-ups and social events for different members of the community, as well as newbies to the scene. We spent a night out at Crush and felt completely at ease with the crowd. It felt really inclusive, and there were plenty of other queer women and couples enjoying a night out, mixed in with other folx in the community. Other popular spots for lesbians and other LGBTQ+ people include Holocene, and Scandals, and there are also dance parties for women that happen monthly called Hot Flash Productions. The gay culture in Portland is vibrant, visible, and everywhere! It feels like one of the most gay friendly cities we’ve ever visited, and that’s another reason why we love it so much.

Dog Friendly

We love travelling with our small, 8lbs dog Theo, and find ourselves visiting dog friendly cities again and again. Portland is a very dog friendly destination, another reason why it’s such a wonderful place. Although the state of Oregon has strict regulations that don’t allow dogs inside cafes and restaurants (this is standard in the US), Portland has tons of dog friendly patios! Many of them make their patios super comfy with heaters and blankets so pet lovers can keep bringing their doggies out even in the chillier months. Some places even offer dog items on the menu! On top of having plenty of dog friendly patios, Portland also has a lot of dog parks (far more than most cities), so there are plenty of places to bring your furry friend. Our favourite Portland spot to bring our pup is Java Hound Cafe, a pet supply store with a coffee bar in the front entrance, where you can enjoy a latte with your dog. Theo was lucky enough to score a puppuccino on our last visit, and all of the staff were very friendly to him. Portlanders love their dogs, and they are allowed in many shops and businesses as long as they don’t serve food. It’s a great city to visit with your canine companion, with plenty of dog friendly activities, and it’s nice knowing that the locals are all dog lovers themselves. We choose to stay in pet friendly Airbnb’s when we road trip to Portland, because it’s comfy for Theo, and they’re often near parks where he can run around and play. 

How to Get Around

Whenever we visit Portland, we road trip down and visit with a car. We find it to be a fairly drivable city, however there are a lot of one way streets and cyclists, and like any major city, parking downtown is expensive. For this reason, and because there is so much great beer to drink, we tend to use other means of transportation to get around the city once we arrive, and Portlanders seem to do the same thing. The city as a whole is very environmentally conscious, so you will see a lot of locals riding bikes, using ride shares and car shares, walking, and taking public transit. Here are some of the best ways to get around Portland.

On Foot

Portland is a walkable city within the different neighbourhoods. For example, if you’re hanging out on the East side on Alberta Street, there are many places to walk to in that area, but getting to other spots in the city on foot would be tricky since some pockets are quite spread out. Once you find your way between the different Portland neighbourhoods, walk around and feel the vibes of the different communities!

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Lyft are both available in Portland, and trips from the East side to downtown and vice versa are only around $8. We used this option several times when we stayed in East Portland and wanted to get across the river, and it was hassle free and fairly inexpensive.

Public Transit

Portland has a well-serviced network of buses, light-rail, and streetcars to get you all over the city. They used to have a free transit zone in the downtown core, however they discontinued the complementary service in 2012. This means you now have to pay for your trip on public transit, but the fares are very reasonable ($2.50 for an adult single ride or $5 for a day pass).

Bike Share

The bike sharing network in Portland is called Biketown, the name paying homage to the Nike sportswear giant who got their humble, waffle iron start in Oregon. The bike share is easy to use through a simple app on your phone, and seems to be quite popular. There is a $5 sign up fee, and then all trips are billed at 8 cents per minute. Unlike other bike shares, bikes must be docked at designated docking stations, and cannot be left anywhere once you’re finished with them. 

Scooter Share

Our favourite growing trend is the introduction of shared electric scooters that are scattered around cities all around the world. Scooters are a great way to get around Portland, because there are so many bike lanes and paths to ride on safely. Be sure to download the apps Lime,  Bird and Spin to try zipping around the city!

Has anyone else fallen in love with Portland? Let us know your favourite things about the city in the comments below!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Portland, Oregon appeared first on Lez See the World.

We wanted to share some of our favourite local getaways in British Columbia. Be sure to add these to your travel list! 

The Southern Gulf Islands

The Southern Gulf Islands are the most accessible from the city of Vancouver, and they are all beautiful and unique in their own ways! We were fortunate enough to make it out to Galiano Island last Fall, and it was a first visit for both of us. Just like the other gulf islands we’ve visited in the past, it had its own special charm and we really loved it. Mayne Island, Pender Island, and Saltspring Island are also popular choices! If you head to Galiano we highly recommend both Bodega Ridge and the Galiano Inn and Spa. Read more about Galiano Island here:

Lesbian Friendly Galiano 

Bodega Ridge

Galiano Inn and Spa

Galiano Island

The Northern Gulf Islands

The Northern Gulf Islands are harder to access from the city, but that can make them even more special, because many are very quiet and secluded. Last summer we visited Malcolm Island, which is one of the smaller islands, and it was such a unique experience. Known for its incredible sea life and wildlife, Malcolm Island and the other Northern Gulf Islands are a great option if you’re looking for something more remote and quiet. Denman Island and Hornby Island are probably the most well known! If you head to Malcolm Island we highly recommend The Oceanfront Hotel. Read more about Malcolm Island here:

Lesbian Friendly Malcolm Island

The Oceanfront Hotel

Malcolm Island

Harrison Hot Springs + Harrison Mills

If you’re looking for a fun getaway that’s closer to the city, Harrison Hot Springs and Harrison Mills are only 90 minutes outside Vancouver! Harrison River and Harrison Lake make these great wilderness destinations, and the community of Harrison Mills and the village in Harrison Hot Springs have lots of great activities and attractions to check out. It’s a great option for a day trip or a quick weekend away. If you’re planning a visit out to the Harrison area, we definitely recommend The Lodge on Harrison Lake, Rowena’s Inn on the River and the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Read more about Harrison Hot Springs and Harrison Mills here:

Harrison Mills + Harrison Hot Springs 

Harrison Hot Springs Resort

The Okanagan

If you’re able to venture a little further, the Okanagan is one of the best BC destinations! With gorgeous lake views, plenty of fruit stands, and incredible wineries, it makes for such a great local trip. This past summer we took a CanaDream truck camper up to the Okanagan for a little camping trip and we had so much fun. It really is one of our favourite places in the province! If you’re planning a trip out to the Okanagan, we highly recommend checking out Kelowna, Penticton, Naramata, and Peachland. There are great options for hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds in the area! Read more about our Okanagan camping trip here:

RV Camping in the Okanagan

Lesbian Friendly Osoyoos

Whistler

Whistler is best known for its world class ski resort Whistler Blackcomb, but its a great destination year round! Just 90 minutes north of Vancouver, it’s a perfect nature getaway from the city. There are lots of great activities during any season, and Whistler’s pedestrian village is full of amazing cafes, bars, and restaurants. We headed up to Whistler last summer for a little dog-friendly vacation, and we had a great time hiking, canoeing, and taking the gondola up the mountain. If you’re headed to Whistler with your dog, we highly recommend Summit Lodge as a great pet-friendly boutique hotel. Read more about Whistler here:

Lesbian Friendly Whistler 

The Sunshine Coast

This region of BC is on the mainland and it’s not too far from Vancouver, but there are no roads to get there! You can only access the Sunshine Coast by air or water, so it’s most common to take the ferry. The communities on the coast are small, laid back, and artsy, and the whole region has such a great vibe! We visited in the early Fall and had such a great time exploring the area. There are great breweries, restaurants, and cafes, and the water views are truly stunning. If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine Coast we highly recommend checking out Gibsons, Roberts Creek, and Sechelt, and be sure to go kayaking if you have a chance! 

Pemberton

Pemberton is a small mountain town a couple hours north of Vancouver, and it’s another great outdoor adventure destination in BC. There are some amazing hikes and local farms to check out, and some great local breweries, restaurants, and businesses in town. We visited in late summer and completely fell in love with Pemberton. It’s such a gem and definitely worth a visit! If you head up to Pemberton we highly recommend staying at Pemberton Valley Lodge, especially if you’re visiting with your pet. Read more about Pemberton here:

Lesbian Friendly Pemberton

The Fraser Valley

If you’re not straying too far from the city, there are some really great local destinations right in the Fraser Valley. Just an hour outside Vancouver you can find some great local communities with amazing breweries, farms, wineries, and restaurants. Some of our favourite spots are in Langley and Abbotsford, and they make great day trips or quick getaways! If you’re planning some visits to the Fraser Valley, we recommend checking out Maan Farms in Abbotsford, the village of Fort Langley, some local wineries, and some local craft beer. You don’t need to travel too far to have a fun adventure! Read more about The Fraser Valley here:

Abbotsford

Langley

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island always makes for a great getaway, and there is so much of it to explore! We’ve spent quite a bit of time in Victoria, but this past summer we visited Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, and the north part of the island for the first time. There really is so much to see, and wherever you choose to explore you can’t go wrong. If you have more time, we highly recommend doing an island trip. There are options to camp, book a vacation rental, or find a great boutique hotel, and there are so many beautiful areas to see!

We’re really hoping that we’ll all be able to do some local exploring again this summer, depending on how things go with the vaccine rollout and case numbers across the province. As soon as it’s safe, hopefully we can all be prioritizing local travel and supporting BC tourism!

Where are your favourite local travel destinations in BC? Let us know in the comments! 

The post Our 9 Favourite Local BC Getaways  appeared first on Lez See the World.

Seeing the Aurora in Winter

One of the major draws of the Yukon Territory for travellers, is that it’s a perfect place to experience the northern lights. We’ve always wanted to see the aurora in Canada, and so the Yukon has been top of our list! You need long, dark nights for aurora viewing, so the lights are typically visible between mid August and mid April, with the best time to see them being in early winter. While the northern lights can be pretty unpredictable, great viewing conditions will be on a clear, moonless night between 10pm and 3am, outside of Whitehorse and away from any city light pollution. We lucked out on our February trip and saw them on our first night! We highly recommend planning your winter visit for at least 3 nights, as the longer you stay the better your chances will be of experiencing a beautiful light show. 

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for beautiful, romantic accommodations for your trip, we have 2 amazing recommendations for you! Both are great choices for aurora viewing, and make for a really incredible Yukon experience.

Inn on the Lake

This cozy, gay-owned lodge is about 35 minutes outside downtown Whitehorse, and has been around for years. Inn on the Lake is a really warm and welcoming place, full of rustic character, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a perfect place to kick off your trip! In winter, the views of frozen Marsh lake are absolutely gorgeous, and being outside the city makes it feel very quiet and relaxing. The inn is a perfect place for couples, and we absolutely loved our stay! Everything here was so lovely, but probably the thing we were most impressed with was the food. As soon as we walked inside we could smell freshly baked bread, and both dinner and breakfast were wonderful. The chef even made fully vegan meals for us! We definitely recommend adding meals to your stay, breakfast has daily rotating options, and dinners are a 3 course chef’s menu. The inn is also able to accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests if you let them know in advance. If you’re looking to make your stay here extra special, we highly recommend booking the Executive Jacuzzi Suite. The north facing balcony makes it perfect for seeing the northern lights. We stepped outside in our bathrobes and got to watch them right from our room! Along with the Jacuzzi Suite there are several other cozy rooms in the main lodge, as well as apartment style accommodations and private cottages on the property.

The Northern Lights Resort & Spa

This beautiful resort is about 20 minutes outside the city of Whitehorse, and is a really wonderful all-in-one experience! Northern Lights Resort has both cozy log cabins, and modern glass chalets. There is also a main lodge with a spa, and large dining room to host all the resort guests for meals. During the daytime, staff can set you up with all kinds of great winter adventure activities, and every evening they host a bonfire for northern lights viewing. This resort was definitely on our travel bucket list, and it did not disappoint. It really makes for such a perfect winter Yukon experience! If you want to see the aurora from your bed, we definitely recommend booking a glass chalet. Facing north, the large wrap-around windows are perfect for northern lights viewing, so be sure to book several nights to better your chances of seeing them! If you’re looking for fun activities to do during your trip, the resort offers plenty of different packages including tours to a wildlife reserve, southern lakes sightseeing excursions, dog-sledding, snow mobiling, and more. There are also snowshoes available at the lodge, and plenty of trails right outside the door! There are also various meal packages for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a spa on site with a sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, and massage treatments available. 

Where to Eat & Drink

We definitely recommend adding in meal plans to your resort stays, as most of the accommodations around Whitehorse are quite remote and far from other restaurants. But when you do venture into Whitehorse and want to grab some food around town, there are some great cafes, restaurants, and breweries to check out! We definitely recommend going to some local establishments during your trip and supporting the local businesses in town when you can. For breakfast or lunch, Burnt Toast Cafe is a great spot right in downtown Whitehorse. There’s a big menu (and they can accommodate vegan!), super friendly staff, and even Pride flags on the front door and inside the restaurant! Another great lunch spot, especially if you’re looking for healthy plant-based options, is The Kind Cafe. They have smoothies, lattes, vegan breakfast options, and great lunch bowls, this was definitely one of our favourite spots! If you’re looking to try some local craft beer, we definitely recommend Winterlong Brewing. They’re a small craft brewery with a tasting room, located outside the city close to Miles Canyon and the 2 resorts. They have tons of great seasonal beers including some more eclectic options, and we were really excited to see a Pride flag in here too! 

What to Do in Whitehorse in Winter

The Yukon is a winter wonderland during the cold season, with plenty of fun snowy activities to choose from. We packed a lot into our short visit but there is still so much more to explore, the territory is full of beautiful sights and fun things to do. If you’re planning a winter visit to Whitehorse, here are our recommendations for must-do activities!

Explore Downtown Whitehorse 

Regardless of where you stay on your trip, you should definitely spend an afternoon walking around Downtown Whitehorse. The town is full of frontier-style buildings, with plenty of great small businesses to check out and support. We recommend taking a walk down Main St. and strolling through Horwoods Mall. There’s also a beautiful walkway along the Yukon River which connects to a longer trail loop, and it’s just a short walk from the city centre! The historic downtown in Whitehorse is definitely very charming, we really enjoyed walking around and getting a feel for the city at the start of our visit.

Go on a Guided Tour

We highly recommend taking advantage of the many guided tours that the resorts and other tour companies in the area offer. You can go on history and sightseeing tours, visit the local wildlife refuge, go dog sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling, and even join aurora hunting tours at night! There is so much available and something for every traveller, whether you’re visiting on your own, with your partner, or with your family.

Go Hiking in Miles Canyon

This scenic spot must be beautiful any time of year, but it’s especially gorgeous in the winter! We went on a snowy hike to the Miles Canyon suspension bridge, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. If you’re looking to get out in nature and see one of the most beautiful places in Whitehorse, we highly recommend it. You can drive to the trailhead about 7km outside the city and hike in a short distance, or it connects to a longer trail loop if you have more time. Either way, be prepared for winter conditions and make sure you’re dressed well for the snow. 

Go Snow Shoeing 

If adventure tours aren’t your thing, we definitely suggest trying snow shoeing. We took some snow shoes out during our time at Northern Lights Resort, and had a great afternoon exploring the trails right outside our chalet! There are also plenty of snowshoeing trails outside the resorts, and it’s a really wonderful way to enjoy the snow and explore the area.

Lesbian Friendly

Our favourite part of our trip was definitely seeing first hand how inclusive and welcoming the Yukon is. We definitely expected the locals to be friendly (which they were!), but we were really blown away by how LGBTQ+ friendly it is. In downtown Whitehorse there is a Pride flag crosswalk and a trans flag crosswalk at the main intersection. There are rainbow flags and banners in many of the businesses, and plenty of signs indicating safe and inclusive spaces. We generally feel very comfortable travelling around Canada as a same-sex couple, and coming from BC we are definitely used to being out and open. Whitehorse absolutely felt like a place where we could 100% be ourselves, and we felt perfectly safe and comfortable during our stay. In fact, we felt more than just safe, we felt welcomed and included. The Yukon really is for everyone and we already can’t wait to return. We definitely recommend putting it on your travel list as another wonderful lesbian friendly destination! 

Disclosure: This trip was in collaboration with Travel Yukon! The tourism board hosted us for our stay and we were able to experience so much of what the Yukon has to offer. We are so happy to be able to share this amazing destination with our audience.

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How to Get There 

The town of Sooke is less than an hour drive from Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island. To get to the island from the mainland you can take a ferry, fly into Victoria airport, or take a seaplane right into Victoria harbour. Sooke is split into two areas, the main town of Sooke, and East Sooke which is much quieter and far more remote. Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort is located in East Sooke, right on the ocean and beside East Sooke Regional Park. It isn’t a walkable destination so we definitely recommend either driving onto the ferry, or renting a car on the island. We drove our car over from Victoria and it was a beautiful drive! 

The Resort 

Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort is truly one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed. The resort sits on a rock peninsula on the south tip of the island, and the ocean views are stunning. The area is very remote, incredibly quiet, and a perfect spot to relax and unwind. We spent our days watching sea lions swim right outside our balcony, and taking Theo for walks around the property. We loved that some of the cottages are pet friendly, and we highly recommend bringing your furry family members along with you! There are guest services facilities as well as a fitness centre on the property, and the resort is just steps away from many beautiful hiking trails in East Sooke Regional Park! This spot really is such a special gem on Vancouver Island, we can’t recommend it enough.

The Cottages

The resort units are all absolutely beautiful. There are four different room configurations, and all the cottages have balconies with stunning ocean views and luxury finishes. There are studio suites as well as one, two, and three bedroom cottages, so plenty of options to accommodate everyone! There are also kitchenettes or full kitchens in every unit, and we definitely recommend bringing along groceries to cook meals in your cottage as there are no restaurants on-site or nearby. We stayed in a one bedroom cottage and it was perfect for the two of us and our little pup Theo. We had plenty of space to unpack, lots of room to work, and we couldn’t get enough of the views off our balcony. I’m sure every unit on this property would be absolutely gorgeous and make for a great stay! 

East Sooke

East Sooke is a small community, southeast of the town of Sooke. It is best known for the regional park where you can hike 50km of trails and enjoy incredible views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Mountains. There are also beautiful beaches along the coast to enjoy! It’s truly such a beautiful place to relax and be surrounded by nature. It’s very quiet and a perfect spot to get away from it all. As a same-sex couple we found the town of Sooke as well as East Sooke to be very safe and welcoming. We felt comfortable at the resort and around locals being open as a couple, and the entire area felt very warm and inclusive. We feel so grateful that the province of BC is so incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, we’re always excited to recommend it to other queer travellers!

For more information on Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort, you can visit their website here.

Disclosure: Prestige Resorts generously hosted us (and Theo) for our stay in East Sooke. We had such a wonderful experience and we’re so excited to share this resort with our audience! 

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How to Get There 

Sooke is less than an hour drive from Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island. To get to the island from the mainland you can take a ferry, fly into Victoria airport, or take a seaplane right into Victoria harbour! Sooke isn’t a very walkable destination, so we recommend either driving onto the ferry, or renting a car on the island. We drove from Victoria and it’s a really beautiful drive, the island has so much natural beauty!

The Resort 

Prestige Resorts has locations all over the province, and their Sooke resort is truly stunning. The property is right on the water and it has the most beautiful ocean views! They are also pet-friendly, which means that little Theo got to come along, and that is so much fun for us. We spent our mornings cozied up in our room relaxing, and our afternoons exploring the property and taking Theo for walks by the water. The full service resort also has an on-site cafe, restaurant, bar, fitness centre, spa, and pool, so you’ll have everything you need during your visit! It’s such a perfect place to slow down and enjoy island living, we absolutely loved it. 

The Rooms

There are a variety of rooms available at the resort, including many with an ocean view and beautiful balconies! There are also options with kitchenettes and dining areas, which are perfect for longer stays. The accommodations are all beautifully decorated with luxury amenities, it’s really such a comfortable resort where you will feel right at home. We stayed in an oceanfront room with a huge balcony, and our favourite thing about it was the beautiful view of Sooke Harbour! We highly recommend this resort if you’re looking for a unique getaway on Vancouver Island, it’s a perfect escape from Victoria and a great starting point to exploring Sooke. You won’t be disappointed! 

The Town of Sooke

Sooke is a quiet, seaside community best known for its amazing nature activities. You can go whale watching, kayaking, and hiking, and explore the amazing beaches in the area. There is such an abundance of things to do any time of year, even if you’re coming for a relaxing vacation we highly recommend venturing out at least a little bit! As a same-sex couple, we found Sooke to be extremely safe. The resort and all the businesses we visited in town were very kind and welcoming. We felt completely comfortable being out and open as a lesbian couple, and the entire community felt really inclusive. BC travel destinations tend to be some of the most LGBTQ+ friendly spots in Canada, and Vancouver Island is no exception. We love taking trips in our home province and we can’t recommend it enough to other queer travellers! 

For more information on Prestige Resorts and their different locations, you can visit their website here.

Disclosure: Prestige Resorts generously hosted us (and Theo) for our stay in Sooke. We had such a wonderful experience and are so excited to share them with our audience! 

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How to Get There 

The Empress is a gorgeous hotel that sits on Victoria’s inner harbour. If you’ve been to the city of Victoria before, then you’ve definitely seen it! To get to Vancouver Island, you can either take the ferry over from the mainland, or fly directly into Victoria Airport. You can also arrive by seaplane and land right in the harbour! The hotel is in a beautiful location, right on the water with plenty within walking distance. It’s in a great spot to explore the city, and experience everything Victoria has to offer! 

The Hotel

We’ve always loved Fairmont Hotels for a number of reasons. First, they have such beautiful properties and they are always in amazing locations. Second, they are proudly LGBTQ+ friendly and we always feel so safe and comfortable staying at a Fairmont as a lesbian couple. We actually partnered with the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver during Vancouver Pride earlier this year, and we were really impressed with everything the brand is doing to become more inclusive and supportive of our community! Lastly, our favourite thing about Fairmont is that they’re pet-friendly. It’s so fun to bring your pet along to a luxury hotel, and Theo got to come with us to the Empress! He was definitely treated like a VIP (very important pet), and we had such a fun stay with him. Many of the Fairmont Hotels including The Empress also have canine ambassadors, so we got to meet Winston, their resident hotel doggie!

The Rooms & Amenities

The Fairmont Empress has 464 rooms and suites, it’s a huge hotel! Many of the rooms have lovely views of the harbour, and all the accommodations are decorated beautifully. The hotel also has some great amenities including a health club, a heated indoor pool, the Willow Stream Spa, and of course the on-site restaurant and bar. You will have plenty to do during your stay without even leaving the property!

Q at The Empress

The main restaurant at the hotel is open daily for breakfast and dinner, offering Pacific Northwest cuisine and a menu focused on fresh, local ingredients. You can also arrange in-room dining and we highly recommend ordering breakfast to your room one morning! That way you can stay cozied up in your robe to start your day and have your meal delivered to you. Q Restaurant offers plenty of options for everyone and they can also accommodate dietary restrictions. We enjoyed an amazing plant-based breakfast each morning during our stay! 

Afternoon Tea at The Empress

The Fairmont Empress is probably best known for its famous Afternoon Tea. The hotel has been serving a traditional tea for 113 years and counting, and they offer various options including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. It is a full tiered tea service with fresh scones with house-made jam, pastries, finger sandwiches, and a rotating menu of ethically produced, looseleaf teas. It’s such a unique experience! Afternoon Tea at the Empress has become an important Victoria tradition, and people travel from all over the world to experience it. In the summer months, the Empress serves more Afternoon Tea than most hotels in London! The tea is served in the hotel’s elegant Lobby Lounge, on royal china that was a gift from her Majesty in 1939. It’s served from Wednesday through Sunday and we highly recommend booking in advance! This was absolutely one of the highlights of our stay, a proper vegan Afternoon Tea is hard to come by and being able to enjoy it at the Empress was so special. 

Lesbian Friendly 

The Fairmont brand prides itself on being LGBTQ+ friendly, and welcoming to all queer travellers. The Empress is definitely an inclusive space, and we felt completely free to be ourselves as a lesbian couple during our stay! We can certainly recommend this hotel to other LGBTQ+ travellers and same-sex couples for a great romantic stay in Victoria. Be sure to add it to your list! 

For more information on the Empress, you can visit their website here.

Disclosure: The Fairmont Empress generously hosted us (and Theo) for both accommodations and meals during our stay. We were able to experience so much of what this hotel has to offer and we had such a wonderful time. We’re so excited to share the Empress with our audience!

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When to Visit

Osoyoos is a very popular summer destination because of its amazing weather! It gets plenty of sunshine and is home to Osoyoos Lake, the warmest lake in the country. While summertime is a great time to visit because of this, be prepared for it to be quite busy! We actually recommend shoulder season in late spring or early fall if you’re looking to enjoy some outdoor activities but avoid the crowds. Our visit in early October was a fantastic time of year to experience everything this destination has to offer, and we already can’t wait to come back in other seasons. Whatever time of year you plan for, you’ll have a wonderful trip! 

What to Do 

There is so much to do in Osoyoos and we managed to pack a lot into our visit. It’s truly such a beautiful destination! If you’re visiting in spring, summer, or fall, you’ll definitely need to add this list to your itinerary. Here are all our recommendations for must-do activities in Osoyoos! 

Explore Downtown Osoyoos

Osoyoos has a bustling downtown community, so be sure to set aside some time to walk around and explore. There are a lot of great locally owned businesses to support, and it’s a great way to get a feel for the area! The main downtown area is very walkable and easy to get around, it’s a perfect spot to kick off your visit.

Enjoy Osoyoos Lake

Osoyoos Lake is the warmest lake in Canada, and one the major highlights of the town of Osoyoos. If you’re a water lover, there are plenty of beaches to swim at as well as plenty of water activities to do on the lake like paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, wake boarding, tubing, and more. If you don’t feel like getting in the water but you still want to enjoy the lake, be sure to take a stroll along the Osoyoos Beach Walk, or head to Haynes Point Provincial Park! 

Go for a Walk at the Desert Centre 

We highly recommend visiting the Osoyoos Desert Centre (open May-Oct) early on in your visit, to learn more about the south Okanagan’s very unique landscape. The centre opened in 1998 by the Desert Society, in an effort to conserve the region’s habitat. There’s an interpretive centre, along with a beautiful 1.5km boardwalk where you can take a self-guided tour. It’s a wonderful place for photos so be sure to bring along your camera! We spent a beautiful morning here and it was such a great opportunity to learn more about Osoyoos and Canada’s desert. The boardwalk unfortunately isn’t pet friendly, but if you do have your pup with you, you can leave them on the doggie deck where the volunteers can keep them company. They took such great care of little Theo for us! 

Visit a Family-Owned Winery

Osoyoos is part of the Okanagan’s famous wine region, so we highly recommend visiting a local vineyard. There are some really amazing family-owned wineries that offer great tours and tastings, and we definitely encourage you to support the smaller establishments! We visited Covert Farms Family Estate for their ‘Hands On Harvest Tour’ during our visit, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We toured their huge 650 acre property and learned all about the organic practices on their farm and vineyard. Our guide drove us around in a very photo worthy vintage truck, and we chatted all about sustainable farming while sipping on sparkling wine. We even got to pick some veggies from the farm’s organic veggie patch! After the tour you can enjoy a wine tasting with local charcuterie, and they even offer a plant-based option. We tasted a wonderful selection of wine, snacked on vegan cheeses, and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon here. We even got to bring little Theo along because the whole farm is dog friendly! Highly recommend this spot, and be sure to pick up some bottles to bring home with you.

Visit the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre

Another absolute must while in Osoyoos, is a day up at Spirit Ridge Resort. A visit to the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre is a great way to learn more about the stories, art, and history of The Osoyoos Indian Band. The cultural centre is a perfect destination for the whole family, with an amazing interpretive centre, indoor and outdoor exhibits, lots of interactive learning stations and educational displays, as well as two multi-sensory theatre experiences. The outdoor exhibits are also connected to a trail system with 2km of walking trails, so we highly recommend setting aside a couple hours for your visit. You can explore the beautiful desert conservation area taking in the sage grasslands, pine forests, and whatever plants are in bloom depending on the season.  Also on-site at Spirit Ridge Resort is an amazing restaurant and winery.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for beautiful lakefront accommodations in Osoyoos, we can absolutely recommend Sandy Beach Suites! We stayed in a one-bedroom suite during our visit and it was the perfect home base for our trip. The hotel is right on Osoyoos Lake, with its own private beach and stunning views. It’s quiet, the staff are very friendly, and it’s in a great location for exploring the town! The suites also have full kitchens and there are laundry facilities so it would be a great choice for a longer stay. There’s also a tennis court on-site, as well as a children’s playground, BBQ’s, and free paddle boards and kayaks to take out on the lake. If you’re looking for something laid back and relaxing, this is such a great spot! Other excellent choices would be the hotel at Spirit Ridge Resort, or if you’re looking for something right in town – the Watermark Beach Resort. Other accommodations to suit any style of trip can all be found on the Destination Osoyoos website, so be sure to have a read for the full list.

Where to Eat & Drink

Osoyoos has some great cafes and restaurants to check out, and of course the many amazing wineries! Be sure to leave plenty of time on your trip for eating and drinking your way around town. For breakfast we definitely recommend Jojo’s Cafe, the neighbourhood coffee bar where you can find the locals! It’s the perfect spot to start your day before you head out sightseeing. For amazing baked goods, definitely head to The Lake Village Bakery. This family owned bakery is known for their traditional artisan sourdough, but they have plenty of tasty treats including lots of vegan options! If you need a pick-me-up during the day, we recommend checking out the cute takeaway coffee window at Junction 3 Coffeehouse, they have a great menu and cozy outdoor seating. For lunch or dinner, you should definitely head to The Bear, The Fish, The Root, & The Berry at Sprit Ridge Resort. They have an amazing wine list, a beautiful patio, and an Indigenous inspired menu with plenty of options for everyone (including plant-based!). Another fantastic dinner spot is 15 Park Bistro at the Watermark Resort. The lakeside restaurant has a great evening atmosphere, and an amazing menu focusing on local ingredients, as well as wines from family-owned vineyards in the region. Last but not least, if you’re into craft beer you definitely need to check out North Basin Brewing Co! They’re fairly new to the scene in Osoyoos, but they have a great beer list and an awesome vibe.

Lesbian Friendly

Our favourite thing about travelling locally here in BC, is how safe and inclusive every destination feels. Even in rural destinations or small towns, the locals are always welcoming and we can feel at home as a lesbian couple. Osoyoos was no exception and it’s definitely LGBTQ+ friendly! We loved seeing Pride flags in shop windows, and chatting with the local residents during our stay. Nobody batted an eye at the fact that we’re a married couple, and everyone was warm and friendly to us. We felt completely comfortable being ourselves during our trip, and we know that Destination Osoyoos is happy to welcome everyone, including queer travellers. We highly recommend putting Osoyoos on your BC travel list! 

Disclosure: Destination Osoyoos generously hosted us (and Theo) for our stay. This included our accommodations, some meals, and all activities during our stay. We were able to experience so much of what Osoyoos has to offer during our trip, and we’re so excited to share this destination with our audience! 

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How to Get There 

Halcyon Hot Springs Resort sits on the shores of Arrow Lake in Nakusp, BC. It’s about a 7 hour drive from the city of Vancouver in one direction, and about a 7 hour drive from Calgary in the other. It’s a very quiet part of the province, best accessed by car and ferry. If you’re driving from the north, you’ll take the Upper Arrow Lakes ferry, and if you’re driving from the south, you’ll take the South Arrow Lakes ferry. Both are free! It’s a beautiful drive and we highly recommend taking your time to enjoy all the sights, but you will need to plan for winter driving conditions if planning your trip in the colder months.

The Resort & Restaurant

Halcyon Hot Springs Resort sits on 35 acres of property overlooking the beautiful Monashee Mountains and Arrow Lake. The views are absolutely stunning and the resort is very quiet. They encourage all their guests to embrace the “slow life” during their visit. Having no cell reception and being surrounded by nature makes this easy, it’s a really wonderful place to relax and unwind. On site at Halcyon is an incredible restaurant called The Kingfisher, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner service to guests. The chef is able to accommodate different dietary restrictions and we were blown away by what they were able to offer for upscale plant-based dishes. If you’re looking for something really special for your vacation or a great way to celebrate a milestone or occasion during your stay, The Kingfisher Restaurant also offers private dining experiences. You can enjoy an intimate meal with incredible food and beautiful water views, all to yourself!

The Spa & Hot Springs

Also on-site is The Spa at Halcyon, offering a variety of massage treatments that are the perfect way to treat yourself. And of course there are the amazing hot springs pools filled with lithia-rich mineral waters! Every stay at the resort includes hot springs access, so you can relax in the healing waters as much as you’d like. There are two pool decks, the upper deck has a hot pool, a warm pool, and a cold plunge pool, while the lower deck has a seasonal mineral pool. The hot springs are wonderful to enjoy both in the daytime and in the evening, and there is some ‘adults only’ time most nights. If you’re looking for a private experience, you can also book a private time in the hot springs pools just for you and a small group to enjoy on your own. 

The Accommodations 

The thing we loved most about Halcyon, is that there are no hotel rooms at the resort. All of the accommodations are private cottages and cabins, with everything spread out all over their large property. Every guest gets to have a private spot all to themselves during their visit! There are options for singles, couples, families, and large groups, including everything from more rustic cabins, to new luxury cottages. They also have two units that are wheelchair accessible, and seven units that are pet friendly. We stayed in a pet friendly, one bedroom chalet and it was perfect for us. We love getting to bring little Theo along on our adventures and he really enjoyed being out in nature here. We loved how private all the accommodations are, and that everyone has a quiet place to enjoy themselves during their stay. Our cabin was just a short walk away from the restaurant and hot springs pools, as well as just a quick stroll down to the beach. We highly recommend taking some time to explore the property during your stay, there are beautiful walking trails and quiet places to sit and enjoy being surrounded by nature. 

Lesbian Friendly 

One of the best parts about travelling locally in BC, is that we always feel safe and comfortable as a same-sex couple, even in the most remote areas. This sleepy resort hours away from any big city, was just as welcoming as anywhere else in the province. The staff was wonderful, the space was inclusive, and we felt completely comfortable being ourselves. The resort feels strongly about welcoming everyone, and we feel confident recommending this spot to other LGBTQ+ travellers as a great place to visit! 

For more information on Halcyon Hot Springs, you can visit their website here.

Disclosure: Halycon Hot Springs generously hosted us (and Theo) for accommodations, meals, and activities during our stay at the resort. We were able to experience everything this property has to offer and we had such a wonderful time. We’re so excited to share them with our audience! 

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When to Visit

Golden is a great place to visit any time of year, and every season offers options for different activities. Our visit in late summer meant that we had comfortable weather for lots of sightseeing, but it definitely cooled off at night and it even snowed up on Kicking Horse Mountain! If you’re looking to do hiking, mountain biking, and exploring in the national parks, the warmer months are a great time to visit. And if you’re looking to ski, snowboard, ice skate or snowmobile, Golden is an amazing winter destination! There’s a lot going on during every season, with something for everyone no matter what your style of travel is. Whatever time of year you plan for, you’ll have lots to keep you busy!

What to Do in Summer/Fall

We packed a lot into our short visit, and we really loved every minute of it. There are so many unique attractions and beautiful spots to see in Golden! If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you definitely need to add these to your list. Here are our recommendations for must-do activities for your Golden visit!

Explore Downtown Golden

The town of Golden has tons of great locally owned businesses to support, and we highly recommend setting aside some time to explore the historic downtown! One of the highlights is the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada and a beautiful spot to take photos! Golden has also been working on a new riverfront space which we had a peek at, and it’s a really lovely walkway along the water with gorgeous river views. Be sure to spend some time walking around and getting a feel for the town, it’s very quaint and charming!

Spend a Day at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

A visit to Golden isn’t complete without a day up at Kicking Horse! Outside the winter when there are obviously plenty of snowy mountain activities, there is still lots to do up at the resort and it is absolutely worth a visit. In the warmer months we recommend exploring the resort village, grabbing a coffee at Double Black, taking the gondola up to the top of the mountain, and having lunch or dinner up at Eagle’s Eye – the highest restaurant in Canada! There are also plenty of hiking trails and mountain biking trails if you feel like having a mountain adventure. Kicking Horse is a beautiful resort and one of Golden’s most popular attractions. We highly recommend making a day of it and taking in everything the mountain has to offer! 

Visit Boo the Grizzly Bear

Speaking of great activities up at Kicking Horse, be sure to book a tour to visit Boo the resident grizzly bear! Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is home to the world’s largest protected grizzly bear habitat, and you can arrange a tour to meet and learn about Boo. He was rescued as a cub after his mama was illegally shot and killed, and this habitat was built specifically for him. He’s nineteen years old now! His enclosure on the mountain is 20 acres, and he has so much room to roam around, play, hunt, and forage for his own food. Because he was orphaned as a baby, Boo didn’t learn the necessary skills to survive in the wild so this refuge program has provided him with an amazing home for many years. With it being late in the summertime during our visit, Boo was bulking up for winter and getting ready to hibernate. This meant that his diet was being topped up with additional food to be sure he’s getting all the calories he needs. His caretakers will hide fruit, nuts, berries, etc. inside his enclosure for him to forage, and we got to watch him eat. We loved this tour so much! We learned a lot about Boo and his story, and so much about grizzly bears. It’s a really great example of ethical animal tourism and a successful refuge, and we highly recommend arranging a tour if you’re visiting Kicking Horse during the summer months. 

Take a Sightseeing Flight with Kicking Horse Aviation 

This was one of those experiences where we had to pinch ourselves because it was so incredible. Doing a sightseeing flight and flying above the city of Golden was absolutely a major highlight of our trip! Kicking Horse Aviation is a new, locally owned and operated business offering scenic tours and charter flights in Golden. The pilot Mike is amazing, and the aircraft is a Cessna 185. It’s such a beautiful way to see the sights, and the bubble windows are perfect for taking photos! Looking out at the mountains, lakes, and waterfalls from the plane felt completely magical. It was such an unforgettable experience and we can’t recommend it enough!

Go Hiking in Yoho National Park

Another highlight of our visit was going to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Less than an hour outside the town of Golden, Yoho National Park is full of great hiking trails, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and of course Emerald Lake. It’s truly the most beautiful lake we’ve ever seen! It’s very easy to get to and has the most picturesque views. We highly recommend planning a visit if you’re looking for an iconic Canadian lake experience that’s much quieter than the most famous spots! There’s a parking lot right at Emerald lake so it’s very accessible, and you can even take canoes out on the water if you like. There are trails that can take you around the lake, so if you’re looking for more secluded photo taking spots you can just walk down a bit from the main lodge. If you have extra time in Golden and you want to visit another national park, you can also head west to Glacier National Park for more!

Visit the Golden Skybridge

The Golden Skybridge is a new attraction that just opened earlier this year and you can’t miss it! It features the two highest suspension bridges in the whole country and the views are absolutely stunning. The pedestrian bridges sit more than 400 feet above a huge canyon and you can enjoy views of the mountains, river, waterfall, and valley as you cross. On either side there are forest and canyon ridge walking trails, and if you’re looking for more of a thrill there’s also a zipline! If you’re afraid of heights we recommend taking it slow, and holding on to the rails as you go. The views are worth it!

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for the perfect cozy cabin accommodations in Golden, we highly recommend booking one of the chalets at Cedar House! We stayed in the Sunflower Chalet during our visit and it was the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. We had complete privacy, and the cabin was super spacious with two bedrooms, a cozy living room, a wood burning fireplace, a full kitchen, and laundry. And the absolute best part was a gorgeous private hot tub outside with the most beautiful mountain views! Cedar House is a few minutes outside downtown, but it was very conveniently located for everything we did during our trip. If you’re looking for something quiet and relaxing, look no further! The Sunflower Chalet and some other select chalets at Cedar House are also pet-friendly, which means you can bring along your furry family members. Theo loved coming along and this was the perfect place to stay with him. 

The town of Golden does also have other accommodation options to suit any style of trip including hotels, motels, cabins, lodges, vacation rentals, and more. Be sure to visit the Tourism Golden website for a full list. 

Where to Eat & Drink

Golden is a small town, but we were so impressed with the great cafes, restaurants, and breweries they have! Be sure to check out some local establishments during your stay, you won’t be disappointed. For breakfast we recommend Blue Bird Cafe, it’s the perfect stop in the morning before a big day of sightseeing. For coffee, be sure to check out Wandering Fern Cafe, a mobile pop-up cafe that takes their coffee very seriously. You can follow them on Instagram to find out where they’re located each day! A great lunch spot is Reposados Tacos right downtown, they have a cute little patio and a takeaway window if you’re on the go. We were super impressed with the plant-based options, so if you’re vegetarian or vegan this is a great spot! For dinner we loved Whitetooth Bistro. They also have a patio as well as a very cozy indoor dining room, and plenty of plant-based options here too. And finally, if you’re looking to grab a drink in town you should stop by Whitetooth Brewing for great locally brewed beer! 

Lesbian Friendly

The town of Golden is well known for how friendly the local people are, and we can definitely agree. Everyone we came across was so kind and welcoming, and we felt right at home as a same-sex couple. The province of BC is such a great place to travel for the LGBTQ+ community, because even rural destinations and small towns feel safe and inclusive. We felt perfectly comfortable being out and open during our visit, and we know that Tourism Golden is happy to welcome everyone to their destination. We definitely recommend putting Golden on your travel list! 

Disclosure: Tourism Golden generously hosted us (and Theo) for our stay in collaboration with Hello BC and Kootenay Rockies Tourism. This included our accommodations, some meals, and all activities during our stay. We were able to experience so much of what Golden has to offer during our trip, and we’re so excited to share this destination with our audience! 

The post A Lesbian Friendly Getaway to Golden, BC appeared first on Lez See the World.