Slowly but surely I am trying to check these off and I know there are soo many other countries that still need to be done but through all my travels, these dream destinations are ones I couldn’t recommend more. If you are looking to make a dream destinations travel list- take a look at my favourite 23 places below to add to yours!

27 Dream Destinations That You Need To Travel To:

#1. Maldives

I am starting this dream destinations list of with my favourite place in the world. Literally.

Out of all the places I have travelled, nothing quite took my breathe away more than the Maldives. It is like living in an actual screen saver and is a true slice of heaven in every sense of the word.

I would recommend staying at Gili Lankanfushi ( ranked one of the best hotels in the entire world several years in a row by Trip Advisor) if you do make this bucket list dream destination come to life!

The Maldives is made up of tons and tons of islands and each hotel essentially owns their own island or atoll ( as they officially call them) so it is super remote and exotic. It has the whitest sand and the clearest waters and you really just can’t beat the overwater bungalows that most of the resorts feature. It’s a total dream.

This is probably one of the most well known dream destinations in the world and for good reason.

Check out some dream destination hotels and guides below:

• Maldives Vs French Polynesia: Which one is for you?
• Gili Lankanfushi: Ranked the #1 Hotel in the world by Trip Advisor
• Antigua and Barbuda: Luxury in the Caribbean
• 5 Star Hotel in Turks and Caicos: Wymara Villas
• The Iconic Fairmont Lake Louise: Review
• Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship: One of the most glam ships on the waters!

#2. Lake Louise, Alberta

Of course I need to include my home country of Canada in this dream destinations list and it’s not just because I am biased! There are so many places in Canada that people travel to from all over the world but as a Canadian, I can confidently say that Lake Louise, Alberta is truly remarkable and one of the most unique lakes you will ever lay eyes on. The shade of turquoise is so bright that it almost looks like it’s photoshopped in some photos.

I found myself rubbing my eyes because I was truly in disbelief of the beauty in front of me.

What I love about Lake Louise is that it’s one of those dream destinations that also allows for some adventure. You are not just sitting on a beach and reading. If you like to explore and sight see a bit, there are so many amazing hikes in the area.

You can even kayak on the lake itself! Or if you visit in the winter, you can skate

Whatever you do, you need to stay or at least visit the iconic Fairmont Lake Louise that sits right at the foot of it. It is honestly a dream destination in itself!

#3. Kauai, Hawaii

Arriving in Kauai, Hawaii makes you feel like you have arrived at a spot where Heaven got it’s inspiration from. It’s simply out of this world.

The Na Pali coast ( pictured above) is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes and truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. You can hike the Na Pali Coast or sail through the waters to see it ( we did both) and I can confirm it was the most stunning thing I have laid eyes on.

I have been to Maui and Oahu and I personally feel they don’t even compare at all to Kauai!

#3. Moorea, French Polynesia

Ahh French Polynesia- another absolute favourite of mine.

While most travelers flock to Bora Bora, I prefer Moorea and for good reason. It has the right mix of luxury, culture, beauty and allows you to really take in the entire island overall.

Moorea, French Polynesia is a close 2nd to the Maldives in terms of my own personal dream destinations preference.

If you decide on French Polynesia, most people decide to visit a few of the islands and a pretty standard route is Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea.

#4. Key West Florida

You might be thinking…Florida? One of the best dream destinations? Really?

But honestly, Key West, Florida is one of the most unique and special places I have visited. With the comforts of the North American way of life but with water colours as blue as can be, it is a place that must be experienced at least once in your life.

I recommend starting a road from trip from Miami and making stops along the way until you reach the very tip! We loved the stop in Islamorada and enjoyed eating all of the Key Lime pies ( what Key West is also known for!)

#5. Cinque Terre, Italy

You really can’t go wrong with any area of Italy but Cinque Terre, a charming and colourful seaside area on the east coast of Italy is definitely a dream destination to add to your list.

With 5 towns total that make up the Cinque Terre region (Cinque means 5 in Italian!), you have plenty of areas to explore…and eat at. Oh boy the food in this area!

This region is specifically known for Pesto and Limoncello and we basically spent our 5 days there eating and drinking just that.

While some people recommend Cinque Terre for only 2-3 days, I would recommend visiting for a week to really experience each of the towns and their charm. It’s also much more reasonable than Capri or the Amalfi Coast!

#6. Muscat, Oman – One of the Most Unique Dream Destinations That You May Never Heard Of!

Image Via Adventures of Nicole

I bet you are wondering where the heck is Oman??

Well, you are not alone! This under the radar country is in the Middle East ( just a few hours of a drive from the well known Dubai) and is slowly becoming more and more known due to it’s extremely beautiful architecture, turquoise waters and mountainous views.

It’s a luxurious Arabian hideaway that you need to visit before it gets too popular!

Here are some other related posts for all the hardcore travel lovers out there:

• Maldives VS French Polynesia: Which is Better?
• Luxury Hotel in Turks and Caicos
• The Most Exclusive Beach Town in Mexico
• Hotel Punta Islita in Costa Rica
• Dubai Travel Guide

#7. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco is one of the dream destinations that will ignite all of your senses.

It is colourful, fascinating, and vibrant city and it’s one that you really can’t explain fully unless you go.

Between the bustling souks, relaxing hammams, architecture and historical landmarks, there is plenty to do and discover. The best way to experience Marrakech is to just immerse yourself in the streets and culture. I also recommend staying at a really nice Riad to fully get the Marrakech experience. We stayed at Riad Yasmine and it definitely lived up to the Instagram hype.

#8. New York, New York- A Christmas Dream Destination

Visiting New York City at Christmas time is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list! There is a magic in the air like no other and though photos online really do showcase the beauty of it- it honestly needs to be felt.

Between Rockefeller Center to Skating in Central Park to all the window displays that are decked to the 9’s, it is one of those dream destinations that you will never forget ( even coming from a girl who hates winter!)

#9. Santorini, Greece

If you are looking for some dream destinations for your honeymoon, make sure to add Santorini to the list. Santorini is pure magic and is one of those places that I really cannot say anything bad about.

Between the iconic white and blue buildings, firey sunsets and bougainvilla flowers popping out from here there and everything, it is easy to see why this is one of the most romantic spots in the world.

Stay in Oia and prepare to feel like you are living in a postcard.

#10. Iceland

Image via Getty Images

Normally my dream destinations do not include places that are cold but Iceland is the exception.

Visiting Iceland feels like you are visiting a different planet ( I honestly felt like I was on Mars at times).

Located between North America and Europe, Iceland -despite it’s name- is actually more green than cold. It is home to the famous Blue Lagoon, it has tons of waterfalls ( you can’t drive 5 minutes without seeing one) and has some of the coolest black sand beaches.

Make sure to visit Thingvellir National Park

#11. Seychelles

If Jurassic Park existed and decided to marry a tropical island, it would produce the gem of a spot that is the Seychelles.

This dream destination is situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya and Madagascar. It features unique coral species, spectacular nature, and pristine beaches. There is over 115 islands all together that make up this beautiful place and one of the most well known ones is the Anse Source d’Argent (pictured above)

Truly exotic spot!

#12. Postiano, Italy

Positano, part of the Amalfi coast in Italy, is a cliffside village that is bright, colorful and has the best pasta and wine in the world.

If you are a foodie like me, Positano, Italy is a dream destination! There are bougainvillea bushes that fill up narrow, cobblestone paths, little cafes serving up delicious espressos at any time of the day and of course they have their famous pebble beachfront with it’s iconic orange umbrellas.

Positano is one of the most popular destinations in all of Europe…especially during summer time. I recommend visiting in June or September to avoid the heavy crowds!

#13. Exuma, Bahamas- Dream Destinations That Are Extremely Remote!

If you are looking for dream destinations that are off the grid, Exuma, Bahamas is for you.

Located south from the popular island of Nassau, Bahamas, Exuma is home to over 360 little islands that hands down have the most insane shades of blue I have ever seen. Most people take boats to some of the neighbouring cays as it’s the only way to get to them.

One of the coolest cays to visit is Pig Island where you can find families of pigs that have made this tiny island their home. This is not a typo!! haha. You can see some Snaps from my trip years ago when I had the chance to swim with some.

#14. Dubai

Dubai is one of the most advanced, modern and luxurious cities in not only the United Arab Emirates but in the world.

It features an iconic skyline with state of the art skyscrapers ( including the tallest building in the world – The Burj Khalifa) but it also features some of the best beaches and restaurants. It truly has it all and each year more and more things are popping up.

What I love about Dubai is that you can get a city fix and just a car ride away, you can visit the full on desert and be on a camel. It’s also a great place to fly into if you are visiting places like the Maldives or Seychelles!

#15. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is hands down my favourite city in the entire world. I have visited 3 times now and I still cannot get enough!

It reminds me of a mix of New York, London and LA all rolled into one amazing place. You can find some of the craziest and most luxurious shopping ( There are designer stores every few blocks), some of the world’s best restaurants and what makes this city even more cool- is that it offers a slice of nature even though it is a sprawling Metromalitan center.

If you haven’t visited Asia at all, this is a perfect starting point to experience the amazing and fascinating culture.

#16 Malibu, California

I couldn’t do this dream destinations list without including one of my favorite places in North America and in the United States. Though California is one of the 50 states, to me it truly feels like it’s own world.

I love California and I specifically love Malibu.

Driving up the Pacific Coast Highway from the madness that is LA will never get old and there is a reason why this highway is written into so many songs. It’s mind-blowingly beautiful.

Further more, the beaches in Malibu truly compare to some of these other exotic beaches that I have included in this list. El Matador State Beach is at the tip of Malibu and is a place not to be missed if you visit. I also recommend driving from Santa Monica all the way up the coast of California if you do have the time! There are many road trip itineraries you can find that take you through some pretty phenomanal routes.

#17. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Oh Zanzibar! This island in Africa is one of the most beautiful ( and affordable) exotic destinations you can visit! I call it the Maldives of Africa as it truly has some of the whitest sand and clearest water- just like you would find in the Maldives.

Unlike the Maldives however, Zanzibar is very, very reasonable and you can find some luxury hotels and accommodations for under $350 a night.

Zanzibar features shallow sandbars so you can quite literally walk out into the ocean and you can whisk yourself off to other nearby islands. What makes this place even more special is that you can get a dose of culture along with some of the best beaches in the world!

#18. Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, Mexico is a destination that has gained a lot of popularity over the years

Known for it’s buzzing restaurant scene, design savy hotels and complete jungle vibe, Tulum is a really, really cool and unique place to visit!

While the main strip can put you in a trance you for the entire duration of your trip, what makes Tulum even more cool is that you can visit neighboring cenotes ( large swimming holes) if you are craving some adventure and activities. They are ONE OF A KIND and just a short drive from town.

#19. Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara is a small surfing and yoga haven in the middle of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province that stole a piece of my heart. It is a special place and I am not alone in saying that I could very well pick up and spend the rest of my days there.

It’s immersed right into the jungle, has nightly sunsets that are some of the best I’ve ever seen and is a mecca for living that pura vida lifestyle.

PS: If you are looking to visit the infinity pool pictured above, it’s actually an AIR BNB we stayed at!

#20. Ochos Rio, Jamaica

Waterfalls, lush vegetation, stunning beaches and Jamaican patties 24/7…does it get much better than that? If that sounds like a dream destination to you- add Ochos Rios, Jamaica to your list!

What makes Ochos Rios so special is that you can experience so many adventurous activities as well as pure relaxation.

The Dunn’s River Waterfall and cruising along the Martha’s Brae River in a traditional bamboo raft are two things that need to be done in this lifetime!!! One of my favourite days EVER!

#21. Jaipur, India

Ahh India- a place that really captured my heart in so many ways.

Between the world famous sights like the Taj Mahal, the colors, the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the food and the hearts of the many locals I came to meet, India is a once in a life time trip that will surely rock your core and fill you up all at the same time.

Though many put the Taj Mahal as the top priority on an India trip, I really recommend the romantic and pink city of Jaipur. It is a dream destination and one that has a lot of beautiful and luxurious hotels. It’s a nice place to visit after the craziness of some of the landmarks in India that are super busy and hectic!

#22. Scotland- Dream Destinations That Feel Like a Fairytale!

Out of all the coastlines in the world, I think that Scotland takes the prize for the most dramatic and beautiful ones.

With it’s red and yellow sand cliffs, lush greens , loch views and enchanting castles, it is one of those places that feel like you are living in a fairytale.

The Eilean Donan Castle, pictured above, is worth the trip alone and it is a place where many movies have been filled.

Scotland is also home to the most pubs per square foot so you are almost guaranteed a good time…even with all the rain that it gets!

#23 Rio de Janerio, Brazil

Rio de Janerio, Brazil is a land filled with samba, dramatic mountain landscapes, rich city culture and some of the best beaches.

It is also home to Carnival, one of the biggest festival ins the world that brings in over 2 million attendees. This world renowned festival showcases Brazilian culture and is filled with parades, costumes, music and parties. Carnival alone is a bucket list item for many but visiting Rio is also exhilarating on it’s own!

South America in general is filled with so many dream destinations and I recommend pairing Brazil up with some other popular spots down south to truly get the feel of this continent!

#24 Algarve, Portugal

The coastline of Portugal is one of the most beautiful in the world. Their towering deep orange cliffs, glorious sandy beaches and bright waters make it one of Europe’s most visited spots!

There are several towns to visit in the Algarve but some of the most famous spots are Faro, Praia da Marinha, Lagos, Praia de Dona, Portimão and Albufeira.

Add in Portugal’s cuisine and you certainly have a dream holiday! I personally feel that Portugal is one of the best dream destinations in Europe!

#25 Sri Lanka

We visited Sri Lanka as part of our honeymoon and we fell so in love with the country.

It is such an underrated country and between the hospitality of the locals, the beaches, the historical sites and even safaris, it checks so many boxes. You can literally be spotting Leopards in the wild one day and the very next day be on one of the most beautiful beaches.

Your money also goes a long way here as well which is nice

You can read all about the best things to do in Sri Lanka HERE

#26 New Zealand

Image via Planetware.com

This is one of MY dream destinations!

While I visited all of the locations within this post, New Zealand is a place that is on my list that I have yet to experience! I thought I would include it so I can perhaps manifest me getting there soon haha

With so many national parks, wine regions, mountainous landscapes and scenes that honestly look like a scene from what I imagine Heaven being like, I need to get there asap.

It is a massive country though ( and quite far from North America) so people that do end up getting there often stay for a long duration in order to see all the sites!

#27 Turks and Caicos

I couldn’t do up a list of dream destinations without including one of my all time favourite places in the Caribbean– Turks and Caicos!

Turks and Caicos is home to Grace Bay Beach which has been named one of the number one beaches in the world year after year ….and for good reason.

It features crystal clear waters and the whitest, softest sand that stretches over 5 miles. It’s so serene and because of it’s size, you often feel like you have it all to yourself!

When I visited Turks, I couldn’t stop taking photos because it was honestly too beautiful.

If you are looking for a place to stay as a couple, I definitely recommend the luxurious and modern Wymara Resort and if you are visiting with a family, there is no better place than Beaches Turks and Caicos.

I hope you enjoyed reading through the Top 27 Dream Destinations that you need to add to your travel bucket list!

I’ve included 27 but when I started to write up all the destinations, I found myself thinking of even more place. Like Ankor Wat in Cambodia home to the largest religious monument in the world or Paine National Park in Chile…and ugh, it got me realizing how beautiful this planet is and how many wonders there are!!!

I hope to add ( and eventually check off) many more countries in the years to come and I hope you get the chance to do a few of these spots yourself!

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While the main draw of Turks and Caicos is the pristine white sand beaches, there are so many Turks and Caicos restaurants that add to why this place is so special too. Picture this scene: Island music playing, warm breeze in your hair, delicious cocktails ( rum punch I am looking at you!), and fresh food bursting with flavours. This is what the Turks and Caicos Restaurants are like!  

Since eating and dining out is pretty much part of every travel itinerary and trip I go on, we tried out ALOT of restaurants there in our short time.  It’s one of my favourite parts of travelling or experiencing a new place after all.  Here are some of our favourite Turks and Caicos restaurants that we ate at:

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CHECK OUT MY POST ON WHERE TO STAY IN TURKS: Our Stay At Wymara Resort and Villas

#1. INFINITI RESTAURANT & RAW BAR- A TURKS & CAICOS RESTAURANT THAT HAS IT ALL

Are you looking for phenomenal sunset views? An amazing menu? Handcrafted cocktails? And one of a kind ambience? Well Infiniti Restaurant Raw Bar at the Grace Bay Hotel checks all the boxes. It was probably our favourite overall dining experience for a dinner in Turks. While it isn’t “eating on the cheap”, we felt it was worth every penny.

It has a sophisticated and upscale vibe with open air seating, a long modern communal dining table, palm trees that wrapped with twinkle lights and woven baskets that hang from the ceilings were possible. It’s romantic yet fun.

Their menu matches their sleek and beautiful décor with notable items such as fresh sashimi, sushi, lobster, Miso Cod ( what we had) and other menu items that are said to change weekly. They certainly keep it fresh and I’m sure each dining experience there would feel unique.

It is truly one of the best restaurants in Grace Bay!

#2. SOMEWHERE LOUNGE & CAFE

This restaurant was a 5 minute beach walk from our hotel on Grace Bay Beach ( sandwiched betweem Wymara Resort and Beaches Resort) so it was the perfect lunch spot for us to try out! It offers casual fare at amazing and reasonable prices which is not always the case for Turks and Caicos Restaurants. It also was really cute with string lights and direct beach views!

Somewhere Lounge and Cafe had some really great Nachos and Tacos so make sure to order those if you happen to go! We recommend this place for lunch but we did hear that dinner is great too!

#3. DA CONCH- A TURKS & CAICOS RESTAURANT FAVOURITE

Did you even go to Turks and Caicos if you didn’t eat at Da Conch? This place is an institution and is probably the cutest restaurant I have been…maybe even ever!

Decked out with pastel pink touches, conch shells, colored picnic tables and very “instagram-y” accents, this place cannot be missed. The best part is that the food is equally as delicious with fresh conch being a main part of some of their menu items ( obviously!). We had the conch fritters and blackened fish tacos and some good old fashion Rum Punch to wash it all down with.

Plan to spend a good 2 hours here minimum as the beach and atmosphere is something to be enjoyed. The staff also encourage patrons to come and help them pull some fresh conch from their shells and seeing the process alone is worth the trip here. Very cool! I even took a Conch shell home with me.

Tip: When planning your visit, make sure to preorder a taxi ahead of time as it takes a bit of time for a driver to get there ( 20 minutes).

#4. INDIGO AT WYMARA RESORT

Rated one of the best restaurants in Turks and Caicos, Indigo at Wymara is top notch all around. We stayed at the resort that this restaurant is situated on and this place was PACKED every night. And for good reason.

It is a Caribbean inspired restaurant run by award winning chef Andrew Mirosch. The dishes there include Caribbean Mahi Mahi to various char gilled meats and a cocktail list that will have you swooning. The interior setting is luxurious and makes you feel like you are in a big city. It’s grand. Yet the patio space has a perfect island feel with lots of greenery, pool views, and even a modern lounge area with a big firepit.

Reservations are recommended here forsure! This is fine dining Turks and Caicos style and located in one of the best Turks and Caicos resorts.

#5. BUGALOO’S- TURKS AND CAICOS RESTAURANT WITH THE BEST BEACH

Bugaloo’s is a beach side restaurant on Five Cays where you can eat all sorts of Conch creations! It feature a big expansive deck and tables that also sit directly on the beach. If that still doesn’t get you excited, you also have the option to have your table DIRECTLY in the water itself. The water colour here is something special and the water level is so low that you can walk out pretty far without getting that wet!

I would recommend this place for lunch but they do offer dinner as well where they sometimes feature live entertainment.

#7. GRACE’S COTTAGE

Situated within the Point Grace hotel, Grace’s Cottage is a special spot out of this Turks and Caicos restaurant list. I would recommend this place for a special dinner ( maybe your last night?) as it is very romantic, upscale and elegant. The inside area is small and cozy but the real draw for the interior space is their bar. It is seriously beautiful with tiled hand painted backdrop that will have you swooning.

It serves gourmet french cuisine and island classics with a twist as well. They also have a premium wine list where you can likely find a delicious bottle of choice very easily

#8. COCO BISTRO

Coco Bistro is located in the center of town and in the center of the largest palm grove in Turks and Caicos! It feels like you are really away when you there even though you aren’t sitting by the beach. The numerous palm trees that surround you really set the tone and the food is to die for!

Coco Bistro’s menu has a wide variety of options but if you are going to get one thing, I would NOT skip out on the Seafood Fettuccine! Just thinking about it makes me hungry!

Since it is pretty central to a lot of the beaches and areas, it definitely gets busy so make sure to secure a reservation before going.

#9. CREST AND BERRY- ONE OF TURKS AND CAICOS NEWER RESTAURANTS

Opened in more recently, Crest and Berry serves up the best healthy bowls. Think: Acai, Pitaya, & Green Bowls and a slew of smoothie and juice options. As a Acai bowl snob ( not mad about this), I can firmly say this place nailed it!!

It’s located in the center of town so it’s definitely worth it to head there one morning for a breaky or lunch and also explore town while you are at it!

It’s Vegan friendly too and for a Caribbean island it’s sometimes hard to find!

#10. OMAR’S BEACH HUT

Out of all of the Turks and Caicos restaurants listed here, this one has been gaining a lot of popularity over the last little bit. It is priced phenomenally, has tons of food options ( tacos, jerk chicken, pastas, fish, burgers etc) and has a relaxed beachfront vibe!

Omar’s also has picnic tables that sit in the water when the tide is low and it is something not to miss! It is a local favourite and because of that feature local dishes as well!

#11. BLUE WATER BISTRO: NUMBER ONE TURKS AND CAICOS RESTAURANT AT THE MOMENT

Blue Water Bistro run by chef Andrew Mirosch is one of the newest and hottest places on the island. It’s on one of the best stretches on Grace Bay beach and offers a perfect mix of casual and sexy. You also get one of the best seats for some stellar Turks and Caicos sunsets! If you can’t make it here for a full dinner, I would recommend at least a cocktail and apps!

Other Notable Restaurants in Turks and Caicos Islands:

• Mango Reef
• Bay Bistro
• Mudjin Bar and Grill
• Mega Hotel Beaches Turks and Caicos restaurants are known for being really good!
• Restaurants near the Osprey Beach Hotel area if you are looking for cheaper ones

Things to know about some of the Restaurants in Turks and Caicos:

• Some of the restaurants only take cash so make sure you have some USD with you. This is also the case with some drivers
• Most of the dress code in these spots is very laid back- even if you are visiting spots that are fine dining. I wore heels at a spot or two but there was also people in flats
• My mom who I travelled with has a gluten allergy and most of the places were able to accommodate her requests no problem! I also spotted a ton of vegetarian options

I hope you are excited for your Turks and Caicos trip and that you get to enjoy some of the best restaurants in Providenciales listed here. The only problem is that you might not have enough time to try them all but the solution for that is to just book another trip to Turks and Caicos…

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And of course the other reason to love it is because Hamilton has the best waterfalls around! It was even declared that Hamilton is the “City of Waterfalls” since it has the most waterfalls and cascades of it’s size in the world. Pretty impressive if I do say so myself! 

There are so many falls and cascades within the city but these ones below are hands down my favourite waterfalls that the city has and most of them have great hiking trails that pair along with it beautifully. 

#1. TIFFANY FALLS

Tiffany Falls sits between Ancaster and Dundas and is one of the more popular waterfalls that Hamilton has! The great thing about Tiffany Falls is that it is one of the quickest waterfalls in Hamilton to access. It only takes 5 minutes by foot to get there from the parking lot. You have to cross two wooden bridges to reach it and it is then followed by a little trail. This waterfall in Hamilton is recommended not only in Summer, Spring and Fall but it is also SO beautiful in the winter. Like a scene from Frozen.

KID FRIENDLY? Yes you can bring your kids to this waterfall but I would not recommend doing it with them in the winter as the path gets really icy and slippery.

TIPS FOR VISITING THIS HAMILTON WATERFALL: The parking lot, especially on weekends, does fill up fast and it is situated off a busy street so make sure to go early! Parking is $11.00 for one hour!

You might like these other posts about things to do in Hamilton, Ontario:

• 9 of the Best and Coolest Breweries in Hamilton, Ontario
• Where to go Strawberry Picking in Hamilton, Ontario
• Must Visit Luxury Spa Hotel in Dundas, Ontario
• 10 Gorgeous Beaches to visit in Hamilton this summer
• Camping at Bingeman’s: Everything you need to know

#2. SHERMAN FALLS: THE ABSOLUTE BEST WATERFALL IN HAMILTON IN MY OPINION!

Sherman Falls might be my absolute favourite waterfall that is not only in Hamilton but also in Ontario! The size of it, the trail surrounding it and just how captivating it looks in the morning light makes me come back time and time again. This waterfall hike in Hamilton is definitely less crowded than most of the other ones which is another big thing that I love about it.

You can access Sherman Falls through two points. You can park in the parking lot on Lions Club Road. Once you park, you walk back down to the main road and the falls is on the right ( it’s at a three way street intersection basically). This walk to the falls is SO easy. It takes about 5 minutes.

The other option, if you are looking for a longer hike, is to start at the Ancaster Mill. There is parking there when they do not have an event going on ( so your best bet is to go during the week!). This hike to Sherman Falls takes about 20 minutes or so. There are more hills and rugged pathways going this way so I would definitely do the shorter one if bringing kids.

KID FRIENDLY? Yes do the short hike to this waterfall ( accessed through Old Dundas Road and Lions Club Road). Another great thing about this Hamilton waterfall is that it is shaded.

TIPS FOR VISITING THIS HAMILTON WATERFALL: The parking lot near Ancaster Mill closes off when they have an event. Plan accordingly or use the parking lot on Lions Club Road. Do not park directly outside of the waterfall entrance or you will get a ticket. This waterfall hike pairs nicely with Tiffany Falls if you are looking to see two in one day! There is also Canterbury falls close by too!

#3. WEBSTER FALLS: THE MOST POPULAR WATERFALL IN HAMILTON

Webster Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Hamilton to visit and the largest of the bunch! It is popular for good reason. It, simply put, is STUNNING! This Hamilton waterfall is technically in Dundas, Ontario and is part of the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area! Since it has become SO popular over the years, visitors need to book a spot in advance during the months of May through November which gives you two hours! You can find more information out HERE!

The parking lot address for Webster Falls is: 277 Brock Road, Dundas.

KID FRIENDLY? Yes the trail and walk to it are very kid friendly-probably the best out of all the waterfalls in Hamilton for strollers too! There is also a viewing platform which makes it easy for kids to see everything in a safe way.

TIPS FOR VISITING THIS HAMILTON WATERFALL: Since it is so popular, it gets VERY busy. Definitely go during the week if you can- even if you have a reservation. They let more people in during the weekend and you will have a harder time securing a spot on the weekend as well due to so many people coming from other cities to visit this place.

The best time to visit here, in my opinion, is in the fall! The colours are just insane and you can pair this waterfall viewing with Dundas Peak which overlooks the entire Dundas valley. Keep in mind however that you need to buy a spot/viewing slot to each of these! Booking Webster falls, doesn’t give you access to seeing Tew’s Falls or Dundas Peak.

#4. DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL: WATERFALL + A VIEW IN HAMILTON

Devil’s Punchbowl is amazing because you not only get a beautiful waterfall but you have a view of the entire city of Hamilton ( and Stoneycreek which is where this Hamilton waterfall lies). The official address is: 185 Ridge Road, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2W1.

This Hamilton waterfall is super high at over 33 metres so it is unbelievably captivating- so much so that some people try to go to the bottom of it. You should know that this is prohibited and if you try to go, there are sometimes by law officers who give out tickets at upwards of $800.

KID FRIENDLY? The kids will love this one as it’s super quick ( only 150 metres from the parking lot!) and you can bring your stroller to the viewing section. The Devil’s Punchbowl Side Trail however is NOT stroller friendly and is quite narrow ( if you want to add a hike to this Hamilton waterfall viewing).

TIPS FOR VISITING THIS HAMILTON WATERFALL: Pair this visit with the nearby Devil’s Punchbowl Market! They have amazing baked items and pastries and it is super cute! I also would recommend coming to see the waterfall at sunset as you have unobstructed views of the city as the sun comes down. Magical.

#5. CHEDOKE FALLS: SOME OF THE BEST WATERFALLS IN HAMILTON CAN BE FOUND ON THIS TRAIL

Heading onto this trail gives you viewings of SO many waterfalls, not just the big Chedoke Falls one which is something I love about this waterfall trail.

The larger Chedoke Falls waterfall is not as easy to find but is certainly worth it! It is a ribbon waterfall that is over 60 feet high! To reach this Hamilton waterfall, you need to head onto the Chedoke Radial Trail which is one of my favourite running routes.

You can access this trail from either the end of Dundurn Street ( parking is limited here) or by parking on Scenic Drive which has an official- though small- parking lot. You can access the falls when you reach Chedoke creek on the trail and it is a a bit of a difficult hike/climb to reach the bigger falls. My recommendation for your first visit would be to just stroll along the Chedoke Radial Trail and let the trail lead you to all the little paths that attach to it. This path also leads to the escapement stairs at Upper Paradise and West 5th!

KID FRIENDLY? Yes you can bring your kids to this waterfall but I would not recommend doing it with them in the winter as the path gets really icy and slippery.

TIPS FOR VISITING THIS HAMILTON WATERFALL: The parking lot, especially on weekends, does fill up fast and it is situated off a busy street so make sure to go early!

Some other important things to note about Hamilton’s Waterfalls are the following:

• You cannot fly drones anywhere in Hamilton Conservation Authority territory. Tempting, I know!
• If you get a yearly pass with the Hamilton Conservation Authority which runs about $115 a year, parking is free in any park or conservation area that falls under their umbrella! If you go a lot ( which we do), it’s totally worth it!
• Be safe on the trails. Winter can be very icy and I learned the hard way one time. Always check the weather conditions before going and please respect the areas ( NO TRASH!!)

I hope you found this blog post about Hamilton’s Waterfalls helpful! If you have any further questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram!

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They fly out of many airports including our hometown airport of Hamilton which is 15 minutes from our house. The Hamilton Airport is a DREAM to fly out of. It is small, less busy and overall just very charming ( They have a Detour Coffee Kiosk in there and if you KNOW- you know.) Checking in there and getting through security has been hassle free and seamless.

Having been on a few flights now with Swoop ( our most recent one being a direct flight to Vegas!), I wanted to share my experience and give a full Swoop Airlines Review!

There is a lot of online chatter about delays with them, cancellations and so forth but in all of my 7 flights, I haven’t experienced any of this. Lucky? Maybe- considering how often you hear of MANY airlines being in tough situations right now after COVID but even before the pandemic, I never experienced a cancellation or had any issues. We did have one plane take off 20 minutes late from Toronto Pearson but that had nothing to do with Swoop and everything to do with the Pearson customs line holding the majority of passengers back.

So what should you know about Swoop Airlines, the Ultra Low Cost Carrier?

Well first of all- on a superficial level- the plane itself is pretty cute. The pink accents on the plane and the staff uniforms had me from the get go. My daughter’s favourite colour is pink so she was equally excited to hop on board and called it the “Barbie” plane. But let’s get to the nitty gritty stuff!

I thought I would give my full Swoop Airlines review by answering some questions that I had in my DM’S about them from my most recent Hamilton to Vegas flight that I took!

Are the flights really cheaper than other Airlines?

One hundred percent yes. Even if you add in extra bag fees, taxes etc, their fares are REALLY reasonable. Have you filled up your car lately? My SUV costs $120 to fill up as of last week ( that’s a rant for a different day!) but I’ve seen some fares on Swoop Airlines for as low as $99.00 each way. This is a base fare but STILL! I would choose to get on a flight over filling up my car to do a road trip all day everyday.

I also would like to note that before Swoop Airlines was on the scene, flight costs to fly within Canada in particular were not cheap. I remember looking up flights to British Colombia and was floored when I realized I could fly to Europe for cheaper. It was disappointing because it differed so many Canadians from exploring their own country. Now though? Swoop offers some SERIOUS low cost deals within Canada that makes it much easier to explore our own stomping ground. We flew to Calgary last summer for such a good price and with the US exchange rate being high right now, it is a win win all around to stay in Canada if you want to try to stick to a more reasonable budget.

How much does it cost to Check a Bag? Are you charged for Carry on Items? Baby Items?

If you fly with Swoop Airlines, you get one free personal item regardless of the destination you travel to. Examples can be purses, backpacks etc. You can see the backpack I travelled with below. It is actually one of my favourites by the way and can be purchased off Amazon HERE!

I had no issues from staff with carrying this along. I also threw on my fanny pack for money/ids etc! My husband brought on a larger duffle as a personal item and also had no problems. You can see the exact measurement allowances for all bags below. I think if you have someone who is a little more lenient checking you in that this certainly helps! I think it’s safe to say we have all experienced that ticket person who makes you take out items because your luggage is a pound or two over. Obviously if your luggage is way over, this is a safety concern for weight levels on the plane but overall most ticket clerks are nice and I especially found the staff at Swoop very pleasant.

Both Carry on and Checked Bags or Checked Luggage on Swoop are cheaper if you purchase them when you book your tickets! The closer you get to your departure date, the higher the price shoots up. Prices range from $35-$56 when booking ahead of time. If you wait until you get to the Airport to pay for a checked or carry on bag, prices range from $55-$79 dollars.

Another thing to note is that Luggage prices are different depending on the distance of your trip. You can see the full breakdown under the Checked Baggage section HERE

If you are travelling with a baby, you get to bring a Car seat and diaper bag free of charge! To add on a stroller, it is about $25.00! If you purchase an actual seat for your baby or toddler ( not just carrying them on your lap), then you get to check a Car seat AND stroller free of charge. Fun fact: Chloe’s first flight was with Swoop! If you are a parent who has travelled, you probably remember those first flight jitters that come along when you are travelling with your new baby and I’ll never forget how accommodating everyone was with us on that flight. Praise be!

How often do they fly from Hamilton Airport?

Now that COVID is behind us, their flight schedule is ramping back up. Routes within Canada have started to resume and you can find direct flights to destinations in Canada like Charlottetown, Moncton, and Edmonton to name a few ( from Hamilton Airport). If you are flying from Toronto, they have more routes!

Their routes to the Caribbean are normally seasonal and are offered from both Hamilton and Toronto! I am eyeing their direct flights from Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta for November and would be over the moon to fly to freaking MEXICO from the Hamilton Airport.

The Vegas route we took was from Thursday ( Direct flight leaving at 2PM) to Sunday ( Direct flight leaving Vegas at 5PM) and felt it was the PERFECT itinerary. You arrive just in time to settle, relax and get ready for a fun night out in Vegas and then on the Sunday you have the entire day pretty much to soak up that Vegas sun if you want ( or recover from the previous night haha). If you want to stay for longer, they have return flights on Thursdays and also Saturdays!

Are there food and drink options on board Swoop Airlines?

Yes, there are food and beverage options on board but it will cost you! There are no free drink options like coffee, tea, water etc. so plan accordingly. I personally hate airline coffee so never take up this free option that is available on some other airlines.

Swoop Airlines is like any other airline though in terms of food where if you want to eat, you have to pay for it. When was the last time you went on a flight and got free food though? Maybe in 1995? haha. They have options like sandwiches, wraps, snacks and like most Airlines- the items are not cheap.

We packed snacks and filled up our water bottles at the airport so this never bothered us at all!

If you want wine, beer or liquor, you can purchase this on board at a cost that is pretty standard! On the Hamilton- Vegas route it seemed that many people were excited about this option! haha

Does Swoop have an In Flight Entertainment system?

No they do not. You can download their app though and watch some entertainment on there if you really need to though! You can also purchase WIFI through the app which I believe is about $10 Canadian!

I downloaded the Swoop App on my daughter’s Ipad which worked great. I prefer to listen to Podcasts and read so I had made sure I had all my episodes downloaded before we took off!

My husband on the other hand usually only watches the flight maps when there is an entertainment system. Hahahah yes really- even on long haul flights. So with that being said, he was perfectly content staring out the window

Do you have to pay to use the washrooms?

This was an actual question I got from someone and it honestly made me laugh! NO- you do not need to use the washrooms. Although such a silly question, I wanted to add it in there as she did say she read it somewhere. It’s a friendly reminder that sometimes people online can make up some ridiculous things.

I hope you found this review of Swoop Airlines helpful and that you are already on their website scooping out a future travel destination!! As always if you have more questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram

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If there was one positive of COVID this past year and a half, it is that we have gotten the chance to explore more of our own backyard. We debated New York City, Montreal and then Mont Tremblant but are so happy we decided on Quebec!

Quebec City has been on our radar for a while now but we never had the chance to make it there! We decided to go for our babymoon before baby #2 arrives! I was in the second trimester so my energy was still up and I could easily walk a lot.

With domestic travel being SO much easier than international right now, we finally took the plunge and planned our Quebec trip. We are sure glad we did.

With a romantic charm flowing through the air, cobblestone streets, delicious restaurants at every corner and the picturesque St. Lawrence River situated on the edge of town, it has everything you would want in a destination. We fell in LOVE because it’s basically like experiencing Europe without having to cross an ocean! Having been to Paris twice now, I feel like I can honestly say that Quebec City may be my favourite French speaking city now!

With it being the second largest city in Quebec, we decided to visit for 3 days and I am excited to share all the gems that we visited during our few days there..

Interested in other Canadian Travel Getaways?

• Buffalo, NY Travel Guide
• Niagara Bike Wine Tour That You Must Check Out
• How To Spend A Day in Niagara On The Lake
• Peach Picking In Niagara

HOW TO GET TO QUEBEC CITY FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY

 DRIVING – From the GTA, you can easily drive to Quebec and make some stops along the way ( Montreal, Ottawa, Prince Edward County) but it definitely isn’t a short drive.

• From Toronto to Quebec City the drive is roughly 10 hours
• From Montreal to Quebec City the drive is 3 hours

If you are looking to do a short weekend getaway to Quebec City, it might be better to fly…

FLYING – We choose to fly and we were happy we did. With direct flights leaving from Toronto Pearson and options on Porter Airlines as well- you are saving a lot of time as the flight is only 1.5 hours! The best part about flying too is that the airport is only 15-20 minutes from the downtown core!

If you are coming from the US, you can still drive or fly. There are, however, limited direct international flights to Quebec from the US so your alternatives would be to have a layover in Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal. The closest state is Maine so if any of my Maine friends are looking for a getaway I hope you find this post useful!

WHERE TO STAY FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY IN QUEBEC CITY

There are a ton of accommodation options in Quebec City ranging from bigger chain hotels to quaint B&B’s. I personally would recommend staying right in Old Quebec for how accessible it is to explore town! You can walk everywhere if you stay in this area and we did just that!

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

We choose to stay at this iconic, 5 star Fairmont which is considered one of the most photographed hotels in the WORLD! It is such a romantic place to stay in Quebec City.

After spending a day there, it is easy to see why! It feels like you are staying in a castle! It is enriched with historical character and an overall grand feel! With a massive renovation under it’s belt in 2014, it added modern sophistication to it’s rooms which can be felt all while preserving the unique features that make it so special. It literally spans over 12KM and it is a landmark in the city- being visible from so many view points! If you don’t stay here, it is certainly worth visiting regardless!

They have so many top notch restaurants which I will get to a bit later…

OTHER PLACES TO STAY AT FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY TO QUEBEC CITY:

-If you prefer small boutique hotels, check out Auberge St-Antoine. It is located on a beautiful cobblestone street that is just a hop, skip and a jump from the main streets of old Quebec.

–Monsieur Jean is another great option if you want a modern and personalized feel! Set up as suites, all of the rooms here come with little kitchenettes giving you the comfort of home with a glamourous hotel feel!

WHERE TO EAT OR DRINK IN QUEBEC CITY

If there is one thing that Quebec does not have a shortage of, it is good places to eat! As shown in my Instagram Reel HERE, you can see that we basically ate our way through the city munching on poutine, croissants, steak and frites and so many unique offerings!

BELLO RISTORANTE

Admittedly, in every city or place we visit, we always have to have one night where we chow down on Italian food! With me being Italian, I generally crave a bowl of pasta or pizza once a week. I’m also a bit picky when it comes to my Italian food ( can you blame me when I had a Nonna who handmade everything!). I am happy to report that my picky Italian self absolutely loved EVERYTHING about our meal at Bello. We went for a salad, pizza and shared two pasta dishes. Their Duck Confit pasta was surprisingly our favourite and left us kind of fighting for it!! haha. The interior and ambience inside also checks all the boxes ( think old stone walls, wood burning oven paired with modern/black and white art pieces).

ALPHONSE BISTRO

This was the first restaurant we ate at and it truly set the tone for the entire trip. Alphonse’s offers a casual yet upscale vibe! You can come here for a more relaxed lunch ( which we did) but it also offers a chic setting for a romantic dinner too. We opted for steak and frites ( for me) and Aaron got their gourmet hotdog with frites. The service matched the delicious food!

SAM BISTRO

Remember when I said that the Fairmont Hotel houses some of the best restaurants? Well Sam’s Bistro is one of them!!

Not only is the space jaw dropping, but the food is out of this world! It features dishes that are made with all local and seasonal ingredients and the menu has something for everyone! While they have some casual options like burgers or sandwiches, it also has a variety of upscale cuts of meat and fish varieties ( we went for the Filet and Lamb but let me tell you that the Cod was really calling me too). Since I am pregnant, I couldn’t have one of their hand crafted cocktails….or so I thought. Their talented mixologist created a spin on one of their raspberry infused drinks that was alcohol-free and it was hands down the best mocktail I have ever had in my life. My husband had their house spritz which was also beautifully presented and equally as delicious.

We actually had to take photos of every dish because they were all so pretty. If you don’t want to commit to an entire dinner there, the lavish bar area is worth a visit on it’s own!

LA COUR ARRIÈRE DU FESTIBIERE

Located right by the port of Quebec, this is the place to cool off and let loose! It is something like I have never seen before and Aaron and I had the absolute best time! With over 40 beers on tap, it is easy to find something to sip on. They also have sangria, mojitos and margaritas by the pitcher so it’s easy to set up shop there. Did I mention that a portion of the seating is set up IN the on site pool? Yes…you read that right! You can dip your feet in the water while sitting on one of their colourful Muskoka chairs. This place is a must!

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OTHER PLACES TO CHECK OUT DURING A WEEKEND GETAWAY TO QUEBEC CITY:

Le Chic Shack: Craving a poutine? Grab one at this popular joint that is located right across from the Chateau Frontenac. Good, hearty poutine ( which is not only a Canadian classic but specifically a Quebec classic) and also offers up a great view! The difference between their poutines and other places is that they have more unique toppings like smashed potatoes or braised beef!  

Café Le Clocher Penché– Located in the trendy Saint Roch district, this is a place where you will find locals dining and hanging out. It has been included in numerous “Top Restaurant” lists in Quebec and it is easy to see why. The dishes are an art and you can grab a good meal here any time of the day. Fan favorite dish? A Faisselle!

Le Lapin Saute– Want to eat right in the heart of the Petit Champlain area? Le Lapin Saute is your place! It features unique rabbit dishes ( sorry vegetarians) and has all the charm in the world! It also features a cozy side patio.

WHAT TO DO IN QUEBEC CITY

The best thing about Quebec City is that you can easily fill up your days with loads of activities OR you can leisurely take in the city and still have a remarkable time. We had 3 days of non stop fun and then on our last day, we took it easy and soaked up the streets at our own pace.

Whatever you end up doing, one thing is forsure: you will quickly feel the undeniable charm that Quebec possesses. There are activities for every type of traveler too! While we went for a Baby Moon, we are actually really looking forward to coming back with the girls and doing some kid friendly activities ( maybe even in the Winter which is apparently AMAZING too!) I also couldn’t mind coming back for a Bachelorette getaway or a girls trip. Basically I am already yearning to go back….haha!

STROM SPA

If there was one place that blew me away in Quebec, the Strom Spa might be at the top of the list. YOU GUYS THIS PLACE WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD!! I would fully travel to Quebec, just to visit here. Situated right on the St. Lawrence River, the Strom spa is an oasis retreat where you can not only book a treatment but you can also enjoy lunch on-site, lounge in their many thermal pools, and unwind for the entire day. It is an experience not worth missing. Best part? This spot is located RIGHT in the city…yet you feel like you are worlds away.

Since we only had 3 days in the city, we opted for a Thermal Circuit pass verse a treatment so we could enjoy all the different lounge areas and outdoor pools. This place is perfect for a girl’s bachelorette day, a romantic day for 2, a mother/daughter self-care session, or simply a day to enjoy by yourself! Also if you are on a babymoon in Quebec City like I was, this kind of pampering was necessary!

VISIT THE ROMANTIC STREETS OF OLD QUEBEC

Taking a weekend getaway to Quebec City wouldn’t be complete without visiting Old Quebec!

Did you know that Quebec City has been recognized as a UNESCO heritage site?!? Normally, UNESCO heritage sites are the prettiest places ever and with French architecture, cobblestone streets and streets lined with cute cafes and shops, it is easy to see why this area makes the list! We visited the area over 5 different times and I recommend seeing it at different times of the day as they all offer something unique. TIP: If you are looking to capture photos here without the crowds, come around 8AM. We had the streets to ourselves and it was so magical.

Start your tour of Old Quebec by taking in the view from on top of the Breakneck Steps, Quebec City’s oldest staircase, before wandering down. The stairs can be a bit of a work out but if you plan to eat croissants everyday like I did, it was a good way to work them off! haha.

Here are a list of the most picturesque streets in Old Quebec:

• Place Royale is a historic plaza that’s home to the famous Notre Dame church!! We enjoyed coffee in this square every morning before the crowds came in.
• Rue du Petit-Champlain is the most photographed street in all of Quebec
• Rue du Cul de sac is the street with the Umbrellas!! I loved this street the most. There are a few restaurants on this street and along with the umbrellas, you get an amazing view of the Chateau Frontenac
• Rue du Sault-au-Matelot is a street that makes you feel like you are in Soho New York! It is less narrow than the other streets and features some taller/wider buildings that I can very much picture myself living in! What a dream
• Rue Sainte-Anne is a street on the upper side of the steps. It is a great place to come at night with lots of live performers lining the streets! It also is across from the Holy Trinity church- another remarkable building!

MONTMORENCY FALLS

Discover this unique and impressive site with its 83-meters fall! No offence to Niagara Falls but this is way more beautiful ( and 100 feet higher!!). You feel like you are immersed in nature here with suspension bridges, easy hiking trails surrounding the site and cascading stairs that can even bring you up close and personal to the waterfall. It was a site to behold! If you are into Rock climbing, they also have that on site and if stairs or trails aren’t for you- they have a Cable car that runs from one side to the other. Definitely do not miss this! I would save about a 1/2 day for this spot and pair it with my next recommendation on the list ( see below/ Île d’Orleans)

ÎlE D’ ORLEANS

Picture being in a European city but in just 20 minutes you can transport yourself to a little island that feels like you are in wine country! Called Île d’Orleans, this little island smack in the center of the Saint Lawrence River, is the ultimate retreat if you want to escape the city. You can certainly spend an entire day there if you wanted to and I would recommend doing that if you have 4 days in the city.

There is a lot to explore there and a day would give you the best amount of time to do just that. This island houses tons of fresh, organic produce that is used in tons of dishes at top restaurants. You can visit the many wineries that are situated throughout ( very Prince Edward County vibes if you are familiar with the region) and also visit their farm-to-table restaurants! Our favourite place that we visited on the island ( and maybe even our favourite restaurant out of the entire trip was Cassis Monna & Filles

 This place is special, guys. It is a currant farm offering unique currant infused products such as liqueurs, dressings and spreads but it is so much more than just a place to get currant products! It is a vibeeee. With an on site restaurant, a sprawling lawn patio where you can enjoy sangria and some of the best ice cream we have tasted, we didn’t want to leave.

With just a weekend getaway to Quebec City you might think it’s a bit aggressive to fit this in but I highly recommend it!

VISIT LE GRANDE MARCHE

If you want to discover local artisans, produce and eat different delicacies all under a beautiful roof, I highly suggest checking out Le Grande Marche! It will have you drooling over all of the local flavors and really offers great insight to the city’s culinary scene. We actually decided to pick up a bunch of items and headed to a local ( and popular park) to have a picnic with them! If you want a great restaurant on site and feel that picnics aren’t for you – there is a microbrewery on the backside of the market with the cutest outdoor patio!

We decided on donuts from Beignes D’Antan ( OMG guys- just trust me when I say that you need these) , charcuterie items from Panier & Pignons and lots of fresh fruit from multiple vendors. We packed all of our goodies up ( that we didn’t manage to nibble on as we walked around) and had a picnic in what I believe to be the best viewpoint in Quebec….

BEST PICNIC SPOT IN QUEBEC CITY??

Terrasse Pierre Dugua de Mons!

This somewhat hidden green space is located right off Saint Denis avenue! If you are exploring the Chateau Frontenac, it is easy to head right over there after! It offers jaw dropping views that literally look like a post card and gives you one of the best sight lines of the city. You get views of Old Quebec, the St. Lawrence River, Dufferin Terrace and of course the Chateau Frontenac.

DO AN AUDIO OR GUIDED TOUR

If you want to see different parts of the city, a tour is a great way to do just that. Get a glimpse of some of the famous landmarks, architecture and learn about the rich history that Quebec has! We choose to do an audio tour and downloaded an App right from our phone that helped guide us around. It was straight forward and truly enjoyable. We liked going at our own pace and were able to see some things that we likely would have missed. Our favourite was seeing the art exhibit placed throughout the city called Les Passages Insolites

They also offer private tours if you like someone to lead you along the way!

A DAY WITH RAIN? VISIT THE MUSEE NATIONAL DES BEAUX ARTS

We had almost perfect weather in the city during our 3 days there but got hit with terrible rain one morning! Since we are not the type of people to sit in the hotel, we got right to it and made our way to the Museum! The Musee National Des Beaux Arts was actually showcasing the Picasso Exhibit which made us even more excited!

While this is set to end on September 12th, they normally house some of the best exhibitions and you should definitely check out what they have going on before you go. The building itself is a piece of art ( I’m looking at you staircase!) and you can easily spend a half day there wandering around. Tickets for adults are $30.00

THINGS TO NOTE FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY TO QUEBEC CITY

HOW TO GET AROUND: My favourite way to get a feel of a city is to explore it on foot ( or bike) and Quebec City is beyond walkable!! You definitely do not need a car there. If walking isn’t your thing ( keep in mind there are some hills and steps), there are plenty of Taxis and Ubers readily available. You can also use their public transportation system!

A taxi from the island to our hotel ( The Fairmont) ran us about $35.00 which was the highest amount we paid otherwise most taxis are generally on pair with any major city for short routes and distances.

Another option for exploring is by bike which we did one of the afternoons!. A series of bike paths start from the Old Port area where you can travel along the river. We got our bikes from Cyclo Services which came with locks, baskets and even some water! Bonus! We rode along this beautiful scenic path that took us into some local areas ( Saint Roch!) to our final destination of the Grand Marche Market!

LANGUAGE: The prominent language spoken is French, but you will find English-speaking people in a lot of the tourist areas. It wouldn’t hurt to have a Google Translator App downloaded for Uber/taxi rides! We didn’t have a problem in most places but when trying to get around, sometimes the drivers weren’t clear on what we were asking

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED: A weekend getaway to Quebec City is just the right amount of time! We did 3 nights and we felt it was a perfect! We did feel though that we could have easily added 1 more night to see more of the island and just explore a tad more! 3 nights will still leave you with plenty of time though!! It was a perfect babymoon destination for 3 nights though.

COST: Like most epic cities that attract tourists, certain things in Quebec City are not cheap. If you wanted to budget though, there are many affordable ways to enjoy the city ( Air Bnbs, cheaper eats, free activities like a park picnic). On average though, a hotel will run you about $200 + a night! We found restaurants to be on par with Toronto or Montreal!

Also if you were looking to add some time to your Quebec trip, I would recommend exploring Montreal!

**This post was done in partnership with Destination Québec cité but all opinions and views are my own**

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Scottsdale is no longer just a place with cauctus, horseback riding and golf. Although it still offers all of that, Scottsdale is now one of the hippest and happening places in the US at the moment. So hip that the New York times just called it the “desert version of Miami”. It is the perfect balance of relaxing and invigorating which is why I choose to come here for my Bachelorette weekend!

Although I’m sure many of you would like to perhaps get up to what my girls and I got up to, I am taking you through a weekend that includes a bit less debauchery and a bit more balance.

MORNING

Head to Benedict’s which is the it weekend brunch spot! The restaurant doubles as a catering company so they truly understand food. And it shows. I feel like the photos do it enough justice that I don’t even need to explain why you should go

Another great option is to go to the Four Seasons for a nice coffee and light bite. Normally I wouldn’t suggest a hotel for breakfast but the Four Seasons offers amazing views of Pinnacle Peak which is what I am going to suggest doing next!

WORK OUT TIME

Whatever  breakfast you decide to have, I suggest doing the hiking part of your day as early as you can so that the heat is bearable! While Camelback Mountain is an amazing option, it definitely will take 2-3 hours so if you only have a weekend, I would stick to Pinnacle Peak! The trail was about 5 miles roundtrip, with a mixture of steady inclines and declines. It was a totally manageable trail, more like an intense walk than a true hike. It’s great for people of all ages and fitness levels– we saw little kids with their parents, and super fit runners alike.

SHOPPING AND LUNCH

After a quick change, head into town for some shopping and lunch! If you are looking for stores like Victoria Secret and J. Crew, you can hit up Keirkland Commons which has it all! If you want to do some unique stores, head to Old Town Scottsdale ( where we will be eating) and check out the mix of unique, independent stores, art galleries, artisan craft stores and more!

After a quick second work out of shopping, grab a bite at one of the MANY restaurants along the strip here. Favs include Diego Pops, The Original Chopshop and The Montauk! I would recommend The Montauk for overall ambience, food and top notch service!

ZEN TIME!

MID-AFTERNOON

If there is one thing that Scottsdale does realllllly well, it is the art of “spa-ing”. There is so many top notch spas here that you really cant go wrong with whatever one you decide on! There is the Spa at Camelback Inn which is basically legendary, there is The Mondorian Spa which is decked out with high end designs and then there is the Spa at The Phoenician which is worth going for the pool alone!

GIDDY UP!

EARLY EVENING

Well you didn’t come to the place where horseback riding was born and not want to give it a go now did you!? Book yourself a ride at MacDonald’s Ranch for a quick hour sunset ride. You can ride along a group or do a private session

DINNER + DRINKS
The Scottsdale dinner and drinks scene is one of the reasons why it is becoming a city to check out! For that reason, I cannot suggest just ONE place to visit for dinner.

If you are feeling something authentic: Go to the Buffalo Chip to watch live bull riding on Friday at 8pm, 9:30pm, or 10:45pm. It’s free, but a bit of a drive unless you’re staying in North Scottsdale! I think it’s worth the drive; you won’t have ever seen anything like it if you’re not from the Southwest.

If you are feeling something fancy: Head to Café Monarch. Not only is it a Pinterest dream with tons of greenery and hanging chandeliers but the food is  5 plus stars!

If you are feeling something trendy and fun: Head to The Mission! This place is not just another Mexican restaurant. You’ll find that out as soon as your guacamole is made before your eyes: every table gets it done fresh. You can also stay after dinner and have a good few margs

LATE NIGHT DRINKS

The W Scottsdale takes you out of the desert and into an oasis of luxury. You can’t beat a poolside cocktail here! They also have live DJ, dancing and booths if you really want to go down that route!

Photo recap from my trip to Bahamas!

It was actually my first time in Nassau so I was excited to explore the main island and also stay at the Atlantis. My mom and I went to Exuma a few years back so we kept the mother/daughter Bahamas trip tradition alive by coming here together. I hope this tradition continues because life is better in Bahamas.

Nassau, in comparison to Exuma, was very alive. From the casinos, to the trendy restaurants to all the cruise ships that make their stop here- it is never a dull moment. There is also never a dull moment at the Atlantis with the 4893 kids that are there by the pool area. My mom and I made our way to the Adult only Cove pool ( pictured above with the red cushions) and felt much more relaxed here. No offence to kids, but their vocal cords can really reach high levels on vacation and that is not my idea of a vacation. Next time, I would only stay at the Cove tower!

My mom and I ventured off the resort to downtown Nassau and went to the area with all the local restaurants which was so fun! We also went to The One and Only a few times which was out of a magazine.

My mom and I get along so well and had a blast. It was a special trip as its our last one before I get married…….but I have a feeling that will not stop us from travelling together. Super good excuse though to make this trip happen!

My fiancé and I just came back from hanging out in Palm Springs and if I am going to Palm Springs- it means I am also going to hang out in Joshua Tree!

Now if you haven’t been to the desert, you need to go. It makes you feel like you are WORLDS away and offers a calmness like nowhere else. Whenever I do go to Joshua Tree though, I make sure to stop at The Integatron which is the weird dome/spaceship I am standing infront of in the photos above.

The Integatron was built by a man back in the 60’s who believed aliens came to him and told him to construct a white dome in this particular area. Call him crazy- but scientists have noted that the area where the dome is has high frequencies of positive energy and eons. Some people may not believe this but I definitely drank the koolaid.

The dome later sold and it is now being used as an escape for city dwellers. They offer daily “brain baths” which is just as good as it sounds. You take off your shoes,  head up to the top of the dome via ladder and lay down like you do in yoga except with cozy blankets and thicker mats. An instructor then starts to play Tibetan Sound bowls that generate the most amazing noises that allow you to slow your thoughts down. You listen to these sounds for 30 minutes and I would best describe the feeling as a state between sleeping and meditation. When you wake up- you truly feel like you slept for 3 days straight. Heading to Coachella soon? GO THERE IMMEDIATELY AFTER!

The grounds are also really cute with an entire hammock section, cozy couches and inspiring quotes that pop up in different areas.

Check it out here!

SO EXCITED to finally share the behind-the-scenes scoop from my bachelorette party getaway to Arizona! That is of course if you didn’t happen to see the 167 photos, snapchats, inst stories already posted from the weekend itself! Not even sorry a little because not to brag or anything but my girl gang is pretty awesome

I seriously could not have asked for a more incredible time and  as I go through these photos and write this post my eyes are welding up with tears because is there anything better than being surrounded by your best friends in the sun all while drinking rose…ALL DAY. Nope. Nothing better

My friends are the definition of smart, loyal, trust worthy, thoughtful and they are the definition of success. I feel successful in life ( so far) because I have them by my side. Life goes by in a fleeting glance and there is not a moment in this short life so far where we haven’t taken the time to celebrate each other ( and boy did they celebrate me). These moments and these memories is what life is about and I will never forget this weekend.

The details of everything started to unveil itself even before it even began with a detailed and hilarious itinerary that was mailed to my house. Here I discovered the theme of the weekend- #MARISASLASTRODEO and that I was apparently wanted in the city of Scottsdale. It sure wouldn’t be the first time I was wanted in a city (ha!) but it sure as hell -as they put it- “would be my last”.

My one friend generously hosted us at her family home in Scottsdale that was better than any resort I have ever been to. Once all the girls were together, I walked into the house to a set of “Welcome Bags” put together by one of my bests that were filled with the COOLEST name straws I have ever seen, a medical/emergency bag that read “When the Bubbly Bites” (it was stocked with Advil and Emergency Mix), a BRIDE bathing suit and a Snapchat Filter for us to use (obsessed with the filter!). I could have ended the weekend off there and been happy!

The afternoon was filled with lounge sessions by the pool and then a few of us went horseback riding through the cactus desert during sunset. I thought this would be the highlight of my day but when we returned to the house afterwards- I was welcomed home to a FULL BLOWN Mariachi Band playing for me and a Mexican themed dinner setting all ready for us to enjoy. It was out of a movie…and actually organized by my friends Dad!! He even ordered a piñata (which we later nicknamed Ricky- and then at the same time nicknamed my friends dad Roberta since he was basically part of our crew ha). So special.

I hardly have any photos from this because for once in my life- I was thoroughly PRESENT in the moment- trying to take everything in.

The next few days and nights included hikes to Pinnacle Peak, lunches in downtown Scottsdale, a night at a REAL rodeo with bull riding and a cookout and then a “Classy” night with a fancy dinner and drinks at the W. It was such a well rounded time filled with the perfect mix of everything

Omg- I am crying again as I just typed that last sentence. Thank you girls for EVERYTHING- the laughs, the inside jokes, the details, the special touches, and for ALWAYS being there for me. I would die without yous.

#MARISALASTRODEO

Returned from Boca Raton/Delray Beach/West Palm Beach/Miami a few weeks ago and just had a chance to go through all the photos! We officially stay in Boca Raton every time we go but always manage to hit up all of our favourite cities that are close by while we are there!

We hit up Delray beach everyday for some sand and beach sessions and always head to the Atlantic Avenue strip for some eats . Truly one of my favourite streets ( I will be doing a little guide soon on where to go there!!) We also always go to South Beach and stroll around the Wynwood walls. The area has grown and developed so much from just the last year I was there and I actually dig it more than the South Beach strip. Lastly- we always hit up the The Breakers in West Palm Beach where the hotel itself is like an attraction. So much history, detail and…..so many insane cars to gawk at!

Florida in December is one of my favourite trips. I am always ready for a break after the holidays and going there feels like going home