When moving to Canada, I had no idea it got this cold. Coming from New Zealand, where the climate is mild, it was a shock. When it snows in Canada– it snows. The entire day. The snow stays around for seven months, so basically winter lasts from November to May.

Extremely Cold Year

A heads up, I’m talking about winter in the Canadian Rockies, so in Alberta and the eastern part of B.C. In Vancouver, at the west coast, there is less snow and temperatures are milder. You get rain in exchange though.

In the Canadian Rockies you get sunny days, but it gets very cold. This year apparently was an extremely cold one – lucky me… I’ve never really experienced a tough winter. I grew up in Belgium, where snow is quite rare. One day of snow messes up the traffic, and usually the next day the snow is gone. In New Zealand there was snow, but not as much, and the temperatures weren’t extreme.

What locals say about the cold:

1. “It’s a dry cold”

They admit it’s cold, but then they add: “but it’s a dry cold”. Bitterly cold days are usually accompanied by lots of sunshine, making it a dry cold. “In the east it’s way colder, they have a humid cold”, they often add.

Luckily there are also Chinook winds, which are warm winds lifting the temperature a bit. Thank God for those!

2. “There is no bad weather, there is just bad clothing”

This is one of their favourites, and actually they’re right. It’s important to dress well with colds like this.

Put on a pair of thermal underwear, wear your snow boots and the snow won’t touch you… It’s still VERY COLD though (I’m obviously not used to it yet). Canadians are big on having the right clothing, and I do understand where it comes from. If you don’t dress well, you could die. There are those horror stories of people being locked out of their house and freezing to death.

Survive Canadian winter with these tips:

1. Dress in layers

Start with a base layer like thermal leggings and wear snow pants on top of them. Same for your upper body. Wear a base layer, then a t-shirt, a fleece and a coat. The advantage of layers is that it traps the body heat inside and helps you stay warm. You can also easily take something off when you’re too hot and put something on when you get cold.

2. Cover your entire body

Yes, that includes your face. Take a cap, gloves, a scarf and something to cover your face. Exposed skin can get frostbite in as less as 30 seconds, so you always want to be covered up!

No need to go into town with ski goggles, it is ok to expose your eyes to the cold – you still want to see where you’re walking, right? Don’t be surprised though if your eyelashes are freezing. It’s not as bad as it looks.

3. Knowledge is power

Educate yourself about what can happen when you are exposed to extreme weather. Hypothermia and frostbite are the two most common results from staying unprotected in the cold.

If you get frostbite, your skin will look pale grey or white and have a waxy texture. You can also experience numbness, pain, swelling and blistering. Definitely don’t rub the affected area and don’t expose it to direct heat. It’s better to use your own body temperature.

Also watch for signs of hypothermia in yourself and in friends and family. Someone could be in trouble it they are shivering, confused and weak. Get them inside as quick as possible and try to gradually raise their body temperature.

4. Don’t stay outside for too long

This is a simple tip, but so true. Try to limit outside activities, as it can be dangerous when temperatures are up to -40°C (-40°F). It’s important to just use your common sense and see what feels right.

I have been snowshoeing for example in temperatures around -28°C (-18.4°F). It was a sunny day, I had a lot of warm clothes on and I kept moving. Besides a few minutes stop for a drink or snack I didn’t stop. This way your sweat doesn’t get the chance to get you cold. The cold doesn’t mean you can’t go hiking and have fun, you just need to be prepared.

5. Check the weather forecast

Always check the weather forecast before heading out. If you’re doing a day walk or other outdoor activities, keep an eye on the weather in advance. Sometimes extreme weather warnings are issued, advising you to stay inside. You can check the weather on the radio or TV, or online.

6. Gear

Buy good, durable gear. Cotton isn’t great for temperatures like these, as it won’t provide any warmth if you get wet or sweat. Wool or polyester are better options. Also go for shoes with thick soles, as thin ones let the cold right through.

If you’re going on hikes, it’s smart to take an emergency blanket, in case something happens. These blankets are thin sheets that keep the heat in. It reflects up to 90% of radiated body heat, and could be the difference in staying alive.

Don’t be scared!

I hope I didn’t scare you there! It gets cold in Canada, but you don’t get -40°C temperatures the entire winter. It usually comes in waves. Those extreme temperatures will be around for a few days, then a Chinook (warm wind) comes in, and it warms up again. A week (or two) later the cold temperatures are back. I’ve had experienced days where it is -40°C (-40°F) and the next day it is -10°C (23°F). No longer is -10°C cold, it’s actually pretty warm.You’ll experience a totally new relationship with the weather in Canada. -5°C is practically t-shirt weather.

When the sun is out, the days are just beautiful. With good clothing and knowledge you can have so much fun, and the scenery is just beautiful! I’ve done a few hikes and snowshoe trips in winter, and I absolutely loved it. It’s something special.

When I moved to Canada I first had a big shopping spree at my Decathlon store in Belgium. As I had never really experienced a tough winter, I needed a lot of clothes. I chose thermal underwear, puff jackets, a strong raincoat and much more, and I’m glad I did! Every time I go outside in the Canadian cold now, I feel prepared and comfortable.

Looking to stay longer in Canada? Here’s my guide on how to work and travel in Canada.

What to pack: The Canada winter packing list

So you know more about Canadian winter, now what do you add to your Canada winter packing list? For the Belgians under you, hop in a Decathlon store and find good clothes at a reasonable price! For the rest of you, here’s a list of items you can buy online.

PS: if you have an ad blocker, you won’t see the clothing links. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which supports this site without costing you anything extra. 

BASE LAYER

The first layer, next to the skin, should be thin. Silk, nylon or polyester are good options to keep the warmth in. Get a base layer for your body and legs. Jeans are not good in cold temperatures!

Click on the picture to find out more information!

Wool legging                                                                       Merino Wool legging

Shirt short sleeve                                                                      Long sleeve 

SECOND LAYER

The second layer, which you wear on top of the base layer, should be an insulating one. Fleece or wool clothes are good insulators, as they trap warm air. Don’t buy cotton, as it will keep you cold when getting wet.

Fleece                                                             Fleece Jacket                             Puff/down jacket
                                           

I was never a fan of puff jackets, until I moved to Canada… They are a great second layer, or even final layer. I usually wear one under my rain jacket, this way I’m warm and protected from the wind.

The winter jacket will protect the upper part of the body while snow pants and boots will protect the lower part of the body.

THIRD LAYER

Lastly, the final layer should protect you from wind and snow. Think of waterproof and windproof material. Wind chill is a huge factor when talking about the cold. Wind can really cut through your clothes, so wear good clothing.

Winter jacket                                                    Rain jacket                                          Snow pants
                                                       

I went for a wide rain jacket, as I had to fit my other layers underneath, and I am absolutely in love with my snow pants from Decathlon. I wear my thermal leggings underneath and I’m good to go. These pants are sturdy and perfect for my hiking adventures.

OTHER GEAR

 Boots                                                                              Scarf                                                              Buff
                           

These are the boots I’m wearing atm. They’re winter hiking boots and so warm, but not too warm that my feet get all sweaty. I have them in yellow, adding a bit of colour to my pictures.

Gloves                                                            Mittens                                                   Warm socks

I always go outside with a buff (aka a neck warmer). It keeps my neck warm, and sometimes I also use it
as a bandana to keep my ears warm. Try to go for a polar buff, as it is thicker and will keep you warmer.

Beanie                                                          Hand warmers                              Emergency blanket

I bought an alpaca wool beanie from a farm in New Zealand, but there are many other beanies that keep you warm! Basically any beanie will do. The handwarmers can come in handy too (see what I did there ). They’re great for keeping your hands warm or for warming them up again.

When I’m out hiking I usually wear a short-sleeved base layer, a long-sleeved second layer, a puff jacket and a raincoat. I wear a lot, as I don’t sweat easily. So far it has worked great when hiking in the snow and extreme temperatures. When I’m too hot, I just take a layer off. The Canada winter packing list above is a great tool to buy the essentials, and then you can play and choose what you combine.

If you made it to the end of this article, you have the information to prepare yourself for a Canadian winter – and to go hiking in that white world. I highly recommend visiting Lake O’Hara in winter: read more about my hike here or winter wonderland at Emerald Lake.

And don’t forget: the most cold weather injuries are the result of lack of knowledge and carelessness. With the right preparation you have nothing to fear and can enjoy the sunny, cold days! Canadian winter truly is really fun!

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which supports this site without costing you anything extra. 

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Have you experienced extremely cold winters? How did you protect yourself?

Read more Canadian adventures: here.

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I couldn’t believe me eyes when I first arrived at this place. Emerald Lake is prone to reflections, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, and to finish the picture: there is a lodge right at the water.

Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake Lodge is the only accommodation at the lake, and it’s beautiful. The main building goes way back to 1902, when the Canadian Pacific Railway built it. More than 100 years later, the wooden and fine structure kept its historic charm.

We checked in for two days at the lodge, and I was ready for two days of nature and just spoiling myself. It was November, and the winter had just arrived in Canada with a big snow dump and temperatures to -18 degrees Celsius. Emerald Lake is beautiful in every season, but the snow made it extra special.

The lodge exists out of multiple chalet style cabins, and we got one with lake view. Every room has a balcony and a fireplace in the room, adding to that cosy chalet feeling.

How To Relax at The Lodge?

Besides the stunning Emerald Lake right in front of you, the lodge offers a lot of ways to relax (me like!). On the very top of my list is the HOT TUB.

Hot Tubbing

Those who know me, know I have a soft spot for hot tubs. And this one was a special one. The tub is outside (remember temperatures are -18C), and has a view on the mountains. Well, that is if it isn’t cloudy. When I jumped in the tub the clouds were covering the mountains. No view for me, but I still enjoyed it. I even got some company from a squirrel playing in the trees.

Cosy time at the fireplace!

When you’re done soaking you can enjoy the fire in your room, because YES, every room has its own fireplace! Visiting Emerald Lake Lodge in winter gives you that extra joy of seeing the cold and snow outside while you’re warm inside at the fire. The staff even comes to your room to prepare the fire for you (not that I can’t make my own fire… ). And who doesn’t love a good old fire? Drink some wine, and the experience is complete!

If you can handle the cold, Emerald Lake Lodge also has an outdoor fire pit. Can you see where I’m going? S’mooores! I had never done s’mores, and wanted to experience this real Canadian tradition so badly. The staff lit the fire, and I finally tried some s’mores. For those who are also new to this popular Canadian sweet: s’mores are white marshmallows melted and squashed between biscuits. You can even add some chocolate if you want.

Some fun for the belly!

Another way to relax is by treating your taste buds. The lodge has great dining, with a variety of tastes. From local meat like bison and caribou, to fish and fresh vegetables, there is something for everyone. And let’s not forget: all of with a view on the lake and mountains.

For the internet addicts – there is no wifi in the rooms! It’s perfect to tune off the online world, and enjoy your company. And if you really are getting withdrawal symptoms, there is free wifi in the main lodge.

Activities In The Area

This area is one big playground, with Emerald Lake Lodge as a great and comfortable base. Here are a few things to do when spending time at the lodge.

1. Explore Emerald Lake

Enjoy Emerald Lake to the fullest! This turquoise lake is a treasure, and you should make the most of it. You can take a walk around the lake, which is the perfect way to take it all in. It will take you 5.2km, or about two hours. There is also a little waterfall that you can visit. The track starts at the car park.

Deep in winter, it is also a great place for snowshoeing on and around the lake and cross-country skiing. Just be aware of avalanches. At the lake you find information which area to avoid. We visited the lodge a bit too early to see the lake frozen, but might come back later in winter to see how it looks with loads of snow. In summer Emerald Lake is the place to be for canoeing.

2. Photography

Emerald Lake is the spot to get your camera out and get shooting. The lake has stunning reflections, from many angles! The advantage of going in early winter is that you get snow AND reflections, which is in my opinion the best!

3. Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge is a beautiful force of nature. It’s a natural rock formation, looking a bit like a bridge – although I didn’t really see it. It’s a very impressive piece of work though, and the rushing water makes you want to hold on to the edge extra firm.

We visited the Natural Bridge before checking into Emerald Lake Lodge, and visited it again two days later. The scenery had changed totally!! Suddenly the waterfall was frozen and there was ice everywhere. Winter had arrived!

4. Field

Field is a cute, little town at only a 15-minute drive of Emerald Lake. There isn’t much, but the houses are just adorable. There is one restaurant, Truffle Pigs Bistro, and it’s luckily a good one. I ordered a flatbread, which I rarely do (because it’s just a piece of bread..), but this time I gave it a try. Man, was I surprised. The cook managed to create an incredible tasty flatbread, with a mix of flavours. It really was way above expectations! Maybe I should order flatbread more often..

5. Takakkaw Waterfall

The Takakkaw waterfall is an impressive and high waterfall. It has a height of about 380meters. The road is to get there is open from June to mid-October and closed the rest of the year due to avalanches. You can visit in winter, but avalanche training is required.

How to get to Emerald Lake?

You find Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, in British Columbia. It is 30 minutes west of Lake Louise and 2,5 hours from the Calgary International Airport.

You then take the Trans-Canada Highway towards Field and Golden. The turn off to Emerald Lake is located 1km west of Field. Follow the road until you reach the lake. Emerald Lake Lodge is at the lake. On the way there you will also pass the Natural Bridge on your left, makes a perfect stop! If you’re visiting Emerald Lake Lodge in winter, be extra careful for the roads. They might be a bit icy and slippery.

I was hosted on this trip, but I really enjoyed the entire experience. From the rooms, to the views, to the staff, it was all great. It’s a bit a more luxurious stay, but I would definitely come back here for an anniversary or special occasion. It’s the perfect setting for a weekend away and to get your romance and nature on

Tempted? You can book a room via the Emerald Lake Lodge site.

And one more reflection picture, ’cause I just can’t help it!

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What’s your favourite winter destination? Or are you more a summer person? Let me know!

Read more about my Canadian adventures:

Maligne Lake Canoe Trip

Hiking Garibaldi Lake

My First Aurora Borealis

Welcome To Canada

Disclosure: This blog was sponsored by Emerald Lake Lodge. All opinions, are as always, my own. Some links might contain affiliate links. That means that by no extra cost of your own, you will be supporting this blog by buying something through these links. Thank you!

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Have you ever wanted to walk on an active volcano? White Island might be the place for you! If you don’t mind going to New Zealand

A few weeks ago, my New Years Eve plans were messed up by the extreme cold in Canada. I was stuck in my Airbnb and couldn’t get to my location. Every year I try to do something different on the last day of the year.

In 2015 I found myself motorbiking the NZ South Island and in 2014 I had the weirdest, alcohol-less New Year’s Eve in the Maldives. This year it was clear that life doesn’t always the way you want it.

Luckily the year before was still fresh in my head, because I WALKED ON AN ACTIVE VOLCANO.

I spent the day on the volcano, in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand. First I took the boat with White Island Tours out there, seeing lots of dolphins, and then I walked in the inner crater of White Island – while the steam was getting out!

I also tasted the volcano… don’t ask me why

Here’s the White Island video!

As you can see, it was a beautiful day out. For more information on the trip, read my detailed volcano blogpost HERE.

Have you walked on a volcano?

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Garibaldi Lake is nestled in Garibaldi Provincial Park and is a real treasure. If you like beautiful lakes, glaciers, impressive peaks and unforgettable views, then this place is for you. It was my first Canadian overnight hike after moving here, and I couldn’t have wished for a better one.

The plan: to hike to the campground at Garibaldi Lake, stay two nights and explore the area. The campground is a great base for hiking in the park. If you have the chance, try to stay more than one night, as there is always so much to discover in the Canadian mountains.

Zigzag up, up, up!

The hike to the lake is on a very neat trail. If you’re a person who slowly gets into a hike, be prepared. The track starts climbing immediately from the car park, giving you no chance to stroll into it. The first six to seven kilometres are just up. You’ll sweat, but it isn’t too bad, as the track isn’t technical at all.

You’re zigzagging your way up until you’re almost above the treeline. There isn’t much to see, besides LOTS of trees and now and then a cute chipmunk. Once you’re up high, the scenery gets better. At one moment you pass a clear blue lake on your right, which is perfect for a lunch break.

Not much later you start walking down to Garibaldi Lake. Believe me, you’ll get excited when you see those first blue colours peeping through the tree leaves.

The lake is turquoise blue, because of the glacier melt into the lake.

The campground is just at the lake, but still in between trees. I would’ve loved to have views on the lake, but in the end it was quite nice to have your little, private area. The tent units are spread out, which makes camping a more intimate experience.

Our first evening we just enjoyed a sunset at Garibaldi Lake, as we started hiking quite late.

Sunrise Hike to Panorama Ridge

As you know by now, Nico and I like to do sunrise hikes, to get the best light. ‘Like’ might be the wrong word, because getting out of your warm sleeping bag at 3.30am does NOT feel nice.

It’s hard to get out of bed, but once you’re walking you get into a zone and quickly make progress. We wanted to hike to Panorama Ridge, which is an impressive ridge at 2133m high, and can be seen from the lake. The hike there is about 2,5 hours, so we started walking at 4am.

Hiking in the dark in Canada is a totally new experience for us.

Coming from New Zealand, where the ‘most dangerous’ animal is a possum, Canada is something else. There are bears, cougars (this is a mountain lion!), and moose… With my wild imagination I saw animals in every dark shape. We made so much noise while hiking that morning. And we did well, as we didn’t encounter any wild animal.

At 6am we arrived at our sunrise spot. Just before the top of Panorama Ridge there is this cool view on Black Tusk and some lakes. We knew the sun was going to hit the mountain face and thought that would make for some nice pictures.

I loved how the light touched Black Tusk, and not much later us. It was so cold that morning, so when the sun finally hit us we were so happy.

Black Tusk sticks out from all the other mountains around you,

because of its unique look.

After shooting, we made our way up to the ridge and were stunned. We thought our morning couldn’t get any better, but the peak provided breathtaking 360 views of Mt. Price, Black Tusk, Mt. Garibaldi and Garibaldi Lake. The water was incredible blue, just out of this world.

After the must-do Instagram shots we had some breakfast and took in the scenery. On our way back to the campground I was impressed by how beautiful the track actually was. I saw lots of wildflowers, little creeks, lakes, and mountains. The advantage of shooting at sunrise is that you’re all by yourself. On our way back down we passed loads of people hiking up. I was glad that we were able to take in the scenery by ourselves.

That evening we stayed again for sunset at Garibaldi Lake, as there were some cool clouds popping up (which we definitely want, to get some nice colours in the sky).

Some information to get you on your way!

How To Get There?

The hike starts at the Rubble Creek parking lot, roughly 37 km north of Squamish and 19 km south of Whistler (British Columbia). It’s also quite close to Vancouver, only a 70km drive.

So about 37km after Whistler, you turn off Hwy 99 just after you cross the Rubble Creek Bridge, onto a paved road that leads 2.5 km to the Garibaldi Lake parking lot.

It is ok to leave your car for a few days. We spent two nights in the park, and our car was just fine when we got back. Don’t leave any valuables visible and also make sure you don’t leave any food in the car, because it will attract mice!

Hiking details

LAKE GARIBALDI

9km one way // Elevation gain: 920m // 4-5 return

The trail starts at the wooden steps along the top section of the Rubble Creek parking lot. The first 6km of the trail is uphill, through a dense forest. After the 6km mark, you reach a junction with a map of the surrounding area. Going right takes you directly to Garibaldi Lake. You’ve done most of the climbing, and the rest of the way is fairly flat. The last meters you head down to the lake and arrive at a wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and find a site to put of your tent or just enjoy your lunch with a spectacular view!

PANORAMA RIDGE

7km one way from Garibaldi Lake campground // Elevation gain: 630m // 5h return

You can either start hiking from the campground or straight from the carpark. When you leave from the campground, you retrace your steps as how you came, but instead of going left you go straight and follow the marker. The marker at the trail will indicate where you should go right. Follow the track and enjoy beautiful alpine meadows until you reach another fork.

At this fork the trails to Black Tusk and Helm Lake branch off to the left, and the Panorama Ridge trail goes right. From that point it will get a little tougher, as the track goes steep up. Depending on the season you also may have to cross some snowfields on the way up. The last 30 minutes you’re hiking and climbing on rocks. There are a few tracks, but you can also just take your own route and go up. Enjoy the view!

BLACK TUSK 

7km one way from Garibaldi Lake campground // Elevation gain: 850m // 4-5h return

You can either start hiking from the campground or straight from the carpark. If you start from the campground you follow the same trail that goes to Panorama Ridge, until you reach a fork, where you follow the Black Tusk trail to the left.

The trail will become more rocky and emerge onto a small ridge with a view of Black Tusk ahead of you. There isn’t a maintained trail from this point on, however there is still a path visible from the many hikers who trek through here. In the next section there is a scramble over loose shale towards the base of Black Tusk.

What is provided at Garibaldi Lake campground?

• Tent unit (if booked)
• Four cooking shelters (with tables and a grey water disposal sink)
• Pit toilets
• You can get water from the lake, but don’t forget to filter it
• Beautiful scenery

What to bring?

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Camping permit: reservations are only necessary during peak season (June 29 – October 17). Book via http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/garibaldi/
• Food and good food storage that keeps mice out (we saw mice crawling over plastic bags in the cooking shelter). We used a strong dry-bag.
• Warm clothes and rain jacket (the weather can change quickly, so be prepared)
• Camera: it’s beautiful, you’ll want to take a lot of pictures
• Bear spray (yes, there are also bears here – let’s not forget we’re in Canada)
• Water filter or water purification tablets 

Have you been to Garibaldi Provincial Park? Are there any spots I missed, which I should check out? Let me know in the comments.

The post Hiking Garibaldi Lake: All You Need To Know appeared first on The World is a Circus.

My first aurora! I still can’t believe it. It couldn’t be more random. We were just on our way to Canmore, trying to kill some kilometres. It was 10.30pm when Nico suddenly shouted: “Oooh shit”. I don’t remember his exact words, but I thought we were caught by the bushfires. Luckily I got a treat when I opened my eyes.

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS!

Just on our left. Dancing like a wave of the sea.

We immediately looked for a lake nearby, and found one in Sorrento (B.C.). Tripods out (how else are you going to capture the lights?), cameras out and there we went.

The beauty of it touched me. Green strokes of light dancing in the sky, it is something special. On top of that we got some beautiful reflections in the lake. It makes you remember again how freaking incredible this world is.

What is an aurora actually?

The Aurora Borealis is also called the northern lights, or in the southern hemisphere it is Aurora Australis and southern lights. You’ll see green, pink and blue colours across the night sky, often dancing.

The name comes from astronomer Galileo Galilei, who named it aurora borealis in 1619. He was inspired by the name of the Roman goddess of the dawn: Aurora, and the Greek name for wind of the north: Boreas.

What causes these beautiful lights to appear?

Nature puts on a show with its northern and southern lights, but how does it happen? What causes it? It isn’t just to please us; there is a logical explanation.

Here I go:

It’s all about the sun. Storms on the sun send solar particles across space.

The northern lights are actually collisions between those electrically charged particles from the sun, entering the earth’s atmosphere. When those particles from the sun strike atoms and molecules in our atmosphere, they light up, treating us on a spectacle.

Here’s a little video of our wonderful night:

When and where is the best time to spot the northern lights?

Definitely not in summer, so Nico and I were very lucky. Winter is usually the best period, as there is less light pollution and the air is clear and crisp.

The best places to see the northern lights are northern Canada (yes!) and Alaska. Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland also have good vantage points.

Be prepared, so you can get your camera out! The Space Weather Prediction Centre and NASA are good resources. It’s important to check the KP Index, indicating how intense the storm is. The index goes from 0 to 9, and you definitely want a KP Index of 5 or higher. The higher, the stronger the lights will be.

http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/aurora-news-stories/index.html

http://www.aurora-service.eu/aurora-forecast/

There are also lots of Aurora Facebook groups, sharing aurora predictions and sightings.

PIN NOW, READ LATER

I’m ready to see more of those dancing lights!

Have you ever seen an aurora? Where was it?

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Not what you’d think though. I haven’t explored much nature yet, but I have been very productive. Among many other things, Nico and I bought a car, pimped it, arranged insurance, opened a bank account, got a Canadian phone plan and learned about the tipping system.

For those of you who don’t know what I’m doing here: I left New Zealand after almost 4 years, and am ready to explore and live in Canada. A new country, new nature, new adventures and … bears. The latter is actually not something I’m looking forward to (I’m a wimp, remember).

Hot hot heat

Arriving from the New Zealand winter to Canadian summer was a bit of a shock, and left me sick for a week. Temperatures here have been between 27-33 degrees, very hot for a girl used to New Zealand weather.

On top of that, British Columbia has been having lots of wildfires due to the hot weather. There has been smoke in the sky for the entire time… until today! It rained, and it is the first time I’ve seen blue sky. Believe me, it is weird to not see any sky. It felt like the apocalypse had arrived.

The smoke didn’t bother us too much, as we had to get everything sorted before heading on our road trip. Between all the preparations we did find some time to visit Vancouver cafes, go climbing and do a little hike to Cabin Lake in Cypress Hill Provincial Park.

Cypress Hill Provincial Park is in North Vancouver, and easy to reach. There are supposed to be nice views on Vancouver, but we didn’t see anything because of the smoke. The hike to Cabin Lake is still very worth it though!

You hike up 45 minutes and arrive at a beautiful, peaceful lake. It was the perfect refreshment after a hot hike up.

We also visited the Brandywine waterfalls, south of Whistler. The photo at the top of this page is taken by me at the falls. I’ll write an article about the impressive falls, and how to get there, later!

Love Wagon

So we bought a car… It’s a white van with blue interior and a mirror on the ceiling. Because of the mirror we baptised it the…Love Wagon. I love it!

It has an electrical seat which turns into a bed. Because we’re both quite tall we didn’t fit in the bed, so we threw two seats out, extended the bed with boxes, put a mattress on it and now we’re sweet. It also has lots of little storage areas, which I love! Perfect to loose all my stuff. I’ll share the result of the makeover one of these weeks in a video!

What Now?

I’m writing this in Squamish, an hour north of Vancouver, and we’re getting ready for our first overnight hike to Garibaldi Lake. I am very excited, because the smoke has gone and the views will be superb.

It’s a three hours hike to the campground at the lake. We’re staying two nights, so we have time to explore other peaks and views. One of those is Panorama Ridge, which we want to do for sunrise. This means hiking in the dark and hoping not to see any bears!

Some tips and information for newcomers to Canada:

• Canada – or at least Vancouver, is very expensive.
• Be prepared to pay a lot for car insurance. We paid over 2000 dollars for a year. Apparently it is cheaper to buy a car and insurance in other provinces.
• The cheapest supermarket (we’ve found so far) is Canadian Super Store or Walmart.
• There is wifi everywhere (cafes, supermarket, restaurants).
• Cars drive on the right.
• A data plan for your phone is very expensive. Expect to pay at least 50 dollar per month for 1GB of data (+unlimited texting).
• Book your hikes in advance, and do some research. Sometimes you have to call, some you have to book 2 months in advance online.
• Talk loud to each other or sing to scare away bears while hiking.
• For the girls: having your period doesn’t attract bears more (we don’t want to get eaten first, right?).
• Park passes are required for entry into any national park in Canada (this year they are free though, to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday).
• Toilets are called washrooms.
• Tips are expected in Canada. Tip 15% for good service, and 20% for really good service. No tips necessary in chains like Starbucks or Tim Hortons.
• Taxes are not included on the price tag, so on the displayed price you have to add taxes and tip.
• In B.C. foreign drivers licenses (in English) are valid for 6 months.

Have you been to Canada? How did you experience it? Any tips for a newcomer like me? 

The post Welcome to Canada: part 1 appeared first on The World is a Circus.

We jumped in the car and were ready for our girls’ weekend. The drive from Christchurch to Akaroa is absolutely gorgeous (see some tips below for the best route). It was a cloudy day, but the Banks Peninsula still looked stunning. I think it’s very hard to find ‘ugly’ scenery in New Zealand. Oh, we’re so spoiled.

France or New Zealand?

Akaroa is a small, historic village on the Banks Peninsula, only an hour and a half from Christchurch. There are about 650 inhabitants, and it’s mostly known for its French touch.

French explorers tried to colonise Akaroa in 1840, but arrived just a few days after the British. They still managed to leave a big influence though. Akaroa breathes a French atmosphere, with the colonial architecture, French street names, and a gas station that’s called ‘L’Essence’.

Akaroa is small, but let that not mislead you. There are lots of things to do. You can find a list of my favourite activities below!

Dolphins with Black cat cruises

The Akaroa waters are home to the rare Hector dolphins. They are the smallest dolphin species around and a delight to see. Dolphins have something playful and disarming, I just love watching them.

Black Cat Cruises is the place to be if you like to meet some dolphins (and believe me: you want to!). We signed up for a swim with the dolphins and went on the water. There was a bit of a swell that day, which tested our stomachs, and made the boat ride very bumpy.

I didn’t really mind. It’s nature in its glory, and it made adrenaline rush through my veins.

I saw dolphins swimming and some even put a show up for us.

We also saw a White Flippered penguin, aka the world’s smallest penguin, in the middle of the water, which was cute and funny in a weird way. If you want to see some penguins from up close I highly recommend doing a tour with Pohatu Penguins. They help the population grow and take care of wounded penguins.

In the end all the dolphins we encountered were feeding, so we couldn’t swim with them. It was still very cool to see them in their habitat, and if you don’t manage to swim with the dolphins, Black Cat Cruises pays a portion of your fee back.

Alpacal Love

Do I need say anything more? Doesn’t this picture say everything? Alpacas are cute and they’re just the best.

On Saturday afternoon we spent some time with the alpacas at Shamarra Alpacas. They have 150 alpacas, and we got to walk between them, feed them, and learned a lot about this beautiful animal.

I don’t want to know how many photos I took, but I can tell you this: many.

Did you know that they produce wool in 22 different colours? It’s the only animal in the world that produces this many colours. They clearly wear it well.

Not only will you enjoy spending time with alpacas, you get some superb views, as the farm lies up a hill.

Accommodation

You won’t have any problem finding nice accommodation in Akaroa. There are Holiday Houses, B&B’s and hotels.

We opted for the Akaroa Waterfront Motel, because it is right in town, and – yes you guess it – right at the water. Our little studio with double bed and 2 single beds was perfect for the three of us. We had a couch, kitchenette, table and balcony!

I loved that we could just walk to the water and to nearby cafes, but it was also nice to spent some time inside. With, as it should on any girls’ weekend, wine, cheese and crackers.

Book your stay here: Akaroa Waterfront Motels 

Giant’s House

Do you want to feel in a different world? Go to the Giant’s House. Your eyes will go wild, exploring all the impressive and huge sculptures.

The Giant’s House is up a little hill in Akaroa, and owned by Josie Martin. She’s the artist, and has made EVERYTHING herself, over the last 20 years. I think we can call that persistence, patience and talent.

There is so much to see. I could’ve spent all afternoon there. I recommend that you just take your time and wander around. You’d be surprised of what you’ll find.

FOOD

Food can’t be excluded in this guide to Akaroa. Exploring a new place makes one hungry. Luckily for us, there are some good options in this quirky town!

Sweet As

Sweet As café is as French as it can be. Lots of red colours around, freshly baked croissants, baguettes and sweet and savoury crepes.

Every time I visit Akaroa I make a stop at Sweet As, because their croissants and sweets transport me to France. 

Hilltop tavern

A must stop for the view! The location of the Hilltop Tavern is superb. The tables inside and outside give you a first class view on the Banks Peninsula.

I recommend stopping on your way to Akaroa, or on your way back to Christchurch. Take a coffee, wine or some yum food and enjoy the view! It almost looks like a painting!

Sweet and Savage

Looking for some energy? The doughnuts from Sweet ‘n Savage are the perfect sugar infusion. They almost look too delicious to eat, but we did it anyway (no regrets).

You can see and taste that they are made with love. Baker Rachel makes them just outside of Akaroa, and she brings a little food caravan into town in summer. If you want to try them in winter, then I recommend visiting the Christchurch Cafes Uncommon or Park Ranger. They sell her doughnuts too.

Wine

A great place for wine tasting is French Peak Wines. You can find the vineyard on the shore of the Akaroa Harbour.

They ‘re specialised in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, and I like all of them

The Brasserie

On Sunday morning we slowly woke up at The Brasserie, with a much needed coffee and some breakfast. I ate the eggs benedict, tasty and beautifully presented on my plate. I always appreciate it, when cafes do that little extra to present food nicely.

Waterfall Walk

The Banks Peninsula is home to many walks and longer hikes. One right in town is the Newton’s waterfall.

You drive up Aylmers Valley Road to the Misty Parks Reserve car park, or you can walk up the hill. I opted for option two, to stretch the legs a bit.

It’s only a 10-minute walk from the carpark to the waterfall. I didn’t expect much, but it turned out to be quite impressive, rainbow included!

Cinema fever

I’m a fan of little cute cinemas (as you can read here), and Akaroa hides one as well. The Akaroa Cinema is small, with only two small rooms available.

You can take a coffee or wine inside and enjoy a movie in peace.

Some extra tips…

• When driving to Akaroa, start at Dyers pass road, then take Main Road en Gebbies Pass road until you’re in Little River. From then you just follow the main road to Akaroa. This route gives you a beautiful view on the peninsula. It’s a small detour, but you’ll be able to get a better view of the Banks Peninsula.

• Near Akaroa you’ll find the scenic road: Summit Road. Take it on your way to Akaroa. It’s a little detour, but the views are the best. You get a great vantage point, and at one point you will see water on your left and right.

I hope after reading this girls’ guide to Akaroa that you don’t ignore this cute French town when you’re visiting Christchurch!

Disclosure: I received discounts and free activities for the dolphin tours, accommodation, alpaca tour, doughnuts and the Giant’s House. All opinions are, as always my own. Some links might contain affiliate links. That means that by no extra cost of your own, you will be supporting this blog by buying something through these links. Thank you!

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Eco-friendly Eco Villa

I was lucky. It was a beautiful sunny winter day. My place for the night was the Eco Villa, a boutique hotel in the centre of Christchurch.

Eco Villa breathes history (built in 1910!) and is more than just another hotel. It feels more like a home, with a gorgeous garden, communal kitchen and living room. It mixes the benefits of a hotel with the charm of a hostel.

What I love even more is their focus on sustainability and recycling. They have an edible garden, which is cool, but did you know that all the wood they use in the hotel is reused? Every night stand, table and bed has its own story.

I stayed the night in the Oak room, with a big bed and oak dressers. The owners have crafted these with recycled materials, most of them came from the original house while renovating.  My bed headboard is made of Rimu wood, from the panelling from the ballroom. The little tables are up cycled old shelves and a small table in the room used to be a kitchen cupboard.

Originality: 10! Looks: 10!

Let’s explore Christchurch!

Once I settled in and had my cup of tea I explored town. Christchurch is getting better every day. It took a big hit with the earthquakes a few years ago, but it is coming back stronger and prettier!

Cardboard Cathedral

At only a minute walking distance you find the cardboard cathedral. The cathedral was built when the original cathedral got destroyed by the earthquakes. It’s called the ‘cardboard’ cathedral because the foundations are all made of cardboard, and it looks beautiful.

Street Art

Christchurch is the city of street art and there is lots! Take one of the free bikes at Eco Villa, or go for a stroll and be amazed by what you’ll see. You can find the latest street art locations on this map: http://christchurchstreetart.co.nz/

Dumplings

Walking around town makes a person hungry, right? That’s the excuse I use to eat in one of my favourite restaurants: Pot Sticker. They have the best dumplings and bao buns. The food is just amazeballs. Every time I go there I overeat myself, ordering loads of dumplings, burgers and other delicious goods. Be ready to go loco on the menu and brace yourself for a food coma.

Alice Cinematheque

If you like little cute cinema theatres I highly recommend checking out Alice Cinemateque, which is also only a few minutes walking from Eco Villa.

It is actually a video rental shop – yes they still exist – with an almost unnoticeable door next to the counter. That door leads you into a magical Egyptian style theatre! They have one cinema room which makes you feel in a different world. Enjoy the luxurious dark red seats and Pharaoh statues around you.

And if you don’t want your evening to be over yet, you can soak in Eco Villa’s outdoor baths!

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Interested in seeing more of Christchurch? Have a look at my top 10 activities for Christchurch.

Have you ever been a tourist in your own city? Did you enjoy it?

The post From eco to loco: my weekend in Christchurch appeared first on The World is a Circus.

(get ready for a bit of history of my life)

Three years (and a few months) ago I arrived in New Zealand, planning to stay only two months to travel. Then I would head back to Australia where it’s hot and where I had a Working Holiday visa.

Things changed course when I bumped into a charming Frenchman and decided to stay for a while in New Zealand instead of Australia. A while has now turned into three – and a bit – years.

Life in New Zealand has been incredible. I’ve had the chance to work full-time in social media, do freelance videography and work with tourism boards and companies with my blog.

But even better, I’ve had the chance to discover this vast and beautiful country. It had been my dream to visit New Zealand since I was a young girl, and I could’ve never guessed I would end up living here. Young me would be proud.

The New Zealand chapter is over (for now). Time to go somewhere else.

I hear you thinking: Wheeeereeee the heck are you going?

I’m going to Canada.

Canadaaaaaaa. I can’t believe it, even when writing these words. Do you have that sometimes? That life doesn’t feel real? In August I will fly out of New Zealand, but I’m not realising it. It’s like I’m looking at my life as a bystander.

I’m not going to Canada because New Zealand sucks, because it obviously doesn’t. Many articles on my blog are proof of that.

There are a few reasons why I (and my boyfriend, aka The Kiwifrog) are going to Canada.

1. It was the last chance for me to grab a Canadian Work Travel visa

I found out I had a chance to apply for a Canadian working holiday visa (called International Experience). It was my very last chance, because Belgians can only apply until they’re 30.

As you can read in my ‘Thoughts on turning 30‘ -post I turned 30 in April. I applied a few months before D-day and to my surprise I got it! Only a certain amount of Belgians get the visa, and I was one of the lucky ones.

This was my last chance to experience a working holiday worldwide, so I could not ignore it. For all other countries I’m either too old, or I’ve already used the visa.

A year for me is perfect. It gives me the chance to live, rather than travel in a country. I can taste the country, see where I like it and stay longer and work in one place. This way you experience a country from the inside, you meet locals and you discover the culture.You really getting to know a country and for me that’s the best way of travelling.

2. Apparently Canada is beautiful

The things I’ve heard about Canada are nothing but positive. People are nice, the mountains are amazing and the lakes are as blue as the bluest eyes. Almost sounds like New Zealand – only bigger.

I can’t wait to share the Canadian beauty on The World is a Circus. Let me know if there is anything I definitely can’t miss out on!

3. A bit closer to family and friends

This might look funny to some of you because I will still be living and travelling far away, but it’s already closer to home, right? I always say to my family and friends back in Belgium: it’s halfway back already! On a serious note, this destination is easier to fly to than New Zealand, because New Zealand is really really far away from Europe.

I decided my trip to Canada is also the perfect opportunity to visit my family in Belgium. So I booked a little side trip to my lovely home country in December. I’ll experience Christmas again in the cold! That will feel weird, after having it in Australia, India and New Zealand for the last 4 years.

4. It’s not a goodbye from New Zealand

I’ll have been three years and a half in New Zealand when I’ll leave to Canada and there is still so much I want to see. New Zealand is seriously an amazing country to live in.

We love it here, so it is definitely not a goodbye. We’ll be back!

Have you been to Canada? Do you have any tips for this excited newbie Canada-explorer?

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There is a lot to discover in Australia, but one of the areas you definitely can’t miss out on is Victoria. Here is some inspiration of the best Victoria photos, so you’ll know where where to go. Enjoy!

1. The Pinnacles – Mornington Peninsula

It was a windy evening on the Mornington Peninsula. So windy, that we weren’t even sure if we should hike to these fierce Pinnacles. We got out of the van anyway, thinking we could always turn back. You have to go a steep way down, so this isn’t for the faint at heart. I’m happy that I went all the way down, because… look at the location! One magical place for photography in Australia.

2. Loch Ard Gorge – Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean road is probably the most famous location in Victoria, Australia.  There is more than one beautiful location, so I’ll list a few. My favourite was Loch Ard Gorge, where the beach, waves and impressive rocks become one.

3. Great Ocean Road 

You get this view when you visit the Razorback along the Great Ocean Road. Just to be clear: this isn’t the Razorback on the picture. It’s some other very cool rocks nearby the Razorback! The walk to the Razorback lookout is btw closed until further notice while safety assessments are undertaken (updated April, 2018).

4. MacKenzie Falls – Grampians

The Grampians National Park is a park north of Melbourne. Again, with great views. Otherwise it wouldn’t make it in this list of Best Victoria photos of course! You can reach the Mackenzie Falls after a little hike down. Wear good shoes, as the rocks can be slippery! The day I visited Mackenzie Falls was a rainy day – yes it isn’t always hot in Australia! Not sure what to pack for a visit to Australia? Check out this packing list. 

5. Great Ocean Road 

A secret spot we found along the Great Ocean Road… The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is very popular. Meaning, you’ll bump into a bit of people. It helps to check out photo locations at sunrise or sunset, but even then you hardly will be by yourself. Solution: explore the coast by yourself, drive into some little roads, and who knows… You might find locations like this one!

6. Koala spotting – Kennett River

My first wild koala… ever! Kennett River is the place to be if you want to spot koala’s or the Australian king parrot. I promise you, you will have A LOT of fun – with parrots sitting on your head and koala’s sleeping in the trees.

7. Great Ocean Road

Here’s the secret spot again… It was a good one!

8. Twelve Apostles – Great Ocean Road

THE most famous photo location on the Great Ocean Road. We arrived very early in the morning, so there were hardly any people. If you go a bit later, or in the afternoon, you’ll be disappointed by the amount of people.

9. Great Ocean Road

Another beauty along the Great Ocean Road! This time I stayed for sunset. What a treat!

10. Boroka Lookout – Grampians

Yes, I was a little bit nervous sitting on that ledge!

There you go! Those were my best Victoria photo locations.

Looking for more places to discover in Victoria? Have a look at the tourism board website here, or read more about my road trip on the Great Ocean Road in a previous blogpost here. Do you want to discover more places in Australia? Check out these Australian landmarks. Australia is a gorgeous – and huge! – country, with more than enough cool locations to discover. Have fun on your Australia trip!

Do you know more photo locations in Victoria, Australia? Tell us!

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