A Man in a red flannel is out of focus standing in front of a vast mountainous view with a strinking blue lake below.

Roaming In The Know

Plan Your Next Trip With Confidence

Comprehensive Guides From Independent Travellers

Alia and Shawn traveling in Asia

Hi! we’re Alia & Shawn.

We spent over 4 years travelling full-time to more than 300 destinations in 50+ countries.

Instead of rushing through highlights, we embraced slow travel and lived and worked in most destinations to really understand each place in depth.

Now that we’ve returned home to BC, Canada, we are transforming those 4 years of experience into comprehensive guides and itineraries to help you plan your next trip.

Every guide on this page is based on first-hand experience with practical details and honest takes. We share what to do, what to skip, and everything we wish we knew before our visit.

What trip are you planning?

Select your next destination below and browse our most relevant posts, or search all blogs here.

British Columbia Destinations

Best places to visit

several boats docked at Gibsons Harbour in British Columbia

15 Best Things to Do in Gibsons, BC (2026 Guide)

Best Things to Do in Gibsons: waterfront walks, hikes, beaches, local markets, breweries, and cozy stays on the Sunshine Coast near Vancouver.

Read Guide →
North and South Thormanby Island with a large sandbar connecting the two

How to Visit Thormanby Island, BC (2025 Guide)

How to Visit Thormanby Island, BC: sandy beaches, tidal sandbars, camping, hiking, paddling, and wildlife on the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gem.

Read Guide →
Red kayak sits in front of a tree covered island

10 Best Things to Do in Sechelt, BC (2026 Guide)

Discover the best things to do in Sechelt, BC - from kayaking the inlet to beaches, hikes, local food, and hidden Sunshine Coast gems.

Read Guide →
a ttree-lined shore sticks out along a rocky out crop with a small white lighthouse perched at the end on Bowen Island, BC

11 Best Things To Do on Bowen Island From Vancouver, BC (2026 Guide)

11 Best Things to Do on Bowen Island. Full guide explaining top sites, hikes, restaurants, and all the details you need to plan your visit.

Read Guide →
A man and woman walk hand in hand across a massive wooden trestle that spans across a lush canyon

10 Best Things to Do in the Cowichan Valley: A 2026 Guide

Planning a trip to the Cowichan Valley? Discover the best things to do in 2026, including Cowichan Lake, Malahat SkyWalk, waterfalls, hiking trails, whale watching, breweries, cideries, and charming Vancouver Island towns.

Read Guide →
A wide waterfall trickles over a wide stretch of bare mossy rock into a small pool below

Cowichan Waterfalls: A Guide to the Best Falls in the Region (2026)

Discover the best waterfalls in the Cowichan Valley and South Vancouver Island, including Niagara Falls, Christie Falls, Skutz Falls, and Stocking Creek Falls, with hiking tips, trail details, and what to actually expect in 2026.

Read Guide →
A man walking along a spiral boardwalk on the Malahat Skywalk in Cowichan Valley

Malahat SkyWalk: What to Expect and Is It Worth It (2026 Guide)

Is the Malahat SkyWalk worth it? The honest 2026 guide — tower views, the glass Overhang, spiral slide, and everything you need to plan your visit.

Read Guide →
A man cooking on a small red camp stove set up on a picnic table in a grassy park on the edge of Cowichan Lake

Cowichan Lake: A Guide to the Best Beaches and How to Spend Your Day

Planning a lake day at Cowichan Lake on Vancouver Island? Discover the best beaches, swimming spots, picnic areas, paddleboard launches, and local tips for the perfect summer day at Cowichan Lake.

Read Guide →
A misty waterfall pours over a cliff into the sea on a sandy beach below at Mystic Beach

27 Things To Do In and Around Sooke, BC (2026 Guide)

Discover the best things to do in and around Sooke, BC — from rugged coastal hikes in East Sooke Regional Park and tidal pools at Botanical Beach to river swimming at Sooke Potholes and the scenic Highway 14 drive to Port Renfrew. Your complete 2026 guide to Vancouver Island's most underrated destination.

Read Guide →
The sky glowing a gold color as the sun sets behind a distance tree covered mountain in Tofino, BC

The 7 Best Sunset Spots in Tofino, BC (2026 Guide)

The best places to watch the sunset in Tofino — from tin wis Beach and Chesterman Spit to Cox Bay Lookout and Long Beach, ordered along the coast.

Read Guide →
A man stands at the edge of a cliff above a sparkling, calm sea of blue water in East Sooke Regional Park

East Sooke Regional Park: Complete Day Trip Guide From Victoria (2026)

The complete guide to East Sooke Regional Park — Creyke Point, the coastal trail, petroglyphs, Iron Mine Bay, and how to plan your day from Victoria.

Read Guide →
Water pours over a rocky riverbed lined by lush trees in Sooke Potholes Provincial Park

Sooke Potholes Provincial Park: Complete Day Trip Guide From Victoria (2026)

Everything you need to know about Sooke Potholes Regional Park — Crescent Beach, the potholes viewpoint, Mary Vine Falls, and how to plan your day.

Read Guide →
Golden light of the sunset pours through green leaves of a tree that has branches hanging over the water

18 Best Things to Do on Salt Spring Island, BC (2026 Guide)

Salt Spring Island's best things to do, from the famous Saturday Farmers Market and Mount Erskine hike to Ruckle Park camping, Beddis Beach, and the Tree House Café. First-hand guide with practical tips on ferries, beaches, and where to eat.

Read Guide →
The wet sand of tin wis beach at low tide glows golden as it reflects the warm light of the setting sun the is dipping below the tree-lined horizon

The Best Beaches in Tofino: Your Complete Guide to Vancouver Island's Wild Coast (2026)

A guide to all the best beaches in Tofino, how to get to them, which beach to visit in every kind of weather, and all the best spots to surf, swim, or relax.

Read Guide →
A red and white lighthouse glows in sunset light along a rocky tree lined coast

8 Best Things To Do in Ucluelet, Vancouver Island (2026 Guide)

Skipping Ucluelet for Tofino? Don’t. Here are 8 incredible things to do in Ucluelet, including wild coastal hikes, secret beaches, and epic whale watching spots.

Read Guide →
Calm waters of Princess Louisa Inlet leading up to a tree lined coast that climbs quickly into bare cliffs

8 Best Things to Do in Egmont, BC's Sunshine Coast (2026 Guide)

Discover the best things to do in Egmont, BC - from Princess Louisa Inlet tours and Skookumchuck Rapids to local cafes and wilderness adventures.

Read Guide →
South beach on Savary Island showing the houses built along the cliffs that border the beach

9 Best Things to Do on Savary Island, BC's Sunshine Coast (2026 Guide)

Best things to do on Savary Island B.C, Canada. Top beaches, must-see attractions, how to get around, and when to visit.

Read Guide →
Sunset light reflected on wet sand at Tin Wis beach at sunset near Tofino, BC

15 Best Things to Do in Tofino, BC (2026 Guide)

Best Things to Do in Tofino, BC: surf, beaches, rainforest hikes, whale watching, hot springs, and cozy stays on scenic Vancouver Island.

Read Guide →

British Columbia Itineraries

Curated travel itineraries

two people standing arm in arm at a viewpoint above a lake in Maderia Park, British Columbia

Ultimate 10-Day Sunshine Coast Road Trip Itinerary (2026 Guide)

10-Day Sunshine Coast Road Trip: from Gibsons to Lund. Ferries, beaches, islands, hikes - the ultimate 2025 coastal adventure.

Read Guide →
Trees in the foreground with the Tantalus Range's multiple snowy peaks in the distance

3 Day Sea to Sky Itinerary: Where I Would Take a Friend Visiting Me In BC

This is the exact trip I'd take you on if you came to visit me in BC. 3 days hitting every highlight along the Sea to Sky—no tourist traps, just the good stuff.

Read Guide →
A man and woman walk hand in hand across a massive wooden trestle that spans across a lush canyon

The Best 3-Day Cowichan Valley Itinerary (2026)

Plan the perfect 3-day Cowichan Valley road trip from Victoria — Malahat SkyWalk, Kinsol Trestle, Cowichan Lake, Chemainus murals, and more. The complete 2026 itinerary.

Read Guide →
A narrow sand spit cuts out into a calm bay across from a tree covered regional park across the water

3 Day Sooke Itinerary: The Perfect Long Weekend on South Vancouver Island (2026)

Plan the perfect 3-day long weekend in Sooke, BC — with a full day in East Sooke Regional Park, a scenic drive along Highway 14 to Botanical Beach and Port Renfrew, and a final morning at Sooke Potholes. The complete 2026 itinerary for the south island's most underrated corner.

Read Guide →
A woman walking along a wooden dock lined with red wooden railing at Fernwood beach on Salt Spring Island

3 Day Salt Spring Island Itinerary: Long Weekend Road Trip From Vancouver (2026 Guide)

From the Saturday Market to Ruckle Park, Wild Cider to Beddis Beach — here's exactly how to spend a long weekend on Salt Spring Island, BC.

Read Guide →
A man stands on a rocky shore with one leg raised while powerful tidal rapids create large waves and white wash sections behind him

3 Day Sunshine Coast Itinerary: Long Weekend Road Trip From Vancouver (2026 Guide)

A local's 3-day Sunshine Coast itinerary covering Gibsons, Sechelt, and Egmont — with ferry tips, hidden gems, and the exact stops worth your time on BC's most underrated long weekend escape.

Read Guide →
Rows of gentle waves roll into a halfmoon shaped bay lined with white sand and rainforest near Tofino, BC

3 Day Tofino Weekend Itinerary I Wish I Had Before My First Trip (2026 Guide)

Tofino travel guide for couples: best time to visit, car rental tips, Hot Springs Cove tour booking advice, costs, and what to do when it rains. Plan a dreamy Vancouver Island getaway—whether it’s sunny beach days or moody rainforest adventures, Tofino delivers in every season.

Read Guide →
Large waves crash onto the rocky tree-lined shore near Ucluelet with a row of hotels visible beyond the trees

The Perfect Ucluelet Weekend Itinerary for Couples (2026 Itinerary)

The perfect weekend itinerary for couples looking for a cozy staycation on Vancouver Island that is equal parts rest and exploration. Ucluelet 3 Day itinerary.

Read Guide →

British Columbia Accommodations

Best places to stay in British Columbia

British Columbia Day Trips

Detailed 24 hour guides

British Columbia Transit Guides

Car-Free travel guides

British Columbia Roadside Stops

Best things to see in British Columbia just off the side of the road

British Columbia Hiking Guides

Explore the best trails across British Columbia

A man with a backpack framed by yellow flowers, standing on a cliff above a blue lake with a massive, lush green forest in the background

Hiking in the Cowichan Valley: The Best Trails and What to Actually Expect (2026 Guide)

Looking for the best hikes in the Cowichan Valley? Discover scenic summit trails, waterfalls, coastal walks, and underrated Vancouver Island hikes with local tips, trail difficulty, and what to actually expect in 2026.

Read Guide →
A woman walking down a large boardwalk staircase passing by lush shrubery leading down to a wide sandy beach in Tofino, BC

The 21 Best Hikes and Trails in Tofino (From Someone Who's Done Them All - 2026 Guide)

The complete guide to hiking in Tofino — every trail ranked and reviewed from first-hand experience, from easy beach walks to the summit of Lone Cone.

Read Guide →
A man standing on the edge of a cliff with the forested shores of Salt Spring Island visible below

7 Best Hikes on Salt Spring Island (2026 Guide)

A breakdown of the best hikes to do on Salt Spring Island. This guide covers the best coastal walks, sunset hikes, and the best beaches for a beach walk.

Read Guide →

BC Hiking Ethics: Leave No Trace & Trail Etiquette (2026 Guide)

BC hiking ethics guide: Learn Leave No Trace principles, trail etiquette, bear safety, and responsible outdoor practices for hiking in British Columbia. Respect wildlife, pack out trash.

Read Guide →
A half frozen lake with a wooden dock is surrounded by ever green trees with mountains in the distance

Four Lakes Trail, Alice Lake Provincial Park (2026 Local Guide)

Four Lakes Trail is an easy 6.4 km loop in Alice Lake Provincial Park near Squamish. Visit Alice, Stump, Fawn, and Edith Lakes. Great for families. Takes 1.5-2 hours. Swimming available.

Read Guide →
A woman stands at the end of a rocky outcrop with a sea of trees below her leading to the wide mouth of the Howe Sound

Murrin Loop & Jurassic Ridge Trail, Squamish (2026 Local Guide)

Jurassic Ridge is a challenging 3.1 km loop in Murrin Park with scrambling, roped sections, and Howe Sound views. Takes 2 hours. Not for dogs or kids. Best in summer. Near Squamish.

Read Guide →
A wide river meanders between two shores lined with trees with a forested mountain in the distance

Mamquam Spawning Trail, Squamish (2026 Local Guide)

Plan your visit to the Mamquam Spawning Trail in Squamish: an easy, flat loop through salmon spawning habitat with wildlife, eagles, and stunning mountain views year-round.

Read Guide →
A wide tidal river next to a stony shore with mountains in the distance

Brackendale Estuary Dyke Walk, Squamish (2026 Local Guide)

Brackendale Estuary Dyke Walk is an easy 1.5-2 hour trail along the Squamish River. Connects to Eagle Run Path, passes Fisherman's Park. Prime eagle territory. Dog-friendly, flat terrain.

Read Guide →
A large isolated sand bank sits in the middle of a wide river bordered by a forest of dry and bare trees with snow capped mountains visible above them in the distance

Eagle Run Path, Squamish (2026 Local Guide)

Eagle Run Path is an easy 2.1 km riverside walk in Squamish with Bald eagles, mountain views, and The Watershed Pub at the end. Flat gravel path, dog-friendly. Takes 30 minutes.

Read Guide →
A dry field of yellowed and bowing tall grass in the foreground with a 1000 meter granite monolith towering over it in the distance

Downtown Squamish Estuary Loop Trail (2026 Local Guide)

Downtown Squamish Estuary Loop is an easy 4.3 km flat walk with views of the Chief, Shannon Falls, and 200+ bird species. Dog-friendly, transit-accessible, perfect for families. Takes 1 hour.

Read Guide →
A jagged steep mountain with a snow capped peak looms high above a dry forested valley

DeBeck's Hill Hike, Alice Lake Provincial Park (2026 Local Guide)

DeBeck's Hill is a moderate 3.4 km hike in Alice Lake Provincial Park near Squamish. Steady climb to viewpoints of the Tantalus Range. Takes 1.5-2 hours round trip. Year-round access.

Read Guide →
Powerful stream of water pours over a polished granite cliff and makes a sharp 90 degree turn, surrounded by lush green trees

Crooked Falls Hike, Squamish Valley (2026 Local Guide)

Crooked Falls is a 5.6 km moderate hike in Squamish Valley with a unique 90-degree waterfall. Best in spring during snowmelt. Year-round access, steep climb, stunning forest views.

Read Guide →
A woman stands next to a wooden hut and looks out to a wide view of forested valley with a large lake

Tin Hat Hut Hike, Sunshine Coast, BC (2026 Local Guide)

Hiking to the Tin Hat Hut - routes, parking, tips, and when to go. The ultimate 2025 guide to BC’s most scenic backcountry hut.

Read Guide →
A woman with a large backpack standing on a large log that is floating in Middle Joffre Lake

Joffre Lakes Hike, Pemberton, BC (2026 Local Guide)

Hiking to Joffre Lakes, BC: glacier-fed lakes, alpine trails, backcountry camping, turquoise waters, and epic Pemberton mountain views.

Read Guide →
A small island with a handful of trees on Watersprite Lake

Watersprite Lake Hike, Squamish, BC (2026 Local Guide)

Hiking to Watersprite Lake, Squamish: glacier-fed alpine lake, challenging trail, backcountry camping, turquoise waters, and mountain views.

Read Guide →
The steep cliffs of Wedge Mountain descending into the clear blue waters of an alpine lake

Wedgemount Lake Hike, Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC (2026 Local Guide)

Hiking to Wedgemount Lake, Whistler: alpine lake at Wedge Mountain base, glacier views, backcountry camping, challenging trail, turquoise waters.

Read Guide →

British Columbia General Info

Everything you need to know before visiting British Columbia

Scotland Destinations

Best places to visit

Scotland Itineraries

Curated travel itineraries

Scotland Accommodations

Best places to stay in Scotland

Scotland General Info

Everything you need to know before visiting Scotland

Japan Destinations

Best places to visit

Japan Itineraries

Curated travel itineraries

Japan Day Trips

Detailed 24 hour guides

Japan Transit Guides

Car-Free travel guides

Japan General Info

Everything you need to know before visiting Japan

South Korea Destinations

Best places to visit

South Korea Itineraries

Curated travel itineraries

South Korea Day Trips

Detailed 24 hour guides

South Korea General Info

Everything you need to know before visiting South Korea

Sri Lanka Destinations

Best places to visit

Sri Lanka Itineraries

Curated travel itineraries

Sri Lanka Day Trips

Detailed 24 hour guides

Sri Lanka Transit Guides

Car-Free travel guides

India Destinations

Best places to visit

India Itineraries

Curated travel itineraries

India Transit Guides

Car-Free travel guides