Archives
“How many of you have been to this area?” asks Dyson Forbes. We’re standing on the front porch of Mad Maple Country Inn just outside Creemore in Southern Ontario, where Forbes is about to lead us on a foraging tutorial through the forest behind the inn. I tell him I grew up here, in Simcoe County, and that my parents now live less than 30 kilometres from where we stand now. “So… Read More
I’ve never been one for roses and chocolates (lies: I’m all about the chocolate). And Valentine’s Day always struck me as annoying — in a relationship, it’s a forced time for romance; single, it’s a time to feel badly about yourself. No thanks. But one thing I am a fan of is giving a little romance to yourself (and not in that way; minds out of the gutter, please). Coupled, singled, it’s-complicated… Read More
Lobster. I had expected it. Lots and lots of lobster. Before departing for Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, I told everyone that I planned to eat nothing but the rich crustacean for five days straight. Cracked and dipped in butter, tossed in mayo dripping off a roll, soaked in various forms of creamy seafood chowder… I was ready for it all.
We were alone, deep within the woods, when we heard it: a rustling in the trees ahead. My heart jumped to my throat. Naively, we had left our bear spray back at camp, and now we were standing in the middle of a ripe berry patch. Shaking with fear, we waited for whatever it was to emerge.
“Hidden gem” is a phrase that gets tossed around a lot in the travel sphere. So much so that it’s become a cliché, its accuracy debatable. After all, what’s “hidden” to visitors may very well have celebrity-like status for those who live in or near the area. You could say that’s the case with Canada’s Niagara wine region. Located on the border between Ontario and New York State, Niagara is, in many… Read More
Pop quiz: You’re headed to Calgary for a culinary weekend. What are you going to eat? Beef, you say. Of course. Well, not exactly. Sure, the west is known as the beef headquarters of Canada, and the first time I visited Calgary, I ate so much of Alberta’s acclaimed AAA beef that I’m pretty sure I cleaned out at least one cattle ranch entirely on my own. But as it turns out,… Read More
It all started 10 years ago. I was going through a rough time, a period of intense stress that had left me with a severe case of insomnia and—when I could finally sleep—nightmares. My long-time friend and eternal voice of reason (and fellow mojito hunter) came to the rescue. Erika showed up at my house in downtown Toronto and told me and my roommate Shanna that she was whisking us away to… Read More
A few years ago, my then-boyfriend and I braved a chilly night at the stunning and surreal Hotel de Glace in Quebec, Canada. And while it was one of the coolest (no pun intended) experiences I’ve ever had, it was also the worst night of my life. Damp, cold, and with a pressing bladder demanding my attention, I spent the entire night in a semi-asleep state, praying for total unconsciousness. And yet,… Read More
Anywhere & Here 