Things to do Alone in Toronto

What things can you do alone or solo in Toronto? Pretty much everything! You just need to be comfortable with it, make smart decisions and have the confidence to do it. Everyone can travel solo and have the best time. Many people hate the idea of dining alone. I get that. But it can be quite enjoyable. Also actually many things are much more enjoyable by yourself than with others. Traveling solo you can follow your own schedule, do only the things that interest you without compromise and you can take a nap whenever you want! It might sound a little selfish but solo travel can be so much fun and Toronto is one of the best cities to do it in.

Toronto was even just voted one of the top 33 destinations in the world for a solo vacation.

The view of downtown Toronto and the CN Tower from the Billy Bishop Airport.

Fly into the Billy Bishop Airport

I am based in Nova Scotia and Toronto is just a quick two and a half hour flight away. You can fly there on the main airlines Air Canada and WestJet. Or you can try to go for cheaper on the budget airlines Lynx, Swoop or Flair. They all take you to the Toronto Pearson airport where you can then hop on the UP Express train that will take you right into the city to Union Station.

Or even better you can take Porter Airlines like I did. They either have non-stop or direct flights (with a touch down in a connecting city but you don’t get off the plane) options. The best thing about Porter Airlines though is that they fly right into the Billy Bishop Toronto City airport. Located on the Toronto Islands right in downtown Toronto, no train required. Jump off the plane and just grab an Uber or walk to your accommodations.

The Kimpton Saint George Hotel.

Best Hotels for Solo Travellers in Toronto

On this weekend in Toronto I stayed at the Kimpton St. George Hotel. This beautifully decorated hotel, has sneaky squirrels hiding in the closets, a restaurant with some of the BEST pizza, offers a happy hour in the lobby daily, and also has a great bar with music at night. Located in the Bloor – Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto it was also an ideal location with so many things that I wanted to see and do being very walkable and nearby. The Bata Shoe Museum is just across the street, down the block is the ROM  and Eataly and the metro is only a block away as well.

Inside the Kimpton Saint George Hotel. 

There are unlimited great hotel options to stay in in Toronto. It really depends on your tastes, interests and which neighbourhoods you might be interested in exploring. Previously I’ve stayed in the Broadview Hotel in Toronto and it was great as a solo traveler as well as on site there were a couple great places to eat and it has it’s own bar on the rooftop. That is particularly ideal because you can still go out for a few drinks and safely walk to the elevator back to your hotel room afterwards. No worrying about walking in the dark or finding taxi / Uber.

Another great hotel option to stay in in Toronto while traveling solo is the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto. This hotel is particularly ideal because it is so close to the Eaton Centre for shopping, it’s close to Younge and Dundas Square, the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, lots of great restaurants and more.

Afternoon tea at the Windsor Arms Hotel.

Pamper Yourself with an Afternoon Tea in Toronto

Enjoying afternoon tea with friends is the best, but they can also be insanely fun solo. You also don’t have to share anything when you enjoy afternoon tea by yourself. Bonus! Toronto is one of the best cities in Canada to enjoy afternoon tea as there are so many options. From traditional afternoon tea to super high class and fancy or more modern offerings you can find it all in Toronto. Previously I had enjoyed afternoon tea at the Fairmont Royal York, the Omni King Edward Hotel Toronto, and the Shangri-la Toronto.

On my more recent trip I was beyond thrilled to enjoy afternoon tea at the Windsor Arms Hotel, and at Joni in the Park Hyatt. Afternoon tea has been served at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto since 1927. Served daily it consists of traditional afternoon tea offerings of scones, finger sandwiches, savouries and sweets. There are a variety of teas to choose from and it is quite a lovely traditional experience. For an additional cost you can add on a prosecco or other cocktails. You can even order an afternoon tea to go to enjoy at home or as a picnic.

Afternoon tea at the Joni restaurant in the Park Hyatt Hotel.

Afternoon tea at the Joni in the Park Hyatt is quite the experience and different from a traditional afternoon tea. Served as a 13 course tasting menu with the most unique and delicate yet delicious bites of savouries and sweets along with a great selection of teas curated by a sommelier, and cocktails. From a foie gras mousse cone to blood orange geleé, a cucumber rosette, smoked salmon tart and more. All masterfully created by Chef Jonathan Williams. Note, the menu changes seasonally.

Afternoon tea at the Joni restaurant in the Park Hyatt Hotel.

Also if you are looking for high tea in Toronto the only destination that currently serves it is the Omni King Edward Hotel and only on special occasions. High tea is hearty food like meats and cheeses, no finger sandwiches or tiny desserts involved. People like to say high tea because it sounds fancy but in actual fact is very different from afternoon tea.

Taking a candle making class at Kandl.

Take a Fun Class

Toronto has an endless amount of cool classes to take. From cooking classes to knitting classes, sushi making, painting, pottery glazing and more. While visiting on this trip I took a candle making class at Kandl Artistique. It was such a fun experience to learn about how scents work and how to combine top, middle and base notes. I also got to meet other people who were local or visiting from out of town as well. Then at the end of the day I was able to take home my very own 10oz candle with the smell perfectly curated by me!

Going to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre.

Take in a Show at the Theatre

Toronto always has amazing shows and productions taking place. While visiting Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was being performed at the CAA Ed Mirvish theatre and I had just been dying to see it. When traveling solo and wanting to see a show such as this it’s often easier to get a ticket when you are only looking for one. Even though I was going to the show by myself, I still wore my HufflePuff scarf and Harry Potter sweater with pride. I was far from being the only one dressed up for the show and I got many compliments too. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was by far one of the best theatre shows I have ever seen. The special effects and magic were out of this world. The show is continuing on until at least June 2023, grab your tickets now!

Dessert at Richmond Station.

Enjoy some of the BEST Food

Just like with the theatre getting a seat at a fancy restaurant last minute is a lot easier to do as a solo traveler then not. Especially on a weekend in Toronto it’s always easier to fit in one person then a group. If need be you can always grab a spot at the bar as well. On this visit by far my favourite spot might have been Richmond Station. Co-owned by a Top Chef Canada winner Richmond Station (located not far from the theatre district) has a small unassuming entrance from the street but inside is a well lit modern restaurant with a chefs table and all. Offering up some of the most interesting and artfully plated dishes, it was insanely delicious. Be sure not to skip on the dessert!

All things strawberry at Ration: Beverly.

Another great dining experience I enjoyed was at Ration: Beverly where they go by the premise of using every last bit of food. High class dining with almost zero waste. It was interesting how they used different parts of food and ingredients in such unique ways. It’s crazy how typically leftover things could be made so delicious. Recently Michelin® Guide recommended you have to visit as it is quite the experience. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Think dishes likeWild Blueberry Vinegar Granita w/ dehydrated tomato skin sugar. Or Spent Bread Ice Cream with green strawberry kosho powder, Green Cardamom Aquafaba Meringue with lime & shiso sugar. It sounds out of this world and incredibly delicious.

Delicious fresh pasta at Eataly in Toronto.

I also just HAD to go to Eataly. Being a huge Italy fan in general I was beyond thrilled to visit. Even though I was cramming in my visit in between afternoon teas and fantastic dinners I still had a chance to enjoy some Lambrusco wine with a plate of fresh shaved prosciutto. Noms.

Croissant Croque Madame for brunch at Ricarda’s.

Go Brunching

Toronto LOVES to brunch!! There are a zillion websites and blogs with endless lists of the best places to brunch in Toronto. From greasy diners to fancy restaurants with mimosa flights and more. Enjoying brunch is also of course the perfect weekend activity. If you can fit it in amongst your afternoon teas and restaurant visits then definitely enjoy a brunch in Toronto. On my visit I got to enjoy a brunch at Ricarda’s featuring delicious French dishes. I enjoyed a mimosa, granola parfait and croissant croque madame. Yum!

Outside of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Learn Some History

A weekend in Toronto is always a great time to visit the ROM or Bata Museum and learn interesting history. At the time I visited the ROM there was a Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature show going on that paired well with my theatre outing so of course I enjoyed that exhibit. However I was also thrilled to enjoy the permanent Age of Dinosaur exhibit. They also have the gorgeous Daphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First Peoples Art & Culture. We just don’t have museums of this scale on the east coast so they were really enjoyable to explore.

Moccasins by a Cree artist at the Bata Shoe Museum.

I’m not a huge shoe person so I wasn’t sure what I would think of the Bata Shoe museum but it was actually really cool. They had some of the first shoes ever known to man all the way up until crocs and even digital AI shoes. It was a really neat “walk” through history.

Enjoying the sun at the STACKT container park in downtown Toronto.

More to do in Toronto

Other things you could enjoy on a weekend trip to Toronto could be exploring the Kensington Market area, enjoy shopping on Queen street, check out the art at the AGO, taking a stroll through the STACKT container park or along the waterfront. You could also enjoy an immersive digital experience at the Lighthouse Artspace, like the Van Gogh Experience, King Tut, Disney Animation and more. Depending on the time of year you could catch a professional basketball, baseball, hockey or soccer game.  Whatever you decide to do I am sure it will be the perfect solo weekend in Toronto.

Like this post? Pin it for later!

Special thanks to Toronto Tourism for hosting me on this trip. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

While visiting Brno in September I stayed at the Hotel Passage located about a seven minute walk from the old town. I was visiting as part of the Traverse travel blogging conference and it was the perfect location and the best conference venue in the city.

I had a few days to explore Brno enjoying delicious local beer, tasty food and taking in it’s unique sights. From my personal experience here is a round up of the best places to visit in Brno in a day. Hopefully this shows you why Brno, is one of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic and how to spend the day in Brno.

How to get to and around Brno, Czech Republic

First to know how to spend the day in Brno, you need to know how to get around. Visit Brno on the train about a three hour journey from the capital of Prague or just a two hour train ride from Vienna, Austria.  Once there the Old Town and surrounding area is quite walkable with most places being only a 15-20 minute maximum walk away. Other ways to get around Brno include trams, taxi, uber and liftago.

Visit the Brno Dragon

If you are spending a day exploring Brno, the first place you should begin is at the famous Brno Dragon. This is one of the main unique attractions in the city, and a common meeting point. It is located at the Old Town Hall tourist information centre so it is also a great place to grab a map, tourist info and souvenirs.

Don”t be alarmed when you first see the Brno Dragon hanging from the ceiling of the alleyway here, it isn’t that scary. But also yes it is a crocodile… not a dragon. Why a crocodile/dragon? Many years ago it was believed that this beast was ravaging the city and livestock until the locals found a way to kill and capture it. Then they put it on display of course.

See the Astronomical Clock

Erected in 2010 in Liberty Square in the middle of Old Town Brno is the popular Astronomical clock. In actual fact it is a clock that is kind of hard to tell the time on but is also a victory tribute. Shaped like a large black bullet, each day this clock chimes at 11am and releases a glass ball from one of four holes. The glass ball can be caught by anyone and taken as a souvenir to remember the city. (However unfortunately homeless people tend to take over the area before 11am and catch the ball for themselves to then sell to tourists to make a profit.)

What makes it a monument? In 1645 Brno was being attacked by the Swedish but they weren’t having much success. Finally they said that they would attack one more time and that if they hadn’t succeeded by noon they would retreat. Locals in Brno overheard this and at 11am had their church bells chime 12 times tricking the Swedish into retreating an hour earlier and saving their city. The astronomical clock is to remember this battle and that is why the ball drops at 11am and not 12.

Look under the Equestrian Statue

Another iconic landmark in Brno is the Equestrian Statue of Margrave Jobst of Luxembourg. Placed in Moravian Square in 2015 the sculpture is a Knight in Armour riding a horse with extremely long legs. Meant to be a symbol of courage. Because the legs are so long and the statue stands 8m tall people are able to walk underneath the statue. Those that do will see a unique surprise when looking up towards the horse’s chest and head.

Explore the Ossuary under the Church of St. James

Located just a block from the equestrian statue is the Church of St. James (Kirche St. Jakob). In 2001 an ossuary was rediscovered underneath the church. (A final resting place of human skeletal remains.) Opened for public viewing in 2012 its believed to hold the remains of at least 50,000 people and is the second largest in Europe, second only to the catacombs in Paris, France. (The Paris catacombs are believed to hold at least 5million peoples remains.) The ossuary was first created after the churches graveyards became full. After that happened every 10-12 years burial plots would be dug up with the remains being moved to the ossuary so I new person could be buried in their place.

Buy Fresh Produce at the Cabbage Market

Europeans really know how to do farmers market and the 6 days a week Cabbage Market (aka Zelňák) in Brno is no exception. Rain or shine this market is the best spot in the city to buy fresh and affordable produce. And it has been for hundreds of years dating back to the 1300’s. Depending on whats in season you can buy everything from fresh berries to peppers, flowers, and of course cabbage and even nuts and oils.

The market shuts down in the colder winter months when Christmas markets take its place in late November and December. The market returns in the spring when the growing season begins again with fresh asparagus and more.

Taste Delicious Ajahla Chocolate

Surprisingly in Brno you will also find a local chocolate company making delicious chocolate directly from bean to bar. They import cacao beans from around the world and create their own delicious chocolate from scratch. They offer various flavours from some with orange or rose to even a bar that is 100% cacao, as dark as dark chocolate can be. Bitter for many but incredibly delicious for others. There are also flavours that involve smokey whiskey, hazelnuts, sea salt, coconut milk and more.

Stop in and visit Ajala Chocolate or be on the look out for them in stores around the city.

Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is one of the most popular churches in South Moravia. Partly because it is also the church featured on the 10kc coin. People can visit this national monument which was built in 1777 and is still active today. Designed in Baroque and Gothic styles the church is a pretty place to see while touring around the city.

Tour Špilberk Castle Castle

Located on the western edge of Brno’s Old Town is the Špilberk Castle. The Castle has quite the history and dates back to the early 13th century. It was a baroque citadel, the harshest prison in Europe, a fortress and in 1960 became part of the Brno City Museum. Although it has quite the intense history it also boasts great views overlooking the city.

The castle is open year round and costs about $10 cad to visit.

Make Yourself at home in Brno’s Villas

In Brno there are several Villas that you can visit, tour and even picnic at. The Villas were once single family homes and were designed in the styles of modernism, art nouveau and avant-garde. Mostly built by Jewish family men textile industrialists.

The Villas are Villa Low-Beer, Villa Stiassni, Villa Jurkovic and the most popular and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Villa Tugendhat. Stiassni and Tugenghat have storied histories with the first being taken over by the government after the family had to flee the Nazis and the second at one point being taken over by the Gestapo. All have had extensive renovations and most now appear to guests as they once did when lived in by their original owners.

Salina Pub Beer Tram Tour

By far one of the funnest ways to explore Brno is on the Salina Pub Beer Tram. Book a private tour for a group, corporate event, bachelor party, birthday celebrations and more. Or find out when they offer Hop on Hop off rides to enjoy this unique experience. When we took this tour they provided appetizers, coffee, water and of course delicious beer poured fresh from taps right on the tram. We rode around the city for 2 hours exploring Brno by tram while enjoying as much beer as you want. It is quite the unique way to explore the city while enjoying the delicious national drink of the Czech Republic.

Visit the Bar that Doesn’t Exist

In Brno there are lots of great places to grab a drink. One of the most confusing places might be the Bar The Doesn’t Exist. (Bar Ktery Neexistuje) Confusing because it does exist. Find it at  Dvořákova 1, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czechia right in the middle of Old Town Brno. This multilevel bar is an excellent place to grab a beer or fancy cocktail in Brno. 

How to Spend the day in Brno? EAT!

There are many great restaurants and places to eat in Brno. I didn’t get to visit nearly enough of them while I was there. However here are the places I enjoyed while visiting.

Bageterie Boulevard, a popular chain across the Czech Republic, almost like their version of Subway but much better. Sandwiches made on delicious fresh baguettes served with salads or the best french fries all for around $8.

Lokal, part of a smaller chain of restaurants in the Czech Republic originating in Prague. A great spot to grab a local Czech Beer and enjoy delicious burgers, schnitzels and more.

If you are looking for a cafe with great drinks, desserts and a place to do some work on the wifi check out SKØG Urban Hub.

Being from the east coast of Canada I wasn’t too excited about eating at a seafood restaurant in a land locked city in Europe. However Ocean 48 had good reviews and there were Canadian lobsters in their tank! Aside from selling food to sit and enjoy there they also sold fresh fish to buy and take home to cook. I went for the fish and chips and was presently surprised.

The best way to explore Vancouver Island is by taking a road trip. You can spend a couple weeks exploring the whole island or plan your trip following one of four main road trip routes on Vancouver Island. Those routes include Victoria to Ucluelet and Tofino, Nanaimo to Campbell River, then a continuation on to Port Hardy. Or you can drive the Pacific Marine Circle route which is a route around the bottom portion of Vancouver Island. The Pacific Marine Circle route takes you from Victoria to Sooke, to Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, to Duncan then back to Victoria. Or you can reverse direction and drive the loop counter clockwise as well.

For reference in this post my ultimate Vancouver Island road trip was to drive the Pacific Marine Circle route clockwise. However once I got to Duncan I headed north to finish my trip in Nanaimo. This is also a great option instead of ending back in Victoria as you can grab a ferry, seaplane, or flight from Nanaimo back to the city of Vancouver as well.

Driving the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island

The Pacific Marine Circle Route is a 289km (179mile) drive around southern Vancouver Island. The complete road trip takes about 4.5 hours to drive without making any stops. The drive is fairly easy but is a bit winding at times and changes in elevation. However there is so much to see, explore, eat and enjoy that it is a good idea to split up your adventure into a multi day road trip.

Day One of your Vancouver Island Road Trip

Vancouver Island is the ultimate Canadian destination for a road trip. Your visit begins with either a stunning ferry ride from Vancouver or the United States, a seaplane flight or short flight from the city of Vancouver. For the purpose of this guide we are starting the itinerary in Victoria. Once you arrive either arrange to get your rental car or if you drove onto the ferry get your road trip started as soon as you reach the island at Swartz Bay.

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia and the biggest city on Vancouver Island. Home to roughly 100,000 people (and 400,000 in the Greater Victoria area) you should definitely give yourself a couple days to explore this majestic and historic city.

Explore the Butchart Gardens

On your way to the city from the ferry terminal your first stop should be at the gorgeous Butchart Gardens. Dating back over 100 years these expansive gardens cover over 5 hectares of land that was once a limestone quarry. Explore the sunken garden, Japanese Gardens, Rose Gardens, ride the carousel, and grab gelato in the Italian gardens or lunch and afternoon tea.

You should give yourself at least two hours to explore the Butchart Gardens. The gardens are open year round and prices start at $38.00 per adult.

Near the gardens you can also visit the Victoria Butterfly Garden and one of the top recommended vineyards, Church and State Wines – Victoria.

Where to Stay in Victoria, British Columbia

While staying in Victoria for three nights I stayed at the Strathcona Hotel located on Douglas street. This hotel is just one block from the Fairmont Empress Hotel, two blocks from the waterfront and about six blocks from Chinatown. The Strathcona Hotel in Victoria has newly renovated rooms, great restaurants and bars on site and is centrally located in the city with everything easily walkable nearby.

Dinner at the Sticky Wicket

After a day of travel and getting to Vancouver Island head to your hotel to check in. If you chose to stay at the Strathcona Hotel or not I still recommend you check out their main restaurant the Sticky Wicket. A classic pub with a good drinks menu including local craft beer and typical pub foods. It is a great place to go for a quick bite before turning in for the night to rest up for the rest of your road trip.

Day 2 in Victoria, Rise and Grind

Start your morning at the Rise and Grind 1294 Cafe and Eatery serving up fresh brewed coffee and the most delicious breakfast sandwiches. This funky cafe has something on the menu for everyone. You can dine in or grab your breakfast to go. I definitely recommend getting the Originator breakfast sandwich. Bacon, egg, cheddar, sriracha mayo, green onion on a fresh baked brioche bun. Yum.

Start the Day with a Grey Line Sightseeing Victoria Tour

One of the best ways to get to know a new city is by taking a city tour. Preferably a double decker hop on hop off tour as they give you a great lay of the land and show you all of the highlights of a destination in just 90minutes. City tours are a great way to get a feel for a place, see which places and things interest you and then you can go back again after the tour to explore them more in depth.

Grey Line Sightseeing Victoria departs from in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel at 721 Government Street daily, every hour on the half hour from 9:30am to 5:30pm. The tour operates from March to the end of December each year. Tickets start at $55.00 per adult and are good for 24hours so you can use the bus as a means of transportation as well.

Find the Perfect Souvenir

After your tour head to Government Street between Wharf and Fort Streets for some great shopping. Along this stretch of the street there are many souvenir shops including a shop called Northwest Origins. Some of the items they carry are typical souvenirs that you will find in all of the shops in the area. However they also carry some great original art pieces by local Indigenous Artists and other creations from BC First Nations.

Local artist Nuu-Chah-Nulth carver Art W. Charlie II even works in the store and is happy to speak with you about his artwork and others that they sell. Learn more about them HERE.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel

Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is said to be one of the fanciest afternoon teas in all of Canada. If you plan on enjoying afternoon tea on your visit to Victoria be sure to reserve your seating far in advance. The Fairmont Empress Hotel has been serving it’s afternoon tea for over 114 years and although it is a bit pricey it is quite a nice experience and great way to spoil yourself like royalty.

Your tea begins with a choice of 12 teas to choose from including some that were the favourite of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana. If ordered then enjoy your glass of champagne while your tea steeps and you await the arrival of your delicious tower of treats. Do NOT eat lunch before heading to afternoon tea as it will provide you with more than enough to eat. You might even end up packing up some of it to save for later.

Starting at the bottom of the afternoon tea tower comes with Empress raisin scones baked fresh daily served with a clotted cream and strawberry-vanilla jam. Next in the middle we have the savoury items. Enjoy everything from cold smoked sockeye salmon on a blini with creme fraiche to a coronation chicken sandwich, a classic egg salad sandwich and more. Lastly we have the top level with delicious desserts and sweets. Enjoy an Empress honey and lavender shortbread, a strawberry rose macaron, a chocolate moelleux cup and even a cherry cheese tart.

Prices for Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel start at $89 per person.

Check out the Views from the Top of the Malahat Skywalk

After your afternoon tea you need a nice walk to digest your meal. Hop in the car for a quick 30min drive to the Malahat Skywalk. Opened in July 2021 the Malahat Skywalk is a 600m tree walk that leads you to a spiral tower standing 32m high overlooking the Saanich Inlet. Along the way and at the top of the tower you can learn about the area, flora, and fauna. There is also an adventure net for the daredevils to walk over with a 32m drop below or for the kid at heart you can ride in the large 20m spiral slide to the bottom.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll, take in the smell of the Arbutus trees, and enjoy the fresh air as you reconnect with nature.

Visit A Smaller Niagara Falls

If you are craving a bit more of nature on your way back to Victoria about 10minutes from the Malahat Skywalk stop to visit the Goldstream Provincial Park. At the park there are various trails to hike, a picnic area, 600+ year old trees, a river and a couple great waterfalls to see. Covering 477hectares you can spend a lot of time in this park.

If you want to do a quick hike I recommend taking the hike to their version of Niagara Falls. The hike is fairly flat with a few sections of rock scrambling up and down a ledge but is fairly easy. The falls themselves are narrow but stand 47.5m tall. The majestic falls are located in an area that makes it seems like you’ve suddenly stepped into a jungle. Be sure to take lots of photos of this gorgeous waterfall but be careful and don’t get too close.

Dine in the Cook Street Village

One of the neighbourhoods that you pass through on your Grey Line Sightseeing Tour of Victoria is the Cook Street Village. Here you will find many local neighbourhood restaurants, cafes and shops. There are several options for places to eat but one I recommend is the Pizzeria Prima Strada. Their wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are delicious and they make their own gelato as well.

Day 3 in Victoria with the Whales

The Salish Sea is a body of water from the Pacific Ocean that is found between Vancouver Island, mainland British Columbia and the state of Washington in the US. The sea is home to many fish including the Pacific salmon. Many marine mammals also live here including otters, stellar sea lions, and humpback whales in the summer season that come up from warmer waters to eat. One of the most popular residents of the Salish Sea however is the Orca, Killer Whale. There are resident Orcas that eat fish and are in decline and transient Orcas that are mammal eaters and are gradually increasing in population.

There are so many whales in the Salish Sea at anytime that whale watching tours in the area have a 95% success rate. If by some rare chance that you don’t find any whales on your tour most operators also offer free tours until you finally see whales.

There are several whale watching tours that depart Victoria and Eagle Wing Tours is who I decided to adventure with. Their tour boat is a catamaran which offers a smoother ride then one hauled boats. Onboard there was plenty of room to sit inside or out, there were two ship bathrooms available and four knowledgeable guides onboard as well as the captain.

Every tour is different, and you never know what you might find. However seeing orcas or any kind of whale in the wild is the most magical experience and should not be missed.

Grab Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

The Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours in Victoria, BC depart daily from the Fisherman’s Wharf area. Fisherman’s Wharf is home to docks for pleasure crafts, 33 floating residences (houseboats) with one being B&B that you can rent, and there are also several shops and floating restaurants.

Since you are in Fisherman’s Wharf you might as well go for some fish and chips for lunch and the top spot to visit is Barb’s Fish and Chips. Fish options include Cod, Halibut and Wild Sockeye Salmon. The fish is cooked fresh and served hot and is the perfect meal after a few hours on the ocean.

Take a Ride on the Victoria Harbour Ferry

After your whale watching tour and lunch jump onboard the Victoria Harbour Ferry. The ferry offers tours of the Victoria harbour area and also acts as a taxi service taking you to 12+ various point along the Victoria waterfront. Use the Victoria Harbour Ferry taxi to take you from Fisherman’s wharf to the Empress Hotel, Chinatown, West Bay, and even to the seaplane terminal.

A fun tour to do with friends is their Pickle Pub Crawl. The ferries take you to 4 different waterfront pubs around the harbour. The tour includes a drink and appetizer at each stop.

Stroll Through Chinatown

Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in all of Canada. Now declared a National Historic Site it is a great area to explore in the city. Take a photo by the Gate of Harmonious Interest, stroll down Fan Tan Alley said to be the narrowest street in Canada, do a little shopping, learn some history and enjoy some delicious food.

Grab some BBQ Pork, Dim Sum or noodles at traditional restaurants. Or check out some of the hip new restaurants popping up in the area like Dumpling Drop. Dumpling Drop has a small modest menu but its food is so delicious. Try their pork belly, or vegan dumplings with a cucumber salad on the side and mango sticky rice. Wash it all down with a delicious house made Thai Iced Tea.

Day 4 Driving from Victoria to Port Renfrew

Today is time to get out on the road and properly start your Vancouver Island road trip. This is when you depart Victoria and begin driving along the winding coastline of the Pacific Marine Coastal Route. Before you depart make sure your car is filled up with gas are there aren’t a lot of places to fuel up along the way. Before you leave Victoria stock up on snacks, food, drinks and whatever else might be needed for your accommodation in Port Renfrew. It is important to know that between Victoria and Port Renfrew there isn’t a lot of cell phone service either. You might want to turn roaming off as well as sometimes your phone might jump onto US cell phone towers while driving along this part of the island.

Before you drive from Victoria to Port Renfrew download your google maps to your phone so it works when offline. Also plot what beaches, scenic spots and other places that you might want to visit in advance. That way you won’t miss a thing but can also plan your drive so you make it to your accommodation in time. If you drive directly from Victoria to Port Renfrew it takes two hours. However with some great beaches and hikes to explore along the way you could really take five or more hours to drive and explore.

Places to Stop Between Victoria and Port Renfrew

About 40mins outside of Victoria one of the first small towns  you will come to is the town of Sooke. Depending on what time you left the city this is a great place to stop for lunch. One recommendation is the Sooke Brewing Company where you can grab a flight and enjoy a tasty lunch from the food truck out back. (Always have a designated driver or grab drinks to go for after your done driving for the day.)

A unique area to visit in Sooke is the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. Along the Sooke River there are unique rock formations formed by the last ice age that locals love to swim in in the summer months. The provincial park and nearby regional park also have a lot of great trails to hike, many view points along the river and great spots to go fishing.

About a 20 minute drive from Sooke is Shirley’s Delicious. A popular spot to stop at along the Pacific Marine Circle Route. Shirley’s is ranked 13 out of 100 on Yelp’s top list of restaurants and eateries in Canada. Stop in for brunch, lunch, or cafe items and delicious baked goods. Check opening dates and times before you go.

Beaches and Hikes Between Victoria and Port Renfrew

There are many beaches, waterfalls and great places to hike between Victoria and Port Renfrew. Some are easy to get to and others are a bit more difficult. The easiest beach to visit is French Beach, the beach is a 1 minute walk from the parking lot down a tiny hill. There you will find gorgeous views and the sounds of crashing waves rolling and tumbling stones on the shore.

About 7 minutes further up the road is Sandcut beach. To get to Sandcut Beach from the parking lot you have to hike for about 10 minutes mostly going down. Remember that when you have to go back. It is also a gorgeous beach but pretty similar to French Beach. There is a small waterfall if you walk about 450m to your left down the beach. Be mindful of tide times and the waterfall size varies depending on the recent weather.

A popular waterfall to visit is the Sombrio Beach Waterfall located in a small slot canyon. To visit it make sure you go and low tide and know that you will most likely get your feet wet and possibly muddy. To get to the waterfall it is about a 15minute walk from the trailhead to the beach then 15 or so more minutes heading east on the beach to a creek. You do have to climb over some rocks so it isn’t the easiest to get to. Follow the creek up until you reach the mossy green slot canyon and waterfall.

Other stops that are recommended are Mystic Beach which also has a waterfall, and China Beach. Once you reach Port Renfrew the Jaun de Fuca Provincial Park is a must see as well.

Where to Stay in Port Renfrew, British Columbia

One of the best places to stay in Port Renfrew is the Soule Creek Lodge. Located up on a hillside overlooking Port San Jaun this gorgeous property is the perfect place to disconnect and take in some natural beauty. At Soule Creek Lodge you can stay in a room at the main lodge, book the cabin or choose one of seven gorgeous yurts. To book a stay however there is a two night minimum. But it is literally the best place to relax for a couple days and it is also a good spot to be a base as you explore the surrounding beaches, hiking trails and waterfalls.

When staying at Soule Creek Lodge be sure to book your dinner reservation in advance. The food that they serve is incredible and shouldn’t be missed. Also make sure you enjoy the included breakfast which is also amazing. While at Soule Creek Lodge I enjoyed a four course dinner that included pan fried halibut with vegetables and the best cheesecake I’ve ever had. For breakfast we were served candied maple salmon eggs Benedict on Bannock and fresh fruits. Delicious!

Day 6 Driving from Port Renfrew to Nanaimo

As you leave Port Renfrew there are a few more hikes you might want to check out. Or you can explore them on your second day at the lodge. There is Avatar Grove home to large cedars and Douglas Fir trees and the gnarliest tree in Canada. You can hike Upper Avatar or Lower Avatar but either way you are definitely climbing hills and steps here. As of May 2022 Avatar Grove was listed as closed while undergoing improvements. But once you get there the trails are open and accessible. Use at your own risk and know that the road to get there is gravel and quite bumpy.

Nearby Avatar Grove there is the famous Big Lonely Doug. The second largest Douglas Fir tree in the world. Read a great story about Big Lonely Doug here. Lastly you can also stop along the side of the road to see the famous Fairy Lake Bonsai tree. Fairy Lake is a calm lake along the side of the road with an old log sticking up out of the water. On top of the end of the log somehow a tiny Douglas Fir tree is growing. It is quite a unique site to see.

Stop for Lunch in Duncan

On your way to Nanaimo a great place to stop for lunch is the small town of Duncan and if you are there on a Saturday you can check out their farmers market as well. Duncan currently has the most Totem Poles out of any other city in the world and they are great to explore and find as well. Even the McDonald’s has a Totem Pole. Follow the Totem Pole trail to learn all about them.

Located just outside of downtown Duncan is also another great vineyard to visit, Averill Creek Vineyard. Averill Creek Vineyard is open daily 11am-5pm. Walk-ins are welcome but for tours and more make a reservation in advance.

Fun fact: While in Duncan you can also stop by and visit the world’s largest hockey puck and hockey stick.

Explore the murals of Chemainus

Between Duncan and Nanaimo is the small town of Chemainus. Popular for having over 60 historical murals all around the town. The murals came about as a way to revitalize the town and bring more tourism to the area.

Dine on a Floating Restaurant

If you make it to Nanaimo in time for dinner head to the Dinghy Dock floating pub. Located on Protection Island, you can catch a ferry from the Nanaimo waterfront at the corner of Front Street and Promenade Drive. Have cash on hand for your ticket $12 round trip for adults, $6 for kids and $1 for dogs. The ferry departs Nanaimo to the Dinghy Dock Pub 10 minutes past every hour. While at the pub enjoy great food, live music, local craft beer and more.

Check into your Nanaimo Hotel

One of the best places to stay in Nanaimo is the eco-friendly Coast Bastion Hotel, centrally located a block from the waterfront. Nearby you will also find Commercial street full of cafes, the museum, shops and art galleries. Also the Old City Quarter is a seven minute walk away for another great place for shops and food. The harbour side rooms have gorgeous views of the Nanaimo waterfront and the hotel restaurant Minnoz has the most delicious Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake.

Day 7 Explore Nanaimo

My number one reason to visit Nanaimo was to eat a Nanaimo bar in Nanaimo. Trust me it is not hard to find Nanaimo bars in Nanaimo. They love Nanaimo bars so much that there is even a Nanaimo Bar trail. Grab a map and see how many delicious Nanaimo bars you can sample or go a bit off script and try other Nanaimo bar type things. There are Nanaimo bar cheesecakes, macarons, gelato, cocktails, deep fried Nanaimo bars and more.

There is of course so much more to Nanaimo than just eat Nanaimo bars however. Nanaimo is also a great place to go whale watching from. While there I even saw a rare sighting of Orcas swimming in the Nanaimo harbour. Check out Vancouver Island Whale Watch for great whale watching tours to see Orcas, Humpbacks, Seals and more. Nanaimo like most of Vancouver Island has great nature surrounding it as well, there any many hikes to take and waterfalls to be seen. A popular hike is the trail to Ammonite falls.

If you are up for more boat rides be sure to take the short ferry ride to Saysutshun Island. A gorgeous island in the Nanaimo harbour where you can hike, camp, see oyster eating blonde raccoons, and learn about the areas Indigenous history.

To learn more about what to see, do and eat in Nanaimo stayed tuned for my guide to Nanaimo coming soon.

image credit Destination Canada / Brian Caissie

Where Else to Visit on Vancouver Island

After spending a couple days exploring Nanaimo you can take a ferry, seaplane or flight back to Vancouver. Or you can extend your Vancouver Island road trip and explore even further. Nanaimo is a great jumping off point for taking a road trip around the rest of Vancouver Island.

Other great destinations on Vancouver Island include Uclet, Tofino and Port Hardy. I just haven’t made it there yet myself. Known for their stunning beauty, mountains, whales, food and more. If you have suggestions for visiting these areas leave them in the comments below.

What is the Best Car for a Vancouver Island Road Trip?

Rental cars are hard to come by in summer 2022 but if you have the option when booking a car for a road trip around Vancouver Island then look for an SUV or all terrain vehicle. The majority of driving on Vancouver Island is on paved roads however there are times when you might want to go a bit off road or you might have to deal with gravel roads, logging roads and hills. For my trip around the Pacific Marine Circle Route I drove a 2022 Mazda CX-30. This SUV was one of the nicest cars that I have driven. It was a smooth ride, had SiriusXM Radio, an internal GPS system, sunroof, and even the steering wheel was comfortable.

Vancouver Island also has a fair amount of EV Chargers so it’s even better if you can find an electric vehicle for your road trip. You can help save the earth a little as you explore Vancouver Island.

Are there Bears on Vancouver Island?

Yes, there are many bears on Vancouver Island (7,000ish). Every local I asked however told me that I should not be worried about bears. I wondered if I should take bear spray with me while hiking solo on Vancouver Island but was told that that wouldn’t be necessary. Especially since a bear has to get pretty close before bear spray is even effective.

I trusted the locals and hiked solo on Vancouver Island and thankfully had no direct bear encounters. I did however see one while driving on the side of the road outside of Victoria. There was also a bear near a rivers edge as I drove over a small bridge in the Port Renfrew area. Bears are definitely around and active in the spring, summer and falls months on Vancouver Island. Take the right precautions and you should be fine.

Here is some great information on how to be Bear Aware.

Note: Always check opening times and days for anywhere you are planning on going and make reservations in advance when possible.

Like this post? Pin it for later!

Travel Yourself contains affiliate links and promotion of partners. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

My last and first trip of 2020, traveling in Sri Lanka

I haven’t flown on a plane since the beginning of February 2020. Since then I have been home, travelling around my little Atlantic Canadian bubble. I am currently putting a lot of efforts towards my new site, NovaScotiaExplorer.com, while I can’t explore the world. But I will travel again and create lots of new worldly content. It might just be a little while.

At the moment I have no plans of getting on an airplane anytime soon. For some people, however, this might not be possible. You might be forced to travel for work, or you need to fly home, or see loved ones. For numerous unavoidable reasons, you might need to fly again soon. To travel safe, however there are a few tips that you should know before you travel during a pandemic.  

image credit CATSA

For Canadian travellers, most importantly, you should know that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has instituted a number of measures to ensure your security screening experience is as safe and secure as possible. 

• Wear a Mask

Masks are now almost mandatory in all of Canada. Mandatory or not, I have been wearing one since March as I’d rather not risk it. No matter where you are from, every person flying within Canada MUST bring and wear their own face covering. These masks need to cover the nose and mouth, be made of at least two layers of tightly woven fabric (such as cotton or linen), and be properly secured to the head. (See the Public Health Agency of Canada’s guidelines, including instructions on how to make your own mask.)

Please do not travel if you are feeling unwell. Note that if you exhibit symptoms of illness such as a cough or difficulty breathing, you will be required to leave the checkpoint. 

• Wash your hands

As you travel you will find that at all major airports, additional hand sanitizing stations have been placed by the checkpoints used by the public. Whenever it is not possible to wash your hands, be sure to use either the hand sanitizer provided or your own. Travellers are also allowed to have one bottle of hand sanitizer up to 355 mL in your their carry-on bag. This is in addition to the 100 mL bottles that fall under the usual liquids restrictions. 

• Be prepared to have your temperature checked

At all of Canada’s 15 busiest airports passengers will have their temperature checked when they arrive at the screening checkpoint. No one will be allowed to proceed through screening if their temperature, after two separate tests, is at or above 38⁰C. 

• Always socially distance when possible

While waiting in line at the security screening checkpoint all passengers must keep a distance of two metres between themselves and other passengers. Have your boarding pass and other documents out and available. Passengers will be asked to hold them themselves while they are scanned. 

• Be kind to one another

As if air travel wasn’t stressful enough, travelling during a global pandemic adds a whole other amount of stress that none of us have ever dealt with before. Be kind to all airport staff you interact with. Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport, check your bags and get through screening so you aren’t in a rush. Be mindful of where you sit in the boarding area, and be being sure to give everyone their own space. Lastly and most importantly, keep your mask on at all times.

• Know the Covid-19 protocols for your destination

Before you travel,  know the Covid-19 protocols and rules for where you are flying too. Do your research before your flight and be especially sure to obey all mask, quarantine and self- isolation rules. It would be unfortunate to risk the lives of others or get a fine for a rule you didn’t know about ahead of time.

Air travel is an essential service, ensuring people and goods get to where they need to go, and CATSA has taken every step possible to ensure this happens safely. You can go to their website for more information, or you can download their app for Android or iOS. 

Travel during a pandemic safely my friends!

This post was brought to you by myself and CATSA.

Image by Pasindu Dhananjaya, Unsplash

Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka and is home to over 750,000 people. If you are planning a visit to this stunning country then most likely you will be flying into Colombo. Before you head off to explore everything this beautiful island country has to offer stay a few days and enjoy the best things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Best Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

1. Explore the Colombo National Museum

The Colombo National Museum, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, is the largest museum in the country. This is one of the best places to visit in Colombo for those wanting to learn about ancient Sri Lanka. You’ll even get to see the crown of the Kandyan monarchs, along with art, statues, guns, and swords from ancient Sri Lanka and the later colonial period.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cafe Nuga (@cafe_nuga) on May 18, 2020 at 8:04am PDT

2. Enjoy a Healthy Meal at Nuga Cafe

Nuga Cafe prides itself on supplying organic and healthy meals at reasonable prices. If you’re looking to stay healthy during your trip to Colombo, then you’re sure to be visiting this joint on a regular basis. 

You can expect to find everything from fresh salads to more traditional paratha on their menu. Their meals are plated to perfection, allowing you to snap the perfect picture for Instagram. The interior of the cafe is cosy, charming and aesthetically pleasing, while the exterior is equally as picture-worthy with hanging plants and a quirky sign.

3. Take an Elephant Safari

If you only have time to visit Colombo on your trip then seeing the elephants of Sri Lanka is still a must. Minneriya National Park is one of the best places to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka. The park is a four and a half hours drive away from Colombo, which makes for a great day trip. Take a private Minneriya National Park safari to experience incredible wildlife sightings.

While you’re in the area, organize transport to Sigiriya Rock which is just half an hours drive from the park. Exploring this historic rock fortress is one of the best things to do for culture enthusiasts. Be sure to wear proper footwear for hiking and bring extra water to make it to the top.

Image by Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Unsplash

4. Experience a Tuk-Tuk Ride

Discovering all the best Colombo, Sri Lanka points of interest on a tuk-tuk is an unmissable experience. While taking a guided tuk-tuk tour is an option, hailing one from the side of the road when you need a lift is just as easy. 

Navigating the narrow streets on this local form of transport makes any trip a little more interesting. The wind in your hair and exposure to the other elements make any mundane trip more of an adventure. Travelling at an average speed of 45km/h, you’ll also get the chance to take in your surroundings at a leisurely pace.

5. Get a Bargain at a Market

There are three famous markets in the city. Why not make a day of it and visit the city’s finest all in one day. 

The Pettah Floating Market is located on a floating bridge that hovers over the Beira Lake. This makes for an incredibly unique Colombo tourism and shopping experience. You can purchase a multitude of different knick-knacks, clothing, accessories, electronics, travel gifts and even fruit and vegetables.

Galle Face Green Night Market is a great place to sample some of Sri Lanka’s most famous street food. Best you go hungry as you’ll likely have the urge to try everything!

Kala Pola Art Market is the place to purchase beautiful artworks as a souvenir to remember your Colombo travels. Choose from decorative paintings, photographs, and drawings that will set your mind ablaze with memories of this bustling city.

6. Take a Colombo Food Tour

Colombo a dream destination for food-lovers. With so much delectable local food to choose from, taking a food tour in Colombo is essential for any foodie.. The Eat, Eat, Repeat Food Tour with a local gives you the chance to eat traditional Sri Lankan food, with the guidance of someone who knows what they’re talking about.

You’ll get the chance to taste a variety of local street food like wadai, kothu, and hoppers. As well as visiting some of the best local foodie hangouts.

7. Explore the Many Temples

There are many, many temples in Colombo that need to be explored, especially for those travellers drawn to spiritual experiences. Here are a few of the best:

• Gangaramaya is a Buddhist temple surrounded by golden statues. It also provides stunning views over the lake of Beira.
• Isipathanaramaya Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and a great visit for any architecture fanatic. Intricate figurines have been carved into the walls making it endlessly fascinating to explore.
• Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam is the main Hindu temple in Colombo and hosts many religious events. It’s also very colorful and home to many statues and figurines.
• Koneswaram temple is another Hindu temple that has become a sacred shrine to pilgrims from across the country. It’s incredibly colorful and dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Image by Brian Kyed, Unsplash

 8. Visit Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

This mosque stands out like a sore thumb amongst the other buildings in the city. Distinctive and recognizable for its minarets painted a loud red and white candy-cane stripe. The mosque was constructed in 1910 and was used by sailors to navigate into port before other landmarks were built.

Apart from the architectural style, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is a great place to visit in Colombo for those wanting to learn about the diverse range of cultures and religions that make up the city.

9. Dine on Unique Cuisine at the Ministry of Crab

As you may have guessed, the Ministry of Crab serves up a delightful meal consisting of Sri Lanka’s lagoon crab. If you’re up for a mighty meal, tuck into “Crabzilla”, a 4.4-pound portion of crab that can be served up just how you like it. Enjoy with a fiery pepper sauce, cooked in garlic and chili, or baked for an especially unique flavour.

If you’re not a huge fan of crab, they serve up king-size prawns from the rivers that run across the island, as well as clams and oysters from the lagoons. 

10. Take a City Tour

If your trip to Sri Lanka is going to be short and sweet but you still want to make the most of it, then taking a Colombo private city tour is the answer. You’ll hit all the main highlights of the city as well as many of the Colombo, Sri Lanka tourist attractions.

You’ll be picked up by your chauffeur who has extensive knowledge of the city. Listen to captivating stories about the history of the city while you drive, and tap into the mind of a local to learn about the city’s hidden secrets.

11. Lounge on the Beach

There are plenty of beach options available for a day of lounging in the sand and splashing in the waves. 

Unawatuna Beach is shrouded in palm trees and has plenty of rocky outcrops that make exploring the marine life a great experience. It is the perfect spot for an evening beach walk while you watch the sunset. It’s also known to be a breeding ground for turtles so keep your eyes peeled for these beautiful creatures. 

Another great option is Bentota Beach that is located within a beach resort but offers plenty of options to day-visitors. You can spend the day lounging or take part in water sports like water-skiing, sailing, and windsurfing. 

12. Take a Day Trip to Kandy

Take a day trip from Colombo to Kandy to explore some of the most fascinating shrines and temples. You’ll also get the chance to walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens and learn about the history of the area’s most famous monuments.

Tour a tea factory and learn the ancient uses of medicinal plants. Also see stunning panoramic views of the city from above. This guided day trip will take you to some of the area’s best viewing points for some fantastic photo opportunities. 

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Whatever you end up finding yourself doing in Colombo, Sri Lanka you are sure to have an amazing trip. With all of the wonderful people, delicious food, interesting history and more you will be planning your next visit soon.

Nova Scotia is known for it’s delicious seafood, pretty lighthouses and being the home to the donair. It is also becoming more and more popular for it’s craft spirits. 2019 marked the 5th anniversary of the Nova Scotia Craft Spirits Festival Spirited Away celebrating all of these delicious spirits.

Distillers from across the province take part in this festival over a weekend each October. There are many opportunities to sample, purchase and enjoy their tasty Gins, Rums, Vodkas, Whiskeys and more.

What is the Nova Scotia Craft Spirits Festival?

The Nova Scotia Craft Spirits Festival also known as Spirited Away is a celebration of all things craft spirits. The festival consists of various events from the Sip and Dash drinking tour to multiple spirits related workshops, a gala event, a distillers market and more. All of these events take place in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia within a few blocks of each other.

The festival brings visitors and locals together to enjoy some of the best craft spirits that Nova Scotia has to offer. The festival is put on by Lynne and Pierre of Ironworks Distillery which is also located in Lunenburg. It is more than just a drinking a event, it is also a great place to learn about craft spirits, delicious cocktails and a little about the town as well.

In 2019 the NS Craft Spirits Festival featured spirits from Compass Distillers, Still Fired Distillers, Authentic Seacoast, Raging Crow Distillery, Barrelling Tide Distillery, Coldstream Clear Distillery, Steinhart Distillery, Tipping Point Distillers and Ironworks Distilling.

The Sip And Dash Event

Sip and Dash is the first main event of the festival and the most popular. There are roughly only 130 tickets for sale and they sell out far ahead of time. For the Sip and Dash event everyone is split into groups with a tour leader for each. Each group is lead through Lunenburg visiting unique locations along the way that you might not normally get to visit. There are 8 stops featuring 5 mixologists and 3 distilleries that offer you a great sample cocktail featuring a local distiller at each destination.

For the 2019 festival Compass Distillers served up their Gin Royal with honey syrup and lemon juice as the cocktail “Queen Bee” at the Dory Shop. Shane the Bartender served Coldstream Clear Distillery premium vodka with lemon and grapefruit juice, ginger syrup and cranberry-hibiscus tea as a “Down by the bog” drink at Adams and Knickle. Drinks with Ali served up Still Fired Distillers vanilla bean vodka with Still Fired molasses moonshine, strawberry syrup and lime juice as a “Lequille Sunset” drink at the Cranston Art Gallery. These were just a few of the stops with the venues and drinks varying each year.

The Sip and Dash event ends with some snacks and live music entertainment for all at the Fisheries Museum.

Craft Spirits Workshops

On the second day of the 2019 festival there were six different Craft Spirits related workshops offered. Taking place at either 10:30am or 2:30pm some are offered at both times to give you options when scheduling.

At the festival I attend the “Shrubs and Other Cocktail Oddities: Out of the Box Ingredients ” workshop. In the class we learned that a shrub wasn’t a bush and was instead a mix of sugar, fruit juice and vinegar. Shrubs are great with some soda water or can make a really great cocktail base. We also learned how to make a couple great cocktails with them.

I also attended the “DIY Gin making: Create your own bottle of Gin!”  by Ironworks Distillery. We learned about the history of gin, what it is made of and got to taste some great gins. Then we were given the opportunity to mix juniper gin with distillates of our own choosing to make a tasty new gin of our own. I chose a few citrus distillates and hibiscus to give it a great color and flavour. It was such a fun experience to take part in.

Other workshops offered taught the history of rum and rum runners in Nova Scotia, Beer Cocktails, making Whiskey Ribs and Bartending 101.

Spirited Away Distillers Market

The Distillers Market takes place in the afternoon giving you plenty of time to shop between workshops. At the distillers market there was live music, oysters from Dory Mates Seafood Shop, craft spirits related books for sale and tables selling spirits from all of the local distillers. The Distillers market is a great time to talk with the local distillers and more importantly try EVERYTHING they have to offer.

Some of the local distillers can be found at the NSLC liquor stores but not all and not all of the products that they offer. The distillers are also located all over the province so this is truly the best time to find about a new local craft spirit, meet the distillers, find your favorites and everything they offer all in one spot.

image credit BoBoAndChiChi.com

Spirited Away Gala

The Spirited Away Gala at the Nova Scotia Crafts Spirits Festival takes place at the historic Lunenburg Opera House. This popular event features all of the participating distillers as well as some of the best bartenders and mixologists creating delicious cocktails to sample. There is also live music and lots of delicious food to eat. The Gala can be quite busy so I recommend to arrive as early as possible before it gets crowded.

Why should you attend the NS Craft Spirits Festival?

Whether you are a lover of all spirits or don’t know much about them this is the perfect festival for you. You will leave knowing way more than you knew before and you will get to learn about a lot of unique and delicious craft spirits from all around the province. The festival also gives you the opportunity to learn some of the best cocktails to make with them.

Attend to have your mind blown and eyes widen about some of the amazing local Spirits Nova Scotia has to offer. To learn about everything from the history of spirits to making a cocktail shrub and taking a DIY Gin class. And to make new friends!

Another great thing about the NS Craft Spirits Festival is that it also allows you to explore Lunenburg in a way that you might not have before. Wander the streets, visit the Opera house and go to places that might not normally be open to the public like the Dory shop. By this late in the fall parts of Lunenburg have already shuttered for the tourist season but the town still has a lot to offer.

The NS Craft Spirits festival is one of the best drink festivals I have ever been to. You definitely get the value for your money and are able to participate in as little or as much as you want to.

Where to stay in Lunenburg?

When attending the Nova Scotia Craft Spirits Festival stay in a centrally located hotel like the Smugglers Cove Inn. Then you can sample and drink to your hearts content without needing to worry about getting a drive as everything is conveniently in walking distance.

While visiting for Spirited Away I stayed in the Smugglers Cove Inn. It was quite literally the perfect location for the festival as all of the main events took place next door and surrounding the hotel. However Lunenburg is so small most places to stay are within walking distance of all events. Other Lunenburg hotels recommended by the festival are: The Mariner King, Boscawen Inn, Brigantine Inn, B2 Lofts, Lunenburg Arms and the Salt Shaker Deli Inn. To learn about more Lunenburg Hotels click HERE.

What is Ironworks Distilling?

Ironworks Distilling are the founders of the festival and have put the whole festival together for the past five years. Originating in Lunenburg in 2009 it is owned and operated by Lynne MacKay and Pierre Guevremont. Ironworks Distilling can be easy to miss on the edge of town but is a must stop when visiting Lunenburg.  Famous for their rums and gins you can visit and try a taste test and buy some of their delicious spirits. Some of their most popular products are their Rum Boat Rum and Around the World Rum. The Around the World Rum sailed around the world in a barrel before being bottled. Ironworks is also known for their Gin like the Gin Noir Black Currant which I prefer purely for the cute cat on the logo.

Ironworks Distilling recently just got a new still so we are all excited to see what they will be making next.

For more information about the Nova Scotia Craft Spirits Festival Spirited Away and to get your tickets for 2020 visit NSSpiritsFestival.com.

Enjoy my highlights from the 2019 festival here:

Please drink responsibly. Special thanks to the Nova Scotia Craft Spirits Festival for having me. All opinions and reviews expressed are my own.

Malpeque Oysters are the original Prince Edward Island (PEI) oysters and are arguably the most popular in all of Canada. If you’re wondering

With thin shells and delicate meat, the wild and farmed oysters are a clean and flavorsome shellfish treat. Since they were first voted as the best in the world at the 1900s World’s Fair in France, the delicacy has become a household name. Here’s all you need to know about the Malpeque, PEI, Oyster. 

Quick Facts About Malpeque Oysters:

I could talk about (and indulge) in oysters all day. Here is a quick overview of all you need to know about the Malpeque (sometimes spelled Malpaque) Oyster. 

• They grow in the Atlantic ocean and the oyster is of Virginica species.
• Although available all year, peak availability of the oyster runs from May until November.
• The tear-shaped shell can be legally sold when it reaches 3 inches in size. The oysters can grow much larger over a longer period of time if allowed.
• The oysters originate from the glacial depths of Malpeque Bay, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
• PEI is the only area where the Malpeque Oyster is cultivated – in the whole world! 
• The majority of PEI oysters are farmed. The rest grow wild and are harvested in the traditional way by hands and tongs. 
• The meat is tender with a moderate briny taste and a clean finish. 
• Malpeque pronunciation is “mal-peck”.

Why Are Prince Edward Island Oysters Famous?

Being named the World’s Best Oyster by the World’s Fair in 1900 skyrocketed the Malpeque oyster in popularity around the world. Since then they have consistently been known as some of the best in the world ever since. The Malpeque oyster is served best at it’s freshest in PEI but is also shipped around the world. From Toronto to China and beyond, you can find the Malpeque oysters exported to many countries. 

Oyster production in Prince Edward Island is a work of art. The local fisherman / oyster farmers have perfected the craft of harvesting these rich delicacies. They even harvest in the winter underneath the sea ice when they are particularly plump and sweet. 

However, it’s important to note that the Malpeque Oysters have come a long way. In the 1920s, oysters in PEI were ruined by disease caused by the import of oysters from New England. The mortality rate of the oysters in PEI at the time was up to 90%. 

The Malpeque Oysters that resisted the disease were then used to restart the oyster farms across the province because of their immunity. As a result, Malpeque Oysters were used to re-seed all oyster beds that were once productive. The oysters then thrived, and today all oysters in the PEI area are now the famed Malpeque Oyster. 

How are Malpeque Oysters grown?

While some oysters are harvested in the traditional manner by hand with tongs, the majority of Malpeque Oysters are farmed. These farmed oysters give a 95% return on produce compared to the wild harvest (which offers only 2-5% return). In addition, farmed oysters reach a size worthy of selling within 3-4 years, while wild oysters take up to 5-7 years to reach the same size. 

Farmed oysters are grown in cages which are routinely flipped and turned to kill off pests. They are also tumbled about once a year to help them grow an ideal tear drop shape. This also knocks off mussels, barnacles and other pests that might affect them growing and looking pristine. Wild oysters however are grown on the bottom of the ocean floor as they lay. Because of this they are more susceptible to pests, growing funny and being eaten by star fish.

The PEI area farms up to 30 percent of Canada’s total farmed oysters in weight. That contributes nearly $13-million to the aquaculture economy. Needless to say, Malpeque Oysters and the PEI economy have a very healthy relationship. 

How To Experience The Malpeque Oyster

PEI oysters are an absolute treat. Whether you’re new to shellfish or consider yourself an oyster-connoisseur, here’s the best way to experience the delicacy.

The most hands on Malpeque Oyster experience that I had while visiting Prince Edward Island was taking an Oyster Obsession cooking class. Run by the Table Culinary Studio this four hour cooking class had us meet a real life PEI Oyster farmer who taught us everything there was to know about oysters. We visited an oyster farm, enjoyed oysters fresh out of the ocean, learned how to shuck oysters and were taught how to eat and cook oysters a few different ways.

If you don’t have time for a cooking class there are many other ways to experience the Malpeque Oyster. You can buy them fresh to take home from MR Seafood, Lobster on the Wharf and other fish markets. Or you can enjoy them fresh at countless restaurants around the island. There are probably more restaurants in Prince Edward Island with oyster bars than not. I have a whole post about where to find the best oysters in PEI here.

You can also check out a few oyster related festivals. Every July/August you can attend the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival. At the festival you can watch the Canadian Oyster Shucking championships and even compete yourself. Every September in PEI you can also go to the PEI Shellfish festival where you can eat and learn about all things shellfish of course including osyters.

How do Malpeque Oysters Taste?

The flavor of the oyster is dependent on the salty brackish water that the oyster grows in. Whether that is in a bay, harbour, cove or creek. Each area can give a different taste and that is known as the merroir. Just how with wine the terrior where its grown can affect it’s tastes as well. For the Malpeque Oyster, the taste reflects the pristine waters that they are harvested in – clean and crisp.  

The delicious meat is tender and light in flavor, making it a pleasant experience for those trying oysters for the first time. 

Inside the brown and white shell, the oyster offers a great balance between ocean brininess and a clean, sweet finish. The sweet ending and succulent meat are largely due to the cool waters that the oyster is found in. As the waters get colder in the fall months the oyster’s adductor muscle gets stronger to hold the shell together giving you a meatier oyster. 

How To Cook Malpeque Oysters

Some might say Malpeque oysters are best eaten fresh as is. They are also great with a squeeze of lemon, horseradish, a dollop of seafood sauce or a nice mignonette. However, in addition to eating them fresh, the best way to enjoy Malpeque Oysters is to cook them. 

One way to do so is to open the oyster, loosen the muscle from the shell and squeeze a fresh lemon over the top of the meat. Fill the shell with a mix of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. Put the oysters on a bed of coarse salt (to keep them upright and prevent loss of liquid) and bake the oysters for 10 minutes.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, then there are other recipes that you can try. You can grill them with flavored butter, fry them and serve them with eggs, smoke the oysters and serve them with potato cakes, or make oyster fritters. In the oyster obsession cooking class we also learned how to make Oyster Po’ Boys and grilled oysters with a black garlic cream sauce and bacon jam. Yes, that was as delicious as it sounds. 

Best Places To Try Malpeque Oysters

If you find yourself in PEI, you’ll have no problem finding a restaurant with an oyster bar selling the freshest oysters imaginable. Served on a bed of ice with a wedge of lemon, horseradish and fresh mignonettes on the side. You will have to hold yourself back from slurping the entire plate. 

When visiting the Malpeque Bay area you will definitely want to add a taste of the oyster to your itinerary. The most popular spot to enjoy Malpeque Oysters is the Malpeque Oyster Barn. The quaint restaurant is loved for its authentic atmosphere and its incredibly fresh oysters served straight from the sea. They also serve the oysters pan-fried, served as a Po’ Boy, and even oysters Rockefeller. The Malpeque Oyster Barn is a popular spot, be sure to book a table in advance or ask to eat at the bar while standing.

You can also find the oysters all of the province. I recommend the Merchant Man restaurant in Charlottetown, the Landmark Oyster House in Victoria by the Sea or the Wheelhouse in Georgetown restaurant on the east coast.

Where To Find PEI Oysters Outside Of Malpeque

Although the best place to indulge in the Malpeque Oyster is PEI, the island exports its products across Canada. Historically, a large portion of the oysters are sent to wholesalers in Quebec and Ontario. You can also find them as far as Asia and in other parts of the world. You can even order them online from the different oysters farms in the province. Check out Raspberry Point for delivery options.

However, I am a firm believer in “the fresher, the better”. It is worth a trip to Prince Edward Island, even if just to taste the famed Malpeque Oysters. And, while you’re there, you can also try other great food from the region such as some of the best lobster rolls, Cow’s Ice Cream and the famous PEI potatoes.

Final Thoughts On Malpeque Bay Oysters

When visiting Malpeque Bay and Prince Edward Island region the world is, quite literally, your oyster. Whether it’s your first, or your hundredth, the Malpeque Oyster is incredibly satisfying and some of the best in the world. 

In fact, the Malpeque Oyster is one of the main reasons that PEI has developed a reputation as being Canada’s Food Island. So, if you’re a foodie with a love for seafood, then you simply have to add the Malpeque Oyster to your tasting bucket list. 

Liked this post? Pin it for later!

Prince Edward Island is known as Canada’s Food Island. Popular for its nutrient rich red dirt, potatoes, plenty of other vegetables and fruits as well as some of the best seafood in the world. After my recent visit in search of the best PEI oysters I think it should also be known as home to the best oysters in Canada or even the BEST oysters in the world!

I had previously visited in search of the Best Lobster Rolls in Prince Edward Island. While on that road trip I could not avoid trying an oyster or two. These delicious molluscs inspired my next road trip to PEI to find the best PEI oysters. I knew Prince Edward Island was home to tasty oysters but I hadn’t realized just how many great oysters there were. Or just how large the oyster farming industry in PEI is. They harvest over 8 million pounds of oysters each year and grow 30% of Canada’s oysters.

For my road trip around PEI I had three and a half days. I visited a couple of oyster farms, took an oyster cooking class and tried as many delicious Prince Edward Island oysters as I could. Part way through I lost count, but I think in the end I ate at least 70 PEI oysters if not more. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. Out of those 70 I ate at least 19 different types from various farms and producers around the province. After eating all of those oysters I don’t even think I’ve tried half of what is available in PEI.

How to eat an oyster

Before we talk about the best PEI oysters that I ate lets go over how to eat an oyster. Naked is best so you can truly taste the merroir and saltiness of the oyster. (Merroir is to the ocean what terrior is to the land. The water the oyster grows in can really affect its taste.) Other additions tend to mask the taste of the oyster and then whats the point? Saying that though there are some lovely toppings that can be added.

I suggest getting multiple oysters of each kind so you can try each naked and then top the rest with whatever you like. Topping options that you will find around PEI include lemon juice, fresh grated horseradish, seafood sauce, hot sauce and mignonettes. My favorite is a rhubarb mignonette with some shallots. A mignonette is typically a vinegar based sauce with shallots and pepper. They are often infused with other ingredients like rhubarb, red wine, champagne or whatever you can come up with.

However you dress it the next step is tipping your head back and giving it a big slurp. If shucked right the oyster should slide right out nicely and into your mouth. Try to avoid getting shell pieces in your mouth if possible however often unavoidable. At the recent Halifax Oyster fest I saw a couple slurping their oysters from above. They would hold the oyster flat then lean over it from above and suck it straight up. It was an odd hoover manoeuvre but perhaps a cleaner way to slurp? This way you might avoid the dribble on your chin or shell mouth? Or maybe just no one told them how to do it properly? Whatever you do as long as the oyster ends up in your mouth you are doing it right.

NOTE: Some people often drip off the water that is sitting in the shell of the oyster. Don’t do this. This water is the fresh salt water the oyster grew in and really adds to the taste.

Where to find the best PEI oysters?

Now that you know how to eat them here are some of my suggestions on where to find the best PEI oysters. There are over 800 oyster culture sites nearing almost 3,000 hectares of leased ocean space in PEI. But where can you try these for yourself? Well first you start with the farmers. On my visit I was lucky enough to meet two of the many PEI Oyster farmers.

Raspberry Point Oysters

At Raspberry Point I met with General Manager and Head Oyster Farmer James Power. Raspberry Point is owned by the famous PEI company Cows known and loved across the province and Canada for their cheese and ice cream. Who knew they were in the oyster business as well? Part of the production facility for Raspberry Point Oysters is located just north of Stanley Bridge, PEI. Here there are a couple of farms that you can see from the road and a processing plant. Currently it is only open to scheduled tour bus visits however you can find their oysters at various restaurants around the island.

While visiting Raspberry point I got a look into how they process their oysters and even visited a huge grading machine they use in North Rustico. I also got out on the water with James and learned more about oyster farming. They have a huge oyster farming operation in PEI and even harvest in the winter time, cutting through the ice to get their customers the freshest oysters.

Raspberry Point Oysters have multiple farms across the province and the oysters from each farm have different names because of their unique merrior. Then depending on the size and age they might have another name as well. Here are a few of the Raspberry Point Oyster brand names: Lucky Limes, Daisy Bay, Irish Point, Pickle Point, Raspberry Point and Shiny Sea.

Where can you find Raspberry Point Oysters? Sims Steakhouse and Oyster Bar, Water Prince Corner Shop and Lobster pound, Merchantman Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar and Lobster on the Wharf all in Charlottetown. You can also pick them up to take home at MR Seafood and MacKinnon’s Lobster pound. If you really fall in love with Raspberry Point Oysters they also ship Canada wide from their website.

PEI Oyster farmer George Dowdle offers up a fresh oyster straight out of the ocean

Green Gables Seafood Oysters

Green Gables Seafood is a smaller producer than Raspberry Point but they have been oyster farmers for decades. They produce three brands of PEI oysters: Green Gables, Cape Tryon and Fisher’s Dream oysters. I had the chance to visit one of their farms in New London, PEI as part of the Table Culinary Studio Oyster Obsession cooking class. I also got to meet the Green Gables Oysters owner and farmer George Dowdle. Conveniently George’s production facility is located across the street from the culinary studio.

As part of the class you learn everything you could possibly ever want to know about oysters and oyster farming. With George you get eat the oysters fresh from the sea shucked by the man himself. You also get to try George’s homemade mignonettes, visit one of his oyster farms, and even learn how to shuck oysters yourself. Along with a professional chef as part of the cooking class you also learn some of the best ways to cook oysters.

Grilled oysters in the half shell with a black garlic cream sauce and bacon jam that we learned to make in the Table Culinary Studio’s Oyster Obsession Cooking class!

We ate many oysters fresh from the ocean with George, then we also grilled and fried them. For the grilled oysters we topped them with a black garlic cream sauce and bacon jam. DROOL. We also deep fried the oysters to make Oyster Po’ Boy sandwiches. The chef chose to make them with a corn flour which wasn’t the best in my opinion. If they had been made with regular flour they would have been 100% fantastic.

Getting to spend that much time with George and learning about his process and history was really rewarding. The cooking class was a great experience as well, and now I can’t wait to make more bacon jam. Delicious!

The Best Oyster Raw Bars in Charlottetown

If you don’t have the chance to meet an oyster farmer or take a cooking class don’t worry. There are still so many places and other opportunities to enjoy the best PEI oysters. Most likely if you are visiting Prince Edward Island you will be in the capital city of Charlottetown. Pretty much every restaurant in the city has an oyster raw bar with the freshest PEI oysters. I wasn’t able to go to all of them but here is my list of the best oyster raw bars in Charlottetown.

Keep in mind that these restaurants tend to sell the best oysters available that day. So while I might have had one kind at a restaurant you could go another day and they would have totally different kinds available. If you are looking to try a certain type always be sure to call ahead before you go. No matter what you find, you will get the best PEI oysters imaginable.

When choosing a restaurant for oysters a good sign of their quality and freshness is if you can see them on display by the bar. Most likely you will see them on ice next to a list of what the restaurant has available that day.

Merchantman Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar

My first stop in Charlottetown was the Merchantman Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar. Be sure to get a reservation before you visit as it can be quite busy especially in the summer months. If they are busy check next door at their sister restaurant called “MM Next Door“, which serves a similar menu. Both restaurants have nice outdoor patios for nice weather days and each serve the same delicious oysters.

At Merchantman I tried two of each oyster they had that day. Their PEI oysters available were Savage Blonde, Red Head Select, Blackberry Bay and Dukes at $3 each. They were served with lemon wedges, seafood sauce and freshly shaved horseradish as well as a jalapeño sesame mignonette and a rhubarb mignonette. On their menu they also had baked oysters with spinach, breadcrumbs, butter and parmesan cheese at $4 each.

The oysters were delicious and fresh and the Savage Blondes were my favorite. I liked the baked oysters as well although they were a bit harder to eat as the cheese sticks them to the shell.

The Olde Dublin Pub

The Olde Dublin Pub is probably the best place in the city for buck a shuck oysters. They offer them daily from 4-6pm with purchase of a drink. The oysters they feature are Little Willy’s and are small cocktail sized oysters. Although delicious buck a shuck oysters aren’t necessarily sustainable and are not as great of a quality as other larger oysters. This is a great place to visit if you are trying oysters for the first time, so you don’t spend too much if you aren’t a fan. It is also an ideal location if you are craving a large amount of oysters as it is your best value.

Many people go to the Olde Dublin Pub just for the buck a shuck oyster so make sure you arrive 10-15 minutes before 4pm to get a seat and let your server know you are there for the oysters. Then you can place your order as soon as it is 4pm and get your oysters pretty fast leaving you time to enjoy them and order more if needed.

Located below the Olde Dublin Pub you will also find the Claddagh Oyster House. I didn’t have a chance to visit here but they have a great oyster menu featuring six different oyster types daily and offer a premium oyster special as well.

Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar is one of the fancier restaurants in the city. They are known for their PEI raised beef and PEI oysters. While I was there they had six tpyes of oysters on their menu for $3 each. The oysters that day were Shipwreck, Gownbrae, Sand Dune, Pinette River, Cascumpec Bay and Island Kiss. I had previously had the Sand Dune oyster and I was starting to get oystered out at this point so I skipped that one and ordered one of each of the other oysters getting five oysters total.

The oysters were shucked fresh per order at the bar. They were quite delicious and were served with lemon, horseradish and seafood sauce. I also couldn’t pass on the opportunity for PEI raised beef so I also enjoyed a great filet mignon, frites and a fancy cocktail. This was definitely my fanciest oyster meal on the island.

Honorable mentions for other oyster raw bars in Charlottetown: Water Prince Corner Shop and Lobster Pound, Claddagh Oyster House, The Gahan House.

Best Oyster Raw Bars in Prince Edward Island

You can find lots of great PEI oysters outside of Charlottetown as well. Here are a few of the great spots to add to your road trip list for the best oyster raw bars in Prince Edward Island.

The Landmark Oyster House

Located in the adorable seaside town of Victoria by the Sea, the Landmark Oyster House is a great place to stop for PEI oysters. Not only can you enjoy raw oysters here but also Oyster Po’ Boys and even a Caesar cocktail with an oyster on top. (The Canadian version of a Bloody Mary.)

Explore the town, get a lighthouse selfie, enjoy the chocolates at Island chocolates then eat all of the oysters. The staff are very friendly and some of them even compete in the Tyne Valley oyster shucking competition so they really know their oysters.

When I visited they had six types of PEI oysters available, four of which were new to me. I tried the Goose Berry, Pearl Valley, South Lake and Sand Dune oysters. The oysters were $3 each or $32 a dozen. The Landmark Oyster House also offers a daily oyster special for $2 each from 3-5pm.

The oysters were fresh and delicious. Their take on the Po’ Boy was also great, as was the Caesar cocktail with oyster on top that washed down nicely.

I also recommend swinging by the Lobster Barn for their delicious lobster roll located on the main wharf in Victoria by the Sea.

The Wheelhouse in Georgetown Restaurant

The Wheelhouse is located on the east coast of PEI in Georgetown. It is a great place to detour to if you are coming or going to the island by ferry. They have a great outdoor patio with a view of Geogretown Harbour and the Brudnell River where they get fresh Brudnell oysters from daily. Your oysters don’t get much fresher than that. They also offer various other oysters from around the island. When I was there they also served Savage Blondes, (which are some of my favorites from my trip), and Colville Bay oysters. I enjoyed six oysters total for $16,50. You can order a dozen for $29 or 100 for $227. Or just $3 for one.

While at the Wheelhouse I also enjoyed their Fish and Chips and a fresh blueberry lemonade made from their very own blueberries. The Wheelhouse also operates the Terry’s Berries Food Truck in Charlottetown. Visit them for their Salt Daddy Lobster Melt.

Malpeque Oyster Barn

The Malpeque oyster is one of the best in the world and was actually voted exactly that at the world’s fair in Paris in 1900. The Malpeque oyster originates in Malpeque Bay, PEI and have been indigenous to the island for thousands of years. Due to disease in oyster stocks in the 1910’s many of PEI’s oysters were depleted. The malpeque oysters that survived were used to re-seed the rest of the island and replenish the industry. Because of that essentially all of the oysters in PEI are malpeque oysters.

At the Malpeque Oyster Barn they serve all of their own Malpeque oysters from Malpeque Bay that are called Malpeques. You can dine in and enjoy many oysters in various sizes shucked right before your eyes. Or you can also purchase them and other seafood to go from their seafood counter. The Malpeque Oyster Barn is open seasonally in the summer months.

They Malpeque oysters shucked in the restaurant are $13.95 for six or $23.95 for 12 for the small size. Or you can get large Malpeque oysters for $18.95 for six or $30.95 for 12.

The Malpeque Oyster Barn has a few other items on their menu aside from oysters as well including mussels, haddock chicken burgers and more. On the menu you will also find a lobster roll which many people told me that I needed to try. The lobster roll came with a side caesar salad and was quite enjoyable.

Honorable mentions for other great oyster options around the island: Point Prim Chowder House, Blue Mussel Cafe, and Carr’s Oyster Bar.

The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival

Held every summer in Tyne Valley, PEI is the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival and shucking competition. This just so happened to be taking place during my visit so of course I had to go. During the festival the whole area of Tyne Valley has oyster related events going on in the community from soapbox derbys to a music festival to even the Miss Oyster Pearl Pageant and more.

During the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival the Fireman’s club also serves up fried oyster and scallop suppers. For $20 you can get a plate of fried oysters and scallops with potato, coleslaw and a bun. This also includes a drink and pie for dessert. Without a doubt these were the best fried oysters that I had on my trip.

At the oyster shucking competition anyone can enter to try to win the prized trophy. The winner gets to go to Ireland for the world oyster shucking championships. The great part about the shucking competition is the audience gets to eat all of the oysters shucked and thats a lot of oysters!

Of course the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival is only once a year so plan ahead now for the next one July 29th to August 2nd, 2020.

Another great oyster related event not to miss in PEI is the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival. Taking place next year from September 17-20, 2020.

How much do oysters cost?

On average, everywhere that I ate oysters in PEI they were $3 a piece. This is a pretty standard price for oysters in most cities. If you get a baked oyster or a larger than normal oyster expect to pay a bit more for the time and effort put into it. $3 or more each might seem expensive but considering the time it takes to grow an oyster and all of the work that goes into growing them it is a more than fair price.

As mentioned above some locations do also offer oyster happy hours where you can get buck a shuck oysters. These oysters are smaller than the government regulated size. They also aren’t sustainable for all producers and they can actually harm the industry. So if you can pay a little more and you will get better oysters and happy oyster farmers.

To learn a bit more about all of the oysters I enjoyed, watch my video:

After eating all of those oysters it’s hard to say which were my favorite as I liked them all. I also learned that it is really hard to describe how oysters taste. You need an excellent palate to differentiate their delicate differences. I think my favorites were definitely the Savage Blondes and of course the Green Gables oysters, especially with the bacon jam and black garlic cream sauce. However every single oyster I ate in PEI was delicious and I hope you enjoy them too.

Hopefully my post and video will help you explore all of the delicious PEI Oysters for yourself. Let me know in the comments which are you favorites!!

Like this post? Pin it for later!!

Special thanks to the Tourism PEI for hosting me on this trip. All opinions and views expressed are my own as is my belly full of oysters.

Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel Toronto is probably one of the fanciest things that you can do in the city. Who wouldn’t enjoy a casual afternoon sipping champagne and fancy teas along with delectable scones, sandwiches with hints of truffle, and desserts that are the favorites of royalty? Enjoying afternoon tea in Toronto is simply a must!

High Tea at the Fairmont Royal York

Afternoon tea has been taking place at the Fairmont Royal York for over 90 years. Not to be confused with High Tea. Afternoon tea was originally for the elite and consists of small sandwiches, scones and desserts along with tea to hold you over until dinner. Whereas high tea was originally meant for the working class after a long days work and consists more of hearty foods like meats and cheeses. You will not find High Tea at the Fairmont Royal York. You will not even find High Tea in Toronto. But you will find a delicious Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Royal York.

When is Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Royal York served?

Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel takes place every Saturday and Sunday in the Library Bar. Each day there are four seatings offered at 12pm, 12:30pm, 2:30pm and 2:45pm. Reservations are required so make sure you book at least a few days in advance if not more. The afternoon tea seatings last for 1hr 45min to 2 hours. Personally I like a leisurely afternoon tea so would prefer a bit longer but this can definitely work.

When you make your reservation also let them know if you have any food sensitivities in advance.

The Library Bar

The Library Bar at the Fairmont Royal York has a casual dress code for afternoon tea. The room is somewhat dimly lit, and filled with dark woods, fabrics and of course books. It is definitely a comfortable place to lounge. The Library Bar is also known for serving the best and most expensive whiskey in Toronto and some fantastic martinis.

Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Royal York

When you arrive for your afternoon tea at the Fairmont Royal York you are first given a menu to decide the type tea you would like and the style of afternoon tea you want to enjoy. I went for the very best and had the Royal Champagne Afternoon Tea featuring a glass of Moët Brut for $85 total. After-all the fanciest of all teas should come with a glass of champagne with gold flakes floating in it shouldn’t it?

There are 12 teas available for your selection and I went for the Creamy Earl Grey. Other options of tea include: oolong sweet watermelon, 1907 orange pekoe, Imperial breakfast and more.

The regular afternoon tea without a cocktail or glass of bubbly is $55. Add a mimosa or non-champagne bubbly for $62 total. The afternoon tea menu at the Fairmont Royal York changes seasonally. You can find the menu online here. When I visited it was spring time and this was the menu:

Traditional Finger Sandwiches:

Smoked salmon, egg & truffle, English cucumber, smoked pastrami and a mini wild mushroom tart. (Additional sandwiches $4 a piece or $16 a plate.)

Selection of Pastries:

Citrus & elderflower bunt cake, gâteau Opéra, key lime meringue tart, Queen’s Chocolate biscuit cake, Traditional 1929 coconut macaroons and cranberry scones with Devonshire cream and preserves.

Notes about the Fairmont Royal York Afternoon Tea menu: Their traditional coconut macaroons are made from the same recipe that they were first made from on opening day in 1929. (Not to be confused with macaron.) The Queen’s Chocolate Biscuit Cake that is often featured is a favorite of Queen Elizabeth’s. Apparently she has a slice every day in the afternoon. The Gâteau Opéra cake that they serve was so loved by Prince William that he served it to his groomsmen on his wedding day to Kate!

Afternoon Tea Etiquette

It is said the proper etiquette for enjoying an afternoon tea is to first eat the sandwiches and savouries, followed by the scones, then desserts. Keeping things fancy and dainty, you of course drink your tea with small sips while enjoying everything. However I come from the school of eat it however you want and drink all of the tea. They will always bring you more hot water if needed.

Many afternoon teas consist of three tiers of food, but at the Fairmont you get three tiers and another plate. The first thing you receive is a plate of savoury sandwiches. My favorite by far was the tiny egg croissant with truffle. I liked it so much I asked nicely for another and I could have probably eaten 12 more.

Following the sandwiches I enjoyed the cranberry scones, served from a unique warming dish that is pushed around the Library Bar. The scones were small but delicious and served with Devonshire cream and jam.

Next we got to the desserts. There were so many desserts.

My favorite was probably the key lime tart. I’ve become obsessed with Key Lime pies since eating my body weight in them in the Florida Keys. The Queen’s Chocolate biscuit cake was also divine. Honestly everything was quite delicious.

There is so much to enjoy at the Royal York afternoon tea. Don’t worry if you can’t finish it all though as they have great reusable bags to take home any leftovers. You can also purchase their tea to take home as well.

To learn more about Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Royal York watch my video:

Like this post? Pin it for later!

Special thanks to Toronto Tourism for hosting me on this trip. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

The White Point Beach Resort is located along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, on a beautiful oceanfront property. This makes it the ultimate getaway from Halifax and other destinations for relaxing, and spending time by the ocean with great food and drinks. The White Point Beach Resort is the ideal destination for families, couples, friends and more. It is also one of the best spots in Nova Scotia for a girls getaway weekend.

The main lodge building

The property first opened in 1928 and is made up of a main lodge, numerous cottages, guest rooms and vacation homes, a spa and conference centre. All of this encompassing 800 acres of property with over 1km of beach front. There are also so many different activities and things to see, do and eat at White Point whether you want a relaxing or active Nova Scotia vacation.

Check out the map of the property HERE.

Getting to the White Point Beach Resort

The address for the White Point Beach Resort is 75 White Point Beach Resort Rd, White Point, Queens County, Nova Scotia, Canada B0T 1G0. Which is roughly an hour and a half drive from downtown Halifax.

You will most likely be arriving from Halifax for your girls trip and if that is the case then enjoy a leisurely drive on your way. Stop somewhere nice along the south shore like the town of Chester and grab a quick lunch from the Kiwi Café. Or you could visit the top rated Salt Shaker Deli in the UNESCO town of Lunenburg. Then make your way to the resort just in time to check in starting at 3pm to begin your Nova Scotia vacation.

The view from cabin 20 of cabin 19 and the beach front

The master room with king sized bed in cabin 20

The Cabins

While visiting with four of my closest girlfriends for a much needed girls trip we stayed in cabin 20. Cabin 20 apparently has the best views over the ocean of any other cabin on the property. The cabin has three bedrooms, two with two single beds and one with a king sized bed, as well as a pull out couch. Technically the cabin could sleep up to 8 people but more like 6 comfortably.

Two single beds in one of three bedrooms in cabin 20

Our cabin also had 1 and 1/2 baths, and lots of closet space. The living room space was a bit small, but that made it cozy especially once you got the wood fireplace going on cooler nights.

The living room with fireplace, tv, mini fridge, microwave, coffee and tea station and pull out couch in cabin 20

None of the cabins on property have kitchens in them which is a bit of a bummer as you can’t make your own food although that also means no dirty dishes! (note: The vacation homes on property have full kitchens.) Each cabin however does come with a mini fridge, microwave and coffee and tea station. Elliot’s dining room and the Founder’s Lounge bar in the main lodge of the resort offer guests more than enough food options that you don’t really need the kitchen. Saying that, I would however recommend bringing some snacks like popcorn, chips, a veggie tray, etc. for your cabin. Especially for those late night wine fuelled chats that tend to happen on a proper girls trip.

The deck and view from cabin 20

A foggy view from the deck of cabin 20

One of the best features of the cabin that goes along with the view is the front deck. The deck is partially covered and is a great spot to sit and enjoy the view and sounds of the ocean. Nearby there is also a crude man made path down to the beach where you can scramble over the rocks and explore. Closer to the main building the beach is more accessible and sandy.

An important thing to also mention is that there is also free wifi to be found on the whole resort which is definitely a bonus.

The Bunnies of the White Point Beach Resort

One of the most popular things that the White Point Beach Resort is known for is the wild bunnies everywhere. Sadly it is believed that the origin of the White Point bunnies mostly come from domesticated pets being abandoned there by their owners years ago. The bunnies seen now are most likely their ancestors and flourish in the area. The resort has fully embraced them and even provides guests with free bunny food to feed them. Don’t worry though the natural habitat around the resort can more than enough sustain them as well and they don’t appear to be dependant on the humans.

There were definitely a few squeals from myself and my girlfriends when we saw the bunnies. We were excited to get the chance to feed them but they don’t come too close to you. It’s more like throwing the bunny food pellets near them and hoping they eat it.

Steak and frites for dinner in Elliot’s Dining room

Dining Options at the White Point Beach Resort

Located at the main lodge at White Point you will find Elliot’s Dining room and the Founder’s Lounge. Elliot’s offers á la carte dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a buffet option offered on weekends and in the summer months. For dinner I enjoyed a lovely steak while my friends enjoyed some great looking pastas, salmon and seafood chowder. All washed down with a nice local Nova Scotian wine it made for a great evening.

Live music in the Founder’s Lounge

For a more casual setting  you can also dine at the Founder’s Lounge for lunch and dinner. The menu in the lounge is smaller and more pub food like. They actually call it their “Munchies Menu”. It is a good menu but nothing too fancy like you might find in the dining room. On various nights this is where you will also find live music performances.

During breakfast hours and in between 12pm-9pm room service is also available with a small service fee to your cabin. They can also bring you ice and of course anything else that you might require. Extra robes, wine glasses, a hair dryer and more they have it all.

Meal plans are also available with your booking.

image credit White Point Beach Resort

Pedal boats, canoes and kayaks for free use at the White Point Beach Resort boat house on the Dogget Pond fresh water lake

Things to Do at the White Point Beach Resort

Whether you want a relaxing or active girls getaway the White Point Beach Resort has so much to offer. You are able to rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and SUP boards for free to use on Dogget’s Pond freshwater lake. For a small fee you can also rent wetsuits and surfboards for use in the ocean. They also offer surf lessons during certain parts of the year also for a fee. We were not brave enough to jump in the ocean in April though, even with a wet suit on.

On site there is a golf course open in the summer months so you can play a round or two. They have golf club rentals and lessons available as well.

For more relaxing activities especially suited for a girls trip to the White Point Beach Resort you must go to the spa. The spa onsite offers everything from facials to massages, reiki and more. Enjoy a restful spa treatment then stroll on the beach in your robes or hang out by the fire for the most epic amount of relaxation.

The indoor pool and hot tub

If you are looking to stay fit while relaxing or you just enjoy being “one with nature” then there are also a few nearby trails that are great for hiking and biking. Bring your own bike or rent one for free from the resort. You can also go for a jump in the ocean year round if you are brave enough. Or you might chose to instead enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub and sauna.

Roasting marshmallows in the fireplace of the Founder’s Lounge

Lobster claw shaped shortbread cookies with chocolate for lobster s’mores

Events at White Point

The resort always have various events taking place and happening on different nights. When we were staying there they were offering lobster s’mores. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t the best for a camp fire outside but they set them up at the fire place in the Founder’s Lounge so they could still be enjoyed. No lobsters are actually involved in the losbter s’mores so don’t worry if you are allergic to shellfish. The shortbread cookies used to make them are shaped like lobster claws with one side dipped in chocolate. Roast a marshmallow on the fire, smush it in between the cookies and enjoy!

Yoga at White Point

While we were there it also happened to be their gals getaway themed weekend. They were offering nautical wreath making and free yoga sessions which my friends were excited to take part of. To find out what events might be taking place at the White Point Beach Resort when you visit click HERE.

Best tips for the perfect girls getaway weekend

1. Bring the drinks and snacks – alcoholic or not, drinks and food are always great items to bond over.
2. As girly as it sounds makeover type items are always fun. On this trip one of my friends brought face-masks. I have been told however that I cannot publish said photographs of this event.
3. Only invite your most favorite people that know how to relax and have a good time.
4. Try to have a no-phone rule, but with exceptions… You are there to be present with your friends and to catch up. But phones are great for pictures and swiping left on dating apps for fun.
5. Have an outlined plan of events but be loose with options and allow plans to change and evolve.
6. Bring the entertainment! Whether its a great Spotify play list, or games like Cards Against Humanity, chick flicks, scary movies, be sure to bring something to make things entertaining.
7. Pick the perfect destination, like the White Point Beach Resort!

The White Point Beach Resort truly is one of the best things to do in Nova Scotia so you can’t miss it! Book your Girls Trip to the White Point Beach Resort now!

To see more about the cabins and my visit watch this video: