Cruises are often a great way to indulge in a variety of cuisines from around the globe, and this year, Holland America Line has dedicated a day aboard each of its cruise ship sailings to honor the Dutch culinary scene: Dutch Day. Holland America celebrated a landmark 150th birthday last year and recently created special menu items and collaborations with iconic brands, including Daelmans Stroopwafels and Lindt & Sprüngli … [Read more...]
About Ariane Colenbrander
Ariane Colenbrander is an avid traveler and photographer with a background in graphic design. She’s lived in three countries and has explored numerous others. Ariane recently completed a second degree in copy editing from Vancouver’s Simon Fraser University. Her photography and words have been featured in BC Living, Luxury Travel Australia, en Route Magazine, Modern Luxury Aspen, Fodors Travel, and Canadian Traveller. You can find her travel, tech, and lifestyle blog at Vancouverscape.com.
What to see and do in Boise, Idaho
Currently the fastest-growing city in the US, downtown Boise also happens to be easily walkable, laid out in a grid with Grove Plaza at its heart and Julia Davis Park at its southern edge. Within the space of a short week, I got to explore some of the best the city has to offer. Street Art Head straight to Freak Alley (between 8th and 9th Streets closest to Bannock Street). Colorful styles of graffiti abound everywhere you look and the … [Read more...]
Exploring Russia on a Viking River Cruise
This was my first river cruise with Viking Cruises, a trip I'd dreamt about for weeks! Russia, the world's largest country, takes up an eighth of the world's surface, borders 14 different countries, 12 oceans and seas and spans 11 time zones. Getting Ready to Cruise Through Russia Including start and end points St. Petersburg and Moscow, our cruise includes seven stops with optional offshore excursions, some included in the fare, others … [Read more...]
Montreal: City of Festivals and Food
Summer in Montreal is filled with a variety of festivals and events to fill up your days with a wide range of music, food and fun. Last week, I was invited to experience the vibrant port city, taking in a market food walking tour, craft beer tour as well as Jazz Festival and Complètement Cirque. Bonus? Discovering Montreal’s first quay-side Poutine Festival during my stay! Sleep My homes away from home were Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth … [Read more...]
Arizona’s Queen Creek Olive Mill and The Farm at Agritopia
It may be hard to imagine an olive mill in the middle of the desert, yet it exists at Queen Creek Olive Mill. For over a decade, Perry Rea and family have owned and operated Arizona’s only working olive mill and farm, pressing their olives for high quality extra virgin olive oil and olive oil-based products. Located just east of Mesa, this area is known for sunny days, cool nights, and fertile soil, producing ideal conditions for growing a … [Read more...]
Halifax’s Historic Halliburton House Inn
From my ground-floor queen bedroom, I can hear the early evening final calls of the birds outside in the trees. Such a blissful moment, particularly after a late afternoon spring shower. We’re checked in at The Halliburton House Inn for a night, and I’m happy with everything in this room, from the cozy bed to the period furniture and fireplace. A coffee maker sits on the desk in a corner. A wing-back chair will serve as the perfect spot to … [Read more...]
Halifax Excursions: Horseback Riding, City and Peggy’s Cove Tour, and Ferry Ride to Dartmouth
Winter in Halifax normally means chilly Atlantic winters with varying amounts of snow. This winter however was exceptional, snowfall the likes of which the city hasn’t seen in 30 years! This didn’t stop me from having some fun though while here on my second Nova Scotia trip. I haven't yet been horseback riding in the snow, but there’s a first time for everything. Hatfield Farm, located in Hammonds Plains, a quick half-hour jaunt from … [Read more...]
Pampered Luxury at Hastings House, Salt Spring Island
I was recently pampered with a two-night stay at luxurious Hastings House Country House Hotel on Salt Spring Island. While I've been to Salt Spring several times, I had yet to enjoy this corner of the island, close enough to downtown Ganges yet far enough away to appreciate the solitude and nature that helps define this Relais & Chateaux property. The welcoming hotel grounds are filled with fragrant flowers and colourful birds, all with a … [Read more...]
Riviera Cancun: Secrets Silversands Resort
Looking at numerous websites, Trip Advisor reviews, and tips from friends, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a travel destination and resort. My husband and I wanted to visit the Riviera Maya this month, in a location away from the thumping of Cancun or Playa del Carmen. What we found was Puerto Morelos, a smaller town smack in between the two, yet close enough to get to the Mayan ruins while enjoying the warm, tropical breezes of … [Read more...]