A fun thing to do while in Newfoundland is take a short ferry ride to France. Saint Pierre and Michelon sit 25 kilometres off the tip of the Burin Peninsula. The only pieces of France remaining in North America, the islands are desribed as a self-governing overseas territorial collectivity of France. You can fly to... Continue Reading →
Newfoundland: St. John’s and the Irish Loop
We spent four nights in St. John's, Newfoundland's capital city, and then drove south from St. John's roughly following the scenic drive known as the Irish Loop. St. John's St. John's is a hilly city nestled in a natural harbour. By water, it is accessed through The Narrows, a historically defensible channel. For hundreds of... Continue Reading →
Newfoundland: West Coast to Bonavista Peninsula
We took the five-hour ferry from North Sydney in Nova Scotia to Channel-Port aux Basques in Newfoundland. Three weeks later, we caught the ferry in Placentia, Newfoundland, for the 16-hour overnight ferry trip back to North Sydney. I've split the province into two long posts. As well as exploring Newfoundland, we visited Saint-Pierre and Michelon... Continue Reading →
Nova Scotia: Cabot Trail and Surrounds
We hadn't been able to fit in a trip around the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island on our last trip to the Atlantic Provinces, so this time it was a must-do. Just as we headed out on our first day on this popular road trip, the province banned all access to trails to reduce... Continue Reading →
Prince Edward Island (twice)
We hadn't intended to spend much time on Prince Edward Island (PEI) this visit since it hadn't impressed us over 40 years ago. More accurately, the impression that it left on us was mostly not great--everything a bit kitchy, Anne of Green Gables merchandise references and attractions everywhere--other than the beautiful red beaches and cliffs.... Continue Reading →
Nova Scotia’s South Shore
We did a one-month house sit in a small town called Rose Bay about 20 minutes west of Lunenburg or an hour and 20 minutes west of Halifax. It turned out to be a wonderful base from which to explore the many towns and beaches, nooks and crannies, that we could reach within an hour... Continue Reading →
Atlantic Canada: Moncton to Wolfville
We chose Moncton as our starting point for two reasons: one, we would finish our trip almost four months later with a housesit in Moncton and two, we found a great deal for a rental car through Turo for the entire trip. Unfortunately, within a day or two of booking our flights, the Turo deal... Continue Reading →
O Canada: The Atlantic Provinces
An intro to our Atlantic Provinces trip.
Road Trip: The Scenic Kootenays
In April 2024, we traveled from Olympia, Washington, slowly meandering through the Kootenay region of British Columbia, including towns like Nakusp, Nelson, and Grand Forks. The journey included visits with friends, scenic campgrounds, bike rides, and a memorable family gathering.
A Brief Layover in Iceland
Iceland was the final destination on the Europe 2024 trip, allowing for a brief but flexible exploration. We opted for a car rental to discover the South Coast, visiting stunning waterfalls like Urriðafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss. We also enjoyed Reykjavik's lively downtown, including architectural sights and the tranquil Tjörnin Lake.
Exploring Norway’s Fjords
The journey aboard Hurtigruten's Coastal Express, from Bergen to Kirkenes, offered a close-up exploration of Norway's stunning coastal fjords. Key highlights included brief stays in Bergen, Ålesund, and Tromsø,. The voyage showcased Norway’s landscapes and culture.