Right next door to Galiano, this is the island where Julia and her family would camp every year growing up. Ganges is the downtown area with lots of shops, a few restaurants and a few galleries. We can recommend hitting up Cassette for coffee or lunch and a cocktail if you head that way! Saltspring is much more populous and developed than Galiano and has artist studios and farm stands all over the island that you can visit. There are endless great hikes and a few lakes you can swim in.

Mayne and Pender are two islands near Galiano that each have a unique vibe and are equally hidden gems of BC. Take a look and see if you want to hop onto a ferry for some more island time — galleries, shops, hikes, beaches and more!

Gabriola is a bit further from Galiano, but has a really cool rock formation called the Malaspina Galleries that essentially create a massive wave out of rock. A really unique place to visit. The island has great beaches and hikes as well.

Ranked as the best park in the entire world, Stanley Park is a must do! Rent a bike from Spokes and ride over to bike the seawall. There are also wooded trails through a rain forest oasis within the park, Third beach for swimming and Second Beach Pool — a contained saltwater pool right along the oceanfront.

The perfect place to watch a sunset and right near Stanley park. There are nearby shops and restaurants, a beach and a park. Don’t miss the Sylvia hotel where we can highly recommend the Vancouver cocktail.

Venture across the Lion’s Gate Bridge to head north of the city to the suburb where Julia grew up. Take the Gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain and meet the resident rescued Grizzly bears or sweat through “nature’s stairmaster’ as you do the hardest hike in existence to the top of the mountain, called the Grouse Grind. Brave the Capilano Suspension Bridge (honestly quite terrifying) and hit up Cleveland Dam. If you’re thinking of heading this way let us know and we can provide more ideas!

Julia lived in Seattle for roughly 15 years and can provide detailed recommendations to anyone considering traveling here. Summer is the perfect time to experience this city. Pike Place Market is the quintessential tourist destination, but if you’re looking for hidden gems, where the locals eat, breweries, bars and sights to see, please reach out! There are beautiful public parks and beaches, waterfront restaurants, hikes, shopping, art and more. Each neighborhood of Seattle has it’s own feel and it’s a place near and dear to both Julia and Nick.

This massive rainforest is filled with beautiful hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, glacial mountains and secluded beach access. If you have a few extra days and are up for an adventure, we can’t recommend it enough.

Leavenworth is a Bavarian village that is a ski town in the winter, but an equally great stop in the summer. Perfect for beer tours, wine tasting, hiking, golfing, and swimming at the nearby Colchuk Lake.