10 Reasons to Visit Jasper in the Winter!

  1. Ski Marmot Basin, the parking lots are staggered up the mountain so if you want to bring a cooler and come back to your car for snacks or wardrobe changes it’s convenient. Or take a shuttle from the hotel so you can enjoy some spicy Cesar’s with your lunch!

Ski Marmot Basin

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2. Stay at the Whistler’s Inn, is located in the center of town and has two rooftop hot tubs.

Stay in Whistler’s Inn

3. Visit Jasper Park Lodge for Sunday buffet brunch.  I’ve stayed here a few times; it’s quite the treat, but also quite the expense. If you can afford it, treat yourself! If not, pop in to enjoy their amenities, go to the spa and enjoy the outdoor heated pool, rent skates and do some loops, or enjoy a Sunday breakfast brunch. The hotel has a rustic charm and it worth visiting just to walk the grounds with a hot chocolate and enjoy a cocktail in the lounge.

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4. Visit Pyramid Lake for pictures where a tight group of trees sits on a remote island circled by mountains. We went early and were lucky to get the private little island to ourselves. Strike a pose and re-create it in each season!

Pyramid Lake

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You can also pick up cross country ski’s, skates or snowshoes at Pyramid Lake Resort.

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5. Participate in a hike on the Maligne Canyon, make sure you purchase foot covers for the walk. You are walking on sheets of ice, pick some up at the store in town, they are worth the money.  Or, if you are feeling extra adventurous, try ice climbing. I’ve visited the canyon three times now and never miss it; each visit is unique with the amount of snow or colors exposed to the frozen water. It’s an easy trek that will take about an hour, depending on how many pictures you stop to take…

Maligne Canyon

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6. Spot the locals! Jasper is known for elk, bighorn sheep and moose roaming close to the roads.

Local Jasper Residents

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7. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Candy Bear’s Lair . There’s a great candy shop for your sweet tooth’s with fresh fudge and chocolate bear paws.

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8. Dance party? If you still have the energy to shake it at night, go to the 4peaks Night Club.

9. Enjoy a great beer at the Jasper Brewing Company, and I like the Blackeye Blueberry Vanilla Ale.

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10. Um, I like photos, of any kind, go if only for the photo opportunities!

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The Desire of Dubrovnik!

Hello, a few words about my first city stop in Croatia! Once the shuttle into town took off, and the views of the Adriatic sea appeared I knew I was in love. I was dropped off at the Pile gate and took a taxi to a lovely Airbnb with an exceptional view.  I spent the evening exploring the old town, a huge stone palace, a perfect setting to get lost.

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Dubrovnik’s Ideal Sunset Spot: Busco Bar

Sit at the bar for a drink to watch the sunset. Tip, if there is no place to sit, venture further down and sit on the rocks belowDubrovnik2017-49Dubrovnik2017-51Dubrovnik2017-60Dubrovnik2017-52

Surrounded by the Sea

Take a day trip to Lokrum island. Take a 10 min ferry ride to break away from the excitement and bustle of the city center. Here you will find an ideal space for tranquil day.

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A High Up City Highlight!

Walk the city walls. If you are going during the busy tourist season, go after 5pm to avoid the busy hours full of buzzing cruise ship patrons.

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Accommodations:

Dubrovnik Airbnb (walking distance to city)

Dubrovnik Airbnb #2 (inside city walls)

 

 

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Split, the City for Romance!

I was only three months old when my mom decided to leave me with my grandma and enjoy her honeymoon in Split, Croatia. Fast forward to about 31 years; now I was able to experience the charming city as well with a few friends from Montreal, Canada.

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A must for  is to wander through market stalls in any new city I can. Fortunately, the Pazar Green Market, open every day from 7 am to 2 pm and is located near the ferry port.  Items we picked up, fresh fruit, cheese, prosciutto, candied fruit.

Pazar Green Market

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Remember, it’s a market, this is the place to practice your negotiation skills 😉

Food for Thought

Since restaurants will use fake flavored truffle flavored oil,  you can get a good deal on these tasty morsels in the market, as the real thing is quite expensive!Split2017-7

Pizza & Pastry Pit Stop in Spit!

Food is good but mostly touristy. A Croatian girl I had met earlier in Hvar recommended that I try pizza in Split. It is a bit different, not a greasy from thick layers of cheese. Instead, I picked a vegetarian one. Elena, the lady in a shop, said was her favorite, a cartoon portrait of her drawn on the pastry shop wall.

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ZA!!!

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I imaged that since my parents chose Split for their romantic vacation, it would be a city full of romance. I think love was in the air, the love that comes from friendships, both new and old.  We adopted two goofy and heart-warming male escorts from Florida on our last night in Hvar. Luckily for us, they were also on their way to Split and we were thrilled they could join us for some sightseeing, dining and dancing!

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Accommodations:

Where we stayed: Split Airbnb

 

Connection

Connection

And if I asked you to write me a letter today, could you fill a page with words of your play? Did you laugh, did you smile, and were you wondering if I’d thought of you awhile?  In a text, thought is quick, not complex. I want something more; be open and explore. I think it will please us, to use print to release us.

The drum of your heart, pick up those feet, the world is beneath; get out of your seat! Come, let’s go faster, waves of connection, aren’t locked in your phone. It’s you with the wonder; let it stir up those bones! Of course I adore, every expression you make, but when I see it electronically, I know it’s a fake!  You can’t bleed from a stone, nor love from some plastic, there something to be learned, us humans are fantastic!

You were the youngest, always pats on your head. All the attention, nothing wrong could be said. While I don’t show affirmation, I’m sure deep down, there’s room at your station. I was alone, with books, imagination. Though we’re so different, we can start. To learn about each other, even with our stubborn hearts.

I hope you understand, what I’m trying to regain. The happiness that once was, where my youth found reclaim. Dopamine, can you feel it, it’s less saturated by the day. Let’s mess up those brain waves, get out and let’s slay!

I know you find it odd, to travel to the past. But perhaps, you can image, a life without apps?

There’s treasure you possess, but that which is bought, can soon be forgot. Let’s catch a sunset, in a place we’ve yet met.  Let our senses awaken; forget the selfies to be taken.  While you may have fancy fashion, I hope to find out, what’s beneath, what’s your passion?  And will you now match, with a hit of your racket, and ask me the same? Will you inquire, what it is, the spark to my flame?

You tell me I can’t, but are you so sure? The dynamics of your conversation has no allure. If it’s validation you seek, your approach is too weak.

I’ll help you uncover, what was once lost, charm of our childhoods, won’t have a cost. Although you may think, this could be disaster. Nothing of value comes with ease that you’re after.

Enjoying the rhythm of my banter? Try to pay attention, if its intellect you’re after!

And if it’s so that, you’re willing to bend, I’ll open up to you, my electronic friend…

Jasper in the Winter

Jolly in Jasper!

I’m documenting yet another ski trip where there was no limit to the amount of entertainment to be enjoyed. A lack of activity was inconceivable, whether spent the day skiing or boarding across the wide-open trails, indulging in culinary treats or scenic hikes.

With a beer in hand, a company ski trip was the perfect way to get to know my coworkers in their natural habitat! Instead of boring water cooler conversations, I was able to find out more exciting details about my fellow weekend warriors. Though some people may shy away from corporate events, I truly believe it’s more enjoyable to discuss their wipeouts and witness their mad dance skills during a corporate trip!

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Where we Stayed- The Lobstick Lodge

Inexpensive and a few blocks to walk into town!

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Favorite Eats- Jasper Pizza Place pizza-1-of-1

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The final day was spent enjoying the brunch buffet at my favorite Fairmont hotel, the Jasper Park Lodge. Although it can be a pricier option for lodging, it welcomes guests to come and walk their grounds, skate, or just have a hot chocolate in the rustic main lobby.

And then the easy hike in Maligne Canyon is treating for the eyes that shouldn’t be missed.  Warning! Make sure you purchase or borrow boot covers to walk down into the ice-coated canyon, it’s slick!

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What Brings you to Montreal?

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Friends, Food and a Lavish Cultural Wedding!

During a New Year’s trip to Nicaragua in 2014, I was fortunate to find myself in a tour group with a few great ladies who reside in Montreal, Canada.  Our friendship has since blossomed and we been able to connect through more traveling. This January I was invited to a first Jewish-Moroccan wedding; I knew it was going to an experience that couldn’t be passed up! Here are some highlights from the weekend festivities:

At some point we have all experienced changes in our social circles, friends move away to pursue exciting careers or romances and some we just grow apart from as our interests diversify. Your best friend from grade school may be a few minutes away but don’t discount the fact that an overseas buddy may be more supportive of your lifestyle since you’ve bonded over several days and nights of travel exploration. Besides being the ultimate Montreal tour guide, my far away friend Emily has since been first on my list of emergency face-time sessions and was the motivation behind booking a trip to Argentina. As a friend, she’s both refreshing and constructive, and being in her presence is invigorating. Have you ever pursued a long-distance friendship?  Do you think it’s possible to be closer to a friend who doesn’t live in the same city? I would love to hear about your long distance friendships!