The Icefields Parkway is labelled one of the most scenic drives in the world, and for a very good reason. While cruising along it you will be immersed in dazzling scenery the entire way. From beginning to end, you will never in your life forget the feast that your eyes indulged in. Continue reading Top 5 Free Sights To See On The Icefields Parkway
Tag: beautiful destinations
The Beautifully Tranquil Riverside Bed & Breakfast In Kamloops, BC.
There are those places in life that you visit and they leave a lasting and memorable imprint in your mind. You know in your mind that you will return one day, you just don’t know exactly when.
Riverside Bed & Breakfast in Kamloops, British Columbia is one of those such places for me. I stumbled across this B&B a few years ago when I was passing through Kamloops. It was one of those golden finds. I had randomly decided I wanted to spend the night and do some wine tasting when I was in the area, and after searching and calling around, having not much luck finding availability, I came across this stunning place.
At the time I was instantly in love with it. The property is immaculate, the rooms very chic, much more then you would expect from a B&B, and the energy of the place is very high vibe. I knew then that I would return one day.
I recently had the pleasure of revisiting, and spending another night. Let me tell you, it absolutely did not disappoint and if anything, it only got better with time. It was as immaculate and stunning as I remembered.
I was instantly in love with the room. It was spacious, bright, open and had an incredible view of the lake.
All of the rooms at the B&B share the same incredible view. Basking in that beauty is a fabulous way to start your day with your morning coffee.
Although, the king size bed was so comfy, I didn’t want to get up in the morning.
Not wanting to miss a minute of enjoying this experience and soaking it all in, was enough to make me crawl out of this blissful bed in the end.
The breakfast was superb as well. You are welcomed into a bright, open, and classy dining room.
The table is set as though you are in a upscale restaurant and the culinary experience is of the same caliber.
You will not be leaving hungry after this classy breakfast.
This time around I was the only guest at the property, as summer is finished, it’s the end of fall, and its not quite winter, it is that in- between time.
My previous visit, there were other guests, and we had great chat at the breakfast table, sharing stories and making new friends. Although I also enjoy the ‘me time’ experience’s, indulging in some of my favorite company….. My own! Mind you, I had some pretty fab conversation with the owner Cynthia, as she spoiled me with scrumptious eats.
As per the first visit, this was once again a truly unforgettable experience, and I will make it a point to return again when I find myself in the area. With the third time being the charm, so they say, I am curious if it can still continually surpass the last visits.
You surely leave feeling better then when you came.
I would love to hear where some of your favorite unforgettable spots are, that you have casually stumbled across?
Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia
Lounging in hot spring is always a wanted experience in my books. No matter where in the world I am, as soon as I see hot springs, I am all over it. Or should I say, straight into it. So clearly visiting a town that is named after its hot springs is a no brainer.
Harrison itself is a beautiful place, situated right on the shores of Harrison Lake, and surrounded by mountains, it is a prime vacation spot for adventure enthusiasts looking for all sorts of activities. Strolling through the town along the lake shores invigorates one with a very romantic feel.
If your on your life long search for the Sasquatch, apparently this would be the area to go on that expedition.
This particular visit though was all about the hot springs, we even stayed at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort so we were in crawling distance of the Springs. There is something incredible and completely rejuvenating about even just looking out your balcony window and seeing hot springs there. Just waiting and calling out to you.
There are three different outdoor pools to choose from. A family pool with a temperature of 28 c/ 83 f.
A lap pool with a temperature of 28°c/ 83°f, for those of you whom want to make sure you get your fitness in.
And my personal favorite, the adult hot pool with a beautifully toasty temperature of 37°c/98°f.
So there is the option to pool hop, or simply enjoy your ideal temperature all day. They also have an indoor swimming pool and hot pool if you fancy you fancy a more enclosed environment.
The ambiance of the Resort is very classy. Historical classy would be another way to describe it, as it dates back to 1886. The resort truly has history and class, two things that rate high in my appreciation list. The decor is very chic and warm, it makes you feel right at home. Seriously, I was contemplating moving in and never leaving. Even the bed was so comfortable I didn’t want to get out of it.
We spent most of our time in the Springs. What else would you expect in a situation such as this?
Our itinerary consisted of hot springs dip, then quick break for a freshen up, then hot springs dip, then get ready for dinner, then after dinner hot springs dip, then wake up and start the day with none other then a hot springs dip(after coffee that is… Priorities!), I am sure you get the picture.
I was loving it so much I could not resist hugging one of the resident tree’s.
Yes that’s right, I am a tree hugger.
With four various restaurants to choose from to dine, it can be difficult to decide when you are not there for a few days to try them all. Oh, who am I kidding. It wasn’t hard for us to pick one.
The Copper Room has live music and a dance floor surrounded by linen covered tables. Dining and dancing is such a rare pleasure these days, it really made me feel as though I was transported back into a classic romantic movie. Although this evening was a romantic dinner with my sister – and I would not have had it any other way. Sister getaway’s are the best.
The music was fantastic, and the service and cuisine are to boast about. I was in a little slice of heaven, a dream that I didn’t want to wake up from.
Having the amenity to enjoy an after dinner evening soak in the springs, just made the evening unforgettable. In fact the whole experience at Harrison Hot Springs Resort will be one that I will not soon forget, and should the opportunity arise to revisit, I will be there in a heartbeat.
Spoiled By Nature In Port Alice British Columbia
Off the beaten track places are always alluring to me. For some reason those places that are a bit hard to get to, and not visited by many tourists is always what my adventuring soul yearns for. Port Alice on North Vancouver Island is a hidden gem of beauty and serenity.
First of all, the road to Port Alice from the main highway is a bit of a doozie – well, unless you enjoy roller coaster rides, then this road was made for you. It is all up and down and sharp corners, even being the driver I get a bit dizzy every time. However, it is well worth it for the destination that awaits.

Port Alice is a very small coastal village of 664 people, with a million dollar view.
You are surrounded by a 360 degree view of the mountains, and incredible sun rises and sunsets.
The town itself is very well maintained and super clean. I found it so interesting to hear stories of cougars roaming into town, and how you have to keep your eyes peeled at times for them. I am so used to looking out for bears and wolves rather then cougars in my neck of the woods.
I was lucky enough to not only wake up to this spectacular view, but to also dine with it every day.
Did I forget to mention the abundance of fresh seafood?! With prawns and crab galore you are bound to enjoy a multitude of it here.
There was so much left over that I had to create an equally as amazing lunch the next day, consisting of crab cakes and prawn salad.
And yes, it was absolutely divine. In case you were wondering.
It’s the perfect place to soothe your soul of life’s everyday hustle and bustle.
The various birds are always singing and the humming birds buzz around sounding almost like a large bee. I absolutely love humming birds, so it was very convenient for my basking pleasure that there were bird feeders hanging off the deck, as the birds loved to come and enjoy a refreshing drink of water.
In the summer you can enjoy watching the whales and sea lions swimming through the bay, right in your own back yard. I happened to visit a bit too early this time around so I was not able to see that action, but I have every intention of returning in the summer to enjoy a bit of the show.
Port Alice is the perfect spot for kayaking, scuba diving, and fishing, and it also has easy access to the Pacific ocean from the inlet. There are plenty of areas to go hiking, and a beautiful 9 hole golf course. Being less touristy, it offers crowd free adventures, which is exactly the way I like it.
Port Alice, is small in size, but big in beauty. An absolute must see if you find yourself in the North Vancouver island area. Happy travelling days!