J.R.R. Tolkien
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Muskoka, Ontario: 48 Hours Exploring Deerhurst Resort and Ontario’s Scenic Trails
Kelsey Olsen
On the drive from Toronto Pearson International Airport to the Deerhurst Resort near Muskoka, Ontario, I understood quickly why people affectionately refer to the area as “cottage country”. We must have passed by hundreds of lakes with cottages scattered around the shores. I could definitely see the appeal and it made me all the more excited for my visit to The Deerhurst Resort, located directly on Peninsula Lake. My partner, Garrett, and I were about to spend the next 48 hours in lake country and we couldn’t wait. There are over 250,000 lakes in Ontario which makes up approximately 20 percent of the world’s freshwater supply. With plans to explore some of Muskoka and travel on some bumpy backroads, we …
A Complete Guide to Loreto, Mexico – An Enchanting Escape on the Baja California Peninsula
Debbie Olsen
If you like venturing off the beaten path and having authentic cultural experiences, then a trip to Loreto, Mexico might be your perfect getaway. There is a lot of historical architecture in and around Loreto. The city was founded in 1697 and it was the original capital of California until 1777 when the capital was moved to Monterey, California. Loreto continued to be the capital of Baja California until 1829. Situated on the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Loreto has a picturesque town with rich history and vibrant culture, many breathtaking landscapes and swimmable beaches. It’s not far from Los Cabos, but it’s a world apart. There aren’t many all-inclusive hotels in Loreto. Instead, you’ll find authentic restaurants …
Canadian Pow Wows You Need to Attend this Summer
Kelsey Olsen
Destination Indigenous has just announced an exciting series of Canadian Pow Wows happening across the country this summer. Open to everyone, Canadian Pow Wows bring together people of all ages to celebrate with food, cultural traditions, community building, and spiritual healing, all in honour of Indigenous life and culture. Keep reading to find out the dates and locations of these vibrant celebrations. Related: Read our post, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park: Where Culture and History Flourish British Columbia Join The Kamloopa Pow Wow Society for three days of vibrant Indigenous culture at the 43rd annual Kamloopa Pow Wow from June 28-30, 2024, at the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility (the Arbour) in Secwepemcúl’ecw. Expect an estimated 500 dancers and drummers …
Porter Airlines Review: Is Porter Air Worth It?
Kelsey Olsen
With several airline options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which airline to book your travels with. Often, when booking a flight, I opt for the least expensive direct flight as long as the airline is reliable. Recently, on a trip from Calgary, Alberta to Toronto, Ontario, Porter Airlines offered the best price. I had never flown with this airline before, but given the higher prices of other airlines, I decided to give Porter Airlines a shot. If you’re wondering what it’s like to travel with Porter Airlines, here is my review. Interested in flying with the budget airline called Flair Airlines? Check out our post: Flair Airlines Review? Is Flair Air Worth It? About Porter Airlines …
Manitoba Northern Lights: A Bucket List Adventure
Kelsey Olsen
“Does anyone wish to stay out later or should we head back to the hotel?” Mark Dunsmuir, our guide from Frontiers North, asks the group. It’s our last night in Northern Manitoba searching for the aurora borealis, and we are exhausted from an early morning and late night the previous day. It’s 11:15 pm, and all of us are napping in the Tundra Buggy. I’ll admit, I’m ready to head back and sleep in a comfortable bed rather than the Tundra Buggy seats. It’s been an overcast day, and I’m convinced the Manitoba northern lights won’t come out tonight. A couple of people speak up and say they’d like to go outside one last time to do some stargazing. I’m …
Best Hiking Trails Sedona, Arizona: Exploring Red Rock Wonderland
Kelsey Olsen
Sedona holds a special place in my heart as one of the most captivating destinations Garrett and I explored during our road trip through Arizona. If you’ve had the pleasure of experiencing it yourself, you’ll understand the enchantment: majestic red rock formations envelop you, transporting you to what feels like the surface of another planet. Situated within this breathtaking landscape lies the charming town of Sedona, where it’s evident that many residents are drawn by the promise of boundless outdoor adventures just steps from their door, including discovering the best hiking trails in Sedona. We spent our time in Sedona exploring its hiking trails with our pups Rae and Bowie. Yet, with so many options to choose from, selecting the …
Williams AZ to Grand Canyon: A scenic Adventure via the Grand Canyon Railway
Kelsey Olsen
Known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams, Arizona, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the wonders of the Grand Canyon. Visitors often embark on the iconic Grand Canyon Railway journey from Williams, AZ, to the Grand Canyon, offering a truly unforgettable experience. My partner, Garrett, and I were able to experience this unique opportunity on a recent trip to Arizona and we loved it. If you’re contemplating taking the Grand Canyon Railway form Williams, here’s everything you need to know: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your …
Benson Sculpture Garden – Art for Art’s Sake in Loveland, Colorado
Greg Olsen
When I was a teenager, my grandfather told me that if I was going to have a reputation, I might as well make sure it is a good one. That statement has been a guiding light to me throughout my life. Loveland, Colorado seems to have endorsed the same motto in their city and that is most evident in the 10-acre Benson Sculpture Garden. In 1985, the City of Loveland embraced their love of the arts by creating Benson Sculpture Park. Since then, one park has grown into four free sculpture parks that have given Loveland the reputation of being one of the best, if not the best, collection of free public art sculptures in the USA. The Benson Sculpture Garden …
Hiking the Wave in Arizona Just Got Easier!
Debbie Olsen
Hiking the Wave in Arizona is an experience of a lifetime, but you have to win a lottery to get a permit to do it. According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 200,589 people applied for 7,300 permits to hike the wave in 2019. The odds of success in 2019 were about 3.5 percent and the number of applicants is similar today. My husband and I were in that 3.5 percent. As of Feb 1, 2021 the BLM increased the number of permits from 20 people per day to 64 people per day. This made it a little easier to get a permit for one of the world’s most exclusive hikes. You still need luck, but there are things …
Experience Hells Canyon: Jet Boat Tours with Nimíipuu Guides
Kelsey Olsen
Hells Canyon, a geographically stunning location situated in the Western United States, spans 16 km (10 miles) wide and beckons visitors from around the world with its natural beauty and cultural significance. One of the most captivating ways to explore this canyon is by embarking on a jet boat adventure along the Snake River, weaving through the towering canyon walls. On a recent road trip, my partner, Garrett, and I had the privilege of experiencing one of the iconic Hells Canyon jet boat tours firsthand, and we were truly captivated by the entire journey. Numerous tour operators in the Western Idaho region offer boat tours of Hells Canyon, and after careful consideration, we chose Nez Perce Tourism for several reasons. …
Flair Airlines Review: Is Flair Air Worth It?
Jen Mallia
Are you thinking of booking a flight on Flair? Read our Flair Airlines review to learn what you need to know based on our experience travelling with Flair Air. You may already have heard of Flair Airlines. It’s an Edmonton-based, ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) that’s been flying since 2017. Their slogan is “Plane and simple” and it certainly is. As is the way with all ULCCs, including competitors like Lynx and the recently departed Swoop, this is bare-bones flying. Amenities you may be used to having included with your fare on airlines such as Air Canada or WestJet (for example, carry-on luggage, printed boarding passes or an in-flight glass of water) are all an extra charge on Flair. But with bargain …
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park: Where Culture and History Flourish
Kelsey Olsen
About one hour’s drive east of Calgary, Alberta is Canada’s second largest First Nations Reserve, home to the Siksika Nation. Situated on these lands lies a place where history comes alive, where the stories of Indigenous peoples are woven into the fabric of the land itself. Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park is an immersive journey into the heart of Blackfoot culture and heritage. The historical park sits on land that has been a meeting place for Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years, the cultural and geographic center of Blackfoot territory, and the place where Treaty 7 was signed in 1877. As I ventured into this designated National Heritage Site, I found myself transported to a world where traditions, tales, and the …