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.

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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.

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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!

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My trek in the breathtaking Langtang Valley, with stunning views, tired legs, and endless Dal Bhat.
Travel guide, Blog James Hammond Travel guide, Blog James Hammond

My trek in the breathtaking Langtang Valley, with stunning views, tired legs, and endless Dal Bhat.

After a 5-year hiatus, we finally returned to Nepal and Kathmandu and are pretty excited about it. Our plan? The stunning Langtang Valley, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas in Nepal.

We had visited Nepal previously to hike the Annapurna, and this time, we are back to attempt the Langtang Valley. I have a love/hate relationship with hiking, and this journey isn’t short of drama either.

This is a blog on my unforgettable trek through the breathtaking Langtang Valley in Nepal. Starting from Syabrubesi, we'll journey through lush forests, cross suspension bridges, and visit charming Tamang villages. Experience the serene beauty of Kyanjin Gompa, where the towering peaks of Langtang Lirung and surrounding glaciers create a stunning backdrop.

We returned to Nepal for the first time in five years, and I am buzzing to be back. I instantly knew I was returning to one of my favourite countries when I smelt the dust and heard the traffic in the taxi from the airport to the hotel in Thamel.

Five years ago, we hiked the Annapurna Circuit and visited Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Kathmandu, and other places around the country. This time, we visited Kathmandu and the Langtang Valley. We had been craving Dal Bhat every day since the last time we visited, and we had it every day in Nepal this time, including in Langtang on the trek.

Officially, a law in Nepal requires a guide when trekking in national parks and trails like this, so we had one for our journey. Whether this is enforced is another conversation and depends on the area you are trekking in Nepal.

This was a 9-day trek with a rest day in the middle of the journey, and it didn't come without drama on the second day.

The Langtang Valley trek can be challenging, with steep ascents and changing weather conditions. But the rewards are immense. Every step brings you closer to nature, and the views are simply out of this world.

The Langtang Valley offers more than just a trek; it's an experience of a lifetime filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and personal growth.

Let’s go hiking!

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