Top 5 Places I Want to Visit in Canada // 2014

You may have seen my earlier post about my current top 5 U.S. destinations I would like to visit! So fun to daydream about travel!

Since then... I have started thinking about what places would make my international 'Top 5's' ... And my brain took off on a crazy wanderlust-fueled frenzy around the globe... and before I knew it, I had five places in Canada alone that I wanted to write about and learn about. So here you have it. My current Canadian top five, in no particular order.

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Swooooon... back to the Maritimes, what a dream! PEI is smallest Canadian province, and the last piece of the Maritimes that we haven't been to. It is filled with beautiful coastlines, country fields and a friendly island state of mind. 

The scenery varies dramatically from sandy beach, to farmland to rocky shores. The province is also home to impressive architecture and history, and is the 'home' of Anne of Green Gables. 

Plus PEI mussels are known around the world for being the very best! I can't think of a good reason NOT to put this on my list!

Vancouver, British Columbia

In my mind, Vancouver is like Seattle's cooler older sibling. The mountains meet the Pacific ocean and tucked right in between is a bustling diverse city... 

Vancouver contains beautiful green space and is so close to escaping the city all together for outdoor recreation. The city is full of incredible history and culture not to mention the rumored best Chinese food in North America! -something I plan to investigate..  

Victoria, British Columbia -Check! October 2014

So I suppose if Vancouver is Seattle's older cooler sibling, Victoria is the super cultured, full of adventure young aunt. This city boasts some of the most beautiful gardens in the world and authentic high teas reminiscent of those in Europe.

The gardens range from Victorian to Japanese and everywhere in between. Beyond these cultural draws is a city that possesses a much smaller, more European feel than Vancouver, though not lacking the incredible water front views.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Called 'Canada's Diamond of the Wilderness' this gorgeous lake is part of Banff National Park in Southern part of the province. This area is a hot bed for winter sports of all kinds, and is wonderful for hiking at all times of year. This is certainly one of those laid back, enjoy the nature kind of places. There is definitely a time for that! I think if we went someday, we would be going in the summer. But you never know. The Canadian Rockies and glacial lakes are definitely on my must-see list! 

Newfoundland & Labrador

The newest Canadian province ranges from the Maritime like beauty of PEI to the breathtaking wild mountains in the North. It contains a unique culture that ranges from Scottish immigrants to indigenous Mi'kmaq people, and then of course the French and English.

I have heard from Toronto residents that Newfoundland is full of the friendliest people you'll meet in Canada. I'm not sure if it's true but I am oh, so willing to find out. Preferably in June, when it's prime whale watching season!

What Canadian destinations are on your must-see list?

Have you ever been to any of these places? I would love to hear your tips and recommendations in the comments! :)

Read about my Canadian travels in the links below! :) 

Snapshots of Quebec City (honeymoon!)
Snapshots of Saint John, New Brunswick
Snapshots of Halifax & Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Thank You for Reading!

Alexandra 

All Canada photos in this post are pulled from my Pinterest Travel Board and are the work of talented photographers and travellers, they are not my own. :) 

Top 5 Places I Want to Visit in the U.S. // 2014

This time of year I always get the itch to travel. I mean, I always have it... but it gets more intense this time of year. Since we can really only travel significantly during breaks from school, I continue to spend a lot of time dreaming up future vacations. Which is actually pretty fun in between! 

If you have any recommendations for any of these places, please leave them in the comments! Or send me an email, use the envelope button to the left.

Here are my top 5 Places I Want to Visit in the U.S. (right now):

(in no particular order)

Seattle, WA - Check! October 2014!

A long time destination on our wish list. We have been wanting to take a Pacific North West trip for a long time. 

This year I hope will be the year. I want to see the mountains and ocean side by side, all of the culture, the coffee, the chocolate... so much green space. Hoping that we Make it there this summer!

New Orleans, LA - Check! March 2014!

I feel like when I ask people about NOLA, they have very strong opinions. Either they love it or they hate it. I'm not sure why, but I feel like I will love it. It looks so gorgeous, but not in a manicured way, full of culture, so much music, so much history and art... travel swoon. And the food... :)

Beignets, jambalaya, seafood... yummmm...

I could be wrong, I might hate it... but I want to see for myself. I think it could be wonderful. :) -
I LOVED every minute, and already want to go back! 11/19/15 - check again! :) 

Savannah, GA

This looks like one of the very most beautiful places on the planet! The super lush plant life, the old houses, gardens, parks and even beautiful cemeteries! I think I'd want to see it in the spring or early summer though, to avoid so much heat. Also, Jekyll Island and Tybee Island so nearby. So so beautiful! I've had this area on my list for a while now too!

Lastly can I just say.. these trees are amazing! The Spanish moss... So romantic and unusual looking! Like a whole different world!

Amelia Island, FL

Just off of the Eastern coast of Florida is this quaint little island. I've heard it is full of bed and breakfasts and sweet little shops and restaurants. It's also home to the oldest lighthouse in Florida. 

I can officially say this is the first time (since I was a kid) that I legitimately wanted to go somewhere in Florida. :)

Hawaii, the whole darn state

I'm sure I don't need to explain why Hawaii is on my list... but just for kicks I will. :) So green and lush. Filled with so much scenic beauty. It is the only island-y (tropical) type place that I consistently want to visit. 

And I recently found out that not only do they have whales living there in the winter... they have a World Whale Day Festival! :) Sounds pretty perfect to me! I feel like this would be a nice 5 or 10 year anniversary trip... right? ;)

I am hoping that we get to go to at least one of these places in 2014!

What U.S. destinations are you hoping to see in the near future? 

Read about my Top 5 Canadian Destinations too!

Thanks for Reading & Happy Travels,

Alexandra 

All of these images came from my Pinterest travel board.. which you can follow here and were taken by wonderful photographers, not me. :)

Top 5 Destinations I Want to Travel To!

There are so many places I want to visit in the world, every continent and many many countries and cities but here is the list of my top 5 Travel Destinations Right Now!

1) Alaska 

Alaska is beautiful and contrary to popular belief its not freezing all of the time. Mountains, Ocean, Whale Watching, Aurora Borealis. I want to Kayak in the bays, hike the trails, see the glaciers. Nothing better. Its gorgeous and gives you plenty of outdoors to play in.

2) Australia

Australia looks gorgeous too. I have always wanted to see the great barrier reef and the beautiful outdoor environment you find there. I also think it would be wonderful to see the red earth, kangaroos, Sydney and just hear the accent!

3) British Columbia

Oh Wow! BC is just as gorgeous as Alaska. I want to see the mountains and ocean and spend time outdoors there as well. But I also want to explore Vancouver. It looks like the coolest city. Plus I would like to experience Canada minus the tourism. :)

4) Egypt

Its simple! I want to see the pyramids and cruise down the nile, and maybe ride a camel.. or at least see one. So much history it would be so unbelievable to really see it! 

5) Two-way tie!

 Greece

I think it would be beautiful to see the rocky sea cliffs! I would want to city and island hop and probably paint. The white and blue buildings are so beautiful. Mediterranean food is not only delicious but incredibly healthful as well! Fish, Wine, Olives, Tomatoes, Cheese YUM! Aside from this being a hot climate I don't see many downsides. :)

Hawaii

Recently I have thought it would be a blast and BEAUTIFUL to go to Hawaii. I want to try deep sea Kayaking and I really want to learn to surf even though the idea is slightly horrifying. I also want to try the food and relax. There is a reason Hawaiians live the longest of all Americans! 

Where are the top 5 destinations you most want to visit?

Alex