The snow-capped mountain peaks seen from every angle of the lake are fronted by lush trees canopied by thick layers of snow. Even as the weather begins to temper into shoulder season, offering warmer temperatures, tourism in the region does not peak until summer. Outside of the summer holiday months (May – September), the trails are less crowded, the lines are much shorter, if there are any at all, and hotel rates are more approachable. 

Making Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise your home-away-from-home sets the stage for a magical vacation filled with luxurious comfort, scenic nature walks, elevated dining options, and easy access to multiple tourism attractions across the region.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

Getting to Lake Louise

If you intend to do quite a bit of driving, you can rent a vehicle for the weekend at the Calgary International Airport (YYC). Alternatively, you can take a comfortable shuttle directly from the airport to Lake Louise. 

Brewster Express, operated by Pursuit Collection, runs four times a day from YYC to the doorstep of the Chateau 4 times per day off-season and 6 times per day May to October. Upon arrival at YYC, you can check in at the Brewster Express desk, where they will also tag your bag for departure. The spacious shuttle is outfitted with comfortable leather seats, equipped with outlets and USB adapters, and has a bathroom at the back of the bus. While the TV at the front of the bus live-streams the route ahead, the bus driver will occasionally take a moment to share insightful stories about the region, its people, and geography. There is a brief scheduled stop in Banff, during which you can grab a coffee from a nearby shop, and then the shuttle pulls through a narrow snowy road directly to the hotel front door. 

Shuttle fare starts from CA$66.75 per person
Book on banffjaspercollection.com
Other routes are available from downtown Calgary to across the region. 

Current offer: Save 25% on round-trip shuttles between Calgary and the Rockies with Brewster Express. Discount is automatically applied at checkout. Offer valid until May 18, 2026.

Brewster Express from Calgary airport to Lake Louise.

Day One:
Welcome to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Once checked in and unpacked, explore the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise map and the weekly concierge guide. The hotel hosts a wide range of weekly activities from yoga and outdoor adventures to family hours in the game room and evening campfires. A few times a week, the bar team hosts a guided mixology class. These spots fill up quickly, so sign up on arrival if a guided cocktail experience is on your wishlist.

Spend the afternoon exploring the hotel grounds, both inside and out, and if the weather permits, watch the sunset from the terrace. Hours can be lost wandering this vast property, so take time to find its special corners on day one.

For dinner, enjoy a casual meal at the Lakeview lounge (reservations recommended) or head down to the Fairview Bar & Restaurant for a typical pub vibe with TVs and cold pints. If you feel like leaving the property for dinner, take advantage of the frequent shuttle to the nearby Post Hotel & Spa (ask the concierge for the arrival and departure times). The Post Hotel Dining Room offers a menu built on seasonal ingredients, heavy on speciality meats and fish. At the foot of the parking lot, you will also find the Fondue Stübli, a cabin-style restaurant-bar that serves casual favourites and fondues in front of a fireplace.

See the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel review for additional context.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Picture window at the Lakeview lounge, King Lakeview room, dining room at the Fairview Bar & Restaurant.

Day Two:
A relaxing wellness day at Lake Louise

Skip breakfast and start your day in a bathrobe at the BASIN Glacial Water spa. Brand new to the property, the spa is only available to hotel guests for three hours at a time. The spa journey includes wet and dry saunas, a range of sensory relaxation rooms, a jacuzzi and a terrace that will take your breath away. Make sure to join in for a guided Afguss ritual in the hot sauna and cool off on the terrace before heading inside for an afternoon snack. Enhance your spa visit with a glass of Ruinart Champagne, a perfect sip for a perfect view to end your spa session before lunch. 

Spa access pass: $275 per person. Reservations are strongly recommended; book the spa when you reserve your room to ensure access. The spa is a technology-free space.

Renewed and rejuvenated, head over to the Fairview Restaurant for the Afternoon Tea (reservations required). A classic English tradition available at most Fairmont properties, this lunch is a decadent selection of homemade scones, savoury sandwiches, and sweets from the in-house pastry chef. Afternoon tea is $155 per person, $155 with a glass of Veuve Clicquot. 

Sunrise from the BASIN Glacial Water spa at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

In the afternoon, bundle up and head out for a slow walk outside, hike through the forest, ice skate, or snowshoe on the lake. In the winter, you can also hop on a sleigh ride and enjoy the views from a horse-drawn carriage wrapped in a cosy blanket. Sleigh Rides are $55–$64 per person. On the way back to your room, stop by the hotel’s icebar for a cup of hot chocolate or Mulled Wine. It takes 5 days to build the ice bar using 240 blocks of ice, each weighing 300 pounds. The result is a beautiful open roof space with animal statues, ice benches and tables, and a firepit to huddle around with your hot beverage.

To complete this day of indulgence at the hotel, enjoy a contemporary farm-to-table meal at the Fairview Bar and Restaurant or sit down for a three-course Chateau Experience at the Walliser Stube, starting with the signature cheese fondue. While the Fairview Bar is bright and open, the Walliser Stube is a more intimate experience that feels like a private club.

Horses at Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Ice Bar.

Cocktails and fondue at the Walliser Stube at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day Three:
Venture out to Banff

Enjoy the luxurious breakfast at Louiza. Build your own breakfast plate with the rich selection of items from the buffet, or make it a multi-course meal by adding an à la carte dish like Eggs Benedict or Belgian Waffles (included in the breakfast flat fee). Take a couple of pastries and some fresh-squeezed juice for the road and head out to Banff.

Getting to Banff from Lake Louise

If you have a car, the drive to Banff is just under an hour. Fairmont Banff Springs operates a shuttle to Lake Louise, though it will require a bit of a walk into Banff centre, about 25 min. Alternatively, you can take the Roam Lake Louise–Banff Express bus from the Lake Louise Lakeshore stop to Banff High School Transit Hub or take a taxi. From May to October, you can also take the Parks Canada shuttle.

Afternoon in Banff 

Walk around the Banff town, grab a coffee from one of its many cafes or a tea from Jolene’s Tea House, a local producer whose teas you will surely see in other cafes. Walk over to the Banff Pedestrian Bridge for a nice view of the Bow River to work up an appetite for lunch.

For lunch or brunch, settle in at the Brazen Restaurant. Located in the historic Mount Royal Hotel, Brazen is a local staple for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a modern yet welcoming atmosphere with big windows and a petite bar. The brunch menu is hearty and unique, with dishes like Grilled Cheese Benedict and Smoked Meat Pie, making it hard to decide on a single dish.

Brunch at the Brazen Restaurant, Banff, Alberta.

For the afternoon activity, head over to the Banff Gondola, a 10-minute drive or bus ride from Banff centre. The scenic gondola ride will take you up to Sulphur Mountain, overlooking Banff Village from high elevation. At the top (2,281 meters above sea level) is an interpretive centre and theatre, Sky Bistro (casual), Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen (elevated), and a few observation areas. 

A wooden walkway goes up another 102 meters to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, where scientists studied how the sun affects the Earth’s environment from 1960 to 1978. From up here, the mountains surround you full 360-degrees, a spectacular moment in time. It is possible to skip the gondola and hike up to the mountain, but that trail is not winter-friendly and takes around 5.5 hours as a return trip.

Banff Gondola
100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J3 | Map link
Tickets: $69 to $74 adult, $44.85 to $48.10 child, cheaper in advance, family packages available  

Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station and the Banff Gondola, Alberta.

Stay around in Banff for dinner. For a casual meal, head over to Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant. This is an always-busy spot that offers Shaft on draft – a Banff local concoction of vodka and cold brew coffee. Switch things up a bit with sushi at Hello Sunshine Sushi & Karaoke, which also has a wonderful cocktail program, or stick with the steak and fondue classics at the Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse. Most places in Banff offer a daily happy hour between 4 and 5 PM, 3 to 5 PM at the Brazen. Happy hours might change, so check online ahead of time. 

Find more things to do in Banff.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0

Room starting at $700 CAD for Mountain View King and $1,000 for Lakeview King. See hotel packages for special offers and collect your All Accor points for the stay.

Book direct on fairmont.com for the best price guaranteed. If you find a lower rate for your stay, the hotel will match it and take an additional 10% off. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

Hello Sunshine Sushi & Karaoke, Banff, Alberta.

Mountain views from Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta.

The post Three-day itinerary to a magical weekend in Lake Louise appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Exiting the Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Oranjestad, you are immediately enveloped by heat, a humid average of 27°C that will stay with you until departure. The island is small. In under an hour, you can drive the country end-to-end. But despite its petite breadth, Aruba has layers of history and culture, formed by those who entered its shores on ships. Centuries of economic development carved the shoreline and shaped the island into the binary destination that it is now – a tropical paradise framed by deserted industrial structures.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This trip was partially hosted by Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort who did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

Home in Aruba: Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is set against the backdrop of one of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches, Eagle Beach. Neatly lined rows of yellow buildings with protruding windows shape a communal courtyard. A white picket fence frames the property rectangle into a dream dollhouse, plants and flowers accenting the yellow walls. Palmtrees, directional signs, and a bike route make it all feel like a small town with part-time locals strolling across the road, beachbags in hand. “This will do,” I jokingly think to myself, taking in the calm paradise views.

The resort is family-owned by the Dutch Van Schaijk family, who for 35+ years have been welcoming travellers and locals to their property with open arms. Over the years, the hotel grew by 23 rooms, always looking for opportunities to improve the guest experience. The rooms range from studios to one-bedroom suites and penthouses, and nearly all of them have at least a kitchenette. Here, hotel guests often become regulars, moving in for weeks at a time, stocking up their fridges, and making Aruba their seasonal family home. The resort team treats guests like family with wide smiles, ready to help with acitivites and dinners plans.

Current offer: Save 37% on a last-minute stay at Amsterdam Manor on Eagle Beach, and toast your arrival with complimentary welcome champagne. Book my March 25, 2026. Travel March 21-27, 2026. Reserve today | All available offers. 

One-bedroom suite at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

Outdoor pool at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

The context: Historic layers that make Aruba what it is 

The island was first occupied by Archaic people who arrived in canoes from the coast of South America thousands of years ago. By A.D. 900/1000, another group of Indigenous people, the Caquetios, settled on the island, building villages and cultivating crops. The Spanish came in the 15th century in search of precious metals and pearls. Having found none of those, they declared Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (the ABC islands) as Islas Inútiles – the useless islands. So when they left, they took the people. 

The Dutch arrived later, in 1636, making Aruba a Caribbean naval base during their eighty-year war with Spain. Recognising the local communities, they recruited Caquetios as farmers, selling meat and produce to other islands. After a brief British invasion (1806–1816), the island was returned to the Dutch in accordance with the Anglo-Dutch Treaty, officially making it a part of the Netherlands Antilles much later, in 1945.

Those early years gave rise to the Aruba Industrial period with the opening of The Lago Oil and Transport and the Arend Petroleum Companies. These were major refineries processing crude oil, bringing prosperity to the island for decades. Until they closed in 1985.

All these chapters in Aruba’s history, in one way or another, are still present in its culture and architecture. As we move through the island, sit on its beaches, and drink its perfectly clean tap water, the history is all around us, most notably seen in the Dutch colonial architecture. 

Bushiribana Ruins, Aruba, remnants of the gold-mining era on the island.

Bites, meals & Libations: From casual happy hours to custom dining experiences  

Situated far enough from high-rise hotels (though within walking range), Amsterdam Manor enjoys uninterrupted sunset performances from every angle of the property, every night. Observing my third flawless sunset I began to wonder what Aruba’s red flags might be. Are there hurricanes? When does it get cold? It does not. The island sits outside the Caribbean hurricane belt, so its only real fault is the constant wind. So we dress up to dine on the beach, where the worst-case scenario is seawater washing over your feet.

Set along this pristine shoreline is Passions on the Beach, perhaps the most romantic restaurant on the island. Breakfast and lunch are served on the terrace, but dinner tables are placed directly on the sand. Dressed in our favourite summer attire and beach-friendly sandals, we take seats around the table, struck silent by the views. Elaborate cocktails and cold wine commence the meal, followed by luxurious seafood and steak dishes with a live saxophone setting the mood. This isn’t your typical Sunday dinner, proposals are made here at least once a month.

Blueberry lemonade and a quesadilla at Horizons Lounge, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

Back at the resort, guests gather for more casual meals at Horizons Lounge, overlooking the hotel pool and the sea from a short distance. In addition to daily service, the lounge also hosts manager cocktail parties with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, hosts all-you-can-eat fajita nights, and offers sushi service. Every stay can be tailored to your group with custom dining experiences like traditional Aruban dinners hosted on the penthouse terrace, cocktail and sushi-making classes, and custom beachside events. 

Seated in the gazebo or along the bar, we’d share secrets and laugh at each other’s travel experiences over colourful tropical drinks like the signature Fofoti and hibiscus margarita. And on another night, we gathered around the bar, tasting sake and local spirits at the sushi-making class, cheering on each other’s rolls, perfectly illuminated by the setting sun. 

Chef Eva demonstrating the art of a perfect sushi roll, and restaurant manager Maurice, sprinkling final finishes for the cheering bar crowd. 

Private dining experience set up on Eagle Beach, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba.

Eagle Beach: The easy life by the Caribbean Sea

Across the island, there are over 20 public beaches, with sand so soft to the touch it feels like sugar powder. All beaches in Aruba are public with mixed amenities from adjacent hotels, family-owned restaurants, and public palapas available to beachgoers. Eagle Beach serves as an extension to the Amsterdam Manor resort with a restaurant, sunbeds, and a heart-shaped swing adorned with flowers – yet another picture-perfect spot to “put a ring on it”. For us, however, this trip turned into a perfect ladies’ getaway – one I’d welcome again any day.

From sunrise to moonlight, people are at the beach, reading in the palapa shade, sauntering the shoreline, aimlessly floating out in the sea, or cruising the turquoise waters on a jet ski. Between culinary and island adventures, I took an afternoon off to relax on the beach, intermittently reading, napping, and taking dips in the warm water. One could argue, it is the best way to waste a day.  

Along the shore, mixed greenery sets a picturesque backdrop. Curvy Fofoti trees with twisted trunks formed by the persistent winds are perhaps the most noticeable. Indigenous to the island, the Fofoti are treated with respect, and the ones on Eagle Beach are looked after by the Amsterdam Manor staff. 

Beach shop and a Fofoti tree on Eagle Beach, coconut ice cream in the shell as a daytime treat.

Sightseeing in Aruba: Lighthouses, ruins, beaches and cultural breaks 

The most common way to explore the island is with a Jeep tour, so backpacks and totes in hand, we climbed up into our De Palm Tours ride. Navigating curvy roads along cactus fields and beaches, we found our way to the California Lighthouse, known as the Hudishibana. Perched on high seaside elevation, the lighthouse, built in 1910, offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the island.

The next stop takes us to Alto Vista Chapel, surrounded by a flat courtyard with a low stone fence, cacti growing scattered along the perimeter. Built by the Spanish missionaries in 1750, this Catholic parish is still functional today. The Chapel borders the Alto Vista trail, a scenic 3-kilometre loop overlooking the shoreline. 

As we drive around, I notice a pattern of elaborately decorated car snack shacks near each popular attraction. Some have a few shaded tables, while others simply offer grab-and-go snacks, fresh juices, and cold beers. I suddenly regret my hearty in-room breakfast, wanting to taste the local offerings at each stop.

De Palm Tours Jeep tour guide Richie at the California Lighthouse, Aruba.

Moving further into the island, we disembark at Bushiribana Ruins, built in 1872 by the Aruba Island Gold-mining Company Ltd.. During the gold boom, Aruba produced an equivalent of 3 million pounds of gold, but once all production came to a halt in 1916, the structures were vacated and left to weather with nature. The ruins sit atop a cliff, overlooking the rocky shoreline, showcasing Aruba’s complex volcanic foundation formed over 145 million years ago. 

Seeing that I was in Aruba, a friend mentioned a ghost town, stressing that it is something I should visit. My brief inquiries into the matter yielded no results; this ghost town seemed to be a myth. But as we traversed through this spectacular dry rock, listening to Richie’s stories, I came to realise that the aforementioned ghost town is San Nicolas, today known as the art capital of the Caribbean.

San Nicolas began as a lively entertainment neigbourhood for Dutch miners. With their departure, the city became a ghost town, but was recently brought back to life by a local art foundation, ArtisA. This colourful neigbourhood is home to art galleries, cafes, guided street art tours, and the biggest art fair in the Caribbean, Aruba Art Fair. The streets of San Nicolas are an international art gallery you can explore on your own or with Tito Bolivar from Aruba Mural Tours, the man who steered the metamorphosis of this neigbourhood.

The final stop on our day tour is Baby Beach, on the Southern end of the island. A short drive from San Nicolas, the beach is a half-moon sandy bay with shallow waters as far as the eye can see, flat like a sheet of paper. My travel companions ventured out far into the sea, I could see them swaying in the clear blue water in the distance, dipping from time to time. I stood two feet in the water on shore, determined to capture the beauty of this beach on camera, task quickly proven impossible from the ground. So instead I sat on a hot rock contemplating the contradiction of the scenery – some of the bluest water in the world set against a clear, unbothered sky, remnants of an abandoned oil refinery in the background.

The big night out: Cocktails, dance moves … shots

Every lady’s night of shenanigans begins with a classy dinner. Having bid adieu to the sushi master, we moved to the garden terrace of a 100-year-old mansion, Quinta del Carmen. The house, built in 1916, was once a family home, a physician’s practice, and a refinery clubhouse. Today, it is a fine dining establishment in the heart of Oranjestad serving world-inspired cuisine, heavy on fresh seafood.

With the moon now illuminating the way, we hopped aboard a colourful bus for an Aruba pub Krawl with Kukoo Kunuku. Joined by a rowdy group of strangers, we were each given a branded sippy cup for bottomless on-board cocktails – a fruity rum mix called the Kukoo Kiss. For the following three-and-a-half hours, we drove around, stopping at some of the island’s favourite local bars and nightlife spots. Finding a unique vibe in each bar, we danced, laughed, clapped along, and sipped our way across Oranjestad.

Dinner at Quinta del Carmen, Aruba.

Out at sea: Aruba luxury lagoon cruise to Spanish Lagoon

If I have learned anything over many years of travel is that one must not follow a big night out with a boat tour, but the mind forgets the moments it wants to forget. Picked up by Pelican Adventures in the morning, we drove out to the Pelican Pier for a Luxury Lagoon Cruise.

The boat is a classic red schooner with white sails, with water hammocks to each side of the bow. At the centre is a spacious flatbed on which I spent most of my afternoon roasting, cheeks up to the sun. And at the back, out of the sun’s merciless heat, are benches and harvest tables where our gourmet lunch was served. 

Cruising along Aruba’s southern coast, we saw the skyline transform from low-rise historic buildings to high-rise hotel towers, beaches, and parks. Further into the sea, we passed small islands, an amusement park, abandoned docking areas, and villages. Surrounded by impeccable blue water cruiser dove into the sea one-by-one to snorkel across to the Spanish Lagoon, returning invigorated and welcomed by an open bar with lively music.

Aruba Luxury Lagoon Cruise with Pelican Adventures.

* * *

Aruba’s slogan is “One Happy Island!” and after spending a week there, I can see why that might be the case. Considered as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean (“So safe, it’s almost boring”), it is not a place for extreme adventure. People come here to relax and unwind, to enjoy a life of leisure in the sun.

Having entered the country with an open mind and minimal expectations, I felt welcomed, entertained, well-fed, and most definitely relaxed. Granted, my Kodak moments were formed through personal experiences and relationships I built on the One Happy Island. But yours can be too.   

Brown pelicans and seagulls on Eagle Beach, Aruba.

Practical travel advice

Visa requirements: A valid passport accompanied by a completed approved Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED Card). The ED card is a $20 Sustainability Fee, which you can apply for online. More information about travel regulations can be found on visitaruba.com.

Getting to Aruba: From Canada, direct flights to Aruba are available from Toronto (YYZ) with Air Canada and WestJet (5-6 hours). From the USA, direct flights (3-5 hours) are available with JetBlue, American, Delta, and United from major cities like Miami, New York (JFK/EWR), Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston, Houston, and Philadelphia. UK travellers will have to connect in Amsterdam (KLM), though TUI Airways sometimes operates direct charter flights from London Gatwick. 

Drinking water: Tap water in Aruba is perfectly clean and safe to drink and meets the highest quality standard set by the WHO.

Money: The local currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), although US dollars are also widely accepted. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Some restaurants will add a service charge for larger groups service charge is not a tip for your waiter. 

Language: Aruba is an autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Local languages are Papiamento (Afro-Portuguese Creole language) and Dutch, although most people speak English, especially across the diverse hospitality world. 

Phone and internet access: You can purchase a physical SIM on arrival at the AUA airport or be prepared by installing an eSIM ahead of time. Read more about eSIMs. 

Packing advice: make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, a beach cover and a sun hat (ideally one that sits tightly on or has a tie), a folding or motorised mini fan, a few swimwear sets, evening attire, and a comfortable beach bag.

Book directly to take advantage of flexible special offers and exclusive perks at amsterdammanor.com. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

Alto Vista Chapel, Aruba.

The post Finding a life of leisure in Aruba with Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort appeared first on Paths to Travel.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
This trip was hosted by Tourism Fredericton who did not review or approve this story.

What to see & Do in Fredericton

Culture & History across Fredericton 

Spend an afternoon exploring the city centre and the Historic Garrison District. Set on the shores of the Saint John River, the Garrison is a heritage centre and in many ways, the beating heart of the city. Here, visitors will find The Fredericton Region Museum, cobblestone streets, artisanal offerings and free live concerts throughout the summer. The museum houses 12 historic exhibits, from folklore to military history, to stories of people who called this city home. 

The Fredericton Region Museum | Map link
571 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 5C8
Admission: Adults $6, students $3, children under 6 free. 

The recently renovated Beaverbrook Art Gallery is a cultural highlight of Fredericton. The gallery was Lord Beaverbrook’s gift to New Brunswick’s residents and is one of Canada’s best museums. The recent expansion of the Harrison McCain Pavilion added 9000 ft2 to the Gallery. This bright open space has a lovely cafe and the Gallery gift shop. In the many rooms of this beautiful space, visitors will find pieces showcasing visual art from the Atlantic region and well beyond. Between the Renaissance and Victorian art, you will also find contemporary works by Canadian Indigenous artists and the Grandfather Akwiten canoe, believed to be the oldest birch bark canoe in the world. 

One of the gallery’s prized possessions is Santiago El Grande, Salvador Dalí’s. The painting is one of his biggest pieces and was originally meant to hang in a chapel. The gallery offers tours hosted by one of its security guards and docents, Gerry Rymes, whose deep art and Beaverbrook Gallery knowledge make this visit a truly unique experience. This tour can be booked with the art gallery directly by email.

Beaverbrook Art Gallery | Map link
703 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1C4
Admission: Adults $20, seniors and sudents $14, youth $8.50, children under 6 free. 
education@beaverbrookartgallery.org

The best way to see Salvador Dalí’s Santiago El Grande (image on the right), is by lying down on the floor against the wall. According to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery’s guide, Gerry Rymes (centre image), it is how you would’ve seen the painting in its intended place in a chapel. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Tours & Experiences 

The Fredericton Capital Region is situated within the Wolastoqey traditional territory, along the Saint John River, locally better known as Wolastoq. Many of the city’s nature experiences are facilitated by the members of the Wolastoqey Nation. The city’s Odell Park contains one of the few old-growth forests left in Canada, with 500-year-old hemlock trees towering above the paths.

The best way to experience this forest is by joining a Medicine Walk operated by cultural interpreter Cecelia Brooks and her son Anthony, from Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours. Cecelia will guide you through the forest, speaking to its natural wonders and the medicinal properties of various flora and fauna found in the woods. The tour concludes in the garden with teas service and cookies made with acorn flour.

Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours 
Book by sending an email to wabanakitreespirit@gmail.com or texting 506-461-6806.

For a more active adventure, head to Wolastoq Adventures, who operate canoe tours and rentals, including Canada’s first illuminated kayaking and paddleboarding tours.

Medicine walk led by Cecelia Brooks from Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours, Fredericton. The cookies pictured above are made with acorn flour.
Images by Kateryna Topol.

Festivals & Special events

An event that brings people from all over the world to Fredericton annually is the New Brunswick Spirits Festival. Taking place in November, this is Canada’s biggest and oldest whisky festival. Producers and spirits fans from across Canada and the world flock to Fredericton to gather for nearly a week of special meals and unique workshops.

In June, Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation, part of the Wolastoqey Nation) holds the annual Powwow. This is a two-day celebration of arts, language, and culture. Events include community breakfast, grand entry parade, drumming, and dance competitions. St. Mary’s Powwow kicks off the Powwow Trail with nine more Powwows across the province. The 2026 Powwow is scheduled for June 19th to 21st.

Among other festivals are the New Brunswick Highland Games, Frediculous Comedy Festival, Queen Street Crawl, Flourish Festival, Nashwaak Music Festival, Summer Music Festival, Future Forest, and many various food events. See the complete list of festivals on frederictoncapitalregion.ca. 

Images from a New Brunswick Spirits Festival event at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Fredericton. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Where to eat & Drink in Fredericton

The city’s tagline is “Life well crafted,” so naturally, there are quite a few breweries and distilleries in the area. In the Fredericton region, you will find Gahan House Riverside, King West Brewing and RustiCo., Grimross Brewing Company, Maybee Brewery, Graystone Brewing, The CAP, Picaroons Roundhouse, and TrailWay Brewing Co.. If craft breweries are your fancy, a fun way to see them all is by following the #FredTapTrail. 

First Light Distillery and Scout’s Original Sandwich Shop, located in the same space, are a great stop for lunch or dinner. First Light are best known for their vodka and sell plenty of it ready-to-drink on tap. The Distillery offers tours, mixology classes, and occasionally hosts bingo nights. Scout’s sandwich shop, set on the left side of the taproom, serves made-to-order, delicious sandwiches and locally famous desserts, among other things.

Jenna’s Nut Free Dessertery, located a little bit out of the city, on your way from the airport, is a destination lunch spot. Indigenous-owned and operated by Jenna White, the cafe serves a selection of traditional dishes and Jenna’s take on brunch items, like breakfast sandwiches on bannock. Jenna also operates pop-up cafes at local events and hosts special events throughout the year. 

Wolastoq Wharf Seafood Restaurant is another local favourite. The restaurant serves fresh seafood largely sourced from St. Mary’s First Nation community members, representing its people and locality. On the menu, you will find shareable starters, hearty grilled mains, pastas, and signature desserts. Every meal starts with bannock served with butter and molasses – a Wolastoq Wharf signature. The restaurant is fairly small, so reservations are strongly recommended. 

The Lunar Rogue Pub is a must for whisky drinkers and all people who enjoy a good pub. Opened in 1989, the pub is a part of the city’s fabric and has one of the biggest whisky collections in the country. The collection, in fact, is so deep you need to download an app to see the complete list. Food and other beverages are, of course, also available. 

If you are in the city on Saturday, don’t miss the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market. With over 200 vendors, including farmers and artisans, the market is one of the best in Canada. 

Eggs Benedict on bannock and a bannock breakfast sandwich at Jenna’s Nut Free Dessertery, Fredericton, New Brunswick. Image by Kateryna Topol.

Dinner at the Wolastoq Wharf Seafood Restaurant, Fredericton, New Brunswick. Image by Kateryna Topol.

Where to stay in Fredericton

Delta Fredericton is perhaps the best hotel in the city. Recently renovated, the hotel has spacious rooms with a beautiful view of the river and a spectacular bar with a large centrepiece on the ground floor. Among the other coveted amenities are the indoor pool, outdoor barrel saunas, and the seasonal Drift Pool + Patio – a destination for locals as much as it is for visitors. The hotel is not quite in the Downtown, but you can ask the hotel for a taxi or use ridesharing apps like Kari and Uride if a walk is not in the cards.

Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook would be a great Downtown alternative. The hotel has a restaurant and an on-site pub as well as an indoor pool and a fitness centre. For a more local stay, take a look at the Quartermain House Bed & Breakfast, a five-star heritage landmark B&B with ensuite baths, heated floors, and plush robes. 

Delta Fredericton by Marriott
225 Woodstock Rd, Fredericton, NB E3B 2H8
Rooms starting at $269 CAD for King
Book directly on marriott.com or compare with your favourite booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor 

Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook
659 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1C4
Rooms starting at $184 CAD for Queen
Book directly on ihg.com or compare with your favourite booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor 

Quartermain House Bed & Breakfast
92 Waterloo Row, Fredericton, NB E3B 1Y9
Rooms starting from $150 CAD, a two-night minimum applies in high season. 
Book directly on quartermainhouse.com. Find past guest reviews on TripAdvisor 

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This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
This trip was partially hosted by Visit Bath who did not review or approve this story.

Travel tip: A scenic train ride from London will take you directly into the heart of Bath in just over an hour. Book your train journey with GWR or GWR National Rail, £47.50+ one way. Pay attention to the duration of the trip, some trains are faster than others. 

What to see & Do in Bath, England

Take time wandering the streets 

Some time in 60 AD, the Romans found hot springs in this region, and so they stayed and built baths and a temple. Naturally, many different people and cultures resided in the region since, eventually turning the area into a popular spa destination during the Georgian era. The extensive development made during this period is definitive of what Bath looks like today. It is no surprise that quite a few scenes in Bridgerton were filmed in Bath. 

Bath is a very walkable city. With intertwining streets connected by passages, it is easy to get slightly lost, but within that diversion, you will more than likely discover something new to admire. Bath Guildhall Market is one of those connecting passages, packed with over twenty boutique shops and cafes. Make sure to take a stroll through Green Street where independent shops, grocers, and pubs are door to door, setting a vibrant neigbourhood vibe.

Walking from the train station, you will come across, and likely pass through, the infamous Pulteney Bridge. Built by Robert Adam in 1769, it is the only bridge in the world with shops on both sides, making it feel more like a regular city street than a transportation necessity. During the day, walk along the main road to take in the bridge in its full glory from a distance.

One of the most notable structures in the city is the Bath Abbey, or The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. First built in the 7th century, the Abbey has been rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries. Both inside and out, this is a beautiful example of Anglo-Saxon architecture. The main hall is frequently open for live music performances, acoustics there are ideal for classical instruments. Bath Abbey’s Tower, 212 steps above ground, is where one goes for the best view of the city.

Bath Abbey | Map link
Admission:  £9.00 adult, £7.50 student, £5.00 child, infants are free.
Tower admission:  £18 adult, £15 student, £12.00 child.
Tower Tour tickets include a guided tour of the tower, access to the Abbey floor, and the Discovery Museum.

Take the longer walk to the Royal Crescent to witness this phenomenal circular architectural wonder. The structure is 500 feet long and contains 30 terraced houses, overlooking a pristine park. Built in 1767, The Royal Crescent is a UNESCO-recognised iconic structure. The uniformity of the building was enforced on its residents by the Bath City Council. Miss Wellesley-Colley famously defied the rules by painting her front door and windows primrose yellow and even had to defend her colour choice at a public inquiry. While you are there, stop by the No. 1 Royal Crescent Bath for a taste of local history and seasonal immersive exhibitions.

No. 1 Royal Crescent Bath | Map link
Admission:  £16 adult, £14.50 student and seniors, children under 18 are free. The ticket is good for multiple visits.

As an important heritage city, Bath hosts a lot of walking tours. Explore your options on TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, or Expedia. Free tours are offered by the Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides. 

Bath Abbey interior. The image in the centre includes a special art piece set up for Remembrance Day. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Roman Baths & Baths to bathe in

Learn about the intricate history of the region at The Roman Baths as you wander through this ancient structure. Before the Romans, the springs were dedicate a goddess named Sulis, locally identified with Minerva. Many myths and legends are tied to these waters. The journey through the Baths is one way, leading you along the water pools and into the museum. The museum contains a beautiful collection of artefacts, some of which were thrown into the spring as offerings to Sulis.

One of the best preserved Roman Sites in the world, this historic centre is a treasure chest of ancient innovation. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Roman Baths still fill with over 1,170,000 litres of natural hot spring water daily.

Roman Baths | Map link
Admission: £23.50 adult, £22.50 student and senior, £16.50 child. Add £3 to each fare for weekend visits. Late evening openings will be back for the summer. Guided tours are available. 

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Thermae Bath Spa is what makes Bath a wellness destination today. The four-story spa complex takes advantage of the mineral-rich waters just as the Romans did thousands of years ago. On the lower level is a large thermal pool, while higher up, guests will find steam rooms and other relaxation areas. The main attraction is, of course, the rooftop pool with a view of the Abbey. Thermae also has a cafe with a terrace, and the best spa package includes wine and charcuterie. 

Thermae Bath Spa | Map link 
Admission: Starts at £44 and has a 2-hour limit. Minimum age for the baths is 16.

Explore Bath’s museums & Galleries 

The majority of museums in Bath are quite small, you can check them off your list casually over the course of two days. Famous authors, like Jane Austin and Mary Shelley, have both lived in Bath, so naturally, there are museums dedicated to them. The Jane Austen Centre visit includes a small theatrical introduction and a self-guided tour. The Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is located just next door and is a stark dark contrast to the romantic world of Austen. In the basement of this building, is a room that comes with a warning. An escape room experience, of course, is also available. 

The Jane Austen Centre | Map link 
Admission: £17 adult, £15.50 students and seniors, £9.50 child. 

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein | Map link 
Admission: £16.75 adult, £14 students and seniors, £12.50 child.

Nearby, you will also find the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath World Heritage Centre, Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Bath Medical Museum, and a few others. 

Make sure to make time for The Victoria Art Gallery, set at the top of the Pulteney Bridge. The gallery opened in 1900 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and houses over 1,500 objects and paintings from classical and modern British artists. The Bath Society of Artists’ 121st Open Exhibition is on till November 2026. The exhibition is an impressively large showcase of work from amateur and professional artists across the country. 

The Victoria Art Gallery | Map link
Admission: Parts of the art gallery are free.
Special exhibitions are £9 adult, £8.50 students and seniors, £4 child.

Breakfast at The Roseate Villa Bath. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Where to eat & Drink in Bath

If you find yourself in Bath in March, make sure to look at the Bath Restaurant Week. One of the main events this week is the Waiter’s Race at the Royal Crescent, a surely comedic annual celebration that many local businesses take part in. 

Restaurants, pubs & Cocktail bars

Michelin Guide recently named Bath one of the top 10 destinations in the world for food. Walking around the city, it is hard to miss the many restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and pubs. Michelin Guide includes restaurants across Somerset, from Bath to Bristol, but a few of these notable stops are here in the city. Olive Tree Restaurant holds a star, while Beckford Bottle Shop and The Chequers have a Bib Gourmand. Stars aside, Bath’s culinary range spans many cuisines, from tapas at Pintxo de Bath to Italian at Solina Pasta. And you can always find uniquely local seasonal dishes at Emberwood. New this year, Somerset-based pizza restaurant Pizzarova will open a restaurant in Bath.

Classic English pub fare can be found across the city. The Raven, for example, is a traditional English pub with a maze of rooms and corners serving hearty and delicious pies and stews served with seasonal vegetables and taro chips. Here you will also find a dress cask ale selection, great service and good vibes. The Old Green Tree and Bath Cider House are close local favourites.

In the city centre, you will also find The Dark Horse, a classic cocktail bar. Open late nightly, this is a great spot for expertly made craft cocktails served in a cosy, yet vibrant environment. The beverage team offers in-house creations and classics made with local spirits and ingredients sourced within 15 miles of the bar. Opium Bar, tucked away in the vaults below Grove Street, also came highly recommended. 

If you are limited on time, consider joining a guided food tour, like Local Pubs & Historic Sights, British Wine and Cheese, or one of the multiple tours offered by Savouring Bath. Add an extra day to your itinerary with a day trip to Wells for a Cheddar Cheese and Cheddar Gorge tour. 

Left: The Raven pub. Right: Cocktail and one of the seating areas at the Dark Horse cocktail bar. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Don’t skip the classic Afternoon Tea 

Afternoon tea while in Bath is a must. The most notable location for this classic afair is, of course, the Pump Room Restaurant, set near the Abbey in the Roman Baths building. The restaurant offers Morning Bakery and Brunch and Jane Austen Afternoon Tea. Reservations are strongly recommended for both. Hotels like The Roseate Villa Bath and The Royal Crescent also open their doors for the traditional feast, offering two to three-course meals and a glass of bubbly.

Events & Entertainment in Bath 

A wide range of festivals takes place in Bath throughout the year. Some of those include the Bath Literature Festival, Curious Minds, Queer Bath annual festival, Bath Comedy Festival, The Jane Austen Festival, Film Bath, and Bath Christmas Market.

Bath International Music Festival focuses on classical music across a series of five concerts, some held at Bath Abbey. Other local music festivals include Bath Bachfest in February and Bath Mozartfest in November. New this May is the Bath Festival Of Choirs, free to the public.  

Regular programming includes shows at The Theatre Royal Bath, with performances across all genres in a beautiful theatre setting. Fever, a global entertainment company, hosts live performances and the Candelight concert series at the Abbey.  

Where to stay in Bath, England

While larger hotels are often located outside of the city center The Roseate Villa Bath is a short walk across Pulteney Bridge. This beautiful boutique hotel, set in a historic building, can be a destination on its own. The outdoor terrace is great for relaxation, while the on-site restaurant serves delicious, filling breakfast, afternoon tea, and a wonderful nightly dinner.

For a taste of luxury, consider The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Set behind the Roya Crescent half-moon building, this two-Michelin-Key hotel has a private garden and a full-service spa with a steam room, sauna, and hot tub. The on-premises restaurant has a garden terrace, casual bar, afternoon team room, and a beautiful dining room. 

Roseate Villa Bath
Rooms starting at £165 / $285 CAD for a classic double
Henrietta Rd, Bathwick, Bath BA2 6LX, United Kingdom
Book directly on roseatehotels.com to take advantage of special offers. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com |TripAdvisor 

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Rooms starting at £408 / $760 CAD for a classic double
16 Royal Cres, Bath BA1 2LS, United Kingdom
Book directly on royalcrescent.co.uk or with your favourite booking site Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor 

Roseate Villa Bath hotel. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Find more hotels in Bath, England 

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This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
The writer was hosted by Leipzig Tourism, which did not review or approve this story.

Left: Auerbach’s Cellar under the roof of the Mädler Passage; image courtesy of Leipzig Tourism. Right: Bach Monument in Thomaskirchhof; image © courtesy of Leipzig Tourism.

Explore

Start in The Markt, the city’s historic heart, and visit Leipzig’s Renaissance-style Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), now home to the Museum of City History. Head to Mendelssohn House for a glimpse into the composer Felix Mendelssohn’s life and works, and the Bach Museum in St. Thomas Square, which features 12 exhibition rooms dedicated to the other famous German composer. Across from the museum, St. Thomas Church is a Romanesque-Gothic gem dating back to the 13th century. Bach, who served as Cantor of St. Thomas School, is also buried there, directly in front of the altar. Pro tip: Pay your respects, then stay for a free performance by the church’s Boys’ Choir, considered to be one of the best choir performances in the country. 

St. Nicholas Church is not only a major Romanesque-Gothic-Baroque-Newclassical-style place of worship, but was the city’s main meeting point for peaceful Monday Demonstrations against the East German government between 1989 and 1991. The Museum in Der Runden Ecke (Museum of the “Round Corner”) offers a fascinating look into the Stasi (East German secret police), while the Grassi Museum is home to three museums: the Ethnography Museum, the Musical Instruments Museum, and the Applied Arts Museum. All of which combine forces to display more than 200,000 pieces of both European and international artisanship dating back to antiquity. Outside of the city centre, the Monument of the Battle of the Nations – the largest monument in Europe – commemorates the 1813 defeat of Napoleon’s army in Leipzig, and is worth the trip. 

Take a load off at Zoo Leipzig, and visit its six themed worlds, including wonderous Gondwanaland, where tropical rainforests – complete with jungle paths, exotic animals and different plant species – will enthral you. In town, enjoy an acoustically brilliant performance at Leipzig’s famous Gewandhaus in Augustusplatz, the city’s third great concert hall. Leipzig’s first Gewandhaus in 1781 witnessed landmark works, including the premiere of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, Schubert’s Great Symphony, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, and Brahms’ A German Requiem. Cap off the day atop Panorama Tower for a drink and stellar city views. 

Zoo Leipzig. Images by Lara John and Simon Infanger.

Eat

You can’t come to Leipzig and miss Auerbachs Keller, located below the Mädler Passage. A wine bar hotspot since the 16th-century, this visually stunning 500-year-old restaurant gained international fame through Goethe’s play Faust, where Mephistopheles brings Faust during his travels. Visitors are encouraged to explore the restaurant’s historic dining rooms and enjoy classic Saxon fare.

Leipzig’s eight Michelin restaurants cater to those eager to savour the city’s fine dining scene. Of the eight, three have earned a one Michelin star. Kuultivo prides itself on an ever-evolving, locally-inspired menu paired with dynamic wines, while Frieda’s eclectic dishes, such as ‘saddle’ of venison, salted celeriac, artichoke cream, pistachio, and lardo, have made a lasting impression. Petra and Detlef Schlegel’s Stadtpfeiffer has been an elegant, French-inspired mainstay since 2001. 

As for imbibing, visit Gosenschenke, home to one of Saxony’s most beautiful beer gardens, and enjoy a glass of sour Leipziger Gose beer. So popular and beloved, the city is also known as “Gosestadt,” and plays host to the annual Gose Day on November 17th. Try the Magic Monkey and Pornstar Milk-Tinii at Imperii. Not only does this bar serve creative cocktails, it does so in Leipzig’s oldest trading house, drawing inspiration from the city’s history as a crossroads of commerce and trading powerhouse. 

It may come as a surprise, but Leipzig’s passionate coffee culture goes back centuries. After all, it’s said that Bach himself frequently visited Cafe Zimmermann – the city’s largest coffee house in the 18th century – even using it as the backdrop for his cantatas, including his Coffee Cantata. Today, Kaffeehaus Riquet is easily one of the most coveted and recognisable addresses for a relaxing cup of coffee. Combining Art Nouveau with Chinese architecture, this former commercial building has two copper-embossed elephant heads gracing its entrance, a Riquet company trademark. Enjoy a Leipziger Lerche (shortcrust pastry filled with an almond-nut mix and marzipan) with a Pharisäer, a hot coffee with rum, topped with whipped cream. 

Left: Mädler Passage; image by Philipp Kirschner © courtesy of Leipzig Tourism. Middle: St. Thomas Church; image by Michael Adair © courtesy of Leipzig Tourism. Right: Monument to the Battle of the Nations; image courtesy of Leipzig Tourism.

Escape

Day trips and weekend getaways in Saxony are well worth the detour. Two hours south of Leipzig, the small, charming city of Plauen blends historic architecture with artisanal workshops. Renowned for its iconic “Plauen Lace,” visitors are encouraged to visit the exhibit-rich Embroidery Machine Museum to gain a better appreciation of the methodical machines and time-honoured techniques used to shape the Vogtland Region’s proud and enduring threadwork tradition. 

Further south in Markneukirchen, the city’s Musikinstrumenten Museum celebrates its centuries-old instrument-making legacy. Immersive, guided tours take visitors through more than 20 rooms, all boasting a jaw-dropping collection of musical instruments from Germany and around the world. Nearby, the Historisches Sägewerk is a historic, reconstructed sawmill that brings the region’s ancestral craft to life, with live demonstrations that show how ordinary tree trunks are transformed into beautifully intricate, character-rich instruments. 

Minutes from the Czech border, the town of Bad Elster has been an esteemed spa town for centuries. In fact, its therapeutic, mineral-rich waters from the spring now known as the Moritzquelle were documented as early as the 17th century. Today, the Royal Saxon State Spa, aka, Sächsische Staatsbäder GmbH Soletherme & Saunawelt Bad Elster, offers several treatments and an array of wellness amenities, including their famous moor mud and peat therapy – baths that promote zen in its purest, most natural form. 

Where to stay in Leipzig

Vienna Townhouse Bach Leipzig

An updated Renaissance-period building with 52 apartments decorated in tribute to J.S. Bach. Most rooms have a kitchenette. On-site, you will find a restaurant, event spaces, fitness facilities, and a sauna.

Reserve the Townhouse

Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof

Centrally located luxury hotel in the heart of Leipzig. The rooms are spacious with a great view. On-site guests will find a gym, spa, sauna, as well as a restaurant and bar.

Reserve Steigenberger

Stay KooooK Leipzig City

Aparthotel close to major attractions and the city centre. The rooms are modern, with fun decor, and some have a kitchen. This property has a rooftop garden, laundry room, on-site cafe & bar, and a library.

Reserve the KooooK

Find more hotel options for your trip

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The hotel is located in the heart of Wendake, home of the Huron-Wendat Nation, in the Québec City region. First Nations people have lived here for millennia, and while their numbers and geography have dwindled, the culture and pride of the Wendat Nation are entering a Renaissance, with communities rejuvenating their land and sharing their stories in new ways.

A weekend in Wendat can easily be a week if slow travel is something you’re looking for. The destination offers a blend of luxury hotel hospitality, deep cultural experiences, and a taste of elevated Indigenous cuisine. Here, you will see culture and tradition meet modernity in harmony with nature. Just as intended hundreds of years ago.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

In luxury and one with nature

Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations stretches along the shore of Akiawenrahk River. Designed by LemayMichaud, this stunning property encompasses a 79-room hotel and a Wendat museum, Musée des Premières Nations.

The sun-drenched lobby welcomes the forest in with floor-to-ceiling windows, trees throwing long shadows across the lounge. My eyes were immediately drawn to this space, thoughtfully arranged with mid-century furniture: polished wood, rounded finishes, and dark glass blending into the exterior forestry. The walls throughout the property are ornamented with Indigenous art, artefacts, old photographs, animal mounts and game hides, harmoniously mixing tradition into the contemporary decor.

This elegant design aesthetic carries through into the guest rooms. Wood panel accents and furniture are accented by gold finishes, green velvet couches, and textured pattern seating. Forest-themed wallpaper, found in every room, amplifies the feeling of wilderness. 

All rooms face the garden or the river by design. Ground-floor suites have a terrace, while those higher up have a Juliet balcony. With the doors open on a calm summer day, light curtains gently moving in the wind, the space feels almost meditative, birds and rustling leaves serving as a musical accompaniment.

Stretching across the perimeter of the hotel is the Tsonywa’ndiyonhrat (We have one spirit) Trail. Along the trail are interpretive panels speaking to the Wendat relationship with nature. The trail meets the museum garden of the Three Sisters: corn, beans, and squash, key components in Indigenous sustainable agriculture and diet. While the trail and gardens are quite small, you can spend hours in this forest learning, delving into the history or simply passing time with a book. This immediate access to nature evokes a sense of peace and tranquillity, unencumbered by the city noise.

Hotel basics: This pet-friendly property has an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, and EV charging stations. Among the facilities are five meeting rooms and event facilities that can accommodate up to 140 people. All of the spaces are suited for conferences, meetings, and weddings. Guided trail tours and an explanatory booklet are available at the museum. 

The duality of hospitality and culture 

The overall architecture is inspired by a longhouse, a traditional dwelling of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquoian¹) people. The hotel lobby shares the entrance with Musée des Premières Nations. Purched on the side of the building, the museum’s cone shape is reminiscent of an Algonquin smokehouse. This design, according to the architects, “also symbolically evokes a lowered stockade, a place where peace and harmony reign and where protective defences are no longer necessary”. 

The museum is a national institution, dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of the Wendat Nation. Home to a collection of nearly 350 objects, the museum experience includes the Three Sisters garden, nearby Tsawenhohi House (home of a great Wendat diplomat Nicolas Vincent Tsawenhohi), and the Ekionkiestha’ National Longhouse. 

The museum has guided tours, but my unstructured approach to this weekend meant I was in for a self-guided walk. Slowly navigating the interior with an audio guide, I took time to soak in the dark history of the region, admiring the resilience of its people. The tour travels from the dimly lit main room to a bright modern gallery space, François Vincent Kiowarini. This room is home to an exhibition titled Wendat Endi’ (Us the Wendat), a collection of portraits of people who bear the Wendat culture today.

Exiting through the back, the museum experience continues at the Ekionkiestha’ National Longhouse (Yänonhchia’ in Wendat language), built entirely of wood and bark. The longhouse, along with a smokehouse and a sweat lodge, is set in a reconstructed Wendat village, framed by a tall protective fence. In their prime days, each village had multiple longhouses, some accommodating up to 100 people. The design and year-round practicality of the structure are impressive, taking into consideration heating, sleeping arrangements, food storage, and potential for expansion.

These facilities are still used for private ceremonies and public experiences. Visitors can gather around the fire for First Nation’s Myths and Legends stories or even book an Overnight stay at the longhouse. 

Musée Huron-Wendat
15 Pl. de la Rencontre, Wendake | Map link
Admission rates starting at $13 for adults and $6.50 for children | Get 10% off booking online with coupon code WEB.
Purchase tickets on museehuronwendat.ca | Book a guided tour. 

People of the peninsula

The Wendat are matriarchal communities who originally occupied the land from the Saint Lawrence River to the Great Lakes. Villages across the regions, pushed out by European settlers who brought disease and conflict, moved around looking for a place to rebuild, eventually settling in Wendake in 1697. The original Wendat Confederacy consisted of multiple villages, some with populations of over 2,000 people. Lost to colonisation, many of these villages are still being uncovered by archaeologists across the province.  

With the Great Lakes as a backdrop, the word Wendat means people of the island or peninsula. The word Huron, however, is an exonym given to the Wendat people by the French, who compared Wendat men’s thick hair to a boar’s head. Given the linguistic and historical context of the word, it is no surprise that Wendat Nation officials have been “mulling” dropping the word “huron” from their name.

The Wendat language, Onywawenda’, which predates European contact by a thousand years, was forced out of use by the European settlers. Much of it has been lost but is now slowly coming back to life through research and community efforts. You can see Wendat words in use throughout the museum and other attractions in Wendake. Complex and beautiful, when read out loud, the words have a bit of a ring to them.

Walls of a reconstructed Wendake village and a Longhouse at Musée des Premières Nations in Wendake.

Enchanting night walk with Onhwa’ Lumina

A short drive from the hotel is one of Québec’s most unique tourism experiences, Onhwa’ Lumina. The attraction is a 1.2km night walk through an immersive installation that speaks to all of the senses, drawing visitors into the story. The pathway begins with an introduction to the experience and the Wendat Nation, beautifully illustrated on a circular panel. “Circles are very important to us,” pointed out Dominic Ste-Marie, member of the Wendat Nation from the Yanariskwa (Wolf) Clan, representative of Tourism Wendake. Wendat lean into a circular understanding of the world, one in which all the beings are equal and interdependent in harmonious unity. The circle also resembles the shape of the Earth, the sun, the moon, and the natural cycles of the universe.

As you stroll through the illuminated forest, different Wendat stories come to life around you. Stepping up to the Creation Story projection, my eyes grew wide in amazement, watching Yäa’tayenhtsihk (Sky Woman), fall from the sky to be saved by the Counsel of Animals on what will become the Great Turtle Island. Deeper into the forest, your senses sharpen, searching for the origins of sound and light, looking up at the stars and clan animals in the tree shadows. No words can properly describe what this walk is truly like. This voyage, needs to be experienced in person. 

Onhwa’ Lumina was developed by local artists, storytellers, musicians, historians, and other community members. “There were concerns about sharing the culture with the outsiders this way, but people came together sharing voices and other talents to create the experience,” Dominic shared. “And in having come together to create these stories, many people found a strengthened sense of community and deeper connection to their roots,” he added. 

Later that weekend, walking through the Wendat Endi’ exhibition at the Wendat Museum, I spotted a familiar face, a portrait of a Wendat storyteller, Dominic Ste-Marie.

Onhwa’ Lumina
110 Rue Grand Chef Thonnakona, Wendake | Map link 
Admission: Adults $33.75, children under 5 free, children 6-12 $18, teens 13-17 $25.74
Book on onhwalumina.ca | Find reviews on TripAdvisor.

Seafood board lunch at Restaurant La Traite at Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations.

Flavours, nature, and adventure in Wendake

A taste of Indigenous cuisine

Wendake’s culinary scene is rooted in its heritage. Among signature local dishes are segamité soup, made with the Three Sisters, wild game like deer and venison, and lake fish. 

The signature restaurant at the hotel is La Traite, which serves cuisine inspired by native knowledge and terroir. Every meal begins with bannock (indigenous frybread), with butter. On a sunny day, lunch in the garden terrace is the obvious choice. The lunch menu gets replaced by an all-day menu with a few regional tasting boards available alongside appetisers and snacks. During dinner, you can choose from à la carte and three or four-course tasting menus, optionally accompanied by wine. 

Nearby in the Wendake centre is Restaurant La Sagamité, known for its Yatista, a flaming game meat dish (literally set on fire at your table). This menu is quite robust with a lot of options across all categories, from fish to pizza to tartares. I chose to sit on the wraparound balcony, listening to the nearby waterfall while enjoying deer and elk medallions with seasonal wild berry jam.

Above: Deer and elk medallions and maple tart at Restaurant La Sagamité, Wendake. Below: Restaurant La Sagamité exterior.

Traditional experiences in Wendake

In addition to the multiple experiences offered by Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, visitors can go on a guided tour of Site Traditionnel Huron Onhoüa Chetek8e. This authentically reconstructed village is open year-round for a wide range of experiences. Guests can book craft-making workshops, tales and legends stories, canoe excursions, tomahawk throws, archery, and snowshoeing adventures. 

One of the biggest events, however, is the Wendake Pow Wow, taking place annually in June. The Pow Wow is a cultural gathering which brings together dancers, drummers, artisans, and visitors from numerous First Nations around the world. 

Longhouse interior at Musée des Premières Nations.

The great outdoors for adventurers of all levels

Once you’ve explored all of the hotel grounds, a slightly longer walking path to pursue is the Rally Ahaha’. This is an hour-and-a-half-long walk that goes through Wendake city centre, along nature paths, and past the Kabir Kouba Waterfall. Kabir Kouba is a 28-meter-wide and 42-meter-tall waterfall, set in a deep canyon, with multiple viewpoints from the top to the bottom. For another day, go further along the 48-km hiking trail following the river deeper into the region.

For those looking to get out on the water, Légaré Canoes, offers kayak and paddleboard rentals and lessons. The route follows a 20-km stretch of the Akiawenrahk River, proposing a different perspective on the land. 

Book directly to take advantage of flexible checkout and other perks at hotelpremieresnations.ca. Compare rate to: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com | Trivago

1. ︎

Indigenous Peoples who lived in the Great Lakes are often described as Iroquoian and included a group of nations: Haudenosaunee, Wendat, Neutral, Tionontati, Wenro, and Erie. The term Iroquoian is yet another word introduced by the French, the preferred terminology is Haudenosaunee, or “people of the longhouse” [source].

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Cover image: View of Acropolis of Athens with Parthenon and Erechtheion from Filopappou hill. Image by Constantinos Kollias.

Left: People in the Monastiraki Square, image by Andrea Leopardi. Right: Acropolis, Athens, image by Roland Fényes.

Favourite haunts

Start your Athenian adventure with this pro tip: before you head to the metro or hop in a cab, the best way to assimilate yourself quickly into Greek life, is to stop at one of the airport cafes for a Freddo Cappuccino. Cold and sweet, it’s a perfectly refreshing drink after a long flight. 

Whether visiting for the first time, or 10^th, Syntagma Square is always my first point of interest. A massive, centrally located square, it allows me to get my bearings. Above ground, in front of the Hellenic Parliament building, is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every top of the hour, Evzones – elite presidential guards – perform the changing of the guard, a carefully choreographed, timeless ceremony. Below ground, at the Syntagma metro station, I always stop by the one the city’s most unexpected museums, revealing ancient roads, pottery, even skeletal remains, traced from classical antiquity to the Ottoman period. 

Plaka – the “Neighbourhood of the Gods” – is one of the city’s most enchanting areas, and one I spend the most time in. Located at the base of the Acropolis, its narrow streets, tiny squares, and hidden courtyards are filled with everything from cafes to Byzantine churches. Near Monastiraki Square, I fuel up with a traditional Greek coffee at H Oraia Ellas (Beautiful Greece), and grab a gyro down the street at Bairaktaris – both are among the oldest establishments in the city, dating back to the 19^th century. 

Fueled by caffeine and tzatziki, I make my way through the expansive National Garden to Lycabettus Hill. Athens’ highest hill rewards with outstanding panoramic views of the city.

Plaka neigbourhood by day and night. Images by Thomas Gravanis, courtesy of This is Athens | Develop Athens.

Pro tip: take the funicular up the mountain, and walk back down at dusk, stopping at Prasini Tenta (Green Tent) to enjoy a coffee or cocktail overlooking the city at sunset. 

Anafiotika is a tiny, hidden enclave that clings to the northern slopes of the Acropolis. Designed to look and feel like a Cycladic island village, its narrow, winding lanes, whitewashed cubic houses draped with bougainvillea, and outstanding city views make it a peaceful respite from the crowds. 

I venture to Aeropagus Hill, once home to an ancient Greek court of law, before climbing the storied steps to the Parthenon itself. Sacred ground, I shed an emotional, uncontrollable tear every time I gaze upon it. Along Dionysiou Aeropagitou street, I pass the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Prison of Socrates, en route to Philopappos Hill, a relaxing walk through nature with postcard views of the distant Acropolis.

Pro tip: Visit during golden hour to witness cotton candy hues gracing the ancient landmark. I end the day with a delectable dinner and live music at Geros tou Moria restaurant along the iconic Mnisikleous Stairs before cocktailing at Brettos, Athens’ oldest bar. 

Can’t miss neighbourhoods

As tempting as it is to stay in areas like Plaka, venturing into more local neighbourhoods gives you a more immersive glimpse into Athens’ authentic heartbeat. 

Psyri, tucked between Omonia and Monastiraki, was once a craftsmen’s quarter. Today, it’s like a teenager – relatively quiet during the day, but unapologetically loud and alive from dusk to sun up. I love meandering the maze of street art, even dancing in the streets until the wee hours, thanks to competing Bouzouki bands vying for your attention at every café, tavern, and restaurant. Must hit spots include Krinos for chocolate-drenched honey balls, Mokka Café for an authentic Greek coffee made on sand, and Avli, a hole-in-the-wall nook that you’d otherwise miss, if it wasn’t for the long line of diners waiting to be seated.

South of the city proper, Vouliagmeni is at the heart of the Athenian Riviera. Hike Faskomilia Hill for lovely coastal vistas, enjoy a day on the beach, and reward yourself at Lake Vougliagmeni, a tranquil, thermal spa surrounded by incredible natural beauty. In Greece, you can’t go five minutes without seeing a restaurant within walking distance, and in Vouliagmeni, I always get a table at Zaxos Grill for street food, Waffle House for hand-made ice cream, and Panorama restaurant for delicious seafood, oceanside.

West of Athens, Piraeus is a storied port city, and a gateway to the Greek islands. While many visitors pass through, I often stay a while and enjoy a coffee with Bougatsa (Greek phyllo custard pastry) in Mikrolimano (Little Harbour), watching fishing boats traverse the bay, before dipping into Votsalakia Beach (yes, especially in November and December) before gingerly strolling palm-tree lined Costantinos Triandafyllos Passage, and dinner at any of the restaurants lining beautiful Marina Zeas. 

Left: Coffee at H Oraia Ellas, image courtesy of the cafe. Right: Gyro at Bairaktaris, image courtesy of the restaurant.

Where to stay: La Divina

Located in the historic Thiseio neighbourhood – between Plaka, Psyri, the Acropolis and Ancient Agora – La Divina makes for an obvious home base. 12 meticulously designed rooms, each named after the operas performed by legendary Greek-American Soprano Maria Callas. Charming, calming, and central, complete with personalised service and refined flavour, it makes for a comforting stay after an adrenaline-fueled Athenian adventure, with Parthenon views to boot. 

Best time to visit Athens

Having been to Athens throughout the year, I prefer to visit before and after peak season – April to May, and October to December (yes, even December). It’s less expensive, the crowds are slightly thinner, and the attractions are still open. Athena herself replaces summer heat with pleasant days and comfortable nights, seducing with an ever-present, lively vibe that permeates into every crevice of this great city. 

Author: Jim Bamboulis
@travelmammal

Jim Bamboulis is a content creator with 25 years of experience as a TV host and producer, Travel Journalist, and Podcaster. He has created travel and food videos for Lonely Planet and contributes to various international publications. Jim hosts the Fact Up Podcast, a travel show exploring destinations and local culture. He runs Mazee, a business offering Greek gift baskets and online cooking classes. A passionate traveller and outdoor enthusiast, Jim believes in balancing adventure with great food.

The post See Athens like a local: Popular haunts for first-time and return visitors  appeared first on Paths to Travel.

One can easily spend an entire week leisurely exploring Halifax, dedicating mornings to tourism attractions and evenings to sampling the city’s bites and sips. An ideal visit should take three to five days, topped up by a day or two if you include some day trips. But if a weekend is all you have, the city will still embrace you with open arms.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
This trip was hosted by Discover Halifax who did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

Do sleep in North End Halifax

North End Halifax isn’t far from the Downtown, but its wide range of offerings and unique atmosphere set a different scene from the city centre. Here, low-rise houses with decorative porches line the streets. The laidback energy calls for slow strolls around the neigbourhood, peaking into independent shops and cafes and enjoying meals outdoors. In the evening, the energy vibrates through the dimly lit windows of bars and restaurants where people pack in to enjoy some of the city’s best culinary experiences. Stay one, to two nights to properly enjoy the neigbourhood.

What to do in North End Halifax

Explore the Forth Needham Memorial Park and the Hydrostone neigbourhood, known for its’ circa-1920s row houses and the Hydrostone Market. Pop into the 14 Bells Fine Art Gallery before crossing over to Agricola. Slow stroll through Agricola Street, stopping by various boutique shops and get lost at the Halifax Vintage Co-op. Find unique housewares and decor at Isle at Ease or stationery at Cahier Stationery & Life Goods. Pick up a whole new outfit shopping across small local clothing stores like Sattva Boutique, Nor’easter Apparel, Slowly Slowly, and Meyvn Sustainable Apparel.

As you walk, pay attention to the many street art pieces found across North End Halifax, this can be its own guided tour. For a more active adventure, rent some skates and cruise around the Emera Oval.

Breakfast, lunch, or call it brunch

North End Halifax is home to many exciting restaurants, bars, and cafes, many of which are open during the day. But first, pick up a coffee at Rambler’s or Espresso 46 on the opposite side of the neigbourhood. Espresso 46 is ajesent to Warehouse Market, where crowds of locals come to stock up on fresh farm vegetables, baked goods, and butchery products.

Testing out the Happy Patina bifold wallet, handcrafted in Spain from natural full-grain leather. The wallet comes with an all-natural leather care kit, so it can last you a lifetime. The care and attention to detail that goes into the Happy Patina lineup of leather goods certainly made us do a double-take. From November 25th to December 3rd, 2025, customers can enjoy 15 % off all collections and complimentary gift wrapping.

Cucumber and Muffuletta sandwich, with mortadella, Genoa salami, and Swiss cheese.

Have a casual breakfast or lunch at Luke’s Small Goods, where tasty sandwiches are made among interesting pantry staples and baked goods. The menu might seem simple, but each sandwich is packed with flavour. Even the typically simple cucumber sandwich stood on par with fresh Italian cold cuts. Add chips and a pickle to any sando for two bucks. 

Opt-in for a sit-down lunch at Edna, nestled at the edge of the neighbourhood on Gottingen Street. This bistro has a cosy atmosphere with a laidback vibe, serves up seasonal menus from brunch to seafood suppers. The restaurant has been around for over a decade and has been award-winning from the start. Cafe Aroma Latino is a great alternative for those looking for a taste of Central American cuisine. This family restaurant and grocer offers a great selection of homemade dishes, handmade empanadas, and other tasty snacks. All art in the space is made by co-op students, and proceeds from sales are donated to the community.

Dylan Brentwood mixing up craft cocktails at Bar Kismet. On the table below is the Ahi Tuna Tartare with Allumettes Fries.

Dinners and nightcaps in North End Halifax

Bar Kismet is the spot that brings folks from Downtown to the North End nightly. This restaurant, set in a classic low-rise house with an appealing storefront, has made many lists: 50 Best, 100 Best, and even has a three-heart listing in the Frommer’s Guide. The backbar is packed with speciality spirits, the bar menu has a robust selection of craft cocktails and unique wines, and the kitchen efficiently preps mouthwatering fresh seafood and handmade pasta dishes. 

Down on Young Street, surrounded by neigbourhood restaurants, is The Ostrich Club, another fantastic dining destination located in Hydrostone Market. The restaurant is operated by an all-women team: GM and sommelier Alana Steel, Chef Moira Murray, and bar manager Lindsay Jones. Chef Moira was a contestant on the most recent season of Top Chef Canada (came in 2nd), and Lindsay is well known in the mixology scene as a talented competitive bartender. Naturally, the menu is a smooth blend of well-paired beverages and fine-tuned, intricately plated dishes. Every dish was delicious, but the Shrimp Dumpling is what people come back here for.

Here on Agricola Street, between shops and restaurants, you will also find Compass Distillers. The company started as a production facility but quickly pivoted to opening a bar and tasting room, inviting people in to see their beautiful copper stills and taste the product lineup. All spirits (gins, vodka, rum, whiskies) are made from Nova Scotian-grown grains and other raw ingredients, like sugar and molasses. The terrace and tasting room are a fun spot for a happy hour, whether you choose to taste the spirits or try one of the speciality cocktails. 

Mare Knight, bartender at Compass Distillers, walked us through a 4-pour tasting of in-house-made spirits. 

A local staple for late-night drinks and live music is the Narrows Public House. The pub is only three years old, but built with parts and memorabilia from other historic places, giving it a historic vibe. The Narrows is open all day and has a lush food menu, but it is the drinks, the stories, and the cask ale that people come here for. “This city used to be run by the Hell’s Angels, did you know?” the barkeep shared while pouring an Oban 14 dram for me, “Go on,” I leaned in. 

Bonus: If time is of the essence, but you’re looking to taste as much as possible, consider a walking food tour.

Where to stay in North Halifax

Brewery Park Hotel, located in the centre of the neigbourhood, is a great place to make home for the weekend. It is a self-catering style property built to blend into the classic Halifax architecture. There are King and Queen suites, all of which have comfortable platform beds, sitting areas, and a kitchenette, or what they call a wet bar. All units have beautiful wood finishes, spotlight local art, have plenty of storage, and large windows allowing the light to illuminate the unit. On the ground floor is the hotel’s front desk, open during office hours, where you can store your luggage.

Alternatively, there is a lovely boutique hotel called The Halifax Rooftop, which has an outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, and a sauna. 

Brewery Park Hotel
Rooms starting at $199 CAD per night
2853 Agricola St, Halifax, NS B3K 4E7
Book directly on brewerypark.ca or with your favourite booking website: Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor

The Halifax Rooftop
Rooms starting at $159 CAD per night for a Queen
3574 Acadia St, Halifax, NS B3K 3P4
Book directly on hfxrooftop.com or with your favourite booking website: Expedia | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor

Brewery Park Hotel, North End Halifax.

Halifax Harbour, views, playground, and the Tidal Beacon sculpture.

Halifax Harbour, Queen’s Marque district.

Level up in Downtown Halifax

Downtown Halifax stretches from the Public Gardens to the Waterfront. The look and feel of the neighbourhood changes as you move towards the water, from city living to casual harbour atmosphere. Each day spent in the city can be different, from historic explorations to casual evenings on the harbour or energetic nights out. Spend two, to three nights in the city centre. 

What to do in Halifax

Spend time in the Halifax Harbour

The Halifax Harbour is one of the deepest and largest ice-free natural harbours in the world. The boardwalk stretches 4.4 kilometres along the harbour, offering a serene view of the water on one side and bustling leisurely life on the other. Along the boardwalk are restaurants, resting areas, marinas with access to public boat tours, and public playgrounds. 

One of the newest developments in the Halifax Harbour is Queen’s Marque, a new waterfront neigbourhood encompassing residential units, a hotel, multiple restaurants, and a public square with a staircase descending into the water (entering the harbour is not recommended). Perched above the harbour, on top of Mystic Halifax, is a 60-foot art installation called Tidal Beacon. The sculpture is interactive and responds to tides, weather, and the surrounding environment.

A great way to experience the harbour is from the water. J Farwell operates public sailing tours directly from the harbour with five daily experiences to choose from (private charters are also an option). The Sunset Wine & Cheese Sail, for example, takes two-and-a-half hours of cruising around the harbour with a small group of guests. The experience includes a hosted tasting of four Nova Scotia wines accompanied by a loaded cheese and meats board ($176 pp). The Beneteau Oceanis 45 yacht sails along the narrows of the Northwest Arm, where you can see beautiful coastal homes, the shipyards, and if you get lucky, even some porpoises leaping out of the silky water.  

J Farwell Sailing Tours
Book on jfsailingtours.com 
Tours starting at $56 per adult
Gift this tour with Tinggly, and the recipient can choose the date.

Walk and learn in Downtown Halifax

The interior heart of the city is at the Halifax Public Gardens, a Victorian-era garden built in the year of Canadian Confederation (1867). Across the park, you will find fountains, statues, gazebos, and a dahlia flower garden. Plenty of wildlife swims in the garden’s pond, unencumbered by the human visitors the ducks often nestle along the walking paths. Free public tours are available by reservation. 

Another notable historic stop is, of course, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. The site is a star-shaped fortress overlooking the city and the harbour from a hill. Here, visitors can learn about the military history of Halifax or go on a ghost tour, whichever fits their travel mood most. Keep an ear out for the daily cannon fire at 12 PM, a ritual performed since 1857. 

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
5425 Sackville St | Map link
Citadel admission starting at $9 per adult in shoulder season
Some of the grounds are free to explore.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

On the left, Maud Lewis’ home at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. On the right, sculpture in front of the gallery.

For a cultural break, visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. The gallery museum houses an impressive Indigenous collection of arts, Ta’n a’sikatikl sipu’l | Confluence, which occupies an entire floor and includes seasonal showcases. In addition to the permanent collection and touring shows, the Art Gallery is also home to Nova Scotia’s favourite artist, Maud Lewis, whose tiny house can be seen inside the space. 

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
1723 Hollis St | Map link
Admission: $13.16/adult 

If you find yourself in Halifax on a Saturday, make sure to visit the Alexander Keith’s Brewery Market. Set in a historic brick building, the market is a city staple for locals and tourists alike. Sixty-five vendors set up shop weekly, offering farm produce, prepared meals, baked goods, art and other locally produced goods. Chefs, shoppers, and tourists can be seen in the market side by side, packing their totes while live music is playing in the background. 

Bonus: Pop into the new-ish Halifax Central Library to soak in the architecture and get a different perspective on the city from the higher-up floors and the terrace.

Lunch on Daryâ’s waterfront terrace, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Any time meals in Downtown Halifax

When on vacation, a leisurely meal is always recommended, and Halifax’s culinary scene is here to provide. Begin the day with a pop-in at the Two If By Sea Cafe, Weird Harbour Espresso Bar, Coffeeology Espresso Co, or Terra Cafe for your morning coffee kick and a breakfast pastry. 

Take the afternoon meal break at Queen’s Marque’s many restaurants. Daryâ, for example, is located directly on the harbour. The restaurant has a spacious outdoor terrace and beautifully decorated interior with a menu focused on Mediterranean cuisine. Bar Sofia, on the other hand, is focused on sharing plates, taking inspiration from the traditional Argentinian kitchen. Drift is open from early breakfast to late-night meals. This menu is focused on regional ingredients and the community behind them.

Set on the far end of the Halifax Harbour, Water Polo is a destination in its own right. The restaurant opened over a year ago, but this year they opened the outdoor terrace. Exiting directly onto the boardwalk, with an unobstructed view of Georges Island, the restaurant has a French Riviera feel, intentionally set with nautical decor. This landmark seafood restaurant offers a robust selection of fresh seafood meals (and some turf, of course), from decadent sushi rolls to seafood towers and grilled specialities. The cocktail menu is equally exciting, putting forward interesting takes on the classics.

Lunch at Water Polo, Halifax: Shrimp cocktail, sushi roll, and a Sea-Sar cocktail, Waterpolo’s interpretation of a Caesar with lobster oil-washed Ketel One Vodka.

Memorable dining moments

The main culinary attraction in Halifax is Mystic, positioned directly in Queen’s Marque, under the Tidal Beacon sculpture. The restaurant is built into the environment with floor-to-ceiling windows blending the dining room with the harbour. The restaurant operates like a fine-tuned musical instrument, with every team member moving in effortless synergy. At the centre of the room is an open kitchen where every dish is artfully plated with steady hands and kitchen tweezers.

Mystic’s menu is created by Chef Malcolm Campbell, who sharpened his skills across multiple Michelin-starred kitchens, from Gordon Ramsay’s Hospital Road to Auberge de l’Ile Barbe (Lyon, France). The menu, split into Fauna and Biota, uses ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers or foraged by the restaurant’s team. Chef Campbell is often seen at the Saturday market, picking out ingredients for the weekend, while some members of the restaurant team forage daily.

Guests have an option of ordering a la carte or letting the kitchen guide them through a blind tasting, known as the Discovery Menu. Seated in the galley, you will get a front-row seat to the kitchen orchestra. This menu changes daily, and every dish feels personal, especially when paired with the sommelier’s wine selections. Each Discovery Menu opens with an amuse-bouche, a teaser of what’s to come.

Mystic Halifax, front entrance, interior, and one of the wine bottles paired with the Discovery Menu.

A few courses from the Mystic Halifax Discovery Menu, created by Chef Malcolm Campbell.

Happy hours and liquid libations 

Between lunches and dinners are happy hours and nightcaps, and a visit to a new city should not be wasted on repeat stops. With a 4-6 PM happy hour, Obladee wine bar is a popular spot among locals. This casual wine bar is focused on sustainable and low-intervention wines, served alongside a full kitchen menu, so it can be your complete evening stop. 

Highwayman, on the other hand, is an energetic, happening spot most know for its cocktails. This 40-seat restaurant is set in a historic building and made world news when bar manager Keegan McGregor won the World Class Global Bartender of the Year title in Diageo’s Global World Class competition in 2024. The craft cocktails are paired with seasonally fresh Spanish tapas and pintxos.

Back in the Halifax Harbour is Peacock Wine Bar, which opens at 4 PM, just in time for the early peckish mood. The restaurant has an impressive wine selection accompanied by a chef-driven menu of small plates and homemade pastas. Fresh pints of Guinness and casual banter can always be found at the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse. Beer fans can join an Alexander Keith’s Brewery tour, spend an afternoon at the Stillwell Beergarden (seasonal), or taste some local small brews at 2 Crows Brewing Co..

On the left Paloma at Highwayman, on the right, a glass of wine and wall art at the Obladee wine bar.

Where to stay in Downtown Halifax

The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites, across from the public gardens, offers classic hotel luxury in the heart of the city. This historic property has great amenities, an on-premises pub, and offers guest passes to the nearby YMCA (for the pool). The rooms range from petite to classic queen and one-bedroom suites. All rooms are well-equipped and comfortable, while the suites are ideally suited for longer stays, offering privacy of a separate sitting area, large walk-in closets and a mini wet bar.

For a luxury escape on the waterfront, look at Hotel Muir, located in the new Queen’s Marque district. The hotel has a secret bar, multiple restaurants, elevated fitness facilities, a spa, and even offers car service for the guests. 

The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
Rooms starting at $152 CAD per night 
1515 South Park St, Halifax, NS B3J 1G9
Book directly on lordnelsonhotel.ca to save 15% or access packages. Compare prices with Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor

Muir, Autograph Collection
Rooms starting at $320 CAD per night for one King
1709 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 1S5
Book on marriott.com or with your favourite booking website: Expedia | Booking.com | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor

The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites, images from the One Bedroom Suite.

The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites, images from the mezzanine event space.

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and Village, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Daytrips from Halifax

A must-visit to Peggy’s Cove 

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and Village are perhaps the most popular tourism attraction in Halifax. This can be a half-day or a full-day visit if you are open to adding a hike to your agenda. Visitors can explore the village, stroll along the shore, settle in for a picnic, or grab a seafood chowder at the Sou’Wester Gift & Restaurant Company Ltd. If time permits, walk the Crystal Crescent Beach coastal loop to Pennant Point (10km) or choose one of the biking and hiking trails nearby. 

Getting to Peggy’s Cove: Rent a car, take a taxi ($80-$100 each way), or join one of many available tours. 

Visit local wineries 

A lesser-known fact about Halifax, and Nova Scotia, is that it has a wonderful wine region, well-positioned for white and sparkling wines. The region actually has a signature white wine varietal, called Tidal Bay, a crisp, fresh, aromatic wine made from 100% Nova Scotia-grown grapes (specific varietals). An hour and change drive will take you directly into the vineyards.

Benjamin Bridge is the local pride and joy, bottles of which you will likely spot in most restaurants and on the sunset sail. Recently certified as a B Corp, this is a family-owned farm winery open for visits year-round. In the summer months, the winery has a wonderful outdoor terrace, while the cold winters are embraced with winter vineyard adventures, firepits, and holiday lights. 

Tip: Join the Benjamin Bridge newsletter to be notified of their rare but fantastic cellar days.

Ten minutes away is Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, which also makes for a great lunch stop. Another local favourite with a spectacular view and a great selection of German-style wines. This family-owned farm vineyard practices biodynamic viticulture, producing minimal intervention wines. Make sure to try it if you see it on a restaurant menu.

Farm-to-table lunch and wine tasting at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, Halifax.

Getting to Halifax

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is a half-hour drive from the city (plus-minus depending on the traffic) or an hour by transit. Taxi is always an option, but the public transit actually works quite well. The bus stop at the airport is well marked. Regional Express 320 will take you Downtown ($4.75 cash, see schedule).

The post Don’t sleep on Halifax for your next urban escape appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Interesting fact: The country is a monarchy and has been a grand duchy since 1815. Currently, the country is led by Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg. According to the Royal Central, “Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy with the House of Nassau reigning since 1890”.

Luxembourg City, despite its naturally small size, is a showcase of the vast history and influences of the neighbouring countries. It is a multicultural city filled with UNESCO World Heritage monuments, museums, and beautiful neighbourhoods that often feel like their own cities. There is also a wealth of cultural activities to explore.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
All images by Kateryna Topol.

Local basics

Currency: Euro

Language: As a country landlocked by France, Germany, and Belgium, Luxembourg is a place of many languages. Luxembourgish, French, and German are official languages, but many people, at least in the city, also speak English. 

When to visit: July and August are the warmest months and therefore the highest tourist peak season. I visited in October and aside from the rain, the weather was quite lovely. Turning leaves creates a poetic fall atmosphere.

Public transit: Luxembourg public transit is free across the country and has been so since 2020. There are buses and streetcars moving around the city, including a line which loops through the shopping village (Ville Haute). Find maps and connections on Mobiliteit.lu app or on the transit website. Most stops also have extensive system maps.

Sightseeing tip: Some of the attractions are free to enter on certain days. Quite a few are included in the LuxembourgPass; check your wishlist against the pass inclusions. Pass fees start at €21 per person for one-day access and go up to €66 for 3-5 people for three-day access.

Adolphe Bridge exterior on the left, exterior on the right.

Luxembourg’s walking paths

The city can be easily explored on foot with casual coffee and snack stops sprinkled between sightseeing and entertainment. Twenty Tour company offer free guided walking tours, but if you choose to go on a self-guided walking tour, a great place to start is on Boulevard Royal at the foot of Adolphe Bridge. The bridge is a double-decked arch bridge that serves as a one-way route for road traffic across the Pétrusse. The view from the bridge is quite wonderful, and if you take the underpassageway, the scenery will be framed by brick arches.

Take a stroll through Place Guillaume II, a town square in the heart of the Ville Haute quarter. In the winter, the square houses one of the city’s Christmas Markets. If timing works out, pop into Notre-Dame de Luxembourg, to take in the tall arched roof and stained glass windows.

Most walking paths will also lead you to the Gëlle Fra memorial and Place de la Constitution, or as the locals call her, The Golden Lady. The monument is set in memory of those who perished in WWI. The square sits on the edge of a wall, looking over Parcs de la Pétrusse, travelling theme parks, farmers’ markets, and the annual Christmas market set up here, at the Golden Lady’s feet. 

Galeries Lafayette is a shopping centre, but at the top of the shopping centre is a spacious outdoor terrace with a restaurant and a sprawling view of the city. Last summer, the terrace cafe was set up by Veuve Clicquot, yellow umbrellas reflecting the sun. 

Gëlle Fra memorial and Place de la Constitution.

Above: The Grund neigbourhood during the day. Below: Grund city gate and the neigbourhood at sunset.

Experience the remnants of the old city

A visit to the Grund quarter is a must, this part of the city is set below the Downtown. The Grund is a UNESCO cultural and architectural heritage site and home to many locals. Here you will find restaurants, pubs, museums, and outdoor art galleries. Partially surrounded by the old city walls, the Grund feels like a charming historic village with pastel-coloured homes with charcoal roofs curving along the Alzette River. The easiest way to access the Grund is by using the elevator near Cité Judiciaire. The observation deck near the elevator offers a picturesque view of the Grund. From here, you can walk along the wall to the other side of the city, looking down at the Grund. 

While here, you can visit the Neimënster Abbey, which now operates as a cultural and conference centre. Various events take place in the Pais (square) of the abbey throughout the year, and sometimes the entire square can be a temporary art installation. 

Casemates du Bock will take you into the rock tunnels surrounding the Grund, one of the most important historical points in Luxembourg. This is a subterranean defence system made up of many kilometres of tunnels, which you can walk through on your own, stopping to look out through the windows onto the city. 

Casemates du Bock
10 Montee de Clausen, 1343 Grund, Luxembourg | Map link
Admission: €10 adults, €18 for a guided tour

In the Grund, you will also find the National Museum of Natural History (MNHNL), which, as the name suggests, contains a collection of special exhibits focused on nature and science. The collections include botanical, mineralogy, meteorites and tektites, palaeontology, and many more. 

National Museum of Natural History
25 Rue Münster, 2160 Grund Luxembourg | Map link
Admission: €7 adults, free on Tuesday evenings after 5:30 PM

Galleries, museums & Monuments

National Art & History Museum (MNHA, or Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart) is the city’s art and history museum with a large archaeological collection. What looks like a white cube from the outside is combined with an older structure, which houses older art and artefacts. The building is set in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, so you will likely walk by it more than once. 

Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart
Marché-aux-Poissons, 2345, Luxembourg | Map link
Admission: Free entry for permanent collection, temporary exhibitions €7 adults, free after 5 PM on Thursdays. Closed on Mondays. 

National Art & History Museum, Luxembourg City.

Left: National Art & History Museum. Right: Grand Ducal Palace.

Nearby, you will undoubtedly see the Grand Ducal Palace, which serves as the residence and official workplace of the Grand Duke. Guided tours are offered in the summer months. 

Luxembourg City History Museum (or Lëtzebuerg City Museum) is a fun and interactive way to learn about the city’s history. The permanent exhibit, The Luxembourg Story, is quite fascinating, looking back at the history from the 10th century to today. Temporary exhibitions range from historic to cultural, looking at topics beyond Luxembourg City. The museum also offers a mix of workshops, if you’d like to get creative on your trip. The museum is larger than it seems and can easily take up multiple hours. Don’t miss the outdoor terrace for the view. 

Lëtzebuerg City Museum
14 Rue du St Esprit, 1475 Ville-Haute | Map link
Admission: €5 adults, free on Thursdays after 6 PM

Above left: Luxembourg City History Museum seen from the Grun, right is the view from the museum terrace. Below: images from inside the museum.

Art lovers will also enjoy a visit to Villa Vauban, home to a collection of European art pieces from the 17th to 19th century and Luxembourgish art from the 20th century to today. The building is surrounded by the Municipal Park of Luxembourg, which occasionally has interesting pop-ups with live music and a temporary bar.

Villa Vauban
18 Av. Emile Reuter, 2420 Ville-Haute Luxembourg | Map link
Admission: €5 adults, free on Fridays after 6 PM

Mudam Luxembourg Museum is a new structure within an old structure, or rather, surrounded by the remains of it. It is a great, medium-sized museum that features a range of touring contemporary exhibitions and a permanent collection. The building itself is quite beautiful, with geometric shapes making it look like a crystal from certain angles. 

Photo tip: On the way to the Mudam, you will also pass Philharmonie Luxembourg with the large Luxembourg sign.

Mudam Museum of Modern Art
3 Park Drai Eechelen, 1499 Clausen, Luxembourg | Map link
Admission: €10 adults, free Wednesdays after 6 PM

Mudam Museum of Modern Art.

Municipal Park of Luxembourg, summer pop-up bar and play areas.

Bonus stop off-the-beaten-path: Coque Sports Center (D’Coque). This spaceship-looking structure is the national sports and cultural centre. The centre houses various fitness facilities and a (nude) spa; day passes are available for visitors. The building is surrounded by a lovely park, playground, and a maze garden.

Coque Sports Center
2 Rue Léon Hengen, 1745 Kirchberg | Map link

Entertinament & nightlife 

As with any major city, something is happening in Luxembourg throughout the year. The VisitLuxembourg app is a great way to learn about daily happenings, from large events to small comedy pop-ups.

Weekdays across the city can be a little quiet. But on the weekends, the city centre is overcome with life, with people mingling across bars and restaurants, often spilling out on the streets in every weather. In the winter, multiple Christmas Markets are set up in the city, and you can visit more than one per day. Each market has a selection of prepared food and beverage vendors and speciality shops. With music playing, these markets become makeshift bars for people looking to escape their regular social spots.

Tip: Most bars will take a deposit on a mug, which you can reuse throughout the market and return for change when you are done.

Munchies Burger Luxembourg.

Locally created pastry, Pâté de Riesling at Pâtisserie Hoffmann.

Where to eat & Drink in Luxembourg

A fun way to get a taste of any new city is with a walking Food Tour, and Luxembourg has one, operated by a local company, Sightseeing.Lu. On this food tour, you will learn about local specialities and visit some of the oldest restaurants.

Plenty of restaurants are scattered throughout Luxembourg City, some casual, some elevated, and many family-owned. 

Rôtisserie Ardennaise, for example, offers fine dining French cuisine while Max + Moritz across the street serve delicious shareable small plates. Brasserie Restaurant L’Hêtre Beim Musée, is a great spot for an elevated meal with wine service. Nearby is Bar Lady Jane, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar on the upper floor (password can be found on their Facebook page). 

If you are looking for cocktails, look at The 18th Bar at Hotel Place d’Armes and Paname, whose bartender, François Bachmann, recently competed in the Diageo Global World Class Finals. Head to The Spirit, Kaale Kaffi, BARBAR or the Tube for a more casual vibe. 

For casual meals and snacks, visit Pâtisserie Hoffmann or Kaempff-Kohler for pastries and traditional Luxembourgish snacks, Munchies Burger for a juice burger, Nnert de Steiler for traditional hearty meals, or Restaurant Himalaya for hearty Indian food. 

Boutique Léa Linster Delicatessen specialises in freshly-baked madelines, served with local Crémant or coffee, is an absolute must for a sweet treat. The cafe is located steps away from the Grand Ducal Palace.

Day trips

Luxembourg is a small country and within 30 minutes or under, you can get to a wide variety of activities, from visiting castles to the wine routes along the Moselle River and multi-day hiking trails. Half an hour out of the city, for example, you will find Haff Réimech and Biodiversum nature reserve. A cluster of ponds and lakes connected with mixed paths and fields form a protected wildlife heaven. The main structure is quite futuristic-looking, simultaneously blending in with the environment through materials and standing out due to its stark, dark shape. 

Visitors can learn about local wildlife and sustainability in the centre, hike or bike across the biosphere (easy paths) or take a moment bird watching from a designated cabin above one of the small lakes. 

Haff Réimech and Biodiversum
5 Breicherwee, 5441 Rëmerschen Schengen, Luxembourg | Map link 

Réimech and Biodiversum nature reserve.

More day trip ideas from Luxembourg City

The views & flavours of the Luxembourg wine country

In pictures: A quick walk through the Mullerthal Trail, Luxembourg

Go back in time touring Luxembourg’s castles & medieval villages

Find a hotel in Luxembourg

The post Double-take on the small but mighty Luxembourg appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford, turned 1111 this year. Founded in 914 AD by Vikings, it is the country’s oldest urban centre and while Dublin has outgrown it vastly since, Waterford is an important heritage stop in Ireland’s history. 

Stretching along the Atlantic coast, County Waterford encompasses scenic coastal villages, notable historic cities, and breathtaking rocky beaches. The wine capital of Ireland and the birthplace of St Patrick’s Parade, Waterford’s deep history serves as a backdrop for everything in the region, but the personality of the city is found in its people, gathering in its many pubs over hearty food and (mostly) cold pints.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 
The trip was hosted by Visit Waterford; the DMO did not review or approve this story.
All images by Kateryna Topol.

Waterford Marina Hotel, Waterford, Ireland.

The Viking beginnings and the tall tales of Waterford 

Waterford is set on the shore of River Suir, connecting the two river banks by an arched bridge. The river flows through 185 kilometres of County Tipperary and County Waterford before entering the Celtic Sea section of the Atlantic Ocean (Muir Cheilteach in Irish). Despite the distance, on a nice weather day, you might be lucky enough to see dolphins from the terrace of the Waterford Marina Hotel, a newly renovated boutique hotel we called home during this visit. 

The historic centre is just a block away from the river, made up of a museum cluster, The Viking Triangle, and cobblestone side streets dotted with beautiful pubs, storefronts, and restaurants. We meet our Epic Walking Tour guide on the steps of the Cathedral Square, joined by couples and families from around the world. Pivoting through the city streets, we walk through a thousand years of history, passing through the old city gates, pausing in the Viking Triangle, and hearing often comedic stories behind other monuments, dating back to 1190 AD. 

Epic Guided Walking Tour
Tour times: 12 PM, 2 PM and 4 PM daily
Duration: 45 minutes
Tickets: Adults: €10 | Children under 16: Free 
The tour is included in the Freedom of Waterford Pass
Book on waterfordtreasures.com or Get Your Guide
A fun alternative is The Bridgerton Tour, focused on the history and scandalous affairs of the Bishop’s Palace. 

On the left: Our Epic Tour guide standing next to the 23-meter-long Dragon Slayer Sword, hand-carved from a giant Douglas fir tree, depicting the Viking history of the city. On the right, Strongbow and Aoife sculpture, a tale of an epic love story from the days when no woman can be forced into a marriage she didn’t want to be a part of. 

For many years, Waterford was the trading centre of Ireland, and much of this history is shared through its museum cluster: Medieval Museum (aka  Waterford Treasures Museum), Bishop’s Palace, The Irish Museum of Time, and The Irish Silver Museum – all included in the Freedom of Waterford Pass.

The epicentre of Irish wine trade

Many of the museums and city buildings include a portion of the old city wall. The Medieval Museum, which contains perhaps the biggest piece, is where we step into a dim wine cellar to learn about the city’s wine trade. This bit of history I was not expecting, and was abruptly stumped by the wine trade displays, we are on an island, after all. My mind haze was interrupted by Donnchadh O Ceallachain, the museum keeper, who summarised the important bits of it all, guiding me through the building, sharing stories, pointing out artefacts, and architectural quirks.  

While no wine was produced on the island, tons of it were imported by ships from Rome, Greece, France, and other European regions. For a time, wine was used as currency by Vikings to pay off their Irish overlord, King Brian Boru. As the city grew, the business of wine became synonymous with its politics. Gascony wine merchant Eymar de Godard, for example, held the mayoral role four times, starting in 1304. A century later, another wine merchant, Peter Rice, became a three-time mayor, passing the leadership torch to his son James, who held on to that position for eleven terms. 

At the time, water quality was incredibly unhealthy, making wine a safe hydration choice and Waterford the greatest importer of wine in Ireland. Remnants of wine history are on display at the Medieval Museum in Peter Rice’s wine cellar, while a 13th-century stone-vaulted wine vault was recently found completely intact under the Bishop’s Palace.

Medieval Museum, Waterford, Ireland, is seen above and below. In the middle is one of the remaning city gates.

History through artefacts

The remaining two floors of the Medieval Museum show the dark and joyful centuries of Waterford’s history, the false kings, religious prosecutions, and civil war rebels. The rest of the museums are much smaller, each with its own niche focus. The Irish Museum of Time, for example, houses an impressive collection of clocks and watches, with 600+ timepieces on display and in the vaults. This visit can be a short stroll or hours spent examining the intricate ticking creations.

Reginald’s Tower and the Viking boat at its foot are the most popular attractions in the city. The tower was built in three stages and had many lives begining as a Viking fort, the strongest point of the medieval defensive walls. Over the years, it served as a mint, a storage facility for instruments of war, and for about 50 years operated a women’s prison on the top floor. Nicknamed “the ballroom” because of the less-than-ideal temperature conditions (women would dance to stay warm), the prison has many unique stories, including one of Meg Collender, who frequented the Ballroom 150 times for drunk and disorderly. 

At the foot of the tower is a replica Viking Long Boat, called Vadrafjordr, the Viking name for Waterford. The longboat is modelled after the famous Viking ships found at Roskilde, in Denmark, one of which was built in Ireland using Irish oak. The boat was not built for use on water, merely for skills training and decorative purposes. But according to our tour guide, Vadrafjordr had its moment at sea during a Winter Festival a few years back, carrying Santa across the river, slowly sinking en route.

Whether you choose a walking tour or to explore the city on your own, the promise is 1,000 years of history in 1,000 paces, leaving you enough time in the day to take a leisurely lunch break and a lengthy dinner. 

Freedom of Waterford Pass
Includes five attractions and the walking tour
Adults: €18 | Children under 16: Free
Purchase on waterfordtreasuresbookings.com.

Reginald’s Tower and the Vadrafjordr Viking boat, Waterford, Ireland.

Displays and a window at The Irish Museum of Time, Waterford, Ireland.

The Reg, Waterford. Below on the right is an example of one of the Sallyports boots.

Everything happens in the pub

Upon arrival in Dublin, I was met by a local travel community friend who naturally recommended a gathering at the pub. As a novice to Irish pubs, I followed him through the busy streets past many pubs until we reached the acceptable, less-touristy option. In County Waterford, there are no touristy pubs. 

Irish pubs are generationally family-owned community hubs offering live music, fantastic food, and uniquely maximalist decor. Stunning from inside out, similar in feel yet uniquely different from one another, each pub is a reflection of the community it serves. 

Tucked away behind the Reginald’s Tower is The Reg, built around the 900-year-old medieval City Wall. This pub is an institution, split into multiple areas across two floors. The main dining room is respectfully designed to include two Sallyports – stone arches previously used as passages, now converted into dining booths, bringing guests literally inside the City Wall.

Taking a brief break from examining the historic decor and robust whisky selection, I locked my eyes on the menu. Salads, seafood, chicken wings, duck, and Katsu chicken curry … I felt my eyes grow bigger than my stomach, finally landing on Prawns, Pimentro, and Chorizo as a starter and Dunmore Seafood Pie as the main. This was going to be a meal to beat, we both agreed, ending dinner with local whisky. 

The prawn starter at The Reg was an immediate hit, flavourful, fresh, and with a hint of spice, it’s a dish I could eat weekly. And then there was the fluffy mashed potato pie with gratinated cheese, blanketing the decadent seafood mix, the thought of which still makes me salivate. 

The Reg offers live music nightly, and in the summer, they host The Churchyard Sessions in the nearby square every Saturday and a few select Fridays, bringing the pub and live music outside. Up until recently, Waterford was also home to Waterford Distillery, which unfortunately had to close recently, but a few bottles of it are still available on the shelves at local pubs. If you spot one, definitely give it a try.

On the opposite end of the city is a cluster of smaller pubs: Tully’s Bar Waterford, Thomas Maher Bar, and J. & K. Walsh Victorian Spirit Grocer. Establishments in Ireland close earlier than those in Canada and closing hours found on Google might not match the real hours. On this particular weeknight, J. & K. Walsh Victorian Spirit Grocer was shut by 10 PM, and the rest followed within the hour. “But then, there is the lock-in,” locals kept insisting in mixed conversations, a term for when the closing time comes, but you get to stay back with the barkeep behind closed doors.

Our nightcap route led to the Thomas Maher Bar, an 1886 long pub with an enclosed terrace out back. A few small wooden chairs and tables lined against the wall face the traditional wood bar stocked top to bottom with whisky, top shelf lined with dusty vintage Guinness bottles. 

Before Guinness was served on draft in the 80s, each pub did their own bottling. Barrels of Guinness were shipped across the country to be poured, bottled, labelled, and stored for 28 days before service in each pub. Thomas Maher has a longstanding Guinness relationship and still offer small batch pours at the pub, most of which, according to the barkeep, is preferred at room temperature by local Guinness drinkers. 

Having made friends with a regular pub patron, neither of us quite noticed when the doors locked. “Every drunken pub conversation will end with a discussion of its turbulent history,” I read somewhere days after, and that is exactly what happened today. From small talk to travel talk, to beer talk and tasting, we covered a lot of ground with our new Irish friends. “Have you done the Copper Coast Drive?” he asked, “Tomorrow!” I couldn’t hide the excitement. “Oh, well, happy days then,” he commented.  

Traditional bottled Guinness, served at room temperature at Thomas Maher Bar, Waterford. Thomas Maher Bar interior decor and backbar.

An afternoon garden break 

With a new day comes a new adventure, and this is a short drive from the city, at Mount Congreve Gardens and Country Estate. Mount Congreve House, built in 1760, is home to six generations of the Congreve family. A project of Ambrose Congreve, the garden works began in the 1950s and were inspired by Exbury Gardens in Southampton (UK). Today, the Mount Congreve Gardens is the largest private collection of plants in the world, often described as the “Great Garden of the World”. The garden collection has plants from every continent, weaving through the property in intricate walking paths, occasionally mimicking a rainforest. The feel and scent of the gardens change seasonally with flowering plants making an annual membership worthy of serious consideration. 

The Stables Café at Mount Congreve Gardens is tucked away behind the gift shop with a sunny terrace looking out at the greenery. Open daily for breakfast and lunch The Stables is an award-winning cafe offering meals prepared with fresh, local produce (including some grown on the property) by Chef Jean-Baptiste (JB) Dubois. Seated by a round window, sun streaming through the webbed glass, our expectations were met and exceeded by the decadent Stables Quiche (with a side of a tomato basil soup) and the chicken and bacon sandwich served on a house-baked bun. 

Guests can now stay on the property at the self-catering Gate Lodge one of the other rental properties on the garden grounds.

Mount Congreve Gardens and Country Estate
Adults: €11.50 | Senior & student €10 | Children under 16: Free
Included in the Waterford Weekend Pass
Adults: €23.60 | Children under 16: Free
Purchase on mountcongrevebookings.com

White port spritz and a few interior images of the The Stables Café at Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford. 

Taking the slow route to Dungarvan

While there are many quaint towns and villages you can add to this road trip, one that fits perfectly is Dungarvan. Connected to Waterford by a scenic coastal route and Waterford Greenway the two cities are deeply interconnected.

Copper Coast Drive begins from a nearby town of Tramore and runs the 25km stretch to Dungarvan. If time permits, one could spend multiple days travelling along the coast, staying overnight in various small towns and spending slow afternoons at the beach. At the top of the route is a UNESCO Global Geopark where interactive displays and installations can provide context for the magnificent beauty about to unfold. 

Being a bit restricted on such luxuries we made a few strategic stops in search of that epic Irish scenery you see on Pinterest boards and travel brochures. A quick stop with a short walk around Tankardstown Engine House offered a preview of the view but it is the beach stops that really take your breath away. With ten beach and cove stops to choose from, decisions had to be made quickly. Accommodating brisk walks and mini hikes along the shore, taking a moment to soak in the smell of fresh salty water, we stopped at Ballydwan Beach, Stradbally Cove, and perhaps the most secluded of them all, Clonea Beach. The coast is shaped by undersea volcanoes and shifting deserts, carving caves in black rock and giving root to lush greenery, setting contrast to the deep blue water in the distance. Each stop has something unique to offer, be it a wide rocky beach or a picturesque viewpoint. 

The Park Hotel, Leisure Centre & Holiday Homes, Dungarvan, Ireland.

A leisurely stay in Dungarvan

On first glance, Dungarvan felt immediately smaller but as time past, the city showed us its many layers. For the night, we settled in at The Park Hotel, Leisure Centre & Holiday Homes, located on the outer perimeter of the city. Owned and operated by the Flynn family, Park Hotel is an elegant Georgian estate with a mix of hotel rooms and holiday rentals. On the property, guests have access to Meladon Bar & Brasserie (open quite late), The Garden Bar & Terrace, and Riverside Health Club, open to members and hotel residents. 

A short walk into the city centre revealed to us another selection of colourful pubs. With a few minutes to spare before dinner, my partner insisted on grabbing a pint of Guinness at Merrys Gastro Pub. Yet another cosy pub with beautiful decor, friendly service, and delicious food, this easily could have been the stop for the night.

360 Cookhouse, just across the street, is a popular fine dining and celebration destination. The restaurant has a homey atmosphere with family-friendly decor, mixed sitting areas, and an airy garden room out back. The menu is seasonal and accompanied by cask wine options (in addition to the standard bar selections). In no time our mains hit the table: Aged Prime Hereford Sirloin Steak and shrimp tomato pasta. Neatly plated, both dishes were flavourful and perfectly cooked, giving us just a teaser of Dungarvan flavours. 360 Cookhouse is also home to The Dungarvan Comedy Club, something we’ll have to experience on the next visit. 

This culinary corner of Dungarvan is only a couple of blocks away from the city centre. To the side of it is the Dungarvan Harbour, with its own set of establishments, a perfect spot to watch the sunset. In the main city square, locals split their budgets between Nagle’s Bar and The Local, both of which have spacious outdoor terraces. The walls in The Locals longbar are decorated edge to edge with old posters, Guinness advertisements, street signs, and other vintage memorabilia. The band take the booth by the bar, gathering friends and neighbours for a nightly performance. 

The energy changes significantly in the morning, especially on market days with vendors from across the county setting up shops in the square. Along the perimeter, people gather for coffee at X35 and Cass & Co., which fronts a large home and housewares shop. Tucked away on a narrow street is Dún Artisan Bakery, which by 11 AM was already feeling sparse on pastries. Croissant and Foccacia sandwich in hand, we took one last loop around Dungarvan, taking in its vibrant energy, knowing that the next time we visit, the city will be bigger and even more vibrant than it feels today. 

Getting to Waterford

The closest international airport is Dublin Airport (DUB). After that, renting a car is your best option to see the scenic Ireland. Driving the M9 highway from Dublin, you will cut through the island in about two hours, depending on the traffic. The M11 coastal route is more scenic and, without stops, can take about two-and-a-half hours. However, if you choose this route, consider making stops along the way in notable seaside villages and towns like Greystones, Wicklow, and Arklow. Extend this route by staying along the shore all the way to Wexford, and leave time to explore the shore. 

The post Happy days in Waterford, from Irish pubs to Viking history and scenic drives appeared first on Paths to Travel.