• Johnston Canyon, Jasper National Park
    Canada,  National Parks,  Road Trips

    The Ultimate Guide for Banff and Jasper National Parks in 7 Days

    Banff and Jasper National Parks offer the perfect adventure through the Canadian Rockies. Get ready for lakes of the brightest blues and emeralds, filled with wildlife of all shapes and sizes, and set against a backdrop of towering icy mountains and glaciers. It’s a bucket-list trip for anyone who loves the outdoors. Here’s the perfect 7-day itinerary for you to road trip through our favorite Canadian national parks! First, a few logistics. When to go: We went in early summer (mid-June), before the crowds got too hectic, and after most of the snow on the roads had melted. I’m sure Banff and Jasper are stunning in every season, but I was…

  • Canoeing Mountain Lake, Orcas Island
    Road Trips,  USA

    Camping on Orcas Island

    On my solo road trip up the West Coast with my dog Juliet, we got a tip to check out Orcas Island, one of the San Juan Islands in Washington north of Seattle. I was able to snag a last minute campsite at the quiet, low-key Mountain Lake Campground, and off we went. How to get there: You have to take a ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island. The timeline and availability are here. You can drive your car onto the ferry, but they recommend reserving a spot in advance. If you’re walking on, there’s usually more space to jump on at the last minute. Where to stay: I highly recommend…