There’s something truly magical about approaching Sydney, Nova Scotia by sea, and experiencing it from the deck of Holland America’s Volendam was a trip to remember. The port offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty, maritime history, and warm local hospitality.

As we sailed into Sydney, the coastline of Cape Breton Island unfolded in all its rugged glory - dramatic cliffs, picturesque harbours, and colourful homes that tell a story of generations past. From the gentle sway of the ship to the panoramic Atlantic views, every moment was picture-perfect.

Sydney is not just a port stop - it’s a gateway to Cape Breton Island’s iconic Cabot Trail, Celtic culture, and local flavours. Cruising into this part of Atlantic Canada provides a front-row seat to its natural beauty and charming communities.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of hiking the Wilsons Falls Recreational Trail Bracebridge during the peak of a Muskoka winter. Located along the iconic Trans Canada Trail, this route offers some of the most stunning waterfalls in Ontario, especially when framed by pristine, deep snow.

Whether you are an avid hiker or a weekend explorer, Wilson’s Falls provides a serene escape into the heart of Bracebridge. In this video, we trek through a snowy winter landscape, showcasing the power of the falls against the quiet stillness of the frozen woods. The Wilsons Falls Trail Bracebridge is a must-visit section of the Trans Canada Trail, offering rugged terrain that becomes a winter wonderland for those brave enough to tackle the drifts.

Why Visit Wilsons Falls?

• Location: Heart of Muskoka, Ontario.


• Scenery: Dramatic waterfalls and frozen river views.


• Activity: Prime spot for hiking and snowshoeing.


• Trail System: Part of the world-renowned Trans Canada Trail.

If you're planning a trip to Bracebridge this season, be prepared for deep snow conditions. Proper gear is essential for hiking these trails safely in a snowy winter. From the rushing water to the snow-covered pines, Wilson’s Falls captures the true spirit of a Canadian winter adventure.

Sailing into Sydney, Nova Scotia on a cruise is one of those moments that reminds me why I love exploring Canada by sea. As a local Canadian, there’s something special about watching the rugged coastline of Cape Breton Island come into view - colourful homes, fishing boats, and that unmistakable East Coast charm.

On this stop, we set out to explore Sydney on foot, and it turned out to be the perfect blend of history, culture, art, and seafood.

The World’s Largest Fiddle 

Sydney is home to the World's Largest Fiddle. Standing 60 feet tall along the waterfront, it’s impossible to miss and makes for the ultimate Cape Breton photo op.

The fiddle celebrates the island’s deep Celtic roots and musical heritage. If you time it right, you’ll often hear live fiddlers playing nearby - a true East Coast welcome that instantly sets the tone for your visit.

St. Patrick’s Church Museum

A short walk from the cruise port brought us to the beautiful St. Patrick's Church Museum. Built in 1828, this historic church is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Cape Breton and now operates as a museum.

Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits about early settlers, religious history, and the strong Irish influence that helped shape Sydney’s identity. The architecture alone is worth the visit - peaceful, historic, and beautifully preserved.

Honouring Maritime History

Along the waterfront boardwalk stands the moving Merchant Mariner Monument, a tribute to the brave men and women of Canada’s Merchant Navy.

Cape Breton has deep maritime roots, and standing there overlooking the harbour, it’s easy to reflect on how vital these sailors were - especially during wartime.
It’s a powerful reminder that Sydney is more than just a pretty port stop; it’s a community built on resilience and seafaring tradition.

Waterfront Boardwalk & Art Walk

One of the best ways to experience Sydney is simply by strolling the waterfront boardwalk. It’s scenic, easy to navigate from the cruise terminal, and full of character.

We enjoyed exploring the Downtown Sydney Art Walk, where vibrant murals brighten building walls and public spaces. Walking through downtown, we spotted colourful artwork celebrating local culture, coal mining history, Celtic music, and the people of Cape Breton. It adds such a creative energy to the city.

If you’re visiting on a cruise, this area is incredibly accessible - no tour bus required. Just lace up your walking shoes and wander.

Seafood Chowder at Cup of Culture

Of course, no East Coast visit is complete without seafood. A Cup of Culture is just a short walk from the port.

Their seafood chowder was exactly what you want in Nova Scotia - rich, creamy, loaded with fresh local seafood, and perfect after a breezy harbour walk. IIt had no potato filler, and honestly, it wasn’t missed at all. Pair that with friendly local hospitality, and you’ve got a true Cape Breton experience.

Sydney is compact, walkable, welcoming, and full of authentic Maritime character.

As Canadians, we sometimes overlook our own backyard. But cruising into Sydney reminded me that Canada’s East Coast holds some of the most heartfelt, culture-rich experiences you’ll find anywhere.

Boulter View Lookout is one of those must-stop viewpoints along the OFSC snowmobile trail system near Bonfield, Ontario, offering riders a wide-open glimpse into the rugged backcountry of Northern Ontario. Perched along a well-travelled trail route, this scenic pull-off delivers sweeping forest views and endless horizon lines. Especially striking on a clear winter day.

It’s the kind of spot where you shut off the sled for a minute, take in the silence, and capture that perfect snow-covered landscape shot. Quick to access and easy to enjoy, Boulter View Lookout is a highlight stop for anyone exploring this stretch of Ontario snowmobile trails. Stop #7 on the Explorers Snow Tour!

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is one of those cruise ports that instantly makes you slow down and soak it all in. Compact, walkable, and full of character, it’s an ideal stop on an Atlantic Canada cruise and an easy place to explore without feeling rushed.

Our day in Charlottetown began at Founders’ Food Hall & Market, a great first stop for getting a taste of PEI’s local food scene. From there, we walked to St. Dunstan’s Basilica, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its twin spires dominate the skyline, and stepping inside offers a quiet moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and history that make this church such a focal point of Charlottetown.

We continued to Beaconsfield Historic House, a beautifully preserved reminder of the city’s Victorian past, before enjoying a leisurely walk along the Charlottetown Boardwalk. With harbour views, sea air, and that relaxed island pace, this part of the city really captures the charm that Prince Edward Island is known for.

No visit to Charlottetown would be complete without sampling the local food. We stopped at John Brown Richmond Street Grille for classic lobster rolls, then wrapped up the day with a visit to Cows Ice Cream at Peakes Quay - a PEI favourite and a must-visit spot!

Whether you’re visiting Charlottetown as part of an Atlantic Canada cruise itinerary or planning a Prince Edward Island getaway, this small capital city delivers big on history, flavour, and coastal charm - all within easy walking distance of the port.

On Friday, February 6th, 2026, the annual Vernon Winter Carnival Balloon Glow lit up the night sky — and truly outdid itself this year. A long-standing favourite for locals and visitors alike, this iconic event brought the community together in a way we’ve never seen before.

From the moment the gates opened, it was clear this was the busiest Balloon Glow Vernon has ever hosted. The energy was electric as families, friends, and carnival-goers filled the grounds, bundled up and ready to soak in every moment.

The evening featured mesmerizing fire dancers, adding warmth and drama to the crisp winter air, while food trucks lined the space with the irresistible smell of comfort food and sweet treats. A mini market showcased local vendors, giving attendees a chance to shop small and support our amazing community creators.

And of course — the true stars of the night — the hot air balloons. As they illuminated one by one, glowing against the dark winter sky, the crowd fell into awe. The combination of music, lights, laughter, and towering balloons created a truly magical atmosphere that reminded everyone why the Vernon Winter Carnival is so special.

This year’s Balloon Glow wasn’t just an event — it was an unforgettable experience, a celebration of winter, community, and the joy of coming together. If you’ve never attended, this is definitely one to add to your bucket list for next year.

The day after I posted my previous YLW video, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) opened its new terminal expansion. The update quickly created a lot of local discussion, excitement, and some concerns, so I decided to experience the changes for myself.

If you have travelled through YLW before, several parts of the airport experience have changed.

New Security Screening Experience

The most noticeable update is the brand-new security hallway. When we visited, we were on one of the last flights of the day, so security was quiet, but the redesigned space should help significantly during busy travel periods.

Airport staff now fully recognize the Sunflower Lanyard Program, which is an important accessibility improvement for travelers who may require additional support while moving through security.

Security screening itself is now much more streamlined:

• Electronics no longer need to be removed from bags


• Liquids can remain packed


• Shoes stay on, except for boots above the ankle

The process felt faster and less stressful compared to previous departures from YLW.

First Impressions of the New Terminal

Seeing the new terminal in person was impressive. I typically fly red-eye flights, so I have not yet experienced the space during daytime hours, but the expanded windows appear designed to offer excellent runway and mountain views during the day.

The terminal feels more modern, open, and comparable to larger Canadian airports while still maintaining YLW’s regional atmosphere.

Changes to Arrivals (Regional Flights)

Arrivals have also changed for regional flights. Previously, passengers exited into a quiet hallway area. Now, passengers arrive directly at a gate and follow standard airport signage toward baggage claim.

One notable difference is that baggage claim itself has not moved. Passengers now exit into the pre-security area on the opposite side of the airport, requiring travelers to walk through the full ticketing and check-in area to retrieve luggage.

During busy travel periods, this layout could potentially create congestion, particularly if check-in lines are long. Travelers with mobility considerations may wish to request wheelchair assistance, as the walk is longer and spans most of the pre-security terminal.

Overall Thoughts

The terminal expansion represents a significant upgrade for Kelowna International Airport:

• Improved security flow


• Better accessibility recognition


• Modernized terminal environment


• More standard arrival experience

It will be interesting to see how the airport performs during peak travel times and daytime departures.