Summer travel in British Columbia looks different this year due to COVID-19. Why not explore your own local backyard? Here are some of my tips for traveling in the Canadian Rockies during this new normal.

Yoho yoho, it’s a traveller’s life for me.

Day 5 in picturesque Yoho National Park consisted of visiting Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and Wapta Falls.

Day 4 in Banff consisted of visiting Lake Louise, Minnewanka Lake, Two Jack Lake, Bow River and Falls and Norquay Viewpoint.

Day 3 in Banff was scenic sensory overload with Mount Edith Cavell, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Columbia Icefield, Bow Lake and Moraine Lake.

Day 2 in Jasper consisted of visiting Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon, Pyramid Island and Annette Lake.

The Canadian Rockies Roadtrip adventure had officially begun, leading us from Vancouver to Kamloops to Blue River.

We visited The Butchart Gardens, a modern masterpiece and National Historic Site of Canada with various beautiful gardens.

Day 2 consisted of dipping in the stunning Sooke Potholes Provincial Park and observing intertidal creatures at Botanical Beach.

A long weekend getaway to Victoria was in order. Day 1 consisted of hiking in Goldstream Provincial Park and tourist sights along Inner Harbour.

In light of these unprecedented times, travel around your local neighborhood and take a breather to appreciate the quiet & understated beauty of the local places around you. Read on for more ideas.

Day 6 in Big Island, Hawaii, was jam-packed and consisted of visiting Mrs Barry’s Kona Cookies, Kaloko-Honokohau, A Whale of A Crepe, Aloha One Shave Ice Co (yesss again), Lava Cave #2, Makalawena Beach and a delicious dinner at Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill.

Day 5 in Big Island, Hawaii, comprised Puako Petroglyphs, Waialea Beach, Malasadas Donuts (yum), UCCUCC Coffee Kona Estate, Kahalu’u Beach Park and One Aloha Shave Ice Co.

Aloha! Hawaii Big Island Day 4 brought some unforgettable views such as a scenic Highway 250 drive, Pololu Valley Lookout and 49 Black Sand Beach.

Highlights of Day 3 in Big Island, Hawaii consisted of Waipi’o Valley and Hapuna Beach.

Delve into Day 2 as we discover the delights of the Kazamura Cave, Kilauea Caldera, Rainbow Falls as well as Kaumana Caves.

Day 1 in Big Island, Hawaii, consisted of stunning attractions such as Magic Sands Beach Park, South Point Cliff Dive and Green Sand Beach (hike). Delve into it with me.

E.C. Manning Provincial Park is a stunning outdoor recreational park situated in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, around a 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver or the Okanagan. Read on for canoeing and hiking adventures (there are also alternatives such as multi-purpose trails for biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and back-country trails in the winter).

Central Park is a tranquil family-friendly location located in Burnaby where you can revel in the beauty of nature. Walking along the trail surrounded by trees, I enjoyed how zen and relaxing it was to escape into this urban oasis and drink in the crisp forest air. Highlights include the Terry Fox 5km trail, both Upper and Lower Ponds and the Pitch N Putt.

Black Bear Kayaking offers a guided professional, engaging and informative kayaking adventure near the open sea suited for novice to intermediate paddlers. Join me on our 2.5h adventure as we paddle out into the open waters surrounding Tofino