Dawson City is a fundamental part of the Canadian psyche. Just think of the North and this icon of the Klondike Gold Rush springs to mind. In the late 1800s, it seemed that the entire world was stampeding to the Yukon, where fortunes were both made and lost. Almost overnight, Dawson City became the largest […] Read more
Robin And Arlene Karpan
Stories by Robin And Arlene Karpan
Exploring the pros and cons of staying at an Airbnb
A lot has changed in the world of travel recently, but one of the most significant phenomenon in the past decade has been the emergence of Airbnb. Starting with an idea in 2007, it has become bigger than the five largest hotel chains combined. The odd name originated with two young cash-strapped roommates in San […] Read more
Southern Mexico reveals history and natural beauty
We gazed up at vertical cliff faces almost a kilometre high as our boat zigzagged through narrow passages between canyon walls. We stopped to see caves and strange rock formations, or to get closer looks at birds or spider monkeys playing in the trees. Most impressive was the Christmas Tree Waterfall. Wispy streams of water […] Read more
Angkor Wat lives up to its reputation
For the last two years, Angkor Wat was chosen as the World’s Top Landmark in Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. This ancient city in northwestern Cambodia has risen from near obscurity during the bad old days of wars and political turmoil in the late 20th century to become one of the most popular tourist destinations […] Read more
Get close and personal with Alberta’s birds of prey
Lincoln the bald eagle perches on Allison’s outstretched arm and waits for a signal. Suddenly he takes to the air and in a matter of seconds reaches the arm of a second handler in the distance. His reward, a tasty bit of fresh meat. Then, swoosh; and he’s back on Allison’s arm as she describes […] Read more
Kluane National Park is bold, big and easy to visit
Everything about Kluane National Park is big. It sprawls across southwestern Yukon, is home to the world’s largest ice fields outside the polar regions and has glaciers, wild rivers and wildlife galore. It encompasses 17 of Canada’s 20 tallest mountains, including the imposing Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak at 5,959 metres. The natural features are […] Read more
History, artistry and nature abound in Medicine Hat
As we drive through Medicine Hat, the World’s Largest Tepee tempts us to see what this small prairie city has to offer. With main masts as high as a 20-story building, the Saamis Tepee introduces the city’s history and unusual name — a loose translation of the Blackfoot word Saamis, a medicine man’s headdress. Visitors […] Read more
The many faces of Victoria can keep visitors hopping
Victoria excels as a destination. What impresses us most is that it appeals to a wide array of visitors, from history and culture buffs to nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, foodies, golfers, or those who simply like to wander around the stunning setting. Two of the city’s most iconic buildings face the central Inner Harbour. Appropriately, […] Read more
Negotiating the murky world of travel review sites
When planning a trip, most people rely on travel review websites such as Trip Advisor to see how tour companies, hotels or restaurants stack up. Years ago, reviews were the domain of those who did this for a living or were involved in the travel industry, but today regular folks write most online reviews. The […] Read more
Lake Diefenbaker offers a tremendous variety of scenery, activities
Massive Lake Diefenbaker dominates summer recreation in southern Saskatchewan. Its 800 kilometres of shoreline boasts three provincial parks, three regional parks, plus various recreation sites. Most visitors have favourite spots that they keep returning to, but we wanted to look at the big picture by circling the entire lake. What impressed us most about the […] Read more
