MISSION TOFINO: RESTAURANTS IN TOFINO, THINGS TO DO & MORE

With love from Tofino - A fun afternoon at Cox Bay Beach

Want to hear a crazy story?

The day my friends and I travelled from Victoria to Tofino, British Columbia, the highway flooded! At the time, Vancouver Island and the lower mainland were experiencing an ‘Atmospheric River’ which was causing it to rain like crazy (AND I mean non-stop for the previous 4 days). Although rain is not uncommon for BC in November, the amount of rainfall Vancouver Island and the lower mainland received due to the Atmospheric River was record breaking, causing river levels to increase dramatically and localized flooding to occur.

Driving Route from Victoria to Tofino British Columbia

How people typically drive from Victoria to Tofino BC

Unfortunately for us, this all came to light while sitting in standstill traffic on the highway just 25 minutes outside of Victoria. We had planned to get up early, have breakfast and leave Victoria at 11AM which gave us an estimated arrival time of 3:30-4PM. However, just before 11AM the Malahat flooded and we were stuck. We sat there for 5 hours barley moving. Eventually, we learned they had to shut down the highway and had to make a pivotal choice, roll the dice and attempt another route or turn back defeated.

alternative route from Victoria to Tofino British Columbia

How we ended up having to drive from Victoria to Tofino BC

Normally, the drive from Victoria to Tofino BC will be around 4.5-5 hours long and take you up the east side of the island through Duncan, Nanaimo, and Port Albernie. But since the Malahat (the 25 km stretch of highway in the Cowichan Valley between Victoria and Duncan) was closed due to flooding we had to take the long way around. In total, we were in the car for over 13 hours. It was madness! The alternative route we ‘rolled the dice’ on took us up the west side of the island before cutting back across to Duncan, and continuing up through Nanaimo and Port Albernie to Tofino British Columbia. This route added an additional 2.5 hours to our journey and since we didn’t start moving again until 4PM, the sun had set and we had to do the whole drive in the dark! I’m talking dark, foreign, winding, one lane roads in the rain!

By the time we finally arrived to our hotel in Tofino, my friend and I had felt like we had gone through battle together. We were exhausted, relieved and elated, and the rest of our trip definitely had an underlying sense of gratitude to it. Our trip to Tofino ended up being totally worth the additional hecticness and over the next few days we took full advantage of our time there, getting up early to do some hikes, exploring beaches, checking out restaurants and discovering everything the area had to offer.

If you are planning a trip to Tofino, British Columbia make sure to check out my list of recommendations below so you too can make the most of your time in this easy going and playful Vancouver Island town.


FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH!


Accomodations In Tofino - Tofino Resort and Marina.jpg

Tofino Resort and Marina offers guest safe harbor to enjoy Tofino’s purifying coastal air, abundant wild life and never ending adventure opportunities.

TOFINO RESORT AND MARINA

Our refuge after the grueling drive and stomping ground during our three night stay was none other than Tofino Resort and Marina. I first heard about this newly opened resort (opened in the summer of 2017) over a year ago. Rumor has it that the place used to be pretty run down and their restaurant was actually the dive bar in town. But looking at it now you wouldn’t know it as the 63 room hotel and marina has been completely renovated and the resort outfitted with a new designated Adventure Centre, a state-of-the-art gym, full service marina, and two new restaurants - 1909 Kitchen and The Hatch Waterfront Pub.

If you are looking to explore Tofino beyond the beaches, Tofino Resort and Marina’s Adventure Centre has you covered with an incredible selection of activities and courses like guided fishing, whale watching, wildlife tours, paddle boarding tours, and Maquinna Marine Provincial Park Tofino Hot Springs Cove tours*!

*During COVID the Tofino Hot Springs (Hot Spring Cove) closed but will be reinstated so check back for future updates!
- Good news! The Tofino Hot Springs (Hot Spring Cove) is now open to the public again! (updated Oct 5 2022)

Since opening, 1909 Kitchen and The Hatch Waterfront Pub have become local favourites. While exploring the many shops in town, several people we spoke with recommended we eat there and commented on how great their brunch was, and how beautiful their waterfront patio and dining room is with views of the mountains. I particularly loved their fresh seafood offerings, use of local seasonal forged ingredients, and well rounded menu selection. Highlights from our meal included the Outlandish Raw Oysters, Kale Salad and Wagyu Flank!

Three additional things I loved about this place were 1) it was clean, 2) my bed was so comfy and, 3) you could walk to town in 5 minutes, which meant you were close to so many of the best restaurants in Tofino including cafe’s, boutiques and more! We were also right on the water so if you wanted to come by boat (I would love to sail up the west coast one day) or gather your best mates for the ultimate pacific salmon fishing trip, it’s the perfect spot to refuel and recharge.

Room at Tofino Resort and Marina, Tofino BC

Suite with King Bed at Tofino Resort and Marina, Tofino BC


LOVE THE WEST COAST? CHECK OUT THESE OTHER TRAVEL GUIDES!


TOFINO RESTAURANTS

Dinner at Shelter Restaurant in Tofino BC

Located just down the street from Tofino Resort and Marina, Shelter Restaurant uses an array of fresh and local ingredients to create dishes that embody the essence of Tofino. My friends and I grabbed dinner at Shelter on our first night and were blown away by how delicious the food was at this Tofino restaurant. Highlights of our meal included the Crispy Brussel Sprouts (unlike any other I have ever tasted), the Farmhouse Chicken Burger, and Steak Frites with Chimichurri.

Hot Tip: This Tofino restaurant does get packed so make sure to call ahead and make a reservation or go early and put your name down before walking around town so you don’t have to sit outside and wait.

Restaurants In Tofino - Tocofino

The little food truck that started it all! Tacofino’s first location at the back of Live to Surf Parking Lot In Tofino BC

The little food truck that started it all, Tacofino’s first location at the back of the Live To Surf Parking Lot still continues to draw a crowd and is definitely a must when in Tofino. Serving delicious tacos (vegan and vegetarian options available), burritos and gringas, this legendary orange food truck has been a favourite for locals and visitors since 2009. The Tuna Ta Taco and Fish Taco are menu favourites as well as the Krispy Chicken Taco, but you really can’t go wrong when ordering anything on their menu.

Dinner at 1909 Kitchen in Tofino British Columbia

Even if you don’t stay at Tofino Resort and Marina, a visit to 1909 Kitchen should still be on your itinerary. Not only are the views amazing, but their cocktail and food menus are too. If you’re in Tofino in the summer they also have a great waterfront patio with views of the mountains. Many people we met also recommended this Tofino restaurant for brunch, but the dinner we enjoyed there was definitely one of the best meals we had.

Restaurants In Tofino - Quest Artisan Patisserie

We found a tiny French patisserie called Ouest Artisan Patisserie while exploring Tofino BC

We stumbled upon Ouest Artisan Patisserie one morning while exploring town and had to stop and check it out. Located in a tiny shipping container at the end of Campbell Street (220 Campbell Street) this traditional French patisserie offers freshly made croissants, breads, sandwiches, and pastries daily as well as beautiful custom wedding cakes, macarons and artisan chocolates. My friend ordered one of their croissant breakfast sandwiches to enjoy while we walked around checking out the other container vendors/stores and the amount of noise he made to show his enjoyment while eating was enough to get my own stomach growling.

Restaurants In Tofino - Rhino Cofffee

Erica and I grabbed two Americano’s from Rhino Coffee House every morning while in Tofino, British Columbia

Every morning in Tofino we would stop in at Rhino Coffee House to grab coffee and treats. Known for their fresh daily donuts and roasting their own beans, Rhino Coffee House quickly became our go to morning spot while in Tofino. Their Americanos were just the caffeine fix I needed to get the day started and I wasn’t alone. This place was always busy and you could tell that many locals like to gather outside chatting over coffee with their neighbours while walking the dog. It was cute and totally encapsulated the ‘Tofino lifestyle’.

TOFINO BEACHES & THINGS TO DO IN TOFINO

If you are looking for fun things to do in Tofino there is definitely no shortage. Known for it’s incredible surfing, visiting one of Tofino’s gorgeous beaches is definitely part of the draw. Even if you have no intention of surfing, spending the afternoon walking along the beach and watching the surfers or sunbathing is must. There are also some great local, family friendly hikes and adventures to do in the area, a few of which I did myself and am happy to recommend below!

Things To Do In Tofino - Visit Long Beach

Captured a surfer heading out for a rip at sunset on Long Beach in Tofino British Columbia

Probably the most famous beach in all of Tofino is Long Beach, where you will see lots of local surfers doing their thing. This 16km stretch of beach represents the longest beach on Vancouver Island and has a vibrant, storied, surf history. Known for being a great place to watch a dramatic winter storm or spot a gray and humpback whale during their migration, Long Beach has been attracting visitors to Tofino for decades. While in Tofino BC, the gang and I took the drive to Long Beach hoping to watch an amazing sunset and we were not disappointed. We ended up arriving 45 minutes prior to sunset and spending a lot of time walking around taking photos. The lighting was so beautiful at this time of day that I ended up taking some amazing shots of wildlife and surf. If there is one beach you can’t miss, it’s this one.

Friendly Reminder: Since Long Beach is located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve remember that droning is not allowed and parking is strictly monitored so don’t forget to pay the fee!

Another great and popular beach to visit is Cox Bay Beach. Surrounded on one side by cliffs, a lot of people who visit Cox Bay Beach will also do the unmarked hike to Cox Bay Lookout, a 2.6 kilometer trail that under normal conditions would be considered moderate. Unfortunately for us, the recent rains had made the trail quite muddy and since the trail is not maintained, I highly recommend you wear hiking boots. The reward of course is a beautiful view of Cox Bay Beach and of the open ocean but take care getting up and down as it can get very slippery, especially going down.

Things To Do In Tofino BC - Tonquin Beach

Erica at Tonquin Beach, the first of three beachs we came across while on the Tonquin Trail.

On our first morning in Tofino, British Columbia, my friend Erica took me to do the Tonquin Trail. This short, 2 mile trail seemed to be a popular trail for locals with dogs (almost everyone we saw had one). Perhaps that’s because it’s so conveniently located close to town or maybe because the trail itself is super easy and quite beautiful. Erica and I were able to do the entire loop in about an hour and a half (we stopped a lot to take photos) and found the trail takes you along the Pacific coastline through rainforests and along rugged cliffs and boardwalks that led to get vantages points. Additionally it also connects three beaches together Tonquin Beach, Third Beach and Middle Beach, so it’s an easy way to see all three with one short walk/easy hike.

South Beach, one of the two beaches you can explore while on the Nuu-Chah-Nulth and South Beach Trail

A great family friendly trail that Erica took me on was the Nuu-Chah-Nulth and South Beach Trail. Apparently as a child Erica did this trail with her dad and to this day still has very fond memories of her experience. The 6.4 km trail is very easy with elevated boardwalks that take you through old growth forests with lush vegetation to two well know beaches, South Beach and Wikaninnish Beach. Known for its large rock formations, South Beach is a pebbled beach with rolling foamy waves. If you’re visiting during storm watching season, be careful of powerful waves and ocean spray!

My favourite beach of all the Tofino beaches was definite Mackenzie Beach. This beach is a little more sheltered than the rest thanks to its large tidal rocks. As a result, the water is calmer than the others with gentle waves suitable for skim boarding, stand up paddle boarding or small children. It also happens to be one of the only beaches we visited that was not in the National Park so I was finally able to take out my drone and ended up capturing some great footage. Beach access is available to everyone, even if you are not staying at one of the properties that line the beach. Everyone is welcome, just parking might be hard.

Unfortunately, when I was in Tofino the Tofino Hot Springs were closed and I was unable to do the tour offered through Tofino Resort and Marina’s Adventure Centre. However, the Adventure Center did mention that they are planning to reinstate the Tofino Hot Springs tour once the Ahousaht First Nation and the Hesquiaht First Nation grant access to Hot Spring Cove again (access was restricted due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 to the Hesquiaht First Nation village in Hot Springs Cove). This was definitely something I was looking forward to doing while in Tofino BC but alas, I understand the reasons why. Regardless, I recommend checking back for updates on whether it’s been reopened because it’s something I totally plan on doing the next time I’m in Tofino, British Columbia.


TOFINO MAP

Check out this Tofino map which shows where all the above recommendations are in relation to the Tofino Resort and Marina!


GETTING FROM VICTORIA TO TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Victoria to Tofino - Driving

Image credit to TourimsTofino.com

The easiest way to get around the island is definitely to drive and under normal conditions the 317.3 km drive from Victoria to Tofino British Columbia should take you under 5 hours to complete if you don’t stop.

Alternatively, there is a ferry that you can take part way from Victoria to Swarts Bay terminal, but it doesn’t save you time or get you far enough to make a substantial dent so it’s not really a good option.

If you don’t have a car you can also take the Tofino Bus offered by the Tofino Bus Company that services both north bound and south bound daily. Fare for adults start at $102.83 whereas youths between 12-17 are $72 and Children 2-11 are $52. The bus does pick up from various points around Victoria including the Victoria main bus depot (departure is at 9:45AM) so check their website to see what the closest pick up point to you is. There are also four main drop off locations in Tofino so be sure to pick the one closest to where you are staying.


GETTING FROM VANCOUVER TO TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Getting from Vancouver to Tofino isn’t hard, it just takes some preparation. There are flights offered by Pacific Coastal Airlines and Harbour Air Sea Planes that can take you right from Vancouver to Tofino in 45 minutes. Additionally you can do a ‘drive and fly’ combo by flying from Vancouver to Victoria, Nanaimo or Comox and drive the rest of the way.

Image credit to TourimsTofino.com

If you don’t feel like flying, BC Ferries also offers numerous ferries from Vancouver to Vancouver Island. Your three options for taking the ferry include:

  1. Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay: Horseshoe Bay terminal is located just north of Vancouver and arrives to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay in just under 2 hours.

  2. Tsawwassen to Duke Point:  Located just south of Vancouver close to the USA border, the Tsawwassen terminal ferry takes you to Duke Point terminal, about 15 minutes south of Nanaimo, in approximately 2.5 hours.

  3. Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay:  Leaving from the same mainland terminal as above, the Swartz Bay terminal ferry takes approximately 2 hours and drops you off 30 minutes north of Victoria.

For more information visit https://www.bcferries.com

Further, if you don’t have a car and don’t want to fly from Vancouver to Tofino, you can also take the ferry to Vancouver Island and then jump on the Tofino Bus. I would just do the extra research to make sure you line up the timing correctly so you don’t get stuck mid transit.


Well there you have it! Another great trip in the books for me and another slew of recommendations for you! If you are heading to Tofino soon I hope you have a great trip and feel free to come back and share your recommendations with me too! I’m always looking for an excuse to go back! Until then, safe travels!

A big thank you to Tofino Resort and Marina for hosting us and partnering with me on this post. As always, all opinions remain my own!


PIN THIS POST

WINTER ESCAPES WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE FROM TORONTO!

Photo Courtesy of Nachelle Nocom

Photo Courtesy of Nachelle Nocom

* Please Note - Some links in this post may be affiliate links *

Come on, winter isn’t that bad! There is something to say about the beauty of freshly fallen snow and how it makes everything glisten. It’s so picturesque! Top it all off with the smell of a wood burning fire and you’ve got a recipe for the coziest little winter escape to cure all your COVID winter woah’s.

If you’re smart, and I know you are, you’re already thinking about trying to plan a little getaway for this winter. To help you out and save you A WHOLE LOT OF TIME (you’re welcome!), I have compiled a list of cute properties within driving distance of Toronto. Don’t let me catch you sleeping on this opportunity though, these properties wont have rooms available for long…

P.s. if you book one of these properties, please let me know below in the comments! I’d love to learn what properties resonated with you!


- CABINS, COTTAGES & BUNKIES -

The beautifully decorated Birchwood Cottage is located in the heart of Haliburton, Ontario, a scenic 2.5-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Newly renovated, the cottage sleeps 6 comfortably and features 3 bedrooms each fitted with King Size beds. The cottage does have wifi and does feature a hot tub on the deck with beautiful views of Redstone Lake!

If you are looking to surprise your honey with an intimate and romantic getaway, I’d suggest a stay at this little modern bunkie! Perfect for a couple retreat with its outdoor hot tub and indoor wood burning fireplace, AUX BOX Muskoka is a 2.5 hours drive from the city. NOTE* This property doesn’t have running water and has an indoor composting toilet.

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Ly

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Ly

This open concept, lakefront A-Frame Cottage is located in Bancroft, Ontario, less than a 3-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Its spacious interior features bright white walls, a lovely kitchen, 3 bedrooms with 5 beds (guest must bring their own sheets and towels) and is suitable for 5 guests. Unfortunately, this cottage does not accept children under the age of 8 years old.

This modern industrial Container Cottage was newly built by the owner and features a mix of modern and soft cozy textures. Built using three containers, the cottage has 3 bedrooms (one with a bunk bed) and can host 6 guests comfortably. Although not on the lake (only a short walk away), the cottage does feature a beautiful deck with a hot tub, wifi, TV, Indoor fireplace, large windows and a beautiful kitchen.

Another impressive little bunkie, this little cabin is located in Komoka, Ontario, a little over a 2-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Perfect for a couple, the cabin is bright and welcoming with large windows to make you feel like your sleeping outdoors. Inside the cabin, you will find one double bed and an electric fireplace. A bathroom with a toilet and shower is available to guests however they are located about a 2-minute drive up the lane.


FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH


- CONVERTED CHURCHES -

A property that has been on my bucketful for awhile, this converted church also located in PEC, offers tons of privacy and features 3 bedrooms and 2 seperate bathrooms. Suitable for up to 8 guests, the property features souring ceilings, a bright interior, a large living room, a beautiful kitchen with a breakfast nook, a large dining room table and a small laundry room. Additional features include Wifi, Netflix, PrimeTV, Sonos, fresh linens/towels, and coffee.

A new property on my radar, this bright, open concept converted church in the heart of PEC looks like a lovely place to stay for a weekend with a loved one. Although suitable for 4, the property doesn’t offer much privacy and is much more suitable for a single couple or a family of 4 looking to get away for a couple days. The property does have a few lovely elements to it though like a little kitchenette, a wood burning fireplace and a beautiful bathtub enclave .


Photo Courtesy of Rafael Leao

Photo Courtesy of Rafael Leao

- TREEHOUSES & HOMES -

An industrial chick private retreat, this modern home located in PEC boosts 4000 spacious feet of open concept, minimalist interior with floor to cieling windows. With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, this property is suitable for hosting up to 8 guest and features a larger living room, kitchen and dining area for gathering. The only downside, no furry friends allowed.

Feel like escaping for a weekend to a luxury tree house in the woods this winter? I have just the place for you! This beautiful tree house in Minden Hills, Ontario, close to Haliburton, is a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto. This property has indoor plumping with a beautiful rainfall shower, a loft style bedroom, a indoor fireplace and a large deck. The floor to ceiling windows also provide gorgeous views of the surrounding wood and fill the tree house with tons of natural light. NOTE: Host does not allow pets or children under 12

This all white, renovated century home in PEC offers stack white Scandinavian inspired interiors. Although suitable for 3 guests, there is only 1 bedroom with a queen bed and 1 bathroom. The property does feature a full kitchen and indoor fireplace, and comes with amenities life WiFi, TV, bathroom essentials and bed-sheets, pillow and hangers.

Runaway to this little love shack near Blue Mountain, a short 1.5 hour drive from Toronto. This tiny home is perfect for a couple in need of a change of scenery and a moment to reconnect with nature. The tiny home features 1 loft bedroom with a queen size bed, a small kitchen and seating area. Although it does have a heater, there is no running water, bathroom (outhouse close by), electricity or running water however the host does provide two pairs of snowshoes, battery operated lanterns for light at night, a fridge (powered by propane) and there is a fire pit outside where you can enjoy a fire.


MORE TRAVEL BLOG POSTS


PIN THIS POST!

NUEVO HAVANA - A CITY NO LONGER FROZEN IN TIME

Posing by the beautiful staircase at La Guarida

The first time I went to Havana I was broken hearted. One evening, in my final year of high school nearing March break, my high school sweetheart broke up with me. At the time we had plans to go on grad trip together to Cuba and I had been anticipating our trip for MONTHS. Devastated - at the breakup not the change in trip plans, although I wouldn’t put it past me - I went crying to my best friend. Little did I know that in doing so I would actually come to also make a new bestie. When I arrived I was stunned to learn that I was not the only one visiting my friend with a bag of ‘broken heart woes’. Another girl, an acquaintance I had only met once or twice previously, had also been dumped by her boyfriend and both of us went crying to our dearest friend. Fast forward to a week later, I proposed to my new friend that she come to Cuba with me. The plan was to go down to Cuba with my dad and stay on his boat in Havana for a couple days before ditching the parental unit and spending 4 glorious solo days on the beaches of Varadero. Finding it hard to say no to such an enticing plan, she agreed to join me. In the end, although broken hearted when we arrived, our trip to Havana revived us and helped us shake off our heartache. Between the sun, the parties, the new eye candy and each others' company we both came home feeling stronger and better about our ‘single life’ situation.

I told Adam (my now boyfriend) this story many years later after he asked how my girlfriend and I had met. It was during this recounting that he also confessed his love for Cuba. Unlike my story of heartbreak Adam’s visit to Havana a decade ago was for New Years with his family. At the time there wasn’t that many streets lights in Havana but as his cousins and family roamed through old Havana after dinner they heard cheers coming from a nearby street. When they reached the top of the street they saw people sprinting down the street, ducking under balconies trying to avoid buckets of water being thrown upon them from the apartments above. People on either end of the street would cheer the runners on while the people armed with buckets of water on the balconies would erupt into laughter and cheer every time they hit their moving targets. At the time his cousins were all between 18-24 and they decided to test their luck. The first cousin, a girl, made it to the end of the street unscathed. The four boys that followed (Adam included) did not. Adam’s recount of this story, the 100 yard dash he had left and the wall of water he saw come down on him at the last second, gave me instant FOMO! To this day I can’t think of another New Years Eve travel experience that I have heard of that can beat that story! SERIOUSLY!

Local Life - A fruit stand in Old Havana


FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH


So when it came to picking what destinations we wanted to travel to in 2019, Havana was at the top of the list. It had been a decade since our last visits and we figured it was about time we go back. We knew Havana would make for a great short-haul trip that we could easily do over an extended long weekend and so this past April over the easter long weekend we ventured back to Havana determined to make some great Cuba memories together.

Although a lot has changed since our last visits, there was so much that we experienced this time around that we wanted to highlight. For example, 3 weeks prior to our arrival mobile data became available making it easier to stay connected. In addition, two new luxury hotels had also opened in Havana in the last year, now providing a level of hospitality that was not available previously. Lastly, government’s stronghold on independent businesses had seemed to have lessened since we were both there last, giving way to many new restaurants (referred to as ‘Paladars’ in Cuba) being opened by young Cuban entrepreneurs. Cuba was on the rise and we were experiencing the destination at the beginning of its economic revival.

Rooftop pool hangs at the Iberostar Grand Packard

While in Havana, Adam and I had the chance to preview both of the new luxury hotel properties.The first three nights were spent at the Iberostar Grand Packard and the last two nights were at the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski. Both hotels have great rooftop pools, are equipped with gorgeous spas, fitness facilities, and lobby cigar lounges, but if I have to recommend one I would definitely lean towards the Iberostar Grand Packard. My experience with service at the Iberostar was top notch. One day my feet had started to bleed from the 3-4 blisters I had got wearing new sandals and the hotel’s medical centre disinfected my wounds, patched me up and sent me on my way, at no cost, within 10 minutes. Also the table service at brunch was great!. The staff were so attentive and observant, remembering my coffee preferences from the morning before. Not to say the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski was not good - they have a brilliant view overlooking the city from the rooftop view and the location is smack dab in the centre of old Havana, but it’s the little touches from Iberostar, when it came to service, that pushed the needle in their favour.

Iberostar Grand Packard

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski

While in Havana Adam and I discovered a few new restaurants that we loved including Mas Habana and Cafe El Dandy. Mas Habana we had stumbled upon while walking around Old Havana and recognized it from a list of recommendations we received from a local expat blogger. We had originally planned to grab dinner there but once we heard the lunch special was a seafood paella with clams, crab, lobster, and shrimp, we could not help ourselves.

Our lunch at Mas Habana was definitely my favourite meal of the trip where as Cafe El Dandy was Adam’s. Another recommendation from our friendly local expat friend, Cafe El Dandy was first recommended to us as a cheap breakfast option. Since Iberostar had an amazing breakfast buffet that was complimentary with our stay we never quite made it to Cafe El Dandy for breakfast but we did go there for lunch. Adam had the pork tacos while I enjoyed a traditional Cuban sandwich. Although my sandwich was great, it was Adam’s tacos that made Cafe El Dandy his favourite restaurant of our trip and the best part - IT’S SO DELICIOUS AND CHEAP!

Besides exploring Old Havana, which we did for the first two days, there were also two activities that I would definitely recommend you do on your next visit to Havana. One, wake up early and go check out Fusterlandia, a mosaic garden made by a local Cuban artist by the name of Jose Fuster. Fusterlandia is located about a 20 minute drive from downtown Havana so you will need to take a car to get there, which I understand sounds like a lot of effort but when you see how cool this place looks on Instagram you will want to go. Surrounding the garden are a few different stores belonging to local artists selling their work and it was so cool to just spend a couple hours there exploring and taking in some local flavours and culture. There is no entrance free into Fusterlandia so the crowd does get big by midday which is why I recommend getting up early and doing it first thing in the morning.


DREAMING OF SOME WHERE SUNNY? CHECK OUT THESE OTHER TRAVEL GUIDES!


The second activity that you must do while in Havana is check out Fábrica de Arte Cubano for a party night out. Fabrica is an interesting place and it wasn’t until our second attempt at going that Adam and I finally got in. Located about a 10 minute drive from Old Havana, you want to get to Fabrica early (around 8PM), otherwise the line will be around the block and you will be waiting all night to get in. Essentially, Fabrica is an old factory that has been turned into a mixed-use gallery and art space. Each room in ‘the club’ offers different music genres with its own vibe - whether it’s a DJ mixing, old school music videos on a projector, or a live band. As you move from room to room you also notice lots of different art on the walls with each room feeling quite unique compared to the last and deserving of 10-15 minutes of your attention. Another cool thing about Fabrica is that there are no cash bars! Instead, when you walk in, you pay a small amount (2-4 pesos) for a small card which the bartenders inside will stamp with each of your drink orders. At the end of the night you return your card to the attendant on the way out and only then have to pay. I think our bill came out to the equivalent of $10 CAD which I felt was pretty ridiculously cheap considering how much we drank and how much fun we had. Lines to get drinks were never very long and I feel like this card/payment system had a lot to do with it. Walking away from our Fabrica experience Adam and I were both amazed that a place this cool existed in Havana. It felt so underground and perhaps even sort of ‘counter-culture' to our previous perceptions of what life in Cuba was like that it kind of blew our nightlife expectations out of the water. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Fabrica De Arte Cubano

Needless to say Adam and I came back from Havana with many amazing new memories but I can’t help but feel a cringe of worry that with its revived economy, Havana will start to lose some of the characteristics that charmed us in the first place. Don’t get me wrong, development is good and change is inevitable but now that the gateway to America has been opened the crowds of tourists in Havana are noticeably bigger than before, not to mention the prices for both hotels and food has gone up. Havana is still a great place to visit and I would 100% recommend going, but I implore you to do it sooner than later as I worry it will no longer be a cheap destination to travel to in a couple years. Also take note to avoid peek periods so as not feel overwhelmed by the growing crowds and get out and explore the neighbourhoods surrounding Old Havana to get more even of an authentic feel. You’re gonna love it, I just know it!


OTHER VIDEOS & PHOTOS FROM MY TRIP


PIN THIS POST

SKIING THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS IN ASPEN, COLORADO

Life in a snow globe - My trip to Aspen, Colorado with Adam - At the top of Buttermilk Mountain (Pyramid Peak in the background)

I sat in silence staring out the window at the snow-capped mountains trying to recall the last time I was on a snowboard. Growing up in Canada you learn to make the most of winter. My mom, in an effort to get us out of the house, repeatedly signed us up for Snowhawks Raven Ski & Snowboard School every year. This meant my brother and I would be up early on Saturdays trying to catch the Snowhawks bus so we could spend the day at different ski resorts snowboarding and hanging with friends. It was during these weekend that I fell in love with winter.

Now though, sitting in my window seat 30,000 feet in the air on my way to Aspen, I couldn’t even recall when I had last touched my snowboard. Somewhere along the way life pulled me away from the one thing that made me love winter, but now as I drew closer to my final destination, that was all about to change. 

Rocky Mountain Range in Aspen Colorado


FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @ISTHATSOH


Although I’ve heard people rave about how amazing skiing in Aspen is, I have never been. In truth I wasn’t really sure where it sat on the spectrum of ‘extremely pretentious to completely approachable’ but I was super excited to find out. Thankfully I had Adam with me who was equally excited about the trip and itching to get on the slopes, so I knew no matter what it was going to be fun.

While in town, Adam and I would be staying at the Limelight Hotel, a contemporary hotel located right in Aspen Village that came with many perks including complimentary breakfast, ski shuttle service, 2 hours car loans and airport car service! Once we landed at Aspen Airport and gathered our bags, we were greeted warmly by a Limelight driver who was ready and waiting. He ushered us into our very own private Audi Q7 (part of the hotel fleet) and within 15 minutes we were at the hotel.

Eager to check out the area Adam and I quickly dropped our bags in our room before heading out to explore. The room was large and had, wait, two queen beds? LOL! Adam and I had to laugh at this because he always complains that I am like sleeping next to an inferno and having his own bed would be the icing on the cake for him… and my needy nightmare. Regardless of the sleeping situation we were on a mission to find ski gear because Adam and I kind of showed up to Aspen with no outerwear and no gear… That’s right, NOTHING!

Thankfully a stones-throw from the hotel was 4 Mountain Sports, a full service retail and rental shop that offered an array of premium ski and snowboard gear starting as low as US $60 per day. It took Adam and I less than an hour to get fully fitted with all our gear – snowboard for me, skis and polls for him, boots and helmets for both – which, besides our helmet and boots, we didn’t even need to take back to the hotel because they deliver your gear to the slopes. Whaaatttttt!?

Now that we had our gear sorted all we had to do was get fitted for outwear. To help us overcome this challenge we turned to Lorenzo at Suit Yourself – a local skiwear outfitter who brings jackets, pants, gloves, and goggles to your hotel room so you don’t have to freeze your butt off on the slopes. He hooked us up with premium Helly Hansen outerwear for an average of US $50 a day and just like that, Adam and I were ready to hit the slopes!

Enjoyed a charcuterie board at Meat & Cheese in Aspen, CO

By the time we finished all our errands it was nearing 3pm and, considering the 7-hour travel day we just endured, a drink was much needed! Enter Meat and Cheese, a cute eatery and marketplace where you can sit down and enjoy an array of artisanal breads, meats and surprise, surprise, cheese! This place came highly recommended by the hotel as well as the folks at Four Mountain and we were not disappointed. Their menu consists of a variety of charcuterie boards and featured mostly locally sources ingredients that were completely up our alley. Knowing very well that we were going to sit down and have dinner in a couple hours Adam and I decided to grab a couple drinks and share a couple charcuterie boards to save some room for dinner.

Two things I quickly learned about Aspen, Colorado was that 1) altitude can really affect your tolerance when it comes to alcohol, and 2) eating out can quickly become expensive. Thankfully one of the reasons why Meat and Cheese came so highly recommended was because their lunch specials are pretty affordable in comparison to other restaurants located on ‘restaurant row’ in Aspen Village. Also since it only took me one glass of Prosecco to start feeling buzzed, Adam and I were also able to save a little money there. LOL!

Enjoying and authentic Italian meal at L’Hostaria in Aspen, CO.

That night’s dinner was at another local favourite and one of the oldest restaurants in Aspen, L’Hostaria. Located less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel L’Hostaria is an authentic Italian restaurant that was described by many locals as their ‘go-to date night spot’, and upon walking in we could see why. The traditional, cozy, white table cloth, candle-lit Italian restaurant ambiance was in full effect and not only was the dining room completely packed with patrons but so was the bar. Having essentially saved ourselves for this meal Adam and I were starving so we started with a selection of appetizers including their eggplant parmesan which was phenomenal! For our mains Adam and I shared the mixed seafood pasta and the lamb chops only to politely fight over who would get the last bites. By the time we left we were both stuffed to the gills and ripe and ready for bed.


ITCHING TO TRAVEL? CHECK OUT MORE OF MY TRAVEL GUIDES!


Eager to seize the day on the slopes Adam and I got up early and made our way down to the restaurant for breakfast. It wasn’t until we sat that we remembered we had forgotten to sign up for the hotel’s complementary ski shuttle service the night before and were faced with the hard truth that it was fully booked up. Thankfully the hotel informed us that the Aspen bus station was only a 5 minute walk up the street and RFTA buses to the slopes were not only free but they departed every 30 minutes. The only downfall we learned to taking the bus was that your commute takes an extra 20 minutes but, alas, beggars can’t be choosers and a free ride is a free ride!

View from the chairlift at Snowmass Mountain

One thing you should know about Aspen is that there are four mountains to choose from; Aspen, Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. Aspen and Highlands are the hardest of the four mountains and have the most single and double black diamond runs. Snowmass offers more of a variety of terrain while Buttermilk is great for novice skiers and beginners. Since our trip was early in the ski season all the mountains except Buttermilk were open (it would open on our second day), and since I hadn’t snowboarded in ages we decided on start on Snowmass Mountain.

Once we finally got to the base of Snowmass, grabbing our gear and lift tickets (you can order them ahead of time online) was easy! Before Adam and I knew it we were at the top, strapped in, and ready for our first run. Although I was feeling slightly nervous about not having snowboarded in nearly a decade, it really only took me a couple of runs for the muscle memory to kick in and before I knew it I was carving confidently down the hill, whizzing by people and cutting through trees without any problems. Sure I may of wiped out half a dozen times but I was having so much fun! By the end of the day I was back to my old ‘winter loving’ self again.

Après sangria at Venga Venga Cantina!

After a full day of skiing, Adam and I were looking forward to getting some much deserved  drinks at one of Aspen’s best après-ski spots, Venga Venga. Weeks earlier, while researching the destination I had seen quite a few mentions of the Mexican cantina and tequila bar, and since it was at the Snowmass Mall close to where we drop off our gear, we thought we would give it a try. Turns out Venga Venga is quite the perch! With panoramic views of the slopes and fire pits on the patio to keep you warm, people gather to drink cold brews and unwind after a big ski day. Soon after we showed up a DJ arrived, followed by even more people and before you knew it we were in the midst of a full on aprés party! If we didn’t have dinner plans at Crêperie du Village that night we would have probably stayed there drinking sangria and eating tacos well into the night.

Much like Venga Venga, I first came across Crêperie du Village while researching Aspen and instantly became smitten with its French Alpine Bistro aesthetic. With its cozy, candle lit corners, and sheep skin covered chairs I knew I was just going to love this place. The restaurant was quite busy when we arrived for our dinner reservation, a great sign that the food was going to be equally as good as the ambiance. In no rush, Adam and I ordered a cocktail followed by the escargot (my fav), foie gras (Adam’s fav) and the steak tartar (both our favs). It was easily my most treasured meal of the entire trip and the perfect restaurant for a romantic evening. Adam and I wined and dined like Aspen royalty and deemed Crêperie du Village definitely worth the splurge.

After dinner Adam and I stopped by J-Bar at Hotel Jerome for a quick nightcap. The recently renovated hotel is actually one of Aspen’s most beloved historic landmarks and is often referred to as Aspen’s crown jewel. The bar inside, which is said to be haunted, has for years been the favoured watering hole for many who visit Aspen. Expectedly, the cocktails were on the pricier side but that didn’t stop Adam and I from getting cozy in front of the roaring fireplace and cheering to a perfect day in Aspen.

Enjoying a nightcap at J-Bar in Hotel Jerome

Having thoroughly enjoyed our day of skiing at Snowmass, Adam and I decided to yet again get up early and hit the slopes. This time though we had remembered to book the shuttle the night before and instead of having to wait the 30 minutes for the bus we were at the slopes in a speedy 15 minutes. Since we had plans to go snowmobiling in the afternoon and were only going to spend half the day skiing we decided to check out Buttermilk Mountain as it was opening day and apparently had the best views of Pyramid Peak – a choice we did not regret. For someone who hasn’t skied in a while I would even recommend going to Buttermilk before Snowmass as I felt their green and blue runs were easier than Snowmass’.

Adam and I doing a snowmobiling tour with T-Lazy Z Ranch in Aspen

After another amazing morning Adam and I headed straight to T-Lazy 7 Ranch for our snowmobiling tour. T-Lazy 7 Ranch has been an active ranch and lodge in Aspen for 80 years. About 50 years ago they started offering 2-4 hour snowmobile tours and Adam and I were told their tours were the best way to see the Maroon Bells – the most photographed peaks in North America. Having never snowmobiled before, we didn’t know what to expect but once we arrived and checked in we were quickly escorted over to the shed to be fitted with helmets and boots. Once we were fully decked out and ready to go, we were paired with a snowmobile and given a short safety lesson before heading out. The tour took us through the picturesque Maroon Creek Valley (the road is closed to cars in the winter making snowmobiling or cross country skiing the only way in or out) all the way to the base of Maroon Lake where we enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate and took in the beautiful view of the Maroon Bells. Once we got all our pictures we headed back to the ranch where our instructor guided us to their designated track where we got to open up the snowmobile and go as fast as we wanted! So fun!

By the time we finished snowmobiling it was time to après! Adam and I headed back to Aspen Village to check out Shlomo’s Deli & Grill, who’s après ski session is apparently best on Saturdays. By the time we arrived the bar was packed and the party was in full swing. There were girls on the bar dancing to old school hip hop like House of Pain and the whole crowd was going wild. It was definitely the youngest and rowdiest après ski party we encountered while in Aspen. Adam and I loved all the music the DJ was spinning and stayed there partying and dancing for hours until we started to get tipsy and needed to eat. Craving some pizza, Adam and I decided to headed back to the Limelight Hotel for their famous oven fired pizza which totally hit the spot – yum!

Après Ski gets rowdy at Shlomo’s Deli and Grill - *Now Closed

Although Aspen can be expensive there are definitely ways to get around paying premium prices and spending and arm and a leg. For example, rates for accommodations are lower at the very beginning of the ski season (late November early December) as well as later (early April) for closing parties. If you stay at the Limelight you can also save some money on food and drinks by using the hotel’s car loan service (complementary with your stay) to stop by the grocery store as some of the rooms have kitchenettes. Alternatively, some restaurants do offer lunch/après specials like Meat & Cheese and the Limelight Hotel or even try the bar menu for dinner at L’Hostaria. If you are willing to splurge and spend some dough, dinner at Crêperie du Village and snowmobiling with T-Lazy 7 Ranch were amazing, quality experiences that added great value to my overall trip.

Unfortunately our weekend of fun in Aspen came to a close and although short it sure was sweet. We both agreed to come back again, next time for at least a week, and perhaps with a group of friends in tow. In the end our trip to Aspen reignited our love for winter and we both walked away promising to plan more ski vacations together in the future.


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP


PIN THIS POST

>