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.

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.

When to Visit

Langley is beautiful to visit anytime of year! There are plenty of seasonal events and activities happening at any given time, and you will be sure to find plenty to do when you plan your trip. We visited in mid-October and it was perfect for a fall staycation. The weather was still warm enough to visit the local farms and wineries, and we didn’t run into any summertime crowds. It was exactly what we wanted for a couple days of autumn exploring!

Where to Stay

Our favourite accommodation in Langley is definitely their Sandman Signature Hotel. The stylish property is located in Walnut Grove, it’s close to the highway and in the perfect spot for exploring everything Langley has to offer. The hotel has great amenities including on-site dining, a business centre, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool and hot tub. The rooms are very comfortable (we recommend a Signature Loft King Suite if you’re looking for a luxury experience!), and the hotel feels very quiet and relaxing. We loved staying at the Sandman Signature Langley during our autumn staycation. It’s in the perfect location and was a great place to rest in between all of our sight seeing. Highly recommend!

If you’re looking for other accommodation options in Langley, be sure to check out the full list of recommendations on the Tourism Langley website here. There are various spots for camping, as well as other hotels, motels, B&B’s, and guest houses. There is definitely something to suit every budget and travel style!

What to Do

Langley has a great mix of both outdoor and indoor activities. You will find beautiful wineries, family-owned farms, and gorgeous park spaces, along with cute cafes, unique shops, and fantastic restaurants. Here is our list of must-do activities for a Langley staycation:

Go Shopping in Historic Fort Langley

Fort Langley is a small community on the Fraser River, full of specialty boutiques and amazing shops! Make your way down Glover Road, wander down Gasoline Alley, and spend an afternoon exploring the town. Be sure to check out the Village Antiques Mall for great vintage finds, you could easily get lost in there for hours! Our favourite stops were Floralista which has beautiful plants and floral arrangements, and Living Room for gorgeous home decor. Fort Langley is the perfect place to find amazing souvenirs and gifts to take home with you. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore this special community!

Visit Aldor Acres Farm

Aldor Acres is an absolute must do! A family owned farm in the beautiful Glen Valley, Aldor Acres is open year round with plenty of fun activities. They are most well known for their 20 acres of pumpkin patches, and so the autumn season makes for a great visit. They also have a Christmas tree farm in the winter, and plenty of family friendly farm activities in the spring and summer. The farm is operated by three generations of the Anderson family, and it truly feels like a warm and welcoming place. Be sure to spend a few hours here during your Langley trip, and don’t miss the goat parade! We had a blast wandering through the barley maze, picking out pumpkins in the pumpkin patch, and checking out all the products at their farm stand. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as there are plenty of great photo opportunities!

Visit the Langley Wineries

The Fraser Valley is a popular wine region, and the township of Langley has some top notch Vineyards! Home to as many as 40 licensed wineries, Langley wines have won both national and international awards. Fit in a wine tasting during your visit and grab some bottles to take home with you. Keep reading for our top choices!

Township 7

As one of Langley’s most well known wineries, Township 7 has plenty of local support, as well as a large presence in the Okanagan due to their secondary location in Naramata. Be sure to stop by the Township 7 tasting room and sample some sparking wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown just a few steps away. There is also plenty of beautiful outdoor seating to relax and enjoy the weather! The staff here is so friendly and helpful, you will feel right at home as you are immediately welcomed into the Township 7 family. We highly recommend doing a full tasting, and you will not be disappointed in their selection. We did ours outside on the patio and the beautiful views made for an excellent experience. Be sure to grab a bottle to take home with you and ask about Township 7’s very popular wine club!

Backyard Vineyards

Just a few minutes around the corner and also absolutely worth a stop, is Backyard Vineyards. With a warmly inviting tasting room and a beautiful outdoor seating arrangement, this winery definitely makes for a memorable visit. Take a tour around the large property and see all of the different grape varieties this vineyard grows. All of their wines use 100% BC grapes grown on site, and they are very well respected in the wine world. The staff at Backyard is so incredibly knowledgable, and they are very passionate about what they do. It’s a perfect spot to come if you want to know more about wine, we learned so much during our tour and tasting. Our favourite tidbit was learning that we’ve never loved Chardonnay because we’d never had it in a proper Chardonnay glass at the correct temperature! We can’t wait to make it back to Backyard Vineyards and next time we will definitely bring our pup Theo, as their outdoor seating is all dog friendly!

If you want to do an additional wine stop in south Langley, check out Chaberton Estate Winery, the oldest vineyard in the entire Fraser Valley! Or if you’re looking for a smaller boutique winery, nearby is family owned Glass House Estate Winery. And for something entirely different, swing by Festina Lente Estate Winery and try their honey wine!

Check Out the Local Plant-Based Food Scene

We are always on the hunt for great vegan food, and we were truly blown away by how many incredible options there are in Langley! Whether you eat fully plant-based or just love finding veg options, we promise you will be impressed. Here are our top recommendations:

Down 2 Earth Plant Parlour

Down 2 Earth is a fully vegan, family owned restaurant in the community of Walnut Grove. They offer lunch and dinner through the week, and an incredible full service weekend brunch. They also do takeout AND just launched an Italian takeout menu called Nonna’s that we can’t wait to try! Alysa, the owner and culinary director of Down 2 Earth might just be one of the warmest, kindest people we’ve ever met. She is so enthusiastic about her business, and is truly passionate about building a community and a restaurant that feels like home to everyone. We can’t say enough good things about this spot. The food is amazing (get the poutine and thank us later), and the menu is perfect for both seasoned plant-based eaters and curious non-vegans!

Saba Cafe and Bistro

A great spot for vegan-friendly cuisine and located in the heart of Fort Langley village, is Saba. With a cozy dining room, a beautiful courtyard patio, and a creative Mediterranean inspired menu, this place is definitely worth a visit. A great place for breakfast with plenty of baked goods, they also have plant-based options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. While their menu isn’t entirely vegan, it’s full of plant forward dishes and has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. It’s the perfect place to relax with a warm beverage and a hearty meal while out and about in Fort Langley. Don’t miss it!

If you want to experience the full plant-based food scene in Langley, here are some more spots to add to your list: Pink Avo Cafe and Leef & Stem in downtown Langley, as well as Little Donkey, Veggie Bob’s Kitchen, and Maria’s Gelato in Fort Langley!

Go for a Hike/Walk

The township of Langley has plenty of beautiful green space, and lots of spots to go hiking! Head to Campbell Valley Regional Park for beautiful trails and a historic homestead. For easy walking trails and plenty of picnic areas, check out Aldergrove Regional Park, and for beautiful views of the Fraser River go to Derby Reach Regional Park or do the Fort to Fort trail. Enjoy!

Sample Langley Craft Beer

Langley has a growing craft beer scene that is proving to be very impressive! We’re so excited to see so many great breweries in the area working hard to put out amazing craft beer. For a cozy community feel, check out Trading Post. They have a huge eatery on the main strip in Fort Langley, with a big outdoor patio and a full food menu (with amazing vegan options!). Their beer is adventurous and inventive, with plenty of seasonal offerings to try. Grab a flight and relax during a busy day of exploring! Another great stop is Smuggler’s Trail Brewery in Walnut Grove. The owners of this spot are hugely passionate and their brew master is very experienced and amazingly creative. This brewery is brand new and we just know it’s going to be a huge hit. They focus on bringing together British classics with the West Coast styles we love. Their tasting room also has a full kitchen (with plant-based options!), and a very welcoming atmosphere. If you’re not into beer, you may want to check out Fraser Valley Cider Company. It’s a huge farm that makes hand crafted cider, and it may be right up your alley.

Lesbian Friendly

The Fraser Valley area is very welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. We are so happy to say that cities in our home province are truly a safe place for our community. Having grown up in Langley it always feels very special to return with my wife, and experience my hometown as a same-sex couple. Everywhere we’ve gone we always feel welcomed and completely safe to be ourselves. On this particular visit, all of the local business owners were so incredibly kind and generous, and we felt supported and celebrated as LGBTQ+ people. We love how open-minded and inclusive Langley is and we are so happy to recommend it as a lesbian friendly destination. Make sure it goes on your travel list!

Have any of you visited Langley, BC? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Tourism Langley! We are so excited to be working with them to share their beautiful destination with our audience. Tourism Langley generously hosted us for a 2 day trip filled with autumn activities. We had such a great time and highly recommend this BC destination!

The post A Fall Staycation in Langley, BC appeared first on Lez See the World.

How to Get There

The main property of Bodega Ridge and the waterfront cabins at Bodega Cove are about a thirty minute drive from the ferry terminal at Sturdies Bay on Galiano. There is one main road that takes you up to the north end of the island, and it’s a beautiful drive! Most of the services on Galiano are located near town, so be sure you have what you need before heading up to your cabin. The ferry from the mainland leaves from Tsawwassen and takes about one hour. The full trip is quick and easy if you’re coming from Vancouver or the Fraser Valley! If you want to do some sightseeing on the island it’s probably best to come over in your vehicle, and drive yourself up the island. There is ample parking at Bodega Ridge and Bodega Cove so you can bring everything you need for a comfortable cabin stay.

Bodega Ridge and Bodega Cove

Bodega Ridge consists of two properties, the main cabins which sit on 22 acres at Bodega Ridge, and waterfront cabins just down the road at Bodega Cove. Both properties offer gorgeous pet-friendly cabins, all with amazing amenities and beautiful interiors. Bodega Ridge has seven cabins, all with three bedrooms accommodating up to six guests. The log cabins have cedar decks, queen size beds, and beautiful bathrooms that make for a comfortable stay. There is also an on site restaurant called Tranquilo, which offers a Baja inspired menu with local ingredients. A couple minutes down the road at their sister property Bodega Cove, you will find three one bedroom cabins, and two two bedroom cabins. Modern amenities at Bodega Cove include beautiful bathrooms with deep soaker tubs, full kitchens, and wood burning fireplaces. It really is the perfect place to get away and connect with nature!

The Cabins

With one, two, and three bedroom options, these properties can accommodate so many different types of travellers, and it’s a major bonus that furry friends get to come along. We stayed in a one bedroom cabin at Bodega Cove, and our dog Theo absolutely loved it. We highly recommend Bodega Cove for solo travellers or couples, as it’s the perfect amount of space for one or two people. We had a full kitchen with everything we needed to prepare meals, and the soaker tub was perfect for relaxing in at night. The cabins at Bodega Cove are incredibly charming, with both vintage vibes and modern luxury coming together. The wood burning fireplace made for cozy evenings, and the outdoor deck was the perfect spot to relax and drink coffee in the morning. We drove up to Bodega Ridge during our stay to check out the property and the other cabins, and they look just as beautiful! The larger cabins are perfect for families and groups, there really is something for everyone!

The Island

Galiano truly is a special gem in BC’s gulf islands. With well kept provincial parks and sandstone cliffs and caves, it has it’s own unique beauty. We highly recommend taking some time to explore the island as there are some gorgeous hikes and look out points. Our favourites were Montague Marine Provincial Park and Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. If you’re into kayaking, be sure to check out Gulf Island Kayaking and arrange a rental or a guided tour! For a full list of things to do on Galiano Island, be sure to read our full guide here. We loved our visit and will certainly return one day. We found it to be incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, and we can certainly recommend it as a safe destination for other same-sex couples. The staff at Bodega Ridge and all of the locals and business owners we met during our stay were very warm and welcoming to us. Be sure to add this spot to your BC travel list!

For information on Bodega Ridge and more about Galiano Island, you can visit their website here.

Has anyone else been to the Southern Gulf Islands in BC? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored by Galiano Tourism or Bodega Cove. Bodega Cove did generously host us (and Theo) in one of their cabins for a portion of our stay on Galiano, and we are so excited to share them with you. We had a great experience and highly recommend both this property and destination!

The post Staying at Bodega Cove on Galiano Island appeared first on Lez See the World.

BC is incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, even in the most remote corners of the province. We have always felt safe travelling in British Columbia as an open lesbian couple, and we love encouraging travellers to visit the province we call home! Malcolm Island is a warm and welcoming place with friendly locals, lovely business owners, and an inclusive, open-minded, culture. We felt right at home during our visit and cannot recommend it enough!

Has anyone else fallen in love with Malcolm Island? Is it already on your BC bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to read our other articles about Sointula and Malcolm Island to help you plan your trip:

Guide to Malcolm Island

The Oceanfront Hotel Sointula 

The post 24 Photos to Make You Fall in Love With Malcolm Island appeared first on Lez See the World.

When to Visit

Harrison Mills and Harrison Hot Springs are amazing to visit anytime of year, but the summertime is especially wonderful to appreciate everything they have to offer. Plan your visit during the summer months for the best weather, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the fun seasonal activities. We visited in early August and it was perfect for exploring the area!

What to Do

Harrison Mills and Harrison Hot Springs are primarily tourism communities offering plenty to do! Located only 20 minutes apart, both areas have tons of great activities and attractions to enjoy. Below is our list of must-dos for a summertime visit:

Check out the Sandpiper Resort

The most notable attraction in the community of Harrison Mills is the incredible Sandpiper Resort! Home to the Sandpiper Golfcourse and Rowena’s Inn on the River, the resort is worth a visit purely to enjoy the beautiful grounds and the stunning views of the Harrison River. You can stop by for a meal at the Clubhouse Restaurant, or if you are planning an overnight stay, Rowena’s Inn is a perfect choice. The main inn was converted from an old English-style manor, and they’ve added both rustic and luxury cabin accommodations to the grounds. The resort is family-friendly and some rooms/cabins are also pet-friendly. The 160 acre property is absolutely worth a visit, don’t miss it!

Go to the Kilby Historic Site

Just 5 minutes away from the Sandpiper Resort is the Kilby Historic Site, a living museum exploring BC’s history and rural life in the community of Harrison Mills. You can tour the whole site, which includes beautiful gardens, a 1906 general store museum, a heritage post office, gallery, and the Manchester house hotel. It’s the perfect educational attraction where you can learn the history of the area!

Experience the Circle Farm Tour

The Fraser Valley’s Circle Farm Tour offers an opportunity for a self-guided journey of unique attractions in the area. In Harrison you can visit family-owned farms, artisan shops, and so much more! Be sure to stop by the Canadian Pacific Railroad Station, Cabin Fever Junction, Farmhouse Natural Cheeses, Sparkes Corn Barn, Agassiz Farm, and the Lost Marble Cafe & Creamery to name a few! It’s a great way to support the local businesses in Harrison.

Check out The Back Porch Coffee Roastery

Part of the Fraser Valley’s ‘Circle Farm Tour’, The Back Porch Coffee Roastery is a must-do stop. This family-owned establishment includes a coffee roastery, pottery and basketry studio, vegetable gardens, and a shop. Stop by to check out beautiful antiques, pottery, collectibles, hand crafted baskets, as well as housewares and garden decor.

Stop by the Harrison Lavender Farm

Next door to The Back Porch is Harrison Lavender! This was our favourite stop, a beautiful family-owned micro-farm that just opened up in 2020. With 5 different varieties of lavender, a small shop with handmade lavender products, and a stunning opportunity for photos, this spot can’t be missed! Take some time to stroll through the field and admire the plants.

Explore the Village of Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs village sits on the edge of beautiful Harrison Lake. Full of small shops, cafes, and restaurants, the village is the heart of Harrison Hot Springs. Explore the town, look for local crafts and souvenirs to take home, and grab a meal at one of the great establishments on the esplanade. Our favourite stop is Muddy Waters Cafe, a casual bistro with great lunch options! You can also grab a treat at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, or have a drink at the beautiful Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Be sure to read about what local events are happening during your visit as there is always something going on, like the annual Harrison Festival of the Arts.

Walk the Sasquatch Trail

Harrison Hot Springs is Sasquatch country and there’s a fun trail that starts at the town welcome sign, and takes you up to the Sasquatch Museum. Learn about Harrison’s history with the Sasquatch and the local Sts’ailes First Nations that believe in the Sasquatch as an elusive spiritual being. The museum is always a fun place to visit and it’s also located at the Harrison Visitor Centre! If you’re looking for another trail you can also do the 1km Spirit Trail, which is accessible from the edge of the village. For a longer hike, try the trail to Sandy Cove. You’ll get a beautiful view of the lake!

Enjoy Harrison Lake

There are plenty of activities to enjoy on the lake in the summertime like kayaking, canoeing, and boating! You can also swim in the lake and in the lagoon, but keep in mind the glacier fed lake is very cold even in the summertime. There are some local companies offering guided kayak or boat tours, or you can rent paddle boards or boats to take out on your own.

Lesbian Friendly

We feel incredibly fortunate to be able to say that our home province of BC is very accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. The Greater Vancouver Area and the Fraser Valley is a safe and inclusive place for LGBTQ+ travellers, and you will feel very welcome in Harrison Mills and Harrison Hot Springs! We always feel comfortable being out and open during our local adventures. Everywhere we’ve visited in Harrison felt very welcoming and we’ve never had any issues as a same-sex couple. It can definitely go on your list of lesbian friendly travel destinations!

Have any of you visited Harrison Mills or Harrison Hot Springs, BC? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Tourism Harrison Mills and Tourism Harrison! We are so excited to work with them to share their beautiful destinations with our audience. Tourism Harrison Mills generously hosted us for an overnight stay, and Tourism Harrison hosted us for an afternoon of summer activities. We had a great experience and recommend both destinations as amazing summertime day trips from Vancouver!

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CanaDream is one of Canada’s biggest and best RV rental companies. Their fleet has about 1000 RVs in 7 locations across Canada including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Whitehorse, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax! We were immediately impressed by how many different options CanaDream has available from camper vans, to truck campers, to full RVs and motorhomes of varying sizes. You can accommodate anywhere from 2 adults in their smaller models to 4 adults plus 2 children in their larger models. There are tons of options for couples and families, and all the RVs are pet friendly! If you are new to RV camping, CanaDream does an excellent job of making sure you feel prepared. This was our first RV trip and going in, we definitely felt overwhelmed knowing that we would have a lot to learn. We knew there would be a bit of a learning curve because neither of us had ever done camping like this before! Luckily, CanaDream is super beginner friendly and a couple days in we already felt like pros. Their website has amazing instructional videos for each and every question you may have, and you will be equipped with all the information you need for your trip. They walk you through all the specifics of your vehicle including how to fill your water tanks, hook up your electrical, empty your waste tanks, check your propane, operate the furnace and AC, check your monitor panel, and so much more. Everything was far easier than we imagined, so if you’ve been thinking about trying out RV camping but weren’t sure if you could do it, we highly recommend you give it a try!

We camped in CanaDream’s Maxi Travel Camper, which is a TCA Truck Camper, and we were shocked at how spacious and comfortable it was. We had a full bathroom with a toilet, sink, and a shower. We had a kitchen with a huge fridge and freezer, a stovetop, an oven, a microwave, cookware, cutlery, and tons of storage for the food we brought. There was a seating area that we used for meals and a laptop work space. It had a queen size bed with a beautiful skylight, which was more than enough space for us and our small dog Theo. There was also enough storage to fully unpack our clothes, camera gear, computers, toiletries, pantry items, and everything else we brought for the trip. The camper was so well designed that we immediately understood how people travel long-term in RVs. They really are far more comfortable than you would think! We highly recommend CanaDream’s TCA Truck Camper for single travellers or couples who want some extra space, or families with a small child. The dinette in the camper folds down into an additional bed so you can comfortably accommodate 2 adults and 1 child. For photos and information on all of CanaDream’s different available models and pricing, you can see everything on their website here. Be sure to have a look at their seasonal offers and relocation specials for one-way trips!

We found the full process of picking up and dropping off our camper to be easy and stress-free. Due to COVID-19, there are some different stipulations right now, but still a very simple process. When picking up your camper you will be given an exact check-in time for your pick-up location (usually between 1pm-4pm). When picking up you will have paperwork to fill out, and you will also do a full walk through of the vehicle. It will take you some time to complete everything and pack up your camper before you hit the road. Our full check-in took about 90 minutes from start to finish, so be sure to allot enough time for the full process. Dropping off was much shorter and involved a quick inspection and a bit of paperwork again. Most drop-off times are between 8am-10am and take about 30 minutes. You will need to empty the waste tanks prior to drop-off unless you purchase an optional add-on, but we found it easy to do it the morning of! The campers come with all the necessities included and you can purchase add-ons like lawn chairs, bike racks, and child seats if you wish. We had everything we needed and only brought a few extra items like small garbage bags, hand soap, and our own drinking water. The only things we didn’t bring that we wished we had was a pair of scissors and a small paring knife for the kitchen! If you have more questions about CanaDream campers they have a FAQ page on their website.

All in all, we had such an amazing experience and we’re so glad we did it. We’re officially adding RV camping to our list of favourite ways to travel! It’s something we’ve been wanting to try for a long time and this was a perfect introduction. Steph has been dreaming of doing some long-term travel in a camper at some point, and this was a great test run to see if we like it. Turns out, we love it! We know this won’t be our last RV trip, and we can definitely see more of this type of travel in our future. It’s a great way to do long trips, especially if you work remotely or work for yourself like we do! A huge thanks to CanaDream for making our experience so special. We highly recommend checking them out, they really seem to be the best in the business!

Have any of you tried RV camping? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with CanaDream! We are so happy to be working with them to share their amazing campers with our audience. CanaDream generously hosted us in their TCA Truck Camper for a 5 day camping itinerary in the beautiful Okanagan in BC. We had a wonderful experience and cannot recommend them enough.

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When to Visit

You can visit Malcolm Island all year round, but the most popular time is during the summer! Be sure to plan your visit between June and September for the warmest temperatures and sunniest days. During the winter months it can get quite cold and wet in the Mount Waddington Region, but the island is still a beautiful place for a quiet escape. We visited in July and had perfect weather for sightseeing. Nearly every day was clear, warm, and a mix of sun and clouds. We also caught some gorgeous sunsets!

What to Do

Most people are drawn to Malcolm Island for the incredible wildlife, and there is plenty of hiking, fishing, whale watching, and sightseeing to do. We spent a week exploring the island and still feel like there was more to see! Here is our list of must-do activities for your visit:

Whale Watch at Bere Point Regional Park

Bere Point is probably the most well known attraction on the island because of its popular whale rubbing beach! Local orcas will come to rub on the smooth pebbles not far from shore, and it’s an incredible opportunity to see them so close. This is a behaviour that is specific to the community of orcas in this region, and there is a viewing platform set up to watch from. You may want to visit this spot a couple times during your trip to increase your chances of seeing them. You may also spot humpback whales! Bere Point is about 6km outside of Sointula, the small town on Malcolm Island. You can drive there from the ferry in about 10 minutes, and it’s only a short hike to the first viewing platform or an easy walk down to the beach. For a longer hike you can do the Beautiful Bay Trail, which is a 10km round-trip trail with beautiful views of the ocean, mountains, and rainforest. Keep in mind that the drive outside of town is on dirt roads and you may lose cell service.

Visit Big Lake

This lake is a popular swimming hole for locals during the summertime and it’s a great spot to bring a picnic and relax during your visit. You can drive there in about 10 minutes from the centre of town (on dirt roads), or you can hike to it on the 6km Mateoja Heritage Trail. Nearby is Little Lake and Melvin’s Bog. We spent a quiet afternoon here letting our dog play around on the sandy beach and enjoying the water views! Highly recommend!

Hike to the Pulteney Point Lighthouse

About a 25 minute drive outside of town is the trail to the Pulteney Point Lighthouse. This was probably one of our favourite attractions that we visited! Sitting on the Southwestern tip of the island, the views at the lighthouse are beautiful. It’s about a 10 minute hike through the forest and another 10-15 minute walk along a rocky beach. We recommend going during low tide so you have plenty of room to walk and enjoy the sights. The first lighthouse at this spot was built in 1905, and the current lighthouse has been there since 1943. It’s a must-see!

Explore the Town of Sointula

Sointula means ‘place of harmony’ in Finnish, which is very fitting for this blissful little town. It’s a tight-knit community that is incredibly welcoming, and as soon as you step off the ferry you will feel right at home. The town consists of the amazing Oceanfront Hotel, a co-op store (which is the oldest in Western Canada!), a bakery, a museum, a cafe, and a resource centre. It’s also known for having a wonderful arts scene, being home to talented local artists and musicians. You can learn more about the history of the town at the Sointula Museum, and visit the resource centre if you need any assistance during your stay!

Have Lunch at Coho Joe Cafe

Be sure to visit the local cafe for coffee, breakfast, or lunch during your visit. Everything is made from scratch, and they are open 9am-2:30pm every day. The owners are lovely and hosted us for lunch during our stay on the island, and even made something vegan for us! The food was fresh and delicious, and it makes for a great opportunity to chat with some of the locals. The cafe is a popular spot for both residents and tourists. Enjoy!

Where to Stay

The main accommodations on the island are at The Oceanfront Hotel. This beautiful beachfront property has incredible ocean views and cozy rooms. We loved our stay there and it was in the perfect location for enjoying the town of Sointula and exploring the rest of the island. It is steps from the ferry and right on the beach! For more about the hotel we have a full article all about it which you can read here.

Another popular place to stay on Malcolm Island is in Bere Point Regional Park. There are 29 campsites, with many of them offering beautiful views of the water. These are un-serviced sites with no hydro or running water. We saw the campsites when we visited the park to whale watch and they looked like a great place to stay! Your last option would be at a small guesthouse, cottage, or B&B on the island. You can find a full list of options here.

Where to Eat & Drink

Coho Joe Cafe is your best option for breakfast and lunch right in town. If you head out to the marina you can also try Burger Barn, which is another popular spot! The Oceanfront Hotel has a pub, which is the only evening establishment, so be sure to check it out for dinner and drinks. (The pub is currently closed due to COVID-19 regulations, but they’ve opened up a take-out window! Open for lunch and dinner every day 11:30am-1:30pm and 5pm-8pm). In the summertime you may see some farmer’s market stands and lemonade stands so keep an eye out for these! The co-op general store will have some grocery options, and if you have any dietary restrictions you can also bring along what you need. We’re both vegan so we packed a lot of our own food to prepare for our stay on the island. We stayed in the Green Lodge 3 Apartment at The Oceanfront Hotel, which had a full kitchen, making it easy to cook our own meals during our visit!

Lesbian Friendly

We will never stop talking about how fortunate we are to be from Canada, one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. Vancouver and its surrounding areas are incredibly welcoming to lesbian travellers and we have always enjoyed our experiences travelling locally in our province. Even in such a remote destination as Malcolm Island, we were welcomed warmly by the locals and nobody even remarked on us being a same-sex couple. We felt completely safe and free to be ourselves, and had no issues being out and open during our visit. This is a great destination for LGBTQ+ travellers and we highly recommend it! The Oceanfront Hotel is extremely welcoming, and all the business owners in Sointula are lovely, friendly people. We had plenty of great conversations with locals during our stay and we found everyone to be very kind and open-minded. They love having visitors and will make you feel right at home! Malcolm Island should definitely go on your travel list as a lesbian friendly destination.

Has anyone else visited Malcolm Island? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored by Malcolm Island Tourism. The Oceanfront Hotel Sointula did generously host us for our stay, and we had a wonderful experience at their property. We truly enjoyed our time on the island and will definitely be returning.

The post A Lesbian Friendly Getaway to Malcolm Island, Canada appeared first on Lez See the World.

Capilano’s main suspension bridge was originally built in 1889 and has become an iconic Vancouver attraction. It’s more than 450 feet long and connects the two sides of the park. If you don’t do very well with heights it’s best to take your time, walk slowly, and hold onto the cables. There is plenty of time to enjoy the sights while you’re crossing and take plenty of photos, so don’t forget your camera! You can also see amazing views of the bridge from either side of the park.

The Treetops Adventure is the best way to truly admire Capilano’s West Coast rainforest. This attraction has 7 small suspension bridges hanging among the huge Douglas-fir trees, with viewing platforms offering a unique perspective of the beautiful forest. This attraction has been recognized for its innovative engineering and is a must-do adventure when visiting the park.

Capilano’s newest attraction, the Cliffwalk, is definitely the most thrilling of them all! With 700 feet of walkways and platforms, the Cliffwalk offers a stunning viewpoint of the canyon that is unlike anything else in the park. Again, if you are weary of heights you will want to walk slowly and use the hand rails. There are platforms where you can stop to take in the view and let others pass if you want to go slowly and take your time.

The park is open all year round (except Dec 25), rain or shine and tickets can be purchased online. Be sure to give yourself at least a couple of hours to enjoy all of the main activities as well as the smaller attractions, including nature walks and complimentary guided history tours. You also need to check out Kia’palano, a display where you can learn about BC’s First Nations people, and admire the park’s collection of totem (story) poles. If you’re looking for food, drinks, or souvenirs, there is also a small store, as well as cafes, a restaurant, and an ice cream shop on the property. Each winter Capilano puts on Canyon Lights, an incredible holiday festival where the entire park is lit up with festive decorations and hundreds of thousands of lights. If you’re visiting between November and January this is a great way to see the park!

Have you already been to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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When To Visit

We chose to visit Harrison in late November because we wanted to enjoy Lights by the Lake, their holiday festival! They have beautiful light displays along the waterfront as well as an outdoor skating rink, and the festival runs all season from November 23rd to January 12th. Of course all times of year are lovely to visit, and there are different events happening each season. No matter the weather there is always something to do, and the hot springs are incredible even (and maybe especially) in the cold! If you plan a visit to Harrison during the warmer months you can do boat tours, hiking, watersports, and so much more. We’re hoping to go back in the summertime!

Where to Stay

While there are a variety of accommodations in Harrison including small hotels, motels, b&bs, and cottages, the main property is the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. The beautiful lakefront resort offers four on-site restaurants, a full-service spa, and five hot spring mineral pools. We stayed in the West Tower with a Lakeview room and it was absolutely perfect. Waking up to sights of the lake and mountains each morning made our visit so special. We had an incredible time cozying up by the fireplace downstairs, and relaxing in the hot spring pools. If you’re planning a visit to Harrison and are looking for a luxury experience, be sure to check out all of the different packages at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. This month they have some great holiday specials!

Depending on your budget and what type of experience you’re looking for, there are plenty of other great options for accommodations in Harrison. We cannot speak to any of them personally, but have heard great things about the Harrison Beach Hotel and the Harrison Lake Hotel. There are also plenty of vacation rentals available, as well as local campgrounds! Whatever your style is, you’ll surely find something that suits you.

Where to Eat & Drink

The village of Harrison is very quaint and adorable! There are lots of cafes and restaurants along the main street, and plenty of places to eat. If you’re looking for more upscale dining, be sure to check out the restaurants at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. The Lakeside Cafe offers beautiful views and a family friendly atmosphere, while the Islands Bar is a perfect spot for drinks and lounge style dining. Miss Margaret’s Cafe is great for a grab-and-go breakfast, and for dinner and dancing be sure to check out the Copper Room! In the village our favourite lunch spot was Muddy Waters Cafe. They do great sandwiches and burgers and can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets. We also had a really nice meal at Milos Greek Taverna, and they had no problem putting together something vegan for us. While you’re exploring the town, be sure to stop by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a treat (they have dairy-free and vegan friendly chocolate), and there are several spots to grab ice cream if it’s warm enough!

Lesbian Friendly

Canada is known as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, and Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are most definitely welcoming to lesbian travellers. (Click here to read our full article all about how lesbian friendly Canada is!) One of the reasons we love travelling in our home country is because we feel so free to be ourselves. It’s a very safe place to travel as two women in a same-sex relationship, and we’ve had such positive experiences. Our trip to Harrison reminded us that even the small communities in Canada can be so warm and welcoming. We spent our visit being openly affectionate, cuddling in the resort pools, and exploring the village hand in hand without a second thought. The resort was incredibly accommodating and went out of their way to help us celebrate our anniversary! We also spent some time talking to the local shop owners, and all of them were very kind to us. They confirmed that Harrison is a welcoming community to all travellers, and someone even commented that the resort had recently hosted a same-sex wedding. All in all, we can definitely recommend Harrison Hot Springs as a lesbian friendly destination!

Has anyone else visited Harrison Hot Springs? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: This post is in no way sponsored by Tourism Harrison or the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. We travelled to Harrison at our own cost and had a wonderful stay! We did reach out to Tourism Harrison to let them know we would be writing about the destination, and they welcomed us warmly and offered us some small gifts. We also reached out to the Harrison Hot Springs Resort to let them know we would be sharing our travel experience with our audience, and they generously upgraded our room and offered us complimentary breakfast during our stay. We highly recommend this destination as well as the resort, as the community is so incredibly kind and welcoming. We truly enjoyed our time there and will most definitely be returning.

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