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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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!

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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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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!

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Exploring Portland Again: Updated Travel Tips and A New Appreciation For The City
Travel guide, Blog, USA, North America James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, USA, North America James Hammond

Exploring Portland Again: Updated Travel Tips and A New Appreciation For The City

Welcome to the City of Roses! Whether it's been a few years or just a few months since your last visit, Portland always has something new and exciting to offer.

This vibrant, eclectic city constantly evolves, with fresh attractions, updated travel tips, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. In this guide, I will take you beyond the well-trodden paths and introduce you to the latest must-see spots, insider secrets, and local favourites that make Portland an endlessly fascinating destination.

Our last visit was in the Fall of 2019, and little did we know that this would be one of the last times we would visit the USA because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That would be our penultimate trip before the lockdown, and at that point, like most people, we almost took travel for granted.

Since then, we have been itching to return and see this quirky, fabulous city. Late last year, I booked tickets to TravelCon, so I was visiting anyway, but I decided to stay for the long weekend to check out some favourite haunts and new spots.

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