Japan’s Traditions of Courtesy and Respect

Hands have been washed, shoes removed, and a coin tossed in the offering slot. Approaching the sacred place with reverence, each supplicant bows twice, claps twice, quietly offers a brief prayer, and finally bows deeply once more. Then each moves respectfully away to make room for the next. 

This formality in devotion is typical of many interactions in Japan, where above all, harmony and civility are valued. Here, a greeting is a bow, and deference to elders is ingrained, whether in shrines and temples in Japan or just enjoying everyday life in Japan. Remarkably, in this ultra-modern country, traditional gestures of courtesy and respect remain the hallmarks of social interaction between all ages. And this courtesy extends to visitors. Indeed, it may be one of the reasons Japan is one of the most visited countries in the world. I find myself wondering, is it religious precept that dictates this? 

Religions that Shaped Japan

Shintoism was the traditional religion of Japan until the 6th century, when Buddhism was introduced by Korean King Seong of Baekje. He sent a gift of an image of Buddha and some of his writings to Emperor Kinmei. The Japanese court welcomed and encouraged the acceptance of Buddhism which was adopted throughout the country, and the new religion grew harmoniously alongside Shintoism. This is perhaps not surprising as there are many similarities. 

Neither Shintoism or Buddhism has a singular Creator or God, but multiple deities. And neither Buddha nor the deities are actually worshipped. Instead, respectful homage is paid to the sacred. Both offer traditions and practices to follow in order to lead a good life.  And, unusually, neither demands complete allegiance. In fact, the majority of Japanese actually subscribe to both to some extent. Surely this very unique approach to the sacred is what encourages conformity, diligence, and social harmony.

Exploring Shrines and Temples in Japan

In Japan, there are about 80,000 shrines, and an almost equal number of temples. While in other parts of the world, temple and shrine might be interchangeable terms, in Japan, a temple is Buddhist and will usually have a statue of Buddha. A shrine is distinct to Shintoism – easily identified by the torii gates at the entrance which divide the secular from the divine. Visiting shrines and temples in Japan provides a unique insight into Japanese culture.

Shrines Are All About Nature

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine

Bright vermillion torii gates welcome visitors to Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine in Osaka. Though few foreign visitors do this, it’s respectful to bow and keep to one side walking through them; the centre path is reserved for the sacred.

On this hot day, it’s a long way uphill, but dozens more, smaller torii form shading tunnels through which the faithful walk up Mount Inari. They perform this trek in homage to Inari, the kami (deity) of foxes, fertility, tea, sake, rice, agriculture, and worldly success. Two huge fox sculptures representing Inari stand on either side of the entrance torii. And on the grounds of this shrine are many more fox statues.

Inari is just one of several million Shinto deities, one for virtually everything, including the weather. But as Inari’s purview patently includes several things of consequence to health and prosperity, she is one of the most important kami, and paying homage to her is a prayer for the blessing of plenty. 

Significantly, while there might be sacred areas dedicated to specific kami, shrines also include areas where visitors can encounter nature. Early mystics sought healing and strength from the natural world, and for centuries, followers of Shinto have practiced meditation while walking through forests. 

It’s probably not surprising then, that in the 1980s, tech-centric Japan found new enthusiasm for this ancient practice. Perhaps from a wish to reconnect to, and be inspired by nature, Shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bath’ was embraced by the Japanese, and actually spread to many other parts of the world. Happily, this contributed to the protection of the country’s forests. Today, Japan is one of the most forested countries in the world; about two-thirds of the land is covered with forest. Perhaps too, this affinity with nature kept young people connected to Shinto shrines where specific trees often have special meaning. 

At Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine the remains of a pine tree, its roots exposed and appearing to kneel, is a focal point for the faithful. It is called Neagari-no-matsu which translates to ‘pine tree with uplifted roots’. But a homonym of neagari can also mean ‘price rise’, and of matsu can mean ‘to wait’. This tree is said to have divine power to bring success and good fortune to those in business, especially related to stocks and securities. Understandably, many come here to offer homage. After reading the information board, I notice several foreigners pause to offer homage too.

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine

In fact, many shrines have trees with spiritual significance. Near Tokyo, at the northern base of Mt. Fuji, the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine is home to ancient cedar and cypress trees. It’s awe-inspiring to walk to the sacred areas along an avenue lined by these giants. The thousand-year-old Fuji Taro cedar and the twin-trunked Fufu Hinoki (Couple Cypress where many couples pose for a photo) are revered as symbols of nature and immortality. Stout ropes have been tied around their trunks, and the faithful leave messages tied to strings near the base. One of these simply says in English, ‘Peace’– a universal message, or a devout wish for conjugal accord?

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Marriage is an important rite at one of Japan’s most popular shrines. Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park were built in 1920, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. During the important New Year celebrations, more than three million visitors attend first prayers here. Dozens of kegs of fine sake and vintage Burgundy wine barrels form unusual displays on the road leading to the sacred places here. Apparently these are empty (a relief to oenophiles). The sake barrels are symbolic offerings to the gods, while the wine barrels represent Emperor Meiji’s role in modernizing Japan and embracing foreign influence.

Here too, trees play an important role. About 100,000 trees were donated from regions across Japan in order to create the distinctive forest here. Two camphor trees planted in 1920 have grown to great height and are coupled by a stout rope. Known as Meoto Kusu – Husband and Wife – they are considered sacred and represent marital harmony. Perhaps for this reason, Meiji is a favourite shrine for weddings. Indeed, we watched as, in graceful unity, an elaborately dressed couple formally bowed to one another and to the Shinto priest performing their wedding rites. 

Glorious Temples Promote Peace and Compassion

The Golden Temple, Kinkaku-ji

Buddhist temples are among the most striking buildings in Japan. A magnificent example is near Kyoto. The Golden Temple, Kinkaku-ji, was built in 1408 as a retirement residence for the Shogun Yoshimitsu. After his death, his will directed it be turned into a temple. Sadly, it has burned down and been rebuilt several times since. In a rather dramatic turn, the last fire, in 1950, was begun by a mad monk. But five years later, Kinkaku-ji was rebuilt exactly as before. 

It’s aptly named. That rich colour isn’t paint; the top two levels are covered in gold leaf and glow gently, even on the most overcast days. Appropriately, given its incendiary history, a golden phoenix sits on the roof.

Inside is a seated Kannon Bodhisattva (Goddess of Mercy) surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. Unfortunately, we can’t see them as entry is forbidden. However, we can stroll the temple gardens which are as they were nearly 600 years ago, when Yoshimitsu walked through them. Here, surrounded by trees, is the Anmin-taku pond, with a miniature stone pagoda on an islet in its centre. This pond is sacred, as it never dries up, even during droughts. Thus the faithful come here to pray for rain.

Todaiji Temple

Just south of Kyoto in Nara, Todaiji must be one of the most appealing temples, partly because of the charming Nara deer that are everywhere on its grounds. Buy some special crackers to feed these gentle creatures and they become immediate friends. Constructed in AD752, this temple is historically significant as it was the head temple of Buddhism when Nara was the capital. The capital was later moved in order to remove undue influence by its monks.

The enormous wooden Nandaimon Gate, stands at the approach to Todaiji. Its broad threshold separates the secular world from the sacred realm, and custom dictates that one must step over it; stepping on it is disrespectful.

On either side of the gate, behind protective barriers, stand two menacing statues representing the two Guardian Kings. Dating to the 12th century, both this gate, and the statues are designated as national treasures.

The splendid main hall at Todaiji houses Daibutsu, one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues; his open hand alone is human sized. He sits flanked by two rather intimidating Bodhisattvas. A popular attraction inside is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu’s nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in the next life. 

I didn’t attempt the impossible, but I did stop outside to rub Binzuru’s right knee, then my own. One of the interesting characters in the Buddhist panoply of deities, Binzuru can often be found sitting outside temples and is said to be a healer. If some part of your body is sore, you rub that part on him, then rub the sore part on yourself. I can report that my knee did feel better the next day.

Sensoji Temple

As with the Golden Temple, the Goddess of Mercy is at the heart of the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan. According to legend, in the year A.D. 628 two brothers fished a statue of Kannon out of the Sumida River. They returned it to the waters, but it turned up again. Seventeen years later, Sensoji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, was erected nearby in her honour in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. Sadly, here too, the public may not see the Goddess of Mercy. The famous statue was enclosed inside a miniature temple with several locks; not even the chief priests of Sensoji may view it.

At Sensoji Temple, a huge incense burner stands between a five storey pagoda and the main hall. Incense burners are usually found on the grounds of temples and the faithful can purchase incense sticks to light. This too has a ritual. Once alight, one should extinguish the flame by waving the hand, not by blowing. The hand may then be used to fan smoke towards oneself for healing purposes. At Sensoji, whole bundles of incense are lit at a time, so the smoke can be prodigious. 

More than 30 million visitors pass through its two grand entry gates annually making Sensoji one of the country’s most visited temples, and the streets surrounding it have become popular shopping areas for kimonos, fans and other traditional Japanese gifts. 

Nipponzan-Myohoji Temple

Just 100 km south of Sensoji is the Fuji Bussharito Heiwa Park (Peace Park) in Gotemba. The Nipponzan-Myohoji Temple here is very significant, and a must to visit, not least because some of the most spectacular views of Mt.Fuji can be found here on a clear day. We were sadly disappointed as the day was both overcast and rainy so we didn’t see the elusive mountain, said to be visible only a third of the year. However, much to our delight, Fuji graced us with a brief viewing on another day, coyly peeking from behind low clouds. 

However, even on a grey day, this park is well worth visiting. Built to promote the Buddhist tenet of peacemaking, it brings this concept to global fruition, uniting a number of Asian countries in a message of world peace. Its focal point is Nihonzan-Myoho-ji’s shining white stupa with golden Buddha images set into niches at its four sides. Most importantly, inside rest some of the Buddha’s bones, presented by late Indian Prime Minister Nehru of India. Guardian dogs and lions, gifts of a number of Asian countries – Hong Kong, Myanmar, Thailand, and more – line the path approaching the temple. Despite some of their fierce expressions, the message of peace rings out loud and clear in this park.

A wander through the grounds reveals a Peace Bell flanked by two white lions. Further on, a golden statue of Kannon stands in front of a small temple. The persistence of this goddess of mercy in so many Buddhist temples emphasizes the importance of compassion in Japanese society. 

In a world which seems to be losing sight of such values, Japan presents an oasis of ahimsa (doing no harm). After my meanderings through shrines and temples in Japan, it seems my question has been answered. Japan’s two faiths do play a role: Buddhism’s emphasis on discipline and peace, and Shinto’s respect for, and harmony with nature, seem to have produced a uniquely tolerant and kind society, united by its truly enlightening shrines and temples.

The post What’s the difference between shrines and temples in Japan? first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

Isla Holbox, an Island Escape

There are eight of us settled in a small blue-and-yellow outboard boat skimming across turquoise water. The horizon dissolves into the sea, and a green strip of land floats in the distance, as our Captain José Elias Celina, explains where we’re headed.

Cabo Catoche, exploring a remote island of two

“At Cabo Catoche, no hay vehiculas [there are no cars], no hay hoteles [no hotels], no internet,” he says. “Nothing.”

Cabo Catoche isn’t technically an island, but it might as well be. Accessible only by water, this thin strip of beach sits six miles off the tip of Holbox, a car-free island off the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. While Isla Holbox is no longer a secret, it still feels like off-the-beaten-path escape, shaped as much by what it lacks as what it provides.

I’ve never been sure what I love most about islands, what is on them, or as Captain José has summarized, what they have left behind. I suspect it is a combination of both.

The last time I visited the Yucatan was almost 25 years ago on a trip to Tulum with my soon-to-be-husband. For about $20, we slept in a hammock-like bed in a tent with a sand floor, wandered out to beachfront restaurants guided only by our camping head lamps, and swam naked on a deserted beach in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.  While Tulum is now a touristed global destination, Isla Holbox reminded me of the quiet, laid-back destination I discovered so long ago.

Admittedly, I wasn’t sleeping on a sand floor on Holbox. Our beachfront stay at Ana Y José felt both grand and understated, blending nature and luxury with a biophilic design:  dark wood and bamboo, and wide glass doors opening onto a private patio facing the beach. Each night, chocolates or other small treats were waiting for me on my bed.  And in the morning, my breakfast of avocado toast with freshly squeezed orange juice was served in a beehive-shaped nest accessed by a ladder, with uninterrupted views of the sea. 

Holbox has its share of stunning boutique hotels, and that includes elegant treehouses. But alongside its creature comforts and understated luxury, the island still feels like a bucolic place to escape. Isla Holbox is part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve created in 1994 to protect its rich wildlife. The area is home to more than 420 bird species, including teems of pelicans, flamingos, storks and herons. From May to September, whale sharks migrate through its waters, with some of the largest concentration of these filter feeding sharks worldwide.

Cabo Catoche is a prime example of Isla Holbox’s unspoilt edges. At the time I visited, Catoche was completely uninhabited, except for two people. One is a woman named Gaby who was out buying provisions for the sole café on the island, the Cocita de Gaby café. The other is a 20-year-old man named Gael Domingues, who sleeps in a hammock, and works at the café during the tourist seasons. “I don’t like the city,” he tells me. “I prefer natural places.”

While we’re there, Captain José prepares ceviche using the fish that we caught on the way, through a traditional yo-yo method. When a fish nibbles on the raw tuna at the end of our line, it jerks, and we quickly hoist up the line, while winding the thread around a plastic hand-held spool. In less than half an hour, my friend and I have caught eight (!) fish — yellow snapper and grouper for lunch, smaller fish for bait.

On the island, we wander along the beach, past a fisherman’s boat abandoned on the shore, and an old lighthouse crowned by an osprey nest. We settle at picnic tables under coconut trees, spooning ceviche and guacamole with tortilla chips as the waves quietly lap against the shore.

Birds, Azure Waters & Deserted Beaches: Isla Pájaros, Isla de la Pasión & Isla Holbox

Another day, we join Holbox’s popular Three Islands Tour. The first stop is Isla Pájaros (Bird Island), a mangrove-covered nesting site we view from a lookout tower. In minutes, we spot dozens of pelicans settled on the mangroves, an osprey, some double-breasted cormorants and egrets. Then before reaching our next stop, Isla de la Pasión (Passion Island), our captain does an abrupt turn so we can watch three dolphins leap in and out of the water. 

Isla de la Pasión is a small island with only thin edges of sand not covered by mangroves forests. We waded through the shallow, glassy water, where the sky seems to melt into the sea, and puffy white clouds drift across an azure blue sky. 

Our final stop is Punta Mosquito, a long sandbar that stretches about 2.5 kilometres into the town of Holbox.  I watch as a long stream of visitors, wade knee deep through the water in a loose line, like an aquatic highway. By contrast, another section of Punta Mosquito is strictly off limits for bird and wildlife protection, but you may still be able to spot resident piping plovers, reddist egret and other birds. 

On the return trip, we spot a Caribbean flamingo and its pale white chick, the two sauntering gracefully, like a bride and her mother in high heels walking deliberately to a wedding march.

Unwinding in Holbox

Back on Isla Holbox, days slip by leisurely. You can join a yoga or pilates class, kayak or paddleboard, take a bioluminescence tour, move between swimming pool and beach, and join one of the many great beachside restaurants. 

But there are also many other great options in the village. Its sandy unpaved roads around the main square are easily navigable by foot, bike or golf cart. Shops and designer boutiques sell jewellery, local art, embroidered bags, designer clothing and Mayan crafts, while open-air restaurants, bars and eateries serve everything from tacos and seafood to smoothies, cocktails, gourmet coffees, and one of the island’s iconic dishes — lobster pizza. There are several small tiendas where you can buy your local produce, along with tortillerias for this delicious Mexican staple, made by hand. 

Back at Ana Y José, pelicans soar overhead as we watch our last sunset on the hotel’s rooftop bar, with its 360-degree views. Slipping into the pool, we watch as the sky shifts from baby blue to streaks of pink.

“It’s a painted sky,” says my friend Sebastian, as we sip margaritas and watch the light fade to black. 

Preparing for Your Trip to Isla Holbox

• Holbox is about a two-hour drive from the Cancun airport to town of Chiquilá, or about a 2.5-hour drive by Ado bus, leaving from downtown Cancun. Cars are not permitted on the island. 
• Ferries from Chiquilá to Holbox leave every 30 to 60 minutes, take about 25-minutes and cost about 300 pesos ($24/$25 CAD) each way. 
• Most restaurants take credit cards, but it’s best to carry Mexican pesos for [their golf cart] taxis, small shops and tours.

• For an upscale wellness experience, with a stay in a jungle treehouse or oceanfront suite, a top-rated restaurant, and water-themed activities like sound healing in crystal pools, and paddleboard yoga, try Nomade Holbox.

Diana visited Isla Holbox as a guest of the Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board.

The post Isla Holbox, Island Life Off the Coast of Yucatan first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

My mom and I accidentally opened a box of thoughtfully selected Christmas presents from my Aunt Wonderful & Uncle Jerry early. To add to the glee of all the delights in the box was that my Aunt & Uncle had sourced all the presents from Canadian businesses, making it a Canadian themed Holiday present bundle! A rather wonderful way to support Canadian businesses this Holiday season – giving in more ways than one!

Yes, on the note of ‘accidentally opened’, we did realise they were likely Christmas presents, but it was accidental, as normally my Aunt wraps the presents within. In realising my Aunt had made an environmentally friendly choice of going sans wrapping paper this year, we may have decided to delight in exploring the whole box to check if there were items in need of refrigeration or to be kept out of reach of the dog.

Canadian Themed Holiday Presents

The present selection really was a delight as it was not only thoughtfully catered to the things mom and I enjoy, but in closer inspection, all presents were purchased from Canadian businesses making them Canadian themed Holiday presents! Brilliant! And an excellent way to make a Canadian exclaim with delight and pride in a year where Canadians have faced a Trade War from the Trump regime. I’d also like to think this was an extra bit of thoughtfulness from my Aunt Wonderful & Uncle Jerry, in knowing that I had built MadeInCanada-eh.ca earlier this year, as my way of fighting those trade wars and supporting Canadian businesses.

MadeInCanada-eh.ca

Had I thought of it earlier, I would have made a MadeInCanada-eh.ca inspired advent calendar on MadeInCanada-eh.ca site introducing different Canadian themed presents over the month of December, or perhaps I will start this as a 12-months to the Holidays advent, starting in January, and giving people time to think ahead. Even better would be to be able to do different themed versions for each of our Canadian Territories and Provinces. I have a bit of Canadian business adding to do to the site directory though, to get to the point where I am able to create tailored advents themed after all Territories and Provinces, as the labour of passion that is MadeInCanada-eh.ca has been getting business added to it in bits and starts as I find the time. Should you wish to give me a holiday present this year, you could help by adding a few Canadian businesses to the MadeInCanada-eh.ca directory, here: https://madeincanada-eh.ca/add-listing/listings/ You can also search the site for Canadian businesses to buy Canadian themed Holiday presents for your loved ones, here: https://madeincanada-eh.ca/map/

Our Canadian Themed Holiday Presents

So what were the Canadian themed presents in the box of goodies my Aunt Wonderful & Uncle Jerry sent?!?

• Two bottles of Niche Wine (from West Kelowna, BC) – Small Wonder Rose & Sauvignon Blanc

These were particularly exciting as my mom, a life long beer drinker, has begun to enjoy wine in her 80s, and has yet to enjoy her nephew Jame’s wine, which I must say is quite good and has won awards. Rather proud of him and what he and Joanna have built with Niche Wine Company, from the vineyard that my Uncle and Aunt planted and nurtured.

They also have a Small Batch Club of 4 shipments of farm-fresh, limited-release wine every year, surprise, locally sourced extras, and all the VIP treatment at the farm (including free wine tastings and 15% off all purchases and accommodations rentals), that would make a great self gift.

You might also consider the gift of a stay at the Outside Inn Cabins, which are absolutely gorgeous, and provide a great retreat for both enjoying the winery and nearby hiking trails.

Oh, and if you are visiting West Kelowna, they have a refillable growler program, offering 500 mL and 1L growlers filled with farm-fresh wines as part of their larger sustainability and community-building effort. This is something I will be looking into for myself with Eddie the EV meaning that James and Joanna will see me more often at the winery, as I park in their parent’s driveway going to and from my EV roadtripping adventures.

• Jams, Jellies and Spreads from East Van Jams (from Vancouver, BC) – Blackberry Jack Spread & Mini Jam Jar Filled Holiday Crackers

This is my other cousin Pip’s jammery, along with her friend Nicole, made with more love and less sugar, and oh so good. Aside from being proud of Pip and being huge jam and spread lovers, part of what makes this part of the present special is that we all spent our summers together, picking berries and making jams. The holiday crackers are a nostalgic family thing too, as growing up crackers were always an important part of the holiday meal, as they were made by our most beloved Joan at the Garth Homer Society in Victoria, BC. Alas, the Society does not sell their crackers anymore, but East Van Jam’s crackers are a scrumptious alternative.

East Van Jam’s also puts together BC made gift sets, much as Pip did in helping to send our box of goodies.

• Chocolate from Sandrine (from Kelowna, BC) – Handmade Dark Chocolate with Expresso Beans Bar

Yum! The perfect treat for two coffee loving chocoholics.

Also, gotta say that after visiting their website, aside from drooling (a lot), I’ll be stopping in on my next visit to Kelowna, with the excuse to come bearing goodies as I visit my Aunt & Uncle.

• Bath products from Meadowfoam (from Richmond, BC) – a Vanilla Mint Soap & Soak Set of Lux Cream Soap and Foaming Bath Salts & Sweet Fir White Currant Cocktail Diffuser

With a bit of a family reputation for marathon baths, mom and I both delight in our bath indulgences, making anything that will turn the tub into a spa, very much relished.

• A Maud Lewis Calendar

Maud Lewis is my mom’s favourite Canadian artist, so a calendar that you can buy in support of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year for mom. Both Mom and I were delighted to discover that it includes a few pieces of Maude’s art that neither of us had seen before.

Lastly, although not Canadian, we will also be enjoying building this delightful puzzle created with artwork of Debra Alouise, with me enjoying more of the building of the puzzle, and mom delighting in the dogs.

I suppose now that I’ve shared this post, Mom and I should stop pretending that we haven’t already opened our presents, and pick up the phone to call Aunt Wonderful & Uncle Jerry to thank them for their box of Canadian themed delights!

Which Canadian Businesses Are You Supporting This Holiday Season?

Have you got some favourite Canadian businesses that you are supporting with your holiday spending this season? Tell us about them in the comments, and we will be sure to add them to the MadeInCanada-eh.ca directory.

The post Canadian Themed Holiday Presents, Inspired by Aunt Wonderful & MadeInCanada-eh.ca first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark

First, to take in all the beauty we may not be able to see on foot with only 1-day in Copenhagen, Denmark, we hopped on a Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus right from the cruise terminal. To get an overview of the city we stayed on for the entire loop, taking us by all the tourist attractions, as well as the busy modern downtown area, the hippie-like self-governed Christiana community, and the Nyhavn trendy waterfront area. 

After completing the loop, we hopped off at The Little Mermaid, one of the most well-known of Copenhagen’s tourist attractions. This bronze and granite statue inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale was smaller than expected, but quite lovely as she sat in the harbour, and we joined the crowd snapping photos as she seemed to pose for us. 

Nearby was another attraction – the large, majestic-looking Gefion Fountain, which shows the Norse goddess Gefion driving her oxen, and it was fun watching water spraying continually from the oxen’s nostrils. St. Alban’s Church, a lovely historic church beside the fountain, added to the beauty of this spot.

We headed to Kastellet (the Citadel) next – a star-shaped fortress which is both a beautiful park and a military site. Remnants of cannons could be seen alongside picnic areas as we strolled along the picturesque paths. Like with the grounds of many historic sights in Copenhagen, the grounds of Kastellet are free to explore. As we entered and exited the fortress, we found it fascinating to watch two guards manually lift the barrier arms to let cars and pedestrians pass at varying intervals. 

Given the World War II history of the Kastellet being used as a military base for the Nazi’s during the occupation of Denmark by Germany, it would have been interesting to visit the Museum of Danish Resistance, particularly with current world events.

After making our way out of the park and down several blocks, we came to the magnificent Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family. Four identical palaces surround a grand courtyard with King Frederick V in the centre, and regal guards stand or march in front of each. Here you can wander the courtyard on your own, as we did, trying to capture the perfect shot of the regally dressed royal guards. You can also explore the Amalienborg Palace Museum, join a guided tour, and hear the music and watch the pageantry of the Changing of the Guards on Amalienborg Palace Square everyday around noon.

As you can see from the video above, there is also a Guided Segway Tour of Copenhagen, Denmark.

From the palace to a castle – a few blocks away is 17^th Century Rosenborg Castle. It is just as regal and beautiful as the palace, but perhaps made even more grand with a huge park and garden sprawling alongside it. For an entry fee you can see the grandeur of the inside of Rosenborg Castle and the Danish crown jewels. You can also book a themed guided tour of Rosenborg Castle, but this is quite pricey, unless you are booking as a group or taking one of the public tours. For a bit of fun, if you are at the Rosenborg Castle’s barracks at 11:30 am, you can march along with the Royal Guards through the streets of Copenhagen to the Changing of the Guards in Amalienborg Palace Square at noon.

Wandering through the park at Rosenborg Castle, we first admired a large statue of Hans Christian Anderson, who had lived in Copenhagen and walked these very paths, before glimpsing the historic castle which fittingly appears almost like it could be straight from one of his fairy tales. 

If visiting Copenhagen on a rainy day, you can discover more of Hans Christian Anderson’s life through the Hans Christian Andersen Experience at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Alternatively on a fair weather day, you can follow much the same walk we did with an audio guide to take a Self-Guided Tour of Hans Christian Andersen’s Copenhagen. For book lovers, Hans Christian Anderson really does make for the perfect subject to inspire the imagination and focus your time for 1-day in Copenhagen, Denmark.

As if the grandeur of the castle was not enough beauty to behold, our eyes took in the absolutely stunning King’s Garden beside it.

We were in awe as we wandered through the rows upon rows of colourful flowers, but the gigantic red roses were the real show-stoppers, with blooms so enormous that they almost didn’t seem real. Of course we ‘stopped to smell the roses’, but after lingering awhile it was time to stroll on through the park to find our bus stop.

After finally figuring out which was the correct bus stop, we waited for quite some time with no bus arriving – proving that it was easier to ‘hop off’ than ‘hop on’ again. Eventually we gave up and walked to where we could get on the shuttle bus back to the ship. 

In the end we viewed our bus adventure as a chance to see even more of the city and only a minor inconvenience, as we remembered all the beautiful sights we had seen in Copenhagen.

One guided tour of interest that caught our eye for a future visit to Copenhagen is the Hygge Walking Tour to discover Danish happiness culture. Something to look forward to in returning.

Tips & Recommendations for 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark

• Copenhagen City Card – This visitor’s sightseeing card grants you free admissions to most of the city’s museums and gardens, as well as public transit, and a sightseeing canal cruise.

• Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus – This sightseeing bus was good for seeing an overview of the city. Be forewarned, however, to note the exact locations for hopping back on the bus, and be aware that the bus may not be reliable. There are also three sightseeing bus companies, and the buses all look similar.

• The Little Mermaid – A very popular and lovely statue. Try to go during less busy time of day.

• Gefion Fountain – A beautiful large water fountain. Watch for the water coming from oxen’s nostrils!

• Amalienborg Palace – Lovely royal palace in downtown Copenhagen, where you can enjoy the changing of the guards everyday at noon.

• Rosenborg Castle – A very beautiful castle, housing the crown jewels. Requires pre-booked tickets to enter. 

• The King’s Garden – The beautiful flower garden next to Rosenborg Castle, featuring gigantic rose blooms.

What Are Your Tips in Visiting Copenhagen, Denmark?

1-day in Copenhagen, Denmark is a short visit to such a magical city. There is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting Copenhagen, Denmark? We’d love to read them in the comments below.

Copenhagen, Denmark Accommodations Map

Spending more than 1-day in Copenhagen, Denmark? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Copenhagen.

Tune into Other Ports of Call on our Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise

• London Calling, 3-Days in London, England
• 1-Day in Oslo, Norway: Walking with Art, Peace, Sauna and History

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post Delighting in Fairy Tale Beauty, 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

1-Day in Oslo, Norway

Little did I know, that my itinerary for 1-day in Oslo, Norway would bring us from peace to anger, with some thrills and lots of laughter along the way. Oslo is the most northern European city I have ever been to, and it proved to be very walkable, with the ship docking literally on the doorstep of downtown Oslo. 

From the ship we strolled down the Aker Brygge, a waterfront promenade with lovely views of the fjord on one side, and trendy cafes and shops on the other.

A few steps away we came to the Oslo City Hall, a historic building notable for where the Nobel Peace Prizes are handed out each year. A large banner at the top stated it was the 75^th Anniversary of the building, which happened to be the same age as my sister (though she probably wouldn’t appreciate me mentioning it here), and we laughed as we took a photo of her in front of this historic site.

Across the square is the actual Nobel Peace Center, which had us pausing to consider its significance before going inside. As we browsed through the gift shop, it almost felt like a little museum in itself, with its many shelves of books and souvenirs showcasing famous recipients of the Peace Prize.

Feeling peaceful and inspired, we wandered through the downtown streets of Oslo, peeking into shops and soaking in the atmosphere of the city. 

My excitement grew as we approached our next destination – the Vigeland Sculpture Park – a beautifully manicured park full of hundreds of statues which represent the Journey of Life. Many were in unusual intertwined poses, which had us either staring in fascination or chuckling, but by far our favourite was ‘Angry Boy,’ a giant bronze statue of a toddler who seemed to be stamping his foot in a tantrum.

We could have cheerfully stayed in the park a long time, but with other sights yet to see we made our way back through town, on a slightly different route, ending at the beautiful Oslo Opera House. We could see its stunning architecture from afar, and it was thrilling to join the crowd in climbing its sloping marble roof, laughing as the gusty wind made us go sideways. Arriving at the top, we were rewarded with the most spectacular views of the fjord and the city.

Eventually, back on solid ground, we strolled along the harbour promenade back to the ship. As we passed Floating Saunas with people visible both inside and in the chilly ocean waters, we found it interesting to witness this bit of Nordic sauna culture.

Just a little beyond, we came to the massive stone walls of Akershus Fortress, dating back to medieval times. It once protected Oslo from invaders, and at various times has also been the royal residence and even a prison.

As we continued on to our ship, we reflected on everything Oslo had given us, from inspiration to giggles to thrills – and it all added up to a wonderful day.

Tips & Recommendations for 1-Day in Oslo, Norway

While we took ourselves on a self-guided walking tour of Oslo, there are numerous guided tours of Oslo that you could join to make the most of your 1-day in Oslo.

• Nobel Peace Center – Wonderfully inspirational gift shop. Entrance fee to visit the museum within the Nobel Peace Center.

• Vigeland Sculpture Park – Highly recommend visiting this beautiful park with its unique statues. Free to visit.

• Oslo Opera House – A thrilling experience climbing the sloping roof to enjoy the fabulous views. Free to climb.

• Floating Saunas – Found at the Langkaia marina near the opera house and Aker Brygge. Very interesting to take in this Nordic tradition, and I suspect if we’d partken, quite relaxing.

• Akershus Fortress – Impressive to view. Admission to the fortress grounds is free of charge. Museums, concerts, events, festivals, and similar activities require separate tickets and pricing.

What Are Your Tips in Visiting Oslo, Norway?

1-day in Oslo, Norway is a short visit to such a vibrant city. There is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting Oslo, Norway? We’d love to read them in the comments below.

Oslo, Norway Accommodations Map

Spending more than 1-day in Oslo, Norway? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Oslo.

Tune into Other Ports of Call on our Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise

• London Calling, 3-Days in London, England
• Delighting in Fairy Tale Beauty, 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post 1-Day in Oslo, Norway: Walk in Art, Peace, Sauna & History first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

Exploring Iconic Northern European Cities

Six iconic Northern European cities in sixteen days – one unforgettable trip!

London, Oslo, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Prague – some of the most beautiful and historic cities of the world, and once just names on a map – came to life as my sister Vera and I explored each on our recent European holiday with Royal Caribbean Cruises. 

Join me in my Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise series, as I recollect some of the highlights of our port visits to these wonderful cities, and share some tips and recommendations based on our experiences, starting with 3-days in London, England.

First Stop: 3-Days in London, England

London Bridge is not ‘falling down’, Londoners are very friendly and like beer as much as tea, and London is a very walkable city – just some of the things that struck us as we explored this incredible city. In our 3-days in London, England we walked all over London, seeing the iconic sights and much more. In fact, the only times we used any public transportation in London was the Tube from the airport to our hotel when we arrived, and the National Express Bus to the Southampton cruise port when we left.

Our hotel, the Travelodge London Central Waterloo, proved to be a central and convenient home base for our London sightseeing outings. Located in South Bank near the Waterloo Train Station, we could walk in various directions to all the major sights. Using Google Maps helped us decide on the best and most efficient route each day, and the many bridges over the Thames River gave us lots of options to go back and forth. 

Day 1: London’s Big Five

On the first day, we eagerly headed out to see a few of the most famous sights – each of these so massive they were impossible to miss. The London Eye was the first one to catch our eye. As the world’s largest observation wheel, it is a popular, but rather pricey attraction as it provides tourists with expansive views of London from its highest points. I, however, had learned of another even better way to see the view for free. Read on, as I will share that find later in this article. So, for now, Vera and I simply admired the gigantic wheel and moved on. 

As we walked over the Westminster Bridge, there, towering ahead on the other side were the iconic Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. We gazed in awe at these enormous and historic landmarks. Big Ben is the massive 13 ton Great Bell at the top of the 11 storey Westminster Clock Tower. The Houses of Parliament are so enormous they take up 8 acres and have almost 5 km of hallways inside! It’s hard not to ponder all the historic meetings that have taken place inside its 1100 rooms. You can join a tour with the UK Parliament of Big Ben, or a broader tour of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to delve into a few such stories.

Nearby is the magnificent Westminster Abbey. I had been looking forward to seeing this famous site of so many Royal weddings and coronations. It was absolutely breath-taking to view this grand historical cathedral from the outside, and the next day we were to see how beautiful it was on the inside as well.

A lovely tree-lined stroll down Birdcage Walk led us to another highlight of the day – the world-renowned Buckingham Palace. Our excitement grew as we spotted it from a distance, its grandeur made even lovelier with all the British flags and colourful gardens leading up to it. I had seen it so many times in photos and news reports that I felt like I knew it, but it was awe-inspiring to be up close and imagine all the Royal events that have taken place there. 

With all of this incredible sightseeing, we had worked up an appetite, so we capped off our first day of walking with a traditional fish ‘n chips dinner in a classic-looking British pub.  We toasted the wonderful start to our trip with a pint, laughing about the beer we had chosen simply because of the funny name – Old Golden Hen. From there on in, we jokingly referred to ourselves as Old Golden Hens for the rest of the trip. 

Day 2: Art, Markets & Tall Towers

After a good night’s rest, the following day’s route led us all over London – along the South Bank, over bridges, up tall towers, and down the Thames. Our first stop was the renowned Tate Modern, full of contemporary art by artists like Andy Warhol and Picasso – some of it so bizarre it made us laugh.  Admission to Tate Modern is free, but you can book a 1-hour guided tour of Tate Modern for a fee.

Still talking about the unusual art we had just seen, we made our way to the bustling Borough Market. Hundreds of stalls of breads, cheeses, produce, and more were on display… but the market was very crowded and rather overwhelming so after briefly browsing we moved on. Part of Borough Market’s popularity is its connection to the Harry Potter movies, as No. 7 Stoney Street served as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and at No. 8 Stoney Street the entrance to the Third Hand Emporium. You can even sign up for Harry Potter Tours of Borough Market. Foodie tours of Borough Market are also popular, which I’d be tempted to sign up for in returning.

Arriving at the modern and sturdy looking London Bridge, we indeed verified that it was not ‘falling down’. We laughed and sang the well-known nursery rhyme as we crossed over it and took in the lovely views. 

Now on the north side of the Thames, we paused by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, a tall pillar commemorating the devastating fire of 1666 which began in a baker’s shop nearby and destroyed much of London.

A few blocks down, we were excited to arrive at the first of two towers I had been eagerly anticipating since I had booked the free tickets prior to our trip. On the 38^th floor of this tower, nicknamed the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building for its resemblance to the portable radio, was a fantastic viewing area called Sky Garden, which provided beautiful 360 degree views of all of London. Should you enjoy a light breakfast and an early start, you can also book an Early Access Ticket to Sky Garden with a Breakfast Treat.

As if these breathtaking views were not enough, our excitement grew as we headed to our second viewing tower, this one even higher. So tall we could see it from several blocks away, the skyscraper at 22 Bishopsgate is London’s tallest building. A dedicated high-speed lift whisked us up from the ground level directly to the 58^th floor in mere seconds. Here we were treated to Horizon 22, the free two-storey public viewing gallery with floor-to-ceiling glass windows which allowed for unobstructed views for miles of London and even beyond. The views were thrilling, and we were up so high it made us chuckle to see how small the Sky Garden and the London Eye looked from way up there.

Coming back down to earth, literally, we wandered through the city, with interesting things to see along the way – sights such as the curious-looking ‘Inside-Out’ building, the nickname given to the Lloyd’s of London office building, and the Leadenhall Market, a beautiful Victorian-looking indoor/outdoor market. Leadenhall Market is another point of interest on Harry Potter Tours of London. It was mid-day, but the cafes, pubs, and outdoor patios at the market, and in fact all along our walk through the downtown, were full of well-dressed men and women enjoying a pint of beer. 

Arriving at our next destination, the famous Tower of London, we gazed at the massive structure and pondered its incredible history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it has been a symbol of British power for centuries, and has been everything from a palace to a prison over that time, even housing the Crown Jewels, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

Conveniently nearby was a pier, where we hopped on a Thames River Cruise boat, and took in the beautiful views as we floated down the Thames to the Westminster Bridge dock. Our timing was spot on, as we walked up to the Westminster Abbey just in time to go inside for the start of an amazing service. Mesmerized by the stunningly beautiful interior, the lovely choral singing, and the priest’s message, we relaxed and contemplated all the famous Royal events that had taken place right where we were seated. As the service ended we felt very much at peace, yet our heads full of incredibly beautiful images and sounds, and to this day we remember that service as one of the absolute highlights of our entire Europe trip.

Day 3: Raising a Pint to Sacred Ceremony

Our final day in London started off with joining the masses of people going to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. As a ‘don’t-miss’ event I was eager to see it, and I enjoyed the ceremony, the striking red uniforms walking in perfect unison, and the pageantry. However, being a very hot day and extremely crowded, I was also glad when it was over and we could find a shady, quiet street to walk down.

This lovely tree-lined street, simply called The Mall (pronounced like ‘pal’), and famously seen in all the Royal processions and parades, led us to the busy tourist hub of Trafalgar Square. At our first stop, the National Gallery, we went through room after room gazing at the amazing works of famous painters such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt. With several floors of paintings, all very well organised and labelled, we could have easily spent much more time here, but with more wonderful places yet to see we ultimately moved on. As with Tate Modern, the National Gallery is free to visit, and even offers free one-hour taster tours of the collections from 3- 4 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (excluding public holidays). You can, of course, also book a paid tour of the National Gallery guided by an art expert.

Looking back, I was rather amused to realise the sequence of these last few places in London – we went from a church to a pub to a church to a pub! After leaving St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, we walked through the downtown area, and notably down historically significant Fleet Street. 

This led us to the popular and historical Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub. Famous for having had literary patrons such as Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, it is considered a ‘must-see’ for tourists, and we really enjoyed looking through the quaint-looking rooms and having a wonderfully cold and refreshing fruit beer. 

I suppose our next stop was technically a church, but it is immensely more grand than your average church. St. Paul’s Cathedral is famously known around the world as the site of many significant historical and Royal events, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. With the second largest dome in the world, behind only St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, it is a massive and majestic cathedral. We arrived in time for their Evensong, and for the next hour listened to the most heavenly beautiful choral singing in the most spectacularly beautiful setting imaginable.

The peace and beauty of the cathedral stayed with us as we left, and spotting a small shady park nearby we decided to sit for awhile and enjoy the quiet and beauty of the outdoors before heading to a pub for dinner. After our brief rest, a short stroll led us to what couldn’t have been a more marked contrast to the serenity we had just experienced – the very noisy and busy Blackfriar Pub. Yet it proved to be popular and crowded for a reason – it is known for its delicious food particularly its pies, and we had the yummiest Steak & Ale Pie, along with delicious craft cider, that we still talk about to this day. 

Full of good food we strolled back to our hotel, taking the lovely Millennium Bridge nearby, and enjoyed the gorgeous views of the Thames one last time as we recounted some of our wonderful experiences in London.

Tips & Recommendations for 3-Days in London, England:

While we took ourselves on self-guided walking tours of London, England, there are numerous guided tours of London that you could join to make the most of your 3-days in London.

• The Travelodge London Central Waterloo – A clean, modern, reasonably priced, and centrally located hotel for a stay in London. Would recommend and would stay again.

• Tate Modern Museum – Very unusual and interesting modern art, displayed in a massive building with many entrances. All museums in London are free.

• Sky Garden & Horizon 22 – Fabulous free viewing towers. Book free timed tickets online. Check availability a few weeks prior to your trip as tickets sell out quickly.

• Westminster Abbey – Check ahead for Evensong or Services times, which are free to attend and a wonderful way to spend time in the beautiful cathedral.

• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace – Go early to find a good viewing spot, as it gets very crowded. Be prepared to stand for some time.

• The National Gallery – A fabulous and huge art gallery that is free to visit. It features many floors and rooms full of classical and famous paintings, well-categorised by centuries and eras. You could spend hours here, so perhaps plan ahead which centuries and paintings you would most like to see.

• St. Martin-in-the-Fields – A wonderful Church of England from medieval period with a very welcoming atmosphere. Check for free concerts. Their Crypt Cafe is also a great place for lunch with delicious and very reasonably priced home-style cooked food. 

• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – A very popular historical pub, rebuilt after Great Fire of 1666, famous for literary patrons such as Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. Go early afternoon to avoid potential tourist crowd. I personally recommend the delicious unique fruit beers.

• St. Paul’s Cathedral – A spectacular cathedral, famous for many Royal and significant historical events. Attend a free Evensong to see the beautiful interior and listen to the most beautiful choral singing.

• The Blackfriar – A very popular historic pub, not far from St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Blackfriar can get super crowded in late afternoon with the after-work crowd. It is known for its delicious pies, such as Steak & Ale Pie. I highly recommend.

• Millennium Bridge – Very near The Blackfriar, the Millennium Bridge provides a great car-free way to walk over the Thames River to the South Bank, sharing many beautiful views and photo ops.

What Are Your Tips in Visiting London, England?

The beauty in visiting a city like London, England is there is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting London, England? Whether spending 3-days in London, England or more, we’d love to read them in the comments below.

London, England Accommodations Map

Planning a visit to London, England? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in London.

Tune into Other Ports of Call on our Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise

• 1-Day in Oslo, Norway: Walking with Art, Peace, Sauna and History
• Delighting in Fairy Tale Beauty, 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post London Calling, 3-Days in London, England first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail

Lighthouse Keeper, Bears, and the Romance of Sandy Beaches

As wildfires rage near Bamfield, BC in August 2025, it’s worth pausing to remember just how breathtaking this area can be. Most of these fires are caused by humans, yet the landscape itself remains a reminder of how awe inspiring Vancouver Island‘s nature is. This is the story of a magical day hike we took along the Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail, southwest of Bamfield, on the ancestral lands of the Nuu chah nulth First Nation. It was just a day before the wildfire started near Bamfield.

The Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail runs along old telegraph lines that once connected the lighthouse to Bamfield. The hike takes only about four hours, but slippery forest roots, the sandy beach, the lagoon, and the lighthouse walk stretched it out to six hours! And then there were the unexpected surprises! Few people know the Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail — no more than 300 hikers pass through here each year.

Bamfield Inlet : Romance of the Sandy Beach

The Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail embarked through the forest, then, pushing through thickets of scratchy blackberry bushes, opened onto a sandy beach near the end of Bamfield Inlet.

The tide was out. Gentle waves rolled softly onto the shore, leaving behind the wet gleam of sand. At the water’s edge were tangles of seaweed, shells, crab clinging to the ribbon-like stems of kelp, and strange artefacts washed ashore by the ocean. Were it not for camping being prohibited, we would have happily got set to stay, there was so much to explore. Although, in the distance, through the mist, we spotted a lone tent.

I couldn’t resist swinging on a rope swing someone had thoughtfully hung from a branch. I ran along the water’s edge. Fog was rolling in, and a fine drizzle settled softly on my hair. The cliffs at the edge of the beach gradually dissolved into a white veil, and we returned to the Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail, diving once again into the cool shade of the forest.

There’s something magical about finding a partner with whom you can share moments like these, someone willing to tackle a challenging trail with you and overcome unexpected obstacles, turning them into part of a romantic adventure.

A Bear Encounter on the Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail

The Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail from here winds through the forest before opening onto a breathtaking sandy beach at Tapaltos Bay. Overnight camping is officially prohibited, though we did spot traces of a couple of tents.

On the shore were wolf tracks, in the forest signs of bears’ activity. Years of wandering Vancouver Island’s forests teach you to read what they’ve eaten—fish or berries. You learn to distinguish coastal wolf tracks from dogs’ and to gauge the size of a bear that passed right before you. Both bears and wolves can be encountered quite easily; the key is knowing how to behave and, above all, trying—desperately trying—not to panic.

Somewhere halfway along the trail, we finally came face to face. I was leading, constantly losing my balance on slippery roots poking out here and there. The trail, with its rotting wooden planks and thorny bushes, left us pretty scratched up. Those bushes would later play their part. At times, pushing through dense greenery felt like walking through a green tunnel leading to Totoro—the gentle forest spirit from the Japanese animated film—revealing, perhaps, the invisible closeness to Japan. In some spots, I had to carefully balance on slick roots to avoid falling.

On a narrow section, our path was suddenly blocked by a muddy puddle—and directly in front of us, a bear with a massive snout. It froze, studying us carefully, assessing the situation, trying to determine if we were a threat. We stayed still, speaking quietly in short phrases. “Should we back away?” “What if it followed us?” “Should we risk moving forward and hope it passes by?”

I turned the music on loudly. The bear retreated into the bushes but kept watching—curious and wary, just five meters away. The tension rose, the waiting—wondering who would act first—felt endless! I grabbed a whistle and blew with all my might. The response was immediate—the bear made a sharp, broken hissing sound, frightened, as we later learned. A clear warning: “Do not come closer.” I fell silent, bear spray at the ready. For a couple of minutes we stood, eyes locked on each other. Finally, the bear lost interest, repeated its threatening hiss, circled us through the thick bushes, and walked away on its path.

The trail was clear, but our hearts continued pounding. In the mud, deep, enormous paw prints remained.

Hiking is not just a test of physical strength. It’s a trial, a test of the resilience of a relationship. My partner stepped forward, placing himself between me and the bear. In moments like these, you realise that romance is not just a walk along a sandy beach, but also trust and the feeling of being protected.

The Lagoon on the Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail

We reached the lagoon behind the Cape Beale Lighthouse, that can only be crossed by hiker at low tide. In the bay stood a charming little cabin … or a machinery shed, as we soon discovered with a chuckle.

Rounding a rocky outcrop, we stepped onto a trail marked with bright buoys, hanging from tree branches like protective charms. These improvised markers serve as guides: if someone is shipwrecked or lost in the fog, they help lead the way back to safety.

It seems that tales of sea monsters and shipwrecks belong to the past, to the era of Captain Jack Sparrows, when navigation relied on the stars, the weather was unpredictable, and ships smashed against hidden reefs. Today, we have precise maps, satellite instruments, and radar—but the west coast of Vancouver Island still reminds you that nature is stronger than humans, and lighthouses and lighthouse keepers still hold an important role in coming to the aid of those at sea.

High on the headland, my partner spotted a narrow path—was it really a trail? Who could have even made it? The lighthouse keeper? The path runs along the very edge of a cliff, eventually turning into a narrow natural bridge hanging over a churning sea below. This is the natural arch, popular for Instagram photos from Cape Beale.

Cape Beale Lighthouse

Finally, we reached the Cape Beale Lighthouse — tall and red-and-white for maximum visibility in any weather. On the grounds were the lighthouse keepers’ cottages, a greenhouse full of greenery, a hammock area, and verandas with wetsuits drying on the railings. The whole scene looked like a set from a post-apocalyptic movie—like true life had only survived here. A ginger cat, resembling a tiny cougar, approached us, stretching and curiously peering into our eyes.

A tanned woman emerged from one of the cottages and introduced herself as the lighthouse keeper — Karen Zacharuk.

Stumbling over my words, I began expressing my excitement.

“Excuse me, this is my first time ever talking to a lighthouse keeper … a female lighthouse keeper! For me, this feeling is more thrilling than meeting a favourite actor!”

It was a shame about the fog — usually, the views from here are breathtaking. Sometimes, you can even see Japan, though it lies 7,419 kilometres away. Professional habit makes me think in coordinates and precise distances; I would have rounded that number a long time ago.

“Would you like me to give you a tour? Visitors are rare here.”

Indeed, checking the visitor log, we found very few names recorded over time.

History of Cape Beale Lighthouse

The lighthouse at Cape Beale is the oldest operational staffed lighthouse in British Columbia. For 150 years, its light has guided ships past the treacherous rocks of Vancouver Island’s west coast. Before the first beam was lit here in 1874, these shores were a nightmare for sailors.

Cape Beale stands like a living museum—its light still cuts through the fogs, that in the 19th century claimed ships, while its keepers continue traditions that may soon exist only in history books. The galvanised steel tower, clad in asbestos panels, is surrounded by a steel frame supporting horizontal wooden slats painted white — a daytime navigational marker for mariners.

Cape Beale cannot be called completely remote. It can be reached by boat — if tides and sea conditions allow — or via a challenging 10-kilometre trail from Bamfield, which is the route we took.

By comparison, some lighthouses in British Columbia are accessible only by helicopter, lack cell service, and offer only limited internet access. There, keepers rely on radiotelephones invented decades ago. Many of these stations are located in areas notoriously subjected to torrential rains and hurricane-force winds.

Cape Beale Lighthouse Tour

Energy

Due to its remoteness, the Cape Beale Lighthouse generates its own electricity using solar panels and wind turbines, harnessing the constant coastal wind and sunlight. The electricity is stored in batteries, and the system automatically shuts down if more energy is produced than needed. Sometimes emergencies happen: on one occasion, the power went out completely, and Karen had to manually clean the diesel engines, pump fuel, and restart the system.

Weather Office and Local Dark Humour

Karen’s office, with a view of the ocean, is where she prepares weather reports. Shelves hold guestbooks signed since 1999, and the walls display photographs of lighthouse keepers from the late 19th century. Romantic beauty coexists here with solitude.

“Don’t you get bored here?” we asked.

“Not at all! I can no longer live in big cities. There’s always something to do at the lighthouse!”

Nearby is a neat tool shed, with every item hanging in its place.

They have ‘Rescue Randy’ — a crash-test-style mannequin used for practicing rescue techniques. It has its own story. About twenty years ago, it washed ashore in Deadman’s Bay, dressed in a U.S. Coast Guard patrol suit. When the relief keeper first spotted it on the beach, it must have been a shock — it looked exactly like a real body. Later, we learned it was likely used for man-overboard training, but somehow drifted away and was never recovered.

Now it ‘lives’ in one of the spare buildings, scaring newcomers when they stumble upon it.

Supplies and Equipment

All supplies are delivered by helicopter or boat during high tide and hoisted to the lighthouse using ropes and a winch with a lifting capacity of about 450 kg, powered by a World War II-era diesel engine. Food, fuel, oil, and wood are transported this way. At the dock, bags of garbage and recyclable materials are collected.

Lighthouse Keeper Responsibilities

Karen constantly monitors boats and kayakers near Cape Beale — one of the most dangerous stretches of the British Columbia coast. Just off the shore lies a hidden reef, invisible from the surface, and many vessels have capsized after coming too close. Strong currents, unpredictable waves, and sudden weather changes make navigation here especially hazardous for sailors.

Often, she is the only one who hears distress signals and alerts rescuers, and sometimes she must personally intervene when boats and helicopters cannot reach the scene.

Without cameras, Karen remains constantly vigilant, scanning the sea and shoreline: noticing shifts in fog, sudden waves, or vessels in danger can save lives. Any mayday signal is immediately transmitted via radio, especially near the dangerous reef where fishermen sometimes venture too close.

In 2014, an overturned boat near the reef nearly became a deadly trap: rescuers heard faint cries and managed to help the crew, one of whom was trapped in the bow. Many such incidents have occurred. The boat we saw in the lagoon is the remnant of an old shipwreck, stuck in local waters—a silent reminder of how quickly the ocean can change lives.

The elements are unpredictable! After the 2011 tsunami in Japan, waves brought Japanese debris to the shores of British Columbia with 289 marine invertebrates and two species of fish on them, demonstrating the incredible power of the ocean and the global interconnection of our seas.

Life at Cape Beale Lighthouse

Karen previously lived on a sailboat in Vancouver Harbour, where she and her husband attended school. About 18 years ago, she saw an advertisement for a lighthouse keeper position and decided to take the risk. Moving to her first lighthouse with her husband — who took a job at nearby Coast Guard stations—became a true adventure and a test of their shared spirit.

Life at the lighthouse requires self-sufficiency and ingenuity. Karen grows tomatoes in a greenhouse, collects rainwater in barrels, and even created a water reservoir from an old storage building. She enjoys crafts, swims with a mask in the channels between islands, and observes marine life.

On her favourite motorboat, she goes fishing, rescues lost fishermen and kayakers, and transports her husband to work in nearby Bamfield, where he serves with the Coast Guard. When she isn’t driving him, it takes him two days to reach work: first along the trail we hiked, then by his moored boat to Bamfield.

In her free time, Karen explores coastal beaches, collecting items washed ashore by the ocean — from Japanese glass floats to other unusual finds. Recently, she discovered a ceramic coffee table, which she placed near the hammock — her favourite spot for reading and relaxing with tea in the lighthouse’s solitude.

Heading Back

(Along the Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail to Bamfield … And Hopefully to Cape Beale One Day as a Volunteer)

It was time for us to head back.

“Can we come back again?” I asked.

“Of course! Come as volunteers and help repair the wooden walkways on the Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail. It would be great if you bring more visitors. So far, the most visited lighthouse on Vancouver Island is Cape Scott.”

“Isn’t it exhausting to deal with all the visitors?”

“I love having guests, and I have plenty of lighthouse stories to share. Besides, it helps draw attention to an important issue: lighthouse keeper positions are being cut, and lighthouses are being automated. But sometimes only a human can spot a vessel in distress. A machine can’t see a capsized boat that hasn’t called for help. Do you know how many fishermen, kayakers, and pleasure boaters my husband and I have rescued?”

On the way back, we got slightly lost among the overgrown bushy trails. While bending to get through the undergrowth, the pepper spray in my side pocket caught on a branch and discharged onto us. It was a horrifying sensation: you inhale, and the air doesn’t pass. A sharp, suffocating wave of burning hit—throat raw, intense coughing, tears streaming, and it really feels like the end. This is would be why Karen warned us that bear spray can make bears more aggressive unless they’re charging.
She advised speaking firmly to bears “like with children”.

Some call this hike “romantic” — and there’s a grain of truth in that. The Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail, with its slippery roots and partially broken walkways, tests not just physical endurance but also relationships: patience, humour, and teamwork become essential. It’s easy to see here whether your partner can handle challenges — whether it’s an unexpected bear encounter or an accidental cloud of pepper spray.

Bamfield, BC Accommodations Map

Planning a visit to Bamfield, BC? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Bamfield.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post An Epic Adventure on the Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail – a Vancouver Island Hike from Bamfield, BC first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

The social conscious twist is making choices that favour businesses in countries impacted by Trump’s Tax Wars or where sharing US businesses, ensuring that they are not MAGA Supporters and that are ideally DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) friendly. If we get something wrong in that mix, then please let us know in the comments so that we can fix it.

If you don’t like this approach as you support fascism and MAGA, then we are probably not the site for you, and we are just fine with that.

Our Summer 2025 Wish List Picks

It should be noted that we are not sure which of there will be deals on these items this summer, but these are the items we are watching for deals on.

Travel Wish List Picks

Travel Pillows

• enVy Travel Pillow (Canadian Product)
• Huzi Infinity Pillow
• Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Luggage

• Victorinox Deluxe Security Pouch with RFID Protection 
• Mammut Seon 3-Way 18 L Climbing Backpack / Daypack 
• Standard Luggage’s Carry-On-Sized Travel Backpack 
• Swiss Gear Luggage 
• Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale – to avoid Russian Roulette with baggage weight restrictions

Socks

• Tilley Ankle Travel Socks (Canadian Product)
• OSTRICH PILLOW Bamboo Compression Socks
• Bamboo Viscose Compression Socks

AirTags

• AirTags
• Waterproof Airtag Holders

Plug Adapter

• International Plug Adapter Kit, Ceptics World Safest Grounded 13 Adaptor Set Dual USB Ports – Travel Anywhere (US Product)

Campervan Wish List Picks

Books

• The Van Conversion Bible

Solar Powered Power Banks

• Bluetti Products

Bug Screen Tent

• PeakPursuit Outdoor Camping Gazebo with Mesh Screen Windows (Canadian Product)
• Maple Root Screen House Room, Pop Up Canopy

Refrigeration

• PeakPursuit Car Refrigerator with Movable Wheels (Canadian Product)

Coffee / Tea / Water

• SHARDOR Coffee Grinder Electric
• GROSCHE Milano Moka Stovetop Espresso Coffee Maker (Canadian Product)
• GROSCHE MADRID French Press (Canadian Product)
• GROSCHE French Press Universal Spare Replacement Beaker (Canadian Product)
• GROSCHE Chicago Steel 32 oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Jumbo Infuser (Canadian Product)
• GROSCHE Copenhagen Fruit and Tea Infuser Water Bottle (Canadian Product)

Multi-Functional Countertop Oven

• COSORI Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo, 11-in-1, 26QT Convection Oven Countertop
• Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Oven (US Product with Canadian origins)
• Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo (US Product)
• NutriChef 26L Electric Air Fryer Oven | 1700W Countertop Rotisserie & Air Fryer (US Product)
• Our Place Large Wonder Oven | 6-In-1 Toxin-Free Air Fryer & Toaster with Steam Infusion (US Product)

Dishware

• GROSCHE Everest 14 oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Coffee Mug with lid and Handle

Tent

• Night Cat Upgraded Pop up Tent

Firepit

• Outland Living Firebowl (Canadian Product)

Paddleboard

• Maddle Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards (Canadian Product)
• Kayak Conversion Kit (Canadian Product)

Wagon

• Night Cat Collapsible Wagon

eBike

Media Creation Wish List Picks

Camera

• Sony Handycam
• DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo

Rode Products

• RØDE SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones and Tablets
• RØDE NTH-50 Professional On-Ear Wired DJ Headphones
• RØDE Microphones SC6 Dual TRRS input and Headphone Output for Smartphones by Rode

Apple Technology

• iPad
• Macbook Pro
• iPhone

Apple Accessories

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Silicone Case with MagSafe
• Apple Pencil Pro
• Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad
• Apple Smart Folio for iPad
• Apple 240W USB-C Charge Cable
• Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter
• 140W USB-C to Magnetic 3 Cable
• Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable
• Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter

Computer Accessories

• USB C Adapter HDMI Hub for MacBook Pro/Air

Solar Power Banks

• BLUETTI Handsfree 2 Solar Backpack Power Station

Memory Cards

• SanDisk 256GB Extreme MicroSDXC UHS-I Memory Card (US Product)
• SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card (US Product)

Pet Lover Wish List Picks

Harness

• RC Pets Adventure Kitty Cat Harness (Canadian Product)

Travel Litter Box

• TAIKURA Portable Cat Travel Litter Box – Leakproof & Odor-Proof with Zipped Lid

Pet Backpacks

• Swissgear 3333 Premium Pet Backpack (currently out of stock)
• Swissgear 3337 Premium Travel Pet Mat
• Petsfit Comfortable Pet Backpack for Hiking – it should be noted that in August Petsfit have a Wildpath Pet Hiking Backpack coming out that we are quite excited about.
• Sherpa Duffel Backpack Travel Bag Pet Carrier (US Product)
• Sherpa Replacement Liners for Travel Pet Carriers (US Product)
• Prefer Pets 368 Adventure Backpack (US Product)

Pet Carriers

• Swissgear 3323 Underseat Premium Pet Carrier
• Swissgear 3321 Getaway Premium Pet Carrier
• Swissgear 3337 Premium Travel Pet Mat
• Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Bag Pet Carrier (US Product)
• Sherpa Replacement Liners for Travel Pet Carriers (US Product)
• Prefer Pets 312 Hideaway XL Duffel (US Product)

Car Seat

• TIGOADT Centre Console Dog Car Seat
• PETSFIT Multipurpose Console Dog Car Seat
• SlowTon Dog Booster Car Seat (US Product)

The post Our Travel, Campervan, Media & Pet Wish List for Summer 2025 first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

Happy Canada Day! And happy it is with an invitation for everyone (visitors and residents alike) in Canada this summer (between June 20 – September 2, 2025) to enjoy free and discounted parks, museums and VIA Rail travel with the Canada Strong Pass. The goal being to enjoy the Summer of 2025 as you explore what it means to be Canadian, discovering a little more of Canada’s natural and cultural history, and the mosaic of cultures that make up Canada, creating the beautiful diversity which many Canadians, myself included, celebrate as part of our Canadian identity.

Canada Strong Pass Q&A

You have questions? I know, as so did we. Here’s what we found out:

Where do I get my Canada Strong Pass?

You already have it. Yes, you heard me right. Everyone already has there Canada Strong Pass, as it is not a physical or a digital pass, but a symbolic one. In other words, between June 20 – September 2, 2025 all participating sites will treat everyone as a Canada Strong Pass holder.

How Long Does My Canada Strong Pass Last?

Your Canada Strong Pass is good at participating sites between June 20 – September 2, 2025 inclusive.

What Does My Canada Strong Pass Get Me?

• Free admission for everyone to all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada.
• 25% discount for everyone on camping fees for all Parks Canada camping sites.
• Free admission for youth aged 17 and under to National Museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum.
• 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24 to National Museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum.
• Free travel for youth aged 17 and under when accompanied by an adult on VIA Rail.
• 25% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24 on VIA Rail.
• Free admission for youth aged 17 and under at participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries.
• 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24 at participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries.

Does My Canada Strong Pass Guarantee Me Entry or Camping?

No. Participating sites still have restrictions in the number of visitors allowed on site at a time, and a limited number of camp sites, so we recommend calling ahead and making a reservation where necessary.

Does the Canada Strong Pass Apply to Everything at Participating Sites?

No, some things, like guided tours and parking, might still cost money and not be discounted. The Canada Strong Pass applies specifically to admission costs with participating sites, VIA Rail tickets, and Parks Canada camping fees.

Does the Canada Strong Pass Apply to Provincial, Municipal and Private Parks?

No, the Canada Strong Pass only applies to Parks Canada sites. Please note that Sépaq Parks in Québec are not Parks Canada sites.

Which Sites are Parks Canada Sites?

You can look Parks Canada sites up, here: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/recherche-tous-parks-all Included are 171 national historic sites, 48 national parks, five national marine conservation areas and one national urban park.

What if I Already Purchased a Parks Canada Discovery Pass?

If you already purchased a Parks Canada Discovery Pass that is  valid for the months of June, July and August 2025, then it will be extended for an additional three months.

What If I Already Booked and Paid for a Parks Canada campsite for this Summer?

If you have already booked and paid for a Parks Canada campsite between June 20 to September 2, 2025, you will receive an email with more information on the process to receive your prorated refund as your reservation date approaches. Have concerns? Communicate directly with Parks Canada to get more details.

Are Parks Canada Cabin Sites Includes in the 25% Camping Fee Discount?

They are. The Parks Canada 25% Camping Fee Discount applies to tent and RV camping / front country camping, equipped camping, oTENTiks, micrOcubes, cabins, yurts, tipis, ôasis, historic stays, and backcountry overnight stays. Remember, the summer season is popular for camping, so while there are some first come first serve sites, we recommend you make reservations, if you have not already done so.

The 25% discount does NOT include mooring, programs not usually included with admission, services provided by third parties, firewood, permits or parking.

Which Museums Are National Museums?

You can find a list of National Museums covered by the Canada Strong Pass, here: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-pass/museums-galleries.html

What if I Pre-Booked Admission for a Youth or Young Adult at a Participating Museum this Summer?

The museum will reimbursed you accordingly. For information on family packages or membership prices, please consult each museum website.

What if I Have Already Bought VIA Rail Tickets for a Youth or a Young Adult This Summer, Prior to Learning of the Canada Strong Pass?

Not to worry, VIA Rail will reimburse you. We recommend reaching out to VIA Rail directly, and to pre-plan your travel with them, so as to not be disappointed by sold out seats.

Which Provincial and Territorial Museums and Galleries Are Participating in the Canada Strong Pass?

A number of the Provincial and Territorial Museums and Galleries participating in the Canada Strong Pass are listed here: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-pass/museums-galleries.html It is, however, recommended that you check directly with individual Provincial and Territorial Museums and Galleries that you are thinking of visiting to see if they are participating.

To learn more, visit the Government of Canada’s site on the Canada Strong Pass.

Have a blast exploring Canada this summer, and do tell us in the comments about your experiences, discoveries and the things you learned along the way!

Happy Canada Day!

The post Canada Strong Pass: Explore Canada for Less in Summer of 2025 first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.

Foodie, sweet tooth, epicurean, or all of the above – a good meal is the first thing that comes to mind, wherever I travel, and you can’t convince me otherwise. Therefore, if, just like me, you find joy in discovering local eats that will make you dance in your seat, Halifax will not disappoint.

This coastal gem of the Maritimes offers more than lighthouses and salty sea air – it serves up culinary experiences that satisfy every craving, from a strong morning latte to a decadent evening dessert.

Whether you’re a visitor looking to taste the town or a local in need of fresh inspiration, here are six hand-picked spots that stood out during my stay. No fluff, no filters – just delicious moments worth your appetite that are among my best places to eat in Halifax for under $30 (before tax).

6 of the Best Places to Eat in Halifax for under $30

Breakfast Bliss in Halifax

Bliss Caffeine Bar

A cozy, modern café with high ceilings, sunlit corners, and plenty of plants. Bliss is the kind of place where locals line up for oat milk lattes and students linger with their laptops. Their menu blends comfort with creativity, offering everything from sweet waffles to savoury toast.

My plate and price : Strawberry Shortcake Waffle | $19 (in June 2025)

Main Course Magic in Halifax

Da Zero Ristorante

A taste of Italy in downtown Halifax. Da Zero impresses with its open-concept kitchen and wood-fired oven. From the moment you walk in, the scent of fresh herbs and tomato sauce sets the tone for an authentic and elevated Italian experience. Watch out, the food is hot!

My plate and price: Lasagna Alla Bolognese | $25 (in June 2025)

Water Polo Restaurant

A waterfront hidden gem with floor-to-ceiling views and an atmosphere that feels both elegant and relaxed. Water Polo offers a sophisticated twist on casual dining, focusing on high-quality ingredients and presentation. Care to eat with a view? Enjoy the beautiful terrace and ask for a blanket when it gets cold. 

My plate and price: AAA Beef Tenderloin Burger | $27 (in June 2025)

Bâton Rouge Halifax Grillhouse & Bar

Located near the waterfront, this sleek chain restaurant with origins in Quebec, delivers upscale comfort food in a warm, inviting setting. Known for its ribs and steak, Bâton Rouge also offers satisfying options like chicken tenders, all served with generous sides and fabulous service.

My pick and price : Chicken Tenders Platter | $25 (in June 2025)

Well Deserved Dessert in Halifax 

Cows

With Maritime roots from PEI, COWS is a cheerful, whimsical ice cream chain known for its creamy, high-fat-content treats and pun-filled merchandise. This is a must-visit shop for tourists and sweet-toothed locals alike.

My plate and price: Chocolate Ice Cream Cone | $6.00

Beavertails

A Canadian classic with a cult following, founded in 1978 in Killaloe, Ontario. This kiosk by the water serves deep-fried, hand-stretched dough with endless topping combinations. A nostalgic (and delicious) Canadian stop, that’s perfect after a stroll along the boardwalk.

My plate and price: Killaloe Sunrise Beavertail | $6.95

As Frank McCourt would say: “After a full belly, all is poetry.” In that spirit, take your trip to the next level while enjoying all the flavours Halifax, Nova Scotia has to offer. Believe me, your taste buds will thank us later!

What Are Your Best Places to Eat in Halifax, Nova Scotia?

We’d love your recommendations of the best places to eat in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Add your favourite places in the comments.

Halifax, Nova Scotia Accommodations Map

Planning a visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Halifax.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission contributes to paying our writers for their storytelling. We only post links to things that we ourselves have tried.

The post Haliforks: 6 of the Best Places to Eat in Halifax for under $30 first appeared on Roamancing Travel & Culture Magazine.