A Morning Adventure in Deep Cove, North Vancouver: Hiking, Coffee, & Views!
Travel guide, Blog, Weekend Trip, Vancouver James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, Weekend Trip, Vancouver James Hammond

A Morning Adventure in Deep Cove, North Vancouver: Hiking, Coffee, & Views!

Deep Cove in North Vancouver is one of my favorite places to hang out when looking for somewhere different yet serene.

Deep Cove is a small, picturesque village located at the eastern edge of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It sits on the shores of Indian Arm, a fjord that stretches north from Burrard Inlet, surrounded by lush forests and mountains.

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, Deep Cove offers a peaceful escape from the city, known for its waterfront views, outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking, and access to trails like the popular Quarry Rock hike.

Read More
48 Hours in Washington, DC: National Monuments & Mount Vernon Adventure
Travel guide, Blog, USA, Weekend Trip James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, USA, Weekend Trip James Hammond

48 Hours in Washington, DC: National Monuments & Mount Vernon Adventure

Washington, DC, has always been on my hitlist of places to visit in the USA.

When I was a young kid watching the news, I always saw videos and photos of the iconic landmarks in this city, such as the National Mall, Lincoln’s Statue, the White House, and Capitol Hill.

Finally, I managed to visit, and this blog combines two visits over two days a year apart, aided by my friends Adam and Stephanie from Road Unraveled.

In this blog, I'm taking you on a weekend trip through the heart of American history—Washington, DC!

Read More
Thamel, Kathmandu: My Ultimate Travel Guide to the Heart of Nepal
Travel guide, Blog, Nepal, South Asia James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, Nepal, South Asia James Hammond

Thamel, Kathmandu: My Ultimate Travel Guide to the Heart of Nepal

It is no secret that Nepal is one of my favourite destinations on the planet, and you can see why by seeing the awe-struck Annapurna at Poon Hill to trekking the Langtang Valley and exploring the winding alleys of Thamel or soaking in the spiritual energy at Swayambhunath, this place has everything. 

Traditionally, in my YouTube videos, I showcase the best of a place I have visited with videos and photos. However, weirdly, I do not have enough content to make a great video of Thamel or Kathmandu as a whole, but I have tons of content to share in written form.

I stayed in Thamel, Kathmandu, for a combined five weeks during two visits in 2018 and 2023, so I know the area well and have some cool spots for you to check out.

In this blog, I want to cover my favourite restaurants, cafes, sights, and accommodations in Thamel, Kathmandu.

Read More
Walking Vancouver's Iconic 28km Seawall in One Day
Travel guide, Blog, British Columbia, Vancouver James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, British Columbia, Vancouver James Hammond

Walking Vancouver's Iconic 28km Seawall in One Day

The Vancouver Seawall is a scenic, uninterrupted pathway that runs along Vancouver's waterfront, offering stunning views and a great way to explore the city's natural beauty.

The route is flat and easy in terms of trajectory but hard in terms of distance.

Starting from Spanish Banks and ending at the Vancouver Convention Center, the Seawall covers approximately 28 kilometers.

We completed the Seawall in reverse to finish the last leg in Downtown at the end of the hike. I predicted that we would walk more than 28 km, and I would be knackered at the highest level.

I was proven right, which you see more of in the video below.

Why one day?

We fancied a challenge, and as the route is flat, I am pretty confident we could complete it without problems.

This wasn’t a race; we stopped off for brunch and checked out a few trendy cafes for coffee.

I outline key points of interest along the walk to give you the whole experience of walking the Seawall and perhaps encourage you to see a part of it when you next visit Vancouver.

Let’s dive into some details below.

Read More
Hiking in Paradise at Joffre Lakes in British Columbia
Travel guide, Blog, British Columbia, Hiking James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, British Columbia, Hiking James Hammond

Hiking in Paradise at Joffre Lakes in British Columbia

Today, we're heading to one of British Columbia's most breathtaking destinations—Joffre Lakes!

Get ready to experience crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning mountain vistas, and an unforgettable hike through the heart of nature.

Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or love exploring beautiful places, this journey will inspire you. I am not the best at hiking; the hardest battle is just getting there. Then, I am motivated to get through the hike to stunning views of the mountains and the lakes.

Joffre Lakes is about a 3-hour drive from Vancouver, or you can stay in the closer hubs of Pemberton or Whistler. This is one of the most popular hikes in British Columbia, so be sure to get on the front foot with the admin!

You will need to go online to book a day pass, and they allow 500 visitors a day in the summer months. You will need to be organized and lucky.

I would label this hike moderate, with some steep parts as you go up, but it is worth it as you come across the three lakes at varying altitudes. I love exploring the local areas for hikes, and this one is a favorite of mine.

So, lace up your hiking boots, and let's dive into the natural beauty of Joffre Lakes!

Read More
A breathtaking weekend in Hornby Island, British Columbia
Travel guide, Blog, British Columbia, Camping James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, British Columbia, Camping James Hammond

A breathtaking weekend in Hornby Island, British Columbia

This week, I am taking you on an adventure to Hornby Island, British Columbia, known as the Hawaii of British Columbia.

Hornby is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, serene beaches, and clear waters. It is a true gem on the West Coast.

This tranquil island, with a small, close-knit community, offers a perfect escape into nature while being just a short trip from the bustling cities of Vancouver and Victoria.

I'll explore its picturesque landscapes, learn about the local culture, and uncover some hidden treasures along the way.

So grab your hiking boots, pack your beach gear, and join me as I discover all that Hornby Island has to offer!

Let's get stuck in!

Read More
A 7-Day Itinerary in Taiwan: Exploring Taipei and Kaohsiung
Travel guide, Blog, Itinerary, East Asia James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, Itinerary, East Asia James Hammond

A 7-Day Itinerary in Taiwan: Exploring Taipei and Kaohsiung

Welcome to my short and sweet Taiwan adventure!

I'm super excited to take you on a journey through Taiwan in this blog.

Over the next seven days, I'll be exploring the vibrant cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung, discovering their top attractions. From the iconic Taipei 101 and the spiritual Longshan Temple to the bustling Shilin Night Market and the busy Ximending, Taipei has so much to offer.

Then, I'll head south to Kaohsiung, where we'll visit the stunning Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Lotus Pond, and the Pier 2 Project.

Our seven-day trip was magical. We checked out awesome night markets to try the famous street food of Taiwan. This episode includes a lot of coffee, temples, memorials, lakes, and views.

I have covered all the bases in this one. We even managed to get into a favourite Japanese haunt for lunch one day; thanks, Coco!

The bullet train was a dream to ride on as we travelled south, and it is an experience you should have once you are there.

Who doesn't want to travel at 300km per hour?

This video has great hostel options if you want a cheaper option in both cities. I even chuck in a few Western brunch places to keep the vultures at bay.

Whether you are planning your own trip to Taiwan or just love travel adventures, this guide has something for everyone.

Let's go on a journey!

Read More