Chennai (formerly Madras) is an incredible place filled with fascinating sights and activities that keep both locals and travelers occupied. From its thousands-year-old temples to delicious street food stands selling tasty specialties – there’s something here that will appeal to everyone.

Fun things to do in Chennai India

If you’re a traveler looking for adventure, culture, and delicious food, then Chennai is the perfect destination for you. With a rich history, traditional architecture, and endless places to explore, you won’t run out of things to do here, whether you’re hopping on a Dubai to Chennai flight or exploring Chennai as your hometown.

So, let’s explore the fun things to do in Chennai.

Snow Kingdom

Beat the heat and experience a snowy wonderland at Snow Kingdom! Located inside the VGP Mall, this indoor snow park offers a variety of snow-related activities that will make you forget that you’re in a hot and humid city.

It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Chennai (the capital of Tamil Nadu). You can slide down an icy slope, build a snowman, or have a snowball fight with your friends. The entry fee includes boots, jackets, and gloves so you won’t have to worry about getting your clothes wet.

It’s a similar experience to the famous Ski Dubai, one of the best activities for kids in Dubai.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park

Arignar Anna Zoological Park is home to many animals unique to India, including the gaur Indian bison.

Experience the thrill of seeing lions roam around freely at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park lion safari. The safari takes you through the lion enclosure, where you can see the majestic animals up close. The safari is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the king of the jungle in its natural habitat.

Birla Planetarium

Wondering what to see in Chennai?

History, science, and astronomy enthusiasts should check out Birla Planetarium, the perfect place to learn about the cosmos and the universe. See the stars and planets up close as they are projected onto a dome-shaped screen. The planetarium also offers informative and entertaining audiovisual shows.

VGP Marine Kingdom

VGP Marine Kingdom (also known as VGP Golden Beach) is a must-visit for thrill-seekers. One of the highlights of this amusement park is the 35-meter high roller coaster ride that drops you at a mind-boggling speed.

You can also try other rides such as the Ferris wheel, the spinning coaster, and the water slides. The park is located on the beach, so after a day of screaming and laughing, you can take a dip in the sea.

Jazz Cinemas LUXE

If you’re a movie buff, you can’t miss watching a movie at Jazz Cinemas LUXE.

Watching movies in this cinema is luxurious, with comfortable recliner seats, personal screens, and a dedicated butler service. You can even enjoy a gourmet meal while watching the latest blockbusters. The tickets are slightly expensive, but for movie buffs, a movie at Jazz Cinemas LUXE is worth the splurge.

Chetpet Eco Park

Escape from the city’s bustle and relax at Chetpet Eco Park.

The park is located beside a lake and has a variety of activities, including cycling, boating, and fishing. You can have a picnic with your family or friends, or take a stroll around the park’s greenery.

Madras Crocodile Bank night safari

For a thrilling and unique experience, try the Madras Crocodile Bank night safari.

The safari takes you through the reptile park at night, where you can see many species of crocodiles, alligators, and turtles. The park is lit up with flashlights and luminous stickers, adding to the ambiance.

Enjoy Sunset on Marina Beach

Nothing quite compares to watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting beautiful hues on the sky, and the smell of saltwater breeze. Marina Beach is a wonderful choice to enjoy a scenic sunset view in Chennai. Marina Beach has a lively, bustling atmosphere to enjoy sunset, while Edward Elliot’s Beach offers a more serene and tranquil experience.

Edward Elliot’s Beach

If you are looking for a pristine, secluded beach that is less crowded, then you consider Elliot’s Beach.

The beach is excellent for swimming, picnics, and leisurely walks. It also offers numerous food joints that serve mouth-watering delicacies, such as seafood, which is a local favorite. It’s also a wonderful place to enjoy sunset on the beach.

Cholomandalam Artists Village

Fancy immersing yourself in the city’s culture? Cholamandalam artists’ village is a must-visit.

This village has attracted artists since the 1960s. The village showcases over 500 artworks, and each visit is more diverse than the last.

Walk Along Thalankuppam Pier at Night

Take a leisurely walk along the Thalankuppam pier at night and revel in the mesmerizing stars’ view.

One of the secluded attractions in Chennai, the pier has a one-of-a-kind, end-of-the-world feel that leaves you relaxed and rejuvenated.

Catamaran Boat Ride

One of Chennai’s most adventurous modes of transport is a catamaran boat ride.

Not only is it exhilarating, but a catamaran ride also offers a unique perspective of the city’s coastline. You can choose to take a calm, smooth sail or a more high-intensity, thrilling ride.

Folklore of South at Dakshinachitra

If you’re interested in learning about the culture, Chennai’s rich history, and art of South India, then Dakshinachitra is a must-visit destination.

Located just outside of Chennai, this living museum showcases the traditional lifestyles of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. You can explore the different types of houses, temples, crafts, and performances here while learning about the different communities that make up South India.

Shop at Pondy Bazaar

For all you shopaholics out there, Pondy Bazaar is your paradise.

This vibrant shopping district is known for stores and street vendors selling traditional clothing, jewelry, accessories, and souvenirs. You can bargain with the vendors to get the best deals, and try some local snacks while you’re at it.

Bonus tip: Visit during the festive season to experience the energy and excitement of Chennai’s shopping culture.

Enjoy Chennai’s Vibrant Food Scene, Including Famous Masala Dosa

Chennai is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of dishes and flavors to indulge in. From street food to fine dining, you won’t go hungry in this city.

One must-try dish is the famous masala dosa, a crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with spiced potatoes and served with chutney and sambar. You can find it at any local restaurant or street vendor, and it’s a filling and delicious meal any time of day.

Visit Anna Centenary Library

If you’re a bookworm, then the Anna Centenary Library is a dream destination.

This state-of-the-art library is the largest in Asia, with six floors of books, magazines, and digital resources. You can spend hours exploring the different sections, reading, and studying in a peaceful environment.

Bonus tip: Bring your ID and register to get access to more of the library’s resources.

Visit Huddleston Garden at The Theosophical Society

Nature lovers or anyone looking for a serene escape can visit the Huddleston Garden at The Theosophical Society.

This botanical garden is spread over 260 acres and has a variety of exotic trees, plants, and birds. You can take a walk, have a picnic, read a book, or attend one of the events organized by the society.

Bonus tip: Visit during the early morning or late evening for a peaceful and refreshing experience.

Day trip to Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram)

Mahabalipuram is a coastal town located 60 km south of Chennai. This UNESCO world heritage site is famed for its rock-cut caves and intricate sculptures. The place gains its significance from the mythological stories about the Pallava kings’ reign.

A visit to Mahabalipuram transports you to a different time and era. You can rent a bike or a car and take a leisurely ride along the scenic East Coast Road to reach this iconic destination. Don’t forget to try the local seafood delicacies while you’re there.

Royapuram Fishing Harbor

Royapuram Fishing Harbor might not be on a typical tourist list, but it’s a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts.

You can witness the hustle and bustle of the fishermen as they dock their boats after a night spent fishing in the sea. You can even buy fresh seafood right off the boats and have it cooked to your liking at the nearby restaurants.

Mexus Vijaya Mall and Express Avenue Mall

For all the shopaholics out there, a visit to the Mexus Vijaya Mall or the Express Avenue Mall is a must.

These malls are located in the heart of the city and offer a wide range of shopping and entertainment options. You can indulge in some retail therapy, watch a movie, or try out the local street food. These malls are the perfect destinations for a fun-filled day out with friends and family.

Enjoy a Day Trip to Old Mylapore

Old Mylapore is a neighborhood in the central part of the city of Chennai. It’s also known as the cultural hub of Chennai, and a visit to Old Mylapore gives you a glimpse of the city’s rich cultural history.

You can take a stroll through the narrow alleys and explore the vibrant markets selling anything from spices to traditional fabrics. The highlight of your trip should be a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an iconic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Wander Through the Kapaleeshwarar Temple

The eye-catching Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a must-visit destination.

In the center of Old Mylapore, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s vibrant and colorful gopuram (entrance tower) is probably one of the most photographed spots in Chennai. Inside and out, there’s a vibrant vibe here, and since it’s a working temple, you can see locals performing their daily rituals.

Temples and Museums in Chennai

While temples and museums are often excluded from lists of fun or exciting activities, one of the highlights of Chennai’s culture is its vibrant temple scene, and history-rich museums. With dozens around the city, here are some of the best.

Santhome Cathedral Basilica

First on our list is the Santhome Cathedral Basilica.

This church is built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, the apostle of Jesus. As one of the oldest churches in India, it reflects the colonial architecture of the past. The church’s stunning stained glass windows and detailed interior decoration make it a must-visit for lovers of religious art and architecture.

Arulmigu Vadapalani Murugan Temple

If you want a bit of adventure, head over to Arulmigu Vadapalani Murugan Temple.

This temple is devoted to Lord Muruga, the God of War. The temple has a seven-tier Gopuram (gateway tower) with colorful statues and images from Hindu mythology, and many devotees even climb the gopuram to receive blessings from the gods.

Visit the iconic Shree Sai Baba Temple

The popular Shree Sai Baba Temple, located in Mylapore, is one of the most visited shrines in the area. Dedicated to the Indian saint Sai Baba, this temple is a symbol of harmony between Hindus and Muslims. The temple holds regular prayer sessions, and many cultural programs.

The Parthasarathy Temple

More formally known as the Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple Tiruvallikeni, the Parthasarathy Temple is a Hindu temple.

It’s believed to have been built during the Pallava dynasty, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Inside and out, you’ll find intricate sculptures and carvings, and a serene vibe.

Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple

For history buffs, Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple may be the perfect place to visit.

This temple, located in Thiruvanmiyur, is believed to have been built over 1,000 years ago. It is said that King Raja Raja Chola, a great dynasty ruler, contributed to the temple’s construction. The temple is known for stunning sculptures depicting stories from the Hindu epics.

Government Museum Chennai

Have you heard about the Government Museum Chennai, also known as Madras Museum or Egmore Museum?

This museum houses an incredible collection of South Indian decorative arts, with some of the pieces dating back to the 7th century. The museum’s exhibits provide a unique insight into South Indian history and culture.

Dakshinachitra Museum

If you’re curious about traditional Indian architecture, Dakshinachitra Museum is a must-visit destination. This living museum showcases life in South India, with demonstrations of traditional crafts such as pottery and weaving. You can also observe various cultural performances and savor local cuisine.

Whether it’s a day trip to Mahabalipuram, a visit to the iconic Kapaleeshwarar temple, or indulging in some retail therapy at the local malls, Chennai will leave you in awe of its beauty and diversity. From indoor snow parks to night safaris, Chennai offers an array of unique and fun activities to try.

With so many things to do in Chennai, you won’t get bored or run out of options. Whether you’re here for a short visit or an extended stay, these activities are a great way to experience the culture, history, and beauty of this city. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in Chennai!

More great articles:

• 15 Unique Things to Do in Dubai That You Never Knew Existed
• Things To Buy In Dubai – Souvenirs You’ll Love
• How to Use a VPN to Get Cheaper Flights: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Our family of four has made Kelowna, British Columbia, our home town for the past eight years. Giving us plenty of time to check out the local breakfast and brunch scene.

From farm-to-table spots to cozy cafes and trendy downtown diners, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Imagine indulging in locally-sourced ingredients, expertly prepared and plated with care, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a leisurely brunch, Kelowna has it all.

Of course, one person’s list of the best breakfast places in Kelowna is going to be different than another person’s.

For the most part, we focus on places to eat that are open early for breakfast, but we do have a section at the end of the article that goes into the best brunch in Kelowna. Generally, we think of brunch and breakfast as the same thing, but brunch usually starts later, at around 10 or so, and is often an little more fancy (though not always).

We’ll go back and add to this list as we try new brunch and breakfast restaurants that open, and remove ones that close.

Best Breakfast in Kelowna

Breakfast is one of the many fun things to do in Kelowna with the family! Grab your friends, family, significant other, or enjoy a solo break, and head out to explore the many breakfast spots in Kelowna. From classic Canadian fare to international cuisine, you’re sure to find your new favorite spot.

Best Breakfast Places in Kelowna

Do I need breakfast reservations in Kelowna? Yes, you’ll sometimes need to make a reservation, depending on the restaurant, the time of year and whether it’s a Saturday or Sunday (with weekends usually much busier than weekdays). Many of the more popular brunch and breakfast places are also quite busy during the summer tourist season, with July to August especially so.

I use OpenTable Kelowna to make my reservations, as it’s the biggest restaurant reservation booking service in the city. I’ve tried it before to get reservations at busy Vancouver restaurants, and booking was smooth and easy in Kelowna as well.

Porter’s Kelowna

Porter’s is a fairly new, and welcome, addition to Kelowna’s breakfast scene. It’s located next to the Landmark District, in the old MTL building.

There’s a solid breakfast and brunch menu here, packed with classics like fried chicken and waffles, eggs benny, and more. There are also some more adventurous items, like the Japanese style soufflé pancakes, and several vegetarian options.

Charles tried the soufflé pancakes. They’re Japanese style soufflé pancakes, served with vanilla sweet cream, seasonal fruit compote, streusel, and your choice of maple, nut brown syrup or black currant sour syrup.

Charles couldn’t quite decide, so our helpful server brought us four syrups to try which also included a salted maple syrup. Three of those syrups are made in house at the next door Copper Brewing Company however the Black Currant Sour syrup won out as his favorite in the end!

I tried the yogurt bowl, which was delicious with creamy Greek yogurt, house made granola, seeds, seasonal fruit compote (made in house as well), and fresh fruit.

My latte was perfect, made from coffee beans from fair trade local roaster, Craft 42 Roasters.

The Jammery Kelowna

The original The Jammery location was featured on The Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here! The original location is in Lake Country, and just over 20 minutes from Kelowna’s downtown.

They’ve opened a new location in Kelowna proper. While the new Kelowna location (at 2463 Highway 97), has the same great food as the original, the atmosphere couldn’t be more different.

The rambling original Jammery location has a quaint, rustic farmhouse feel, with a large giftshop. The giftshop is overseen by a large, stuffed bear (which children adore!), and has an abundance of jams (made in house), and local foods and gifts.

The new location in Kelowna is modern, with a tiny gift area, so it just doesn’t have that kitschy charm of the Lake Country location however the food’s as good as the original Jammery. That said, for me, it’s worth a few more minutes drive to get to the Lake Country location.

My favorite dish at the Jammery is the All You Can Eat waffles, with their house made topping made from Okanagan fruit. They have six kinds of eggs benedict on the menu, omelets, plus French toast, crepes, a breakfast paella, and traditional breakfasts. There’s even a vegan breakfast hash.

Cora

While Cora is technically a Canada-wide franchise, it has enough personality and originality in the décor and menu that it feels a lot more like a local spot. Cora started in Quebec in 1987, and has since expanded to 125 franchises across Canada.

If you like fruit, Cora is your place.

While there are plenty of traditional omelets, skillets, and egg dishes, there are also crepes, pancakes, and French toast absolutely smothered in fresh fruit.

There’s even a fresh fruit section of the menu (which I order from every time). The Samira wake up is a huge plate of beautifully cut fresh fruit, served with toast, and there’s also a tasty kale-mango smoothie bowl, and a fruit yogurt harvest crunch.

My favorite is The Ode to Oatmeal, with fresh fruit, harvest crunch granola, English cream, maple syrup, and fresh fruit.

The kids always go with a fruit crepe, which is a single gigantic crepe stuffed with your choice for fruit, and either custard or a cocoa-hazelnut spread.

Charles goes for the classic French toast, which comes with your choice of bacon, sausages, turkey sausages, ham, or fresh fruit.

I’ve tried to get a photo of one of the kids’ fruit smoothies on our last three visits to Cora, but it’s inevitably half guzzled down before I can bring out my camera.

The Train Station Pub

Charles and I often end up at the Train Station Pub if we’re looking for something that’s just a little bit more upscale, with good food, but still casual and fun.

True to its name, the Train Station Pub is built inside a historic (now defunct) train station in Kelowna’s Downtown.

The brunch menu has everything from traditional chicken and waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and strawberry French toast, to more adventurous items like the Pakora benny (with curry spice), breakfast poutine, or Boom Toast (with avocado, pear, and butternut squash).

Brunch at the Train Station Pub is served until 2 pm every day.

My Neighbourhood Restaurant

We stop by My Neighbourhood Restaurant at least once a year. It’s the kind of place that delivers solid portions, reasonable prices, and good food. It’s not necessarily the most upscale place on our list, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s reliable and good.

Every time we’ve visited, service has been friendly, casual, quick, and helpful.

We come here when we’re craving breakfast later in the day, since it’s an all day breakfast place. There’s a nice selection of benedicts, if that’s your thing, including a crab cake benny, veggie delight benny, pulled pork benny, and a traditional benny, among others.

There’s a tasty sounding banana stuffed French toast, an apple crisp stuffed French toast, as well as huevos rancheros, and a slow cooked pulled pork burrito.

Charles’ to-go here is the French toast, which is dipped in a vanilla and egg batter and finished with icing sugar. Hash browns here are good, crispy and hot, but they’re the cubed style that feels like a chopped up steak fry. Don’t get me wrong, they’re delicious, but both Charles and I prefer shredded or finely chopped hash browns.

They also serve lunch. I’m a huge fan of the portabello burger (no meat, only the portabello mushroom), which comes stacked to the ceiling with marinated and grilled portabello mushrooms, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and a tasty Dijon mustard.

OEB Kelowna

If Coras is the place for fruit lovers, then OEB is the place for those who love eggs. Like Coras, OEB is a franchise, with locations in Arizona, California, and a few Canadian cities.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OEB Breakfast Co. (@oeb_breakfast)

As expected, the menu leans toward farm fresh eggs, omelets, and eggs benedict. There are also sweet treats, like banana cream pie French toast, Belgian waffles and crepes, as well as nine different breakfast poutines.

There are vegetarian and vegan options as well.

We haven’t tried it (yet), but the mimosa flight (with four different mimosas) gets great reviews.

Gulfstream

We haven’t had a chance to try this one personally yet, but Gulfstream (in the Four Points by Sheraton by the Kelowna Airport) gets pretty good reviews and was recommended by friends so it’s made our to try soon list.

The breakfast menu is pretty solid and traditional, with classic eggs/bacon/hash brown/toast on offer, as well as omelets, traditional eggs benedict, a bacon hash and a pulled pork breakfast poutine. There’s a vegan bowl with coconut yogurt, banana, and an Okanagan Greek yogurt bowl with Okanagan dried cherries and apricots.

Diner Deluxe – The Shore

We haven’t tried Diner Deluxe – it’s just a little too far of a drive for us, given all the great options that are closer. That said, it gets great buzz, so we’ve included it.

Diner Deluxe has three locations in Calgary, and the one location in Kelowna, on Lakeshore Boulevard. It’s open 8am to 3pm.

The menu constantly changes, but it offers a big selection, with standards like avocado toast (with eggs), poached eggs and salmon, and a vegan faux egg wrap, as well as breakfast poutine and a big cinnamon bun.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diner Deluxe | Locally Owned (@dinerdeluxe)

There are also several eggs benedict variations on offer, breakfast bowls, omelets and frittatas, pancakes, French toast, and classic breakfast. There’s also a lunch menu, and a kids lunch and breakfast menu.

There are plenty of vegan egg and vegan meat options as well.

Best Affordable Breakfast in Kelowna

Are you a foodie on a budget, looking for delicious and satisfying breakfast options in Kelowna that won’t break the bank? Look no further!

Kelowna has many hidden gems that offer mouth-watering breakfast dishes at affordable prices.

Join us as we explore some of the best cheap eats for breakfast in Kelowna, and discover a whole new world of breakfast delights that are easy on the budget.

Specialty Bakery & Bistro

Specialty Bakery has a few locations in Kelowna, but most are bakery only, and don’t offer breakfast.

To get your breakfast fix, make sure you go to the Specialty Bakery location on Finns Rd, in the industrial section of Kelowna.

We were introduced to Specialty Bakery by Charles’ 80 year old uncle, so that tells you it’s definitely a Kelowna fixture.

The food here is fresh, not fussy, and filling.

On offer are classic breakfasts of bacon and eggs, omelets and eggs benedict, or you can buy something from the attached bakery and eat it in the bistro.

I’m a big fan of the cinnamon buns, and black forest donut.

Don’t come here expecting a cappuccino – the coffee bar has five blends of freshly brewed Van Houtte coffee. There are also soups, sandwiches, and burgers on offer for lunch.

I don’t think there’s anything on the menu that’s specifically designed for vegans, but vegetarians should be able to sort something out.

The Kelowna Farmer’s Market

Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market is a great place to browse, and grab a simple, affordable breakfast.

The summer Market is open April to October, from 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays and Wednesdays at the corner of Dilworth and Springfield.

There’s a winter market on Saturdays in the Parkinson Rec Center, but food options are a lot more limited.

One of my favorites at the summer Farmer’s Market is the Crepe Bistro, which has a fantastic variety of delicious crepes, including the zesty lemon and sugar, and banana chocolate.

There are always several fresh squeezed lemonade stalls to wash down your crepe.

All four of us are huge fans of the spiral potatoes on a stick – a must try!

There are also several outstanding coffee places in the market, including Anarchy Coffee.

Beet’N Boo’s

Beet’N Boo’s is a great value. It’s a comfortable place, with homestyle food that almost feels as if you’re being served in someone’s farmhouse kitchen.

There’s a big breakfast menu, with breakfast wraps and burritos, egg sandwiches, French toast, and plenty of different eggs benny options. There’s also oatmeal with berries, and breakfast bowls.

For lunch, you can get a sandwich panini, wraps, a good selection of salads, a burger, or even mac and cheese.

It’s all homemade, fresh, and with good sized portions.

Somehow, we haven’t been here for a couple of years, but I think it’s time to go back!

We made it back, and I’m happy to report that Beet’N Boo’s is the same ol’ homestyle, unfussy place, with generous portions. The food’s pretty good too.

On our last visit, we were both craving potatoes, so we got two of the regular size breakfast bowls, a chorizo breakfast bowl for Charles, and a veggie bowl (minus the egg) for me. There’s a lot of food here! It’s definitely homestyle, with a hair too much oil for my taste, but that didn’t stop me from eating, and enjoying, the entire bowl.

Dosa Crepe Café

Dosa Crepe Café doesn’t open until 11 am, but I’ve included it here in case you’re running a bit late and looking for something really unusual.

They opened just before the pandemic started, but we’re thrilled to say they’re thriving, and have opened a second location downtown. We’ve only been to the original Rutland location, but the menu’s similar at both locations, and the downtown location gets great feedback too.

Dosa Crepe Café offers two kids of crepes: French crepes, or south Indian dosa. An Indian dosa is a thin pancake made of a fermented batter of rice and ground black lentils. The dosa itself is vegan.

The Indian dosas are tasty, with a slight savory tang, and a delicious crispy edges. It’s served with your choice of curries, with vegetable, paneer, chicken or beef curries available.

If their giant savory dosas aren’t your thing, you can try their French crepes, served plain, or with banana chocolate, mixed berry, or mango maple, and topped with a scoop of ice cream.

Our kids always go for the sweet crepes, while Charles and I get a dosa. Both are fantastic – it’s just a matter of choice. The kids also like to load up on a milkshake or lassi.

Dosa Crepe Cafe also offers biriyani (veg, chicken or beef), and kothu roti (veg, chicken or beef), appetizers, and a couple of soup options.

Bliss Bakery

There are plenty of great bakeries in Kelowna, but I included Bliss because 1) it’s fantastic, and 2) it has seating so you can sit down and enjoy your breakfast.

Kelowna’s Bliss Bakery has one location in Kelowna proper, on Ellis Street in the Downtown Arts and Culture District.

The bakery has a funky, industrial feel that somehow manages to be warm and inviting.

In addition to all of the delicious home baked goods, there’s a small all day breakfast menu, with breakfast wraps, a spinach and feta quiche, a Bennywich, and a chipotle sausage biscuit. You can also get lunchtime sandwiches (including a vegan grilled cheese), soups, wraps, and salads.

Every baked item I’ve tried here has been fantastic. There’s a reason that Bliss keeps winning the best bakery in Kelowna award with local publications. My current favorites are the almond croissants, and my son adores their individual-sized lemon merengue pies.

I’d come here just for the food, but it’s an added bonus that their coffee is made from my very favorite organic locally roasted Cherry Hill coffee beans.

The Bread Company

The Bread Company has two downtown locations – one on Pandosy and one on Bernard. I’ve been to both, and I think I slightly favor the Bernard location, if just for the downtown vibe.

It’s a busy place, with a lot of small tables, and I’ve always been able to find seating. They have plenty of pastries on offer, plus traditional breakfasts, frittatas, huevos rancheros, pancakes, plus sandwiches, salads, and soups for breakfast.

My daughter loves their chocolate filled croissant, and I’m a fan of the pesto spinach croissant.

Try the fresh squeezed orange juice!

Best Vegan Breakfast and Best Vegetarian Breakfast in Kelowna

Are you a vegetarian or vegan looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast in Kelowna? Look no further!

Kelowna is home to a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly breakfast spots, where you can enjoy a range of plant-based dishes. From hearty vegan breakfast burritos to gluten-free avocado toast, these restaurants have something for everyone.

Join us as we explore some of the best vegetarian and vegan breakfast restaurants in Kelowna, and get ready to start your day off on a healthy and tasty note!

Naked Café

The Naked Café is an unfussy place, with café style décor, and wooden benches for some seating.

It’s an affordable vegan breakfast option located downtown on Lawrence Avenue.

There’s a wide selection of vegan breakfasts here, with vegan versions of an English breakfast, a vegan bacon benny, a breakfast sandwich and a couple of vegan Just Egg hash options. The food is colorful, tasty, and comes in good portion sizes.

They’re also open for lunch and early suppers, serving vegan bowls, sandwiches and burgers.

Frankie We Salute You

Well rated Frankie’s offers both vegetarian and vegan options. Menu items are clearly marked as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free.

I asked to go to Frankie’s for my birthday dinner last year, and was impressed with the food.

This is a local restaurant, owned by Chef Brian Skinner and Christina Skinner, located in the Landmark District.

There’s an industrial vibe here, but it still manages to feel comfortable and welcoming.

The menu is fun and inventive, and they have plenty of interesting cocktails and desserts. There’s also a good kids menu, and we had several families, with well-behaved kids, sharing the restaurant.

Weekend brunch is on Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 3. It’s pretty popular, so a reservation is a good idea. The brunch menu offers a fairly small selection, with items like a Florentine benny bowl, cinnamon toast waffles, and a plant based chorizo ranchera bowl. There are also fun brunch cocktails like a rum and fig leaf mimosa, or a Pimm’s punch.

Chain Breakfast Places in Kelowna

I’m not going into too much detail for chain breakfast restaurants here, other than to list a few. For the most part, a Denny’s in Kelowna is going to be the same as a Denny’s anywhere else.

Here are a few serviceable chain options:

• iHOP
• Dennys
• The White Spot

The White Spot

Of all the chain breakfast places in the city (Cora’s not counting), The White Spot is probably our favorite. It’s kid friendly, has a nice relaxed vibe and the food is consistently decent.

Best Brunch in Kelowna

Of course, you can visit any breakfast place from our list above for brunch however, if you’re looking for a fancy, more upscale brunch, try one of these options below.

You’ll need to make the drive over the bridge to visit our first two picks: Old Vines Restaurant and Terrace Restaurant.

Quails Gate Old Vines Sunday Brunch

Located in West Kelowna, Old Vines Restaurant is nestled on the edge of the Quails Gate Winery. The restaurant faces Okanagan Lake, with stunning views over a gently sloping vineyard to the water below.

Quails Gate family owned winery is one of my personal favorites in Kelowna, and regarded as one of Kelowna’s best wineries.

Given the view and the menu, Quails Gate’s Old Vines brunch is fairly well priced. Sure, it’s a pricier choice than many, with higher end appetizers like oysters on the half shell, and mains like croque Madame. Prices change regularly, but in early 2023, the eggs benny was $24, the brioche French toast was $18, and the artisan charcuterie ran $26. Not a fortune, but the bill can go up significantly with wine, as you may want to try the wine pairings suggested by your server.

Make reservations in advance, since it’s a busy place, especially in summer, and brunch hours are short, running every Sunday 11 am to 2:30 pm.

Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Winery

Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill has one of the best restaurant views in Kelowna. It’s definitely a show stopper, and a fantastic place to bring someone you want to impress.

However, since it’s an outdoor restaurant, it’s only open seasonally from May to October.

This is a farm-to-table experience with produce grown in the estate garden, or locally sourced from farming partners.

Prices can be a bit steep, but this is one of Kelowna’s best restaurants, with excellent service and panoramic views to boot.

We’ve only eaten here once, at lunch, and it was a fantastic experience, with wines paired perfectly to the food. Charles still raves over the duck fat fries three years later!

We’ve never had a issue, but we have heard from a few people that they found the atmosphere at Mission Hill to be a bit cold and exclusive. Our personal experience with everyone, including sommeliers, servers and gift shop personnel has been excellent – they’ve been friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Lakeside Dining Room at the el Dorado Hotel

The food is good here, and service is solid, but sometimes slow, however, the real draw is the location. Located directly on the waterfront, it offers a stunning view of the lake. If you go in the summer, try to get a patio seat for an even more amazing view.

The buffet brunch is only available on select Sundays. Breakfast is available Monday to Sunday, early.

The breakfast menu is fairly small, with favorites like a traditional breakfast, fruit salad, eggs benny, avocado toast, waffles, omelets, and oatmeal.

Krafty Kitchen + Bar

I hesitate to call anything hip or cool (my teenagers would immediately cringe and reflexively mock me), but there’s no getting around it: Krafty Kitchen + Bar is a pretty hip place.

I mean, they have a Hip Hop Brunch every Friday to Sunday, with items like benedicts named Tupac, Baller Mushroom, and Easy-E. They also offer a Notorious BLT, and a Drop it Like it’s Hotcake.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KRAFTY KITCHEN + Bar (@kraftykitbar)

This is a local place, run by Chef Chris Shaften. It’s a fun, funky, casual farm-to-table restaurant located beside the historic firehall in Downtown Kelowna.

Brunch is only on Saturday and Sunday 9 to 2, but regular hours are Monday to Friday noon to late.
There’s also a Fondue Sunday.

The Curious Café and Bar Norcino

The Curious Café is another cool downtown eatery, but with limited hours.

If you’re looking for brunch, it’s closed Sundays and statutory holidays however it’s open Friday and Saturday at 11 am.

The brunch menu includes vegan field mushrooms on toast, chick and waffles, a breakfast sandwich, eggs benny, French toast, and a veggie power bowl.

There’s also a brunch party that serves four, with classic eggs benny, French toast, bacon, fruit, and coffee.

As someone who loves a good breakfast, I can honestly say that Kelowna does not disappoint when it comes to morning dining. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Canadian breakfast fare or something more innovative and international, Kelowna has plenty of options to load up before hitting one of the best hikes in Kelowna or taking off on one of the best road trips in British Columbia.

Do you have a breakfast spot in Kelowna that we missed? Let us know in the comments!

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what it would be like to fly business class on your next international flight, you know it can be tempting. After all, the thought of extra legroom, free drinks, and gourmet meals can make regular old economy class feel like a total drag.

But is business class really worth the higher price tag? Let’s find out!

Is Business Class Worth It?

Whether you’re looking to book an international flight from the UK to Australia, or a long haul business class flight to Greece, there’s a lot to consider.

While you can sometimes find business class on domestic flights, it’s mostly found on international flights, and offers more comfort and amenities than standard economy, premium economy, or domestic first class.

One thing we can guarantee, because business class is more expensive, and geared more to solo business travelers, you’ll likely have fewer babies and children in business class.

Not all business class tickets are made equal

A word of caution first. Not all business class tickets are equal.

Some business class flights have lay flat seats, meals designed by celebrity chefs, multiple bars for business class passengers, and fantastic service. Other business class tickets are minimally upgraded economy tickets, with barely larger seats, the same food as economy, and a seat toward the front of the plane. There are huge differences in business class between different airlines, specific routes, and even airplanes.

Different airlines may also call their business class seats by another name, like executive class, upper class, club world, or club Europe.

Cost

The biggest knock against business class tickets is their cost. A long haul full fare economy ticket can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while a business or first class ticket can set you back thousands of dollars. But if you’re looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime trip or fly in comfort for an important meeting or event, the extra money might be worth it.

Generally, business class is more expensive than economy, but considerably less expensive than first class.

Short haul flights also tend to have smaller cost differences between economy and business class than long haul flights. For some long haul flights, for example between the UK and Australia, business class can literally cost thousands more than economy.

Meals

If you’re flying over several time zones and want to thoroughly enjoy your journey, then it might be worth shelling out some extra cash for quality meals in business class.

Many airlines offer better quality food than what’s available in economy (think fresh salad instead of soggy sandwiches) plus complimentary wine and champagne (if that’s your thing!). Business class also often includes on-demand snacking.

In general, business class food is marginally better than economy, but there are certain exceptions where business class food is much higher quality. For example, Air France has commissioned Michelin star chef Anne-Sophie Pic to create eight dishes for business class customers.

On short haul business class flights, however, the meal won’t make much of a difference, since most flights don’t have time for a proper in-flight meal service anyway.

Seats and comfort

Business class seating can be night and day compared to the experience you get in economy. First off, business class seating provides added luxury and comfort with bigger, reclining seats, and more legroom.

Long haul business class flights generally offer a lie flat bed, but it isn’t guaranteed. With some airlines such as TAP, the business class seat only partially reclines.

A great seat isn’t just about comfort. On a long haul flight, a comfy experience can give you a much better sleep and less jet lag, leading to a more enjoyable vacation (or business trip). It can also mean choosing an overnight flight and a decent rest rather than a day flight. Not only can you save on hotel costs, you can also get off the flight rested and ready for your first adventure.

Want to know the specific details of your seat? Find your airline on seatguru and check the specifications. Here are a few things to look for. How wide are the seats? How close are you to other passengers? How many seats fit in a row? Does the seat recline? Will the seat convert into a bed?

Departure and arrival

Some, but not all, business class tickets offer a better departure and arrival experience. Depending on the airline and route, this can include express check in, fast track security, priority boarding, priority immigration plus a more generous baggage allowance for the best business backpack.

Services and perks

You can expect better perks in business class than economy, from powerful chargers to keep all your devices in working order, better entertainment options, and even complimentary amenities like free Wi-fi access, newspapers and magazines.

Plus, business class travelers get priority boarding and check-in services so they can be one of the first passengers on board. Business class generally has a higher flight attendant to passenger ratio, leading to better service, including faster meal service which means meals served first and more time with lights out for a better sleep on long haul flights.

Some business class flights offer extra perks like chauffeured pick-up and drop off, and an in flight amenities kit including items like socks, eye masks and toiletries.

Generally, (though not always), a business class ticket gives you access to the airline’s airport lounge. Lounge access often includes amenities like free meals, alcohol, showers and clothes pressing.

Business class vs first class

In business class, you’ll expect perks like wider or more comfortable seating and priority boarding.

When you upgrade to first class, you’re pampered from start to finish. From dining experiences that rival high-end restaurants and personalized concierge services, to private suites with beds, showers, and sound-proof areas for business conferences, first class is a much more luxurious experience.

Food in first class can often rival that of the best restaurants, and can have menus designed by famous chefs.

Business class has more legroom, but not always a private space while first class sometimes offers seats that turn into a bed or an mini apartment.

How to save money on business class tickets

If you just can’t stomach the cost of business class there are a few tricks that may help drop the price.

Wait for a last minute upgrade. You may simply get an offer from the airline at the last minute to upgrade. At one point in the past, they often gave someone a free bump up but those days are generally over since planes often max out their occupancy and it will usually cost you, though oftentimes at a much reduced rate, than you’d pay ahead of time.

Use your airline points or frequent flyer status. If you have points or miles, then it may be worth it to you to shell out some of those points to upgrade. If you time it right, there are times where using points makes the most sense.

Consider premium economy tickets. If you can’t quite justify the cost of business class, premium economy is another option. Generally, premium economy gives you bigger seats, seats toward the front of the plane, better food, and a few more perks at a much lower cost than business class.

Book early. The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the cheaper business class ticket. Book as far in advance as possible to secure the best deals. While hoping for a last minute upgrade can sometimes be cheaper, there is zero guarantee a better deal will pop up.

Consider alternative airports. Sometimes, flying into a nearby airport can save you money on business class tickets. Don’t overlook smaller airports in the area.

So is business class airfare worth it?

In the end, choosing business class or economy is a personal choice. It really depends on your budget and how important comfort is to you when flying long distances (or short distances).

If you’re cash rich and time poor, business class may be for you, and by all means go ahead and book yourself a seat in the front cabin, but make sure that you maximize your benefits by taking advantage of any perks offered along with your ticket, like lounge access or priority check-in privileges!

Should a business class ticket be on your business travel checklist? A good business class experience really makes getting from point A to point B a pleasure rather than an endurance test!

However, if saving money is more important than indulging yourself, then economy may be the way to go. Just remember that there are always ways to make your flight more enjoyable by researching airlines’ amenities before booking your ticket!

Articles you might like

• The Best Gifts for Business Travelers
• How To Find The Cheapest Flights To Anywhere
• Six Quick Steps to Nailing the Cheapest Flight
• Fun and Interesting Things to Do When You Can’t Travel

The Galapagos Islands, far off the coast of Ecuador, have some of the most unique species on the planet and offer some of best day trips for wildlife watching anywhere. Couple that with beautiful beaches, tropical weather, and friendly locals and you have a destination worth exploring.

Whether you’re taking a day trip to one of the 18 islands in the volcano-formed archipelago, or hoping to take one of the more luxurious cruise trips to Galapagos Islands, you’re sure to encounter plenty of wildlife.

The Galapagos are home to the endangered giant tortoise, the lava rock loving land iguana and its brethren, the ocean diving marine iguana, plus tons of sea turtles, sea lions and even tropical penguins. The marine iguana is a species of iguana found only on the Galápagos Islands, and is unique among modern lizards in that it finds food under the surface of the ocean.

Some of the most scenic day trips you can do in the Galapagos Islands originate from Isabela Island. We had the good fortune of spending some time there and got to experience the best day trips from Isabela Island, Galapagos for ourselves.

A brief history of Isabela Island

Isabela Island (also called Isla Isabela) is the largest of the Galapagos Islands (it’s actually bigger than all the other 17 islands combined!), however Puerto Villamil (the largest village on the island) is the smallest of the three main settlements in the Galapagos.

Getting around town on the sandy streets is quick and easy and there’s a very laid back, almost Caribbean feel to the island. To say that the town is as unique as the people and the animals that live there is an understatement and we met some really nice people there.

Isabela Island straddles the Equator and was formed, like the others in the archipelago, via lava and volcanoes around a million years ago. As a result, this Galapagos island still has plenty of volcanic activity and ranks among one of the most active volcanic islands in the world. Nearly all the volcanic activity is based around the untouched northern portion of the island but it still makes a for a great trip.

Whether you’re taking one of the many tours or going it alone, there’s a lot to do for such a sleepy place. Like most of the Galapagos Islands, you’ll see sea lions and marine iguanas just about everywhere you look as well as the remarkable frigate birds flying overhead. In the wetlands of the island you can see pink flamingoes and stilts and Darwin’s famed finches, that helped him form his theory of evolution, exist near land and sea.

Under the water you can see some of the largest gatherings of hammerhead sharks in the world as well as plenty of sea turtles, stingrays, manta rays and sea horses. If you’re snorkeling, there’s a good chance you’ll be visited by an inquisitive sea lion and, if you’re lucky, the only tropical penguin in the world, the Galapagos penguin.

Day Trips from Isabela Island

Some of the more notable day trips from Isabela Island include:

A day trip to Los Tuneles

Our favorite day trip from any of the Galapagos Islands, the day trip to Los Tuneles was amazing!

The day we went to Los Tuneles we snorkeled with nearly a dozen sea turtles, swam with reef sharks and sea lions, and also saw a sea horse and a few rays up close.

We also walked over crumbling lava tunnels and got up close to watch the mating dance of a pair of blue-footed booby’s.

One of my personal highlights was sitting down on one of the caved in lava arches and watching sea turtles navigate the shallow channels of Los Tuneles below to get to the warmer lagoon for the night.

Sometimes they would pass only a few feet away from us and the water was crystal clear.

Sierra Negra Volcano

The second largest active volcanic crater in the world, the Sierra Negra is over 10km in diameter. Day trips to Sierra Negra take you up and around the rim and give you spectacular views of the volcano and surrounding islands.

Expect to be hot and tired after your 16 km walk but everyone we talked to who did it said it was worth it for the views alone. It’s about a four to five hour tour that usually includes trips to Volcan Chico which is about an hour farther away where you can see fumaroles (gas vents) and parasitic craters (a non main volcano cone) up close.

Tintoreras

The Tintoreras are a series of small islands directly across from Puerto Villamil.

The tour usually comprises of a small boat that takes five minutes to cross the shallow bay and drives slowly along the coastline so you can see the Galapagos penguins (the only tropical penguin in the world) and blue-footed boobies (funny looking birds with blue feet and an extravagant mating dance) up close.

While on a tour, you also have the opportunity to snorkel in between the islands. While snorkeling, you might see everything from small reef sharks to stingrays to sea turtles and curious sea lions.

Once you’re done snorkeling, you’ll cross onto one of the islands where you’ll get off the boat and hike a short trail that’ll bring you to an area full of sea lions and a water alley full of resting sharks.

Tip! If you want you can also kayak over to Tintoreras as part of a group. It’s a fairly similar tour to what’s above however you won’t end up traveling as far down the coast as you would with the boat. The nicest part is that if you find the Galapagos penguins (they move around a lot during certain seasons), you can generally get a little closer to them.

Concha de Perla

The Concha de Perla is like a giant natural swimming pool that’s closed off from the sea. It’s right next to the main island docks. To get to it, look for a sign on the left as you walk towards the water.

After a 1 minute walk along a long wooden boardwalk, you’ll come to a small deck overlooking the bay. There’s not much seating however there are two sets of stairs leading to the water and the Concha de Perla is a gorgeous place to swim and snorkel.

To get to the town docks or the boardwalk, head east from town. The docks can be reached in around 10 minutes. It can be pretty hot in the afternoons so it might be wiser to grab a truck taxi for a few dollars.

Every time we went to Concha de Perla we saw sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and groups of fish. Along the edges, we saw marine iguanas hanging out in low hanging branches just above the water basking in the sun as well as sea lions frolicking about. Supposedly it’s not uncommon to see Galapagos penguins there from time to time as well.

Caution: There is no beach area at Concha de Perla and the water is deep so it’s not great for kids unless they’re strong swimmers. Also note that as the tide rises and drops it can create a current along the outer edges so make sure you’re a strong swimmer or are wearing flippers if you head farther out. Since it’s too deep to see much in the center, you’ll want to keep to the edges anyway.

Giant Tortoise Breeding Center

The National Park runs the giant tortoise breeding center on Isabela Island and that’s where giant tortoises are raised from eggs to adolescence before being set free into the highlands, which is their natural habitat on the island.

The tortoise breeding center is a great place for kids and there is a good interpretation room. To get to it, you can just head down the beach or up the main road the opposite way from the town docks and turn right onto the wooden walkways just past Iguana Crossing. It’s a pretty 30 min walk from town or around 5 minutes by taxi.

Flamingos Lake

To the west of Puerto Villamil, there are various salt and brackish lagoons which house an impressive variety of coastal and sea birds. Here, visitors can also find the largest concentration of flamingos in the Galapagos.

The path to Flamingo Lake is located only a feet from the beach and starts just past Iguana Crossing hotel. You can visit the Tortoise breeding center at the same time since it uses the same path.

Wall of Tears

The Wall of Tears on Isabela Island has a rich history of fairly grisly details. The culmination of which was a large wall made of lava boulders in the middle of nowhere constructed by prisoners in the late 40’s and early 50’s as a large, make work project that never went anywhere.

The Wall of Tears is five km from the town of Puerto Villamil and makes a great early morning or late afternoon jaunt. To get there quicker, you can rent a bicycle in town that will let you ride down the well posted nature trails that will also lead to lagoons, some gorgeous viewpoints, as well as some beautiful secluded beaches.

Wetlands

Isabela Island is also home to wetland areas located just outside of Puerto Vilamil. The Wetlands consist of salt water lagoons and mangrove swamps and are home to a variety of unique endemic bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. You can visit the Wetlands on foot via a path that winds through the swamps.

You might like:

• Our Experience at Hotel Albemarle on Isabela Island Galapagos
• Lounging with Sea Lions at the Red Mangrove Hotel Galapagos – Our Review
• What To Expect On An Ecuador Amazon Tour With La Selva Lodge
• Why You Need To Visit The Hot Springs At Hotel Termas de Papallacta Ecuador
• Canoeing Into The La Selva Lodge In The Ecuadorian Amazon

In this Jase Medical review, I want to share the importance of having emergency antibiotics while traveling and how Jase Medical can provide that extra level of protection and security.

As a seasoned traveler, I understand the importance of being prepared for any situation, especially when it comes to health and safety. While carrying a well-stocked first aid kit is essential, it’s not always enough. That’s why I highly recommend considering Jase Medical’s emergency antibiotics for your next trip.

With the shortages, travel disruptions, and political unrest in the world right now, being prepared seems like an especially good idea.

When you’re traveling, the unexpected can happen. It’s important to have a reliable source of medical support. Jase Medical’s emergency antibiotics can give you that peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

Our family of four carries a well stocked travel first aid kit, and it’s come in handy many times. That said, even the best first aid kit for traveling abroad usually doesn’t include antibiotics for emergencies.

There have been many times where our family of four has needed antibiotics on the road, including a kidney infection in Thailand, an E. coli infection in the Philippines, strep throat in Mexico and a nasty cut to our son’s ear in Greece. (See the blue boxes for details from a couple of our personal stories).

In a hurry? See Jase’s emergency antibiotic prices now.

Jase Medical Review

When I found out about Jase’s emergency antibiotics kit, I was excited to get one for my family.

The Jase Case is a 100% legal emergency antibiotics kit that contains five of the most common antibiotics you might need. I think of it as a backup plan if we aren’t able to make it to a doctor or pharmacy when we’re traveling.

Since we’ll keep the Jase Case with us wherever we are, it also serves as prepper antibiotics if we’re off grid, if there’s a natural disaster, or if we can’t make it to a doctor or pharmacy for some reason, and for emergency antibiotics for travel abroad.

How do you get antibiotics for travel?

In an ideal world, if you get sick as you travel, you would just visit an English speaking doctor and pharmacy and have medications prescribed.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to access medical care on the road, and even harder to find a pharmacy to dispense those medications.

Another option to get emergency antibiotics for travel is to have them prescribed by your family doctor. Unfortunately, not everyone has a family doctor. In the US, doctor visits can be expensive. On top of that, a local doctor may not specialize in travel medicine, and may not know the best antibiotics to include in a travel medical kit.

That’s where Jase comes in. Jase lets you order emergency antibiotics for travel online, from a board-certified doctor, and delivered through a local pharmacy.

Wondering how to get antibiotics for a survival kit? While we got Jase for our off-grid and travel use, it’s a great option for getting antibiotics for a survival kit at home.

Since Jase provided us with a kit to see how their service works, I jumped at the chance to check it out. Before I talk about my experience ordering antibiotics through Jase, here’s a little info on Jase, and how it works.

Click here if you want to jump straight to my personal review.

About Jase Medical

Jase founders created the company so people have access to medical help even when professional assistance is not available.

Emergency or unforeseen medical situations can be stressful and without the proper supplies, life-threatening. Jase Medical’s aim is to make sure that you have the medications you need even in times when access to medicines is hard to come by.

Jase Medical is for people who want to keep an emergency supply of medication available wherever they travel or happen to be.

The process for ordering emergency antibiotics is simple. You just:

1. Fill out a simple online form, which is evaluated by a physician.
2. The antibiotics are sent directly by mail from Jase’s pharmacy network.

What I really love is that a Jase order also includes unlimited ongoing care, so you can ask your prescribing physician any questions you may have about a particular condition or treatment. 

To order online, go to Jase Medical’s website here and use code NOMAD10 at checkout to get $10 off).

What medications are in the Jase case?

Jase’s medical team have put together a comprehensive kit with emergency antibiotics for travelers.

The Jase emergency antibiotic travel pack contains the following medications:

• Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
• Azithromycin (which the CDC says is used to treat severe traveler’s diarrhea.)
• Ciprofloxacin
• Doxycycline
• Metronidazole

This isn’t legal or medical advice. Make sure you consult with a doctor to see if emergency antibiotics are right for you.

Among other things, the Jase antibiotics can be used to treat:

• traveler’s diarrhea
• kidney infections
• bladder infections
• pneumonia
• wound infections
• possible bioterror incidents
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
• strep throat
• urinary tract infection

How long does it take to get the Jase antibiotics?

Unlike traditional medication, you don’t need to pick up your medication from a pharmacy. Instead, it’s mailed to the address you provide.

My Jase antibiotics came five days after placing my order, which is lightning fast compared to other online orders that I’ve made with other companies.

Orders are shipped from the Jase partner pharmacy via either USPS or the Canadian Post.

Can’t I just buy antibiotics overseas as I travel?

Absolutely, you can get antibiotics from an overseas pharmacy when you travel.

There are a few risks though.

First, you may not be close to a pharmacy or medical help when you need medicine.

Second, you may not get the professional advice you need about usage and dose because of language barriers, or lack of access to medical professionals.

Third, and this is something that most travelers don’t think about, but there’s a risk the meds you get overseas may be counterfeit, especially in emerging countries.

My Personal Experience with Jase

My entire experience ordering the Jase emergency antibiotics online was smooth and simple, and only took about 10 minutes in total.

I very much like the convenience of ordering online. It’s so much simpler than making an appointment with a family doctor, or with a walk-in clinic.

My experience ordering Jase emergency antibiotics online

To start, I went to the Jase website.

From there, I followed along with their online ordering process. Basically, it was just a few questions about my medical history and they verified my identity.

To start, I answered a few simple medical questions, including if I had any potential allergies, if I’ve had a general health checkup in the past two years, and if I was taking any other medications.

After that, I uploaded a picture of an official ID (my driver’s license in my case), which was quick and secure by just holding my ID in front of my webcam. To comply with telemedicine laws, the Jase physicians are required to verify their patients’ identity with a government issued photo ID.

After I was done, I got a confirmation email from Jase, saying my order was being reviewed by one of their independent board-certified physicians.

I placed my order at 3:23 pm, and got an email from the doctor at 7:10 am the next morning saying my prescriptions were ordered from the pharmacy. There was also on email where I could reach the doctor if I had any questions.

I got a text from the pharmacy the day after that, saying that they’d received the prescription order, and setting up a time to talk to the pharmacist.

Later that day, I got a call from the pharmacist, who provided helpful education on how, and when, to use the medications in an emergency. He was also able to answer any questions I had.

Since I live in Canada, my Jase antibiotics were shipped from a partner pharmacy, Pocketpills.

Since I didn’t have any other prescriptions, or medical history, I wasn’t contacted directly by a doctor after the initial consultation. Jase says that a physician only contacts you if there are questions about your medical history. Otherwise, the responses you give during the online consultation are typically enough.

My Jase antibiotics came only a few days after placing my order.

Honestly, that’s pretty impressive since I live in Canada, and in a smaller city, which often makes shipping slow.

To order online, go to Jase Medical’s website here and use code NOMAD10 at checkout to get $10 off.

If you have allergies, or another medical reason, the medications listed can be substituted or removed at the discretion of the physician.

Since I’m based in Canada right now, my Jase Case prescription was fulfilled by a pharmacy that serves Canadian customers.

My Jase case contained everything the Jase website said it would.

The only tiny difference was that I got Metronidazole caplets instead of tablets, but the number and milligrams in each was identical to the website. Here’s exactly what I got:

• 30 Metronidazole 500 mg Capsules
• 6 Azithromycin 250 mg Tablets
• 28 Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 875/125 mg Tablets
• 28 Ciprofloxacin 500 mg Tablets
• 120 Doxycycline 100 mg Capsules

As a note, your pill bottles may look a bit different. Jase’s medications are are sent in their typical pill bottles from independent, licensed pharmacies.

The Jase emergency antibiotic kit came in a handy zippered pouch, which is helpful for keeping the bottles organized in one space, and protecting them from light. The bag is really well constructed, with several compartments, and a sturdy zipper.

It’s a small thing, but I would have liked my fifth bottle of antibiotics to have a designated place. Four of the five pill bottles were snugly held in place with an elastic band, but the fifth was just placed in the case. Again, it’s a trivial thing, but maybe future cases could include this?

There’s also a 33-page Emergency Antibiotic Guide Booklet.

Inside the booklet, there’s a description of each antibiotic in the kit, along with what conditions it’s used to treat. The antibiotic description includes notes on possible dangers, including interactions with other drugs, and potential allergic reactions. It also includes when it is to be taken (e.g., during meals), expiration and storage information, and whether it is compatible with breastfeeding mothers and/or pregnancy.

The booklet also has an easy-to-read index at the front that lists medical conditions, and then which antibiotic in the kit can be used to treat that condition, along with page numbers to find out more information.

There’s even information in the back on how to safely dispose of expired medications.

How much does a Jase case cost?

Currently, prices for the antibiotic kit are:

• For US patients: $259.95 USD*
• For Canadian patients: $339.95 USD*

The pricing difference includes differences between USA and Canadian costs of medications, shipping, fees and materials. Prices may change over time.

We asked Jase for a discount for our readers.

Use our code NOMAD10 at checkout to get $10 off!

See Jase prices here.

Does Jase accept insurance?

Jase Medical does not accept any type of health insurance. If you’re in the USA, you should be able to use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account), but it depends on the specifics of your account.

Is there a fee for the Jase doctor’s visit?

Your doctor’s consultation is free and is included in the cost. If the physician determines that your order for chronic condition medication or antibiotics is appropriate, the only payment made will be for the prescribed medications.

Is Jase Medical legit?

Jase Medical was founded by board-certified family physician Dr. Shawn Rowland who is supported by a team of experts.

Jase’s clinical advisors are:

• Shawn Rowland, M.D., Founder – Jase Medical, LLC., board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
• Lissa Baird, M.D., Director of Neurosurgical Oncology in the Department of Neurosurgery at Boston Children’s Hospital
• Brandon Webb, M.D., Associate Professor of Research in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Epidemiology at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jase Medical contracts with physicians who are licensed to prescribe medicine and treat patients in your area, and complies with all governing medical laws.

JASE MEDICAL

Can I order medication other than antibiotics?

You can request specific medications for many chronic conditions.

However, you can’t place partial orders for the antibiotic kit, or select specific medications for the antibiotic kits.

Jase Medical Canada

Jase Medical is available both in the USA and in Canada. They currently aren’t in any other countries.

Canadians can order on the same Jase website as Americans, here.

How long can the emergency antibiotics be stored?

Most antibiotics have an expiration date between two or three years from the date of manufacture on the bottle. Store medications in air-tight containers in a cool, dry environment to maximize their shelf life.

The Jase website says “Under proper storage conditions antibiotics, expiration dates can be extended for a minimum of an additional 5 years. Studies have even shown 90% retained potency after as many as 20 years.“

What about antibiotic shortages, and supply chain disruptions?

Canada is currently experiencing a shortage of some antibiotics, primarily liquid formulations of amoxicillin and azithromycin. Tablet forms of antibiotics aren’t currently seeing shortages in Canada. See current antibiotic shortages in Canada here.

There are also shortages of some antibiotics in the USA – see this FDA list for current details.

Can I send a Jase case as a gift?

Jase offers gift cards if you’re looking to send a Jase antibiotics as a gift.

See Jase gift cards here.

Use our code NOMAD10 at checkout to get $10 off!

Is Jase Medical Worth it?

I was pleasantly surprised with how quick and simple it was to order emergency antibiotics from Jase.

It may be a couple of more steps if you have potential drug allergies, or don’t have a primary care physician, or if you’re taking other medications.

It feels good to have the peace of mind that I have emergency antibiotics on hand. A medical kit stocked with emergency antibiotics may mean the difference between a ruined vacation and a memorable one.

While I really liked the quick, easy online experience, it really put my mind at ease to know that I could have any of my questions answered by a Jase physician. On top of that, talking to the pharmacist about any potential issues was incredibly helpful.

One downside is that there’s currently no a la carte option, where you can just buy one or two of the more common antibiotics in the kit. You need to purchase all five in the kit.

Should you stock Jase in your DIY travel first aid kit or road trip first aid kit?

If you’re like me, and want to be prepared for travel emergencies, or just want an antibiotic supply for emergency preparedness, I definitely recommend the Jase antibiotic kit.

Carrying a Jase Case just might save your life, and at the at least, you’ll be able to sleep soundly knowing that you have access to vital antibiotics right away if you need it.

Order Jase emergency antibiotics here.

Need a break from the crowds of Cancun and Tulum? Holbox Island is calling!

Holbox, Mexico is a secluded paradise located off the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a less-crowded island surrounded by stunning beaches, incredible wildlife, and plenty of things to do.

While small, Holbox is packed full of fun activities. So whether you’re looking to explore the island’s natural beauty, relax in a hammock, or get active, there’s something for everyone.

Things to Do on Holbox Island, Mexico

Here are eight of the best things to do on Holbox Island, Mexico.

Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, consider exploring the depths of Isla Holbox with a snorkeling or scuba diving tour and discover the island’s crystal clear waters teeming with colorful fish and amazing coral reefs.

The best time to go snorkeling or scuba diving is during the summer months, when the water is warm and visibility is at its best. There are many great spots to explore, but some of the best snorkeling can be found in the area around Punta Cocos Beach Club. Here, you’ll have a chance to spot barracudas, turtles, and a variety of tropical fish.

Swim with Whale Sharks

One of the most popular activities at Isla Holbox is swimming with whale sharks. These majestic creatures migrate to the island between the months of May and September, making it an ideal time to come and witness them in their natural habitat. This experience offers a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close and take a dip in the crystal clear waters.

When it comes to swimming with whale sharks, be respectful and safe. It’s important to note that Holbox is only safe for swimming with whale sharks when they are actively feeding. If you see the whale sharks resting or moving too quickly, it’s best to stay away and not enter the water. During this time, you can still observe the whale sharks from the boat, but be sure to keep your distance and respect their space. Make sure to not get too close or touch the whales, as this can startle them and disrupt their natural behavior.

Swimming with whale sharks at Holbox is an amazing experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Take a Holbox Boat Tour

Experience the beauty of Isla Holbox from the sea with a boat tour. Holbox boat tours offer a unique way to explore the island and its stunning coastline, mangrove forests and small islands. With a tour guide leading the way, you’ll learn about local history and culture while getting the chance to spot wildlife such as dolphins, stingrays, and sometimes even whale sharks.

The waters around Holbox are safe for swimming and snorkeling, so you can also jump in to experience the vibrant coral reef firsthand. There are a variety of boat tours available depending on your interests and budget, from sunset cruises to all-day trips that include visits to neighboring islands.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore Isla Holbox from the water.

Visit the Isla de la Pasión

Isla de la Pasión is a small uninhabited island located a few kilometers from Holbox Island. It is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and abundant wildlife. As Holbox continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination, more and more visitors are discovering Isla de la Pasión.

Getting to Isla de la Pasión is easy, as there are several tour companies on Holbox that will take you there. You can also rent a boat at the harbor and make your own way to the island.

Once on Isla de la Pasión, visitors will find an idyllic beach paradise, with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches that seem to stretch forever. There are many places to swim, snorkel and simply relax and take in the beauty of the island. The waters around the island are particularly clear and full of sea life, making it an ideal spot for spotting dolphins and other marine creatures.

Shop Holbox’s Local Markets

When visiting Holbox, it’s worth taking the time to explore the local markets. From handmade jewelry and clothing to souvenirs, there are plenty of great finds on this beautiful island.

Holbox has all the essentials and you can find everything you need for your vacation in these markets. Be sure to check out the artisans selling their handmade items, and don’t forget to purchase some gifts for the family. If you’re looking for souvenirs, there are plenty of shops selling t-shirts, hats, and other memorabilia that will remind you of your time on Holbox Island.

Visit the Punta Cocos Beach Club

If you’re looking for a fun day out on Isla Holbox, Mexico, then you can’t skip a visit to the Punta Cocos Beach Club. Located on the north side of the island, Punta Cocos Beach Club is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The club boasts a stunning beach and is has a lively atmosphere. You can lounge in the sun and cool off in the crystal-clear waters, sip a cocktail at the beachside bar and enjoy food from one of the local restaurants. There are also plenty of water activities to choose from, such as paddle boarding and kayaking.

Eat Delicious Food

While a small island, Holbox is packed with delicious food options from budget-friendly to upscale restaurants. There is a large number of vegan restaurants in Holbox, so conscious eating is definitely available on the island.

You can also find affordable and tasty snacks from local beach vendors and at the central markets. And while the island is generally more expensive than mainland Mexico, it’s safe to say, you won’t go hungry in Holbox.

Watch The Sunset

Nothing beats ending the perfect sun-bleached day as watching the sunset over the Ocean – and Holbox definitely serves up some incredible sunsets.

One popular spot to watch the sunset on Holbox is centrally located on Natural Pier. So, grab some beers, snacks and friends and bask in the beautiful sunset as it colors the island in a mixture of colors – maybe go for dip too.

Did you enjoy this article? You might like:

• Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen Mexico
• Xcaret in Cancun Mexico: Our Review
• How-to-visit-Cenote-Dos-Oyos-Tulum-Mexico

The past few years of travel restrictions were tough on travelers.

Being unable to hit the road, or grab a flight is one of the more frustrating things that can happen to a travel lover.

Pandemic aside, there are plenty of reasons why you may not be able to just get a visa to Colombia or to somewhere else, find the cheapest flights, choose the best travel backpack (or pack your carry on), and hit the road.

Maybe you’re saving money to travel, or you have a passport that makes travel difficult. Maybe you have family or caregiving commitments that make it hard to explore the world. Maybe you’re in the middle of a university degree, and don’t want to take time off. Maybe your financial situation means that it’s not as easy as finding a job that lets you travel around the world.

During the last few years, we found ourselves stuck at home as the world shut down. Flights were canceled, travel restrictions tightened, and some countries even closed their borders completely to visitors.

Things to do when you can’t go on vacation

Of course, things are better now that we can travel almost anywhere, but those days of travel lockdowns and restrictions left their mark.

We tried to make the best of the situation, as so many others did, by finding other interests and activities to take the place of being on the road.

Lockdown was a time of self reflection, when we thought a lot about why we traveled, and what we wanted out of travel.

From there, we worked hard at finding activities to scratch our travel itch. Some of our ideas were adventurous, some were quieter and self reflective, and some were just… a bit out there.

So what can travel lovers do when we can’t travel?

Figure out what you love about travel

For us, the first step in how to deal with travel withdrawal was figuring out what we loved most about travel. From there, we brainstormed what activities would scratch that specific travel itch.

Do you love meeting new people? Learning a new language? Trying new foods? Exploring city streets? Or is getting out in nature more your thing?

Once you figure out the things that you love most about travel, you can try to recreate what you love about it in another way.

For us, figuring out what we loved about travel was the first step in finding adventure at home. Here are some of our best ideas for what to do when you can’t travel the world.

Explore your local area

If you’re lucky, there may be a lot to see and experience close to home. In a city, there’s likely to be plenty of culture, food, and even history to explore. In more rural areas, nature is likely right at your doorstep.

Local parks are a wonderful place to start.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a back yard, try lying on the grass and watching the bees buzz about, or try your hand at gardening.

Take a day trip

If you’re able to get some time away, a day trip can help scratch that travel itch.

We’ve taken a day trip as little as half an hour down the road, where we packed our suitcases, hung out at the hotel pool, and went for walks along the water. It wasn’t far, at least in terms of distance, but just being away from home was a nice taste of adventure.

Take up camping

For those fortunate enough to be close to nature, camping is a great way to bring some adventure into your life. Camping doesn’t need to be expensive if you camp on public land and you already have camping gear (or know someone you can borrow gear from).

Cook a new dish from your travels

Some of our best travel memories are tied to local foods, so one of the ways we tried to recreate the joy of travel was to make dishes from the places we had visited.

Looking for specialty ingredients? Almost any city has specialty grocery stores. In our small city of around 100,000 people, we have Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Arabic, Asian and German markets. You may even get lucky and find specialty ingredients on Amazon.

Off the top of my head, there are plenty of excellent online cooking classes to get you started on your culinary adventures. YouTube has a a multitude of videos from different local cuisines. Plus, there are excellent foodie blogs and recipe sites.

I’m a big fan of Skillshare’s cooking classes, with classes in everything from Italian cooking to brewing the best cup of coffee, plus plenty more.

Learn a musical instrument

Not much of a chef? You can also learn a new instrument and immerse yourself in the music of a specific country.

There are dozens of apps and websites, plus YouTube has a great selection as well. We picked up a digital piano right before lockdowns in 2020 started (lucky timing) and our kids learned to play by watching online courses.

Learn to dance

Love music but don’t have a musical note in your body? How about learning to dance? You’ll be a hit with everything from the salsa to the jig depending on where your future travels will take you and get a great workout at home while you’re at it.

Learn a new language online

Food and music may be the window to the soul of a country, however nothing beats being able to talk to people in their native tongue.

Using an app like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone can teach you a few basics in a few hours, and entire sentences after a few weeks of 20 minutes a day. See our Rosetta Stone for kids review.

You might not be able to explain your life story once you get there, but even just learning some language basics can turn a forgettable moment into a memorable one. Not to mention that whenever we can chat in a local language we often get better deals and are invited to more events.

Try learning with a real, human teacher, too, with a company like Lingoda. See our Lingoda review here.

Watch travel movies or YouTube channels

Watching movies about travel or YouTube videos about travel can be a wonderful way to feel the enjoyment of exploring new places.

A word of caution here. For me, watching travel movies, TV shows, and reading travel books is sometimes tough when I can’t travel. For a few months in 2020, I couldn’t read or watch anything travel related without feeling overwhelmingly discouraged, sad, or frustrated (and sometimes all three at once).

However, as the world re-opens, watching them has re-awakened our desire to get back out there and explore again and they’ve given us some inspiration about new places we still want to see in the future.

Watch some great travel movies

There are so many wonderful travel shows that it’s really hard to pick the best travel movies (but we did try).

Two of my favorite travel movies are Hector and the Search for Happiness, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Travel TV shows are a great choice too. I’m still a big fan of the Destinations TV show, now long canceled. Absolutely anything with Anthony Bourdain is a win in my book as well.

Watch travel blogs on YouTube

Travel vloggers are a great way to get an often unfiltered look at travel. Well, at least more unfiltered than a heavily produced TV show.

Here are our favorites for the best travel Vloggers on YouTube.

Read travel adventure books

Movies and TV shows not your thing? Pick up a good travel adventure book. While real life travel books are great, even reading fictional books focusing on adventure and travel can help cure your travel blues.

Listen to some authentic music

Books alone not quite doing it for you? How about throwing a local music playlist up centered around the area you’re dreaming or reading about? Nothing gets you into the spirit of a country like local music. Whether it’s traditional or the local top 40, guaranteed you would be hearing music as you walk through the local shops or while sitting in a restaurant or even walking through a hotel lobby.

A great musical score is the backbone to any great movie, so why should you not have one as you delve into your next adventure.

Take a virtual tour

If you’d like to be a bit more immersed in travel, a virtual tour may be for you.

Many tourism boards and destinations offer virtual walking tours. Some are free while others can charge a small fee. There’s even VR tours you can take that really get you right there if you have a VR headset.

While it’s not free, you can take a virtual walking tour of Stanley Park in Vancouver with Talaysay tours. I took the in person version of this tour a few years ago, and highly recommend it. Check out more details on our Things to do in Vancouver with kids article.

Make plans for when you can travel again

Dreaming of travel can be half the fun, right? We know people who we’re sure get more enjoyment from the planning, research and logistic side of travel than they do actually being there.

We love to plan out trips, from accommodation to flights to meals and activities however we don’t put any money down until we’re 100% sure of our plans. Even then, we look for cancellation policies that let us cancel in advance with little or no penalty, just in case.

So, even if you can’t travel or vacation now, it’s never too early to start planning your next trip for the future. Even if it’s as simple as creating an idea board with a few bookmarked links to helpful sites and information, it can go a long way to making your next trip a reality and get you one step closer to getting out your front door.

Do you have any favorite things to do when you can’t travel? Let us know in the comments below!

Have you spent endless days walking the miles and miles of theme parks and just can’t stand in line for the next ride one moment longer?

Well, this post should help you out, as we look into some of the smaller venues that take you off the well beaten path and try to offer something a bit more unique.

First a word on Orlando’s theme parks

So, how does one find unique things to do in a small city that gets 60 million visitors a year? From ghost tours to paddle boats to the largest rose garden in Florida, there is bound to be something that interests you.

Orlando Florida is known as the theme park capital of the world for a reason. Between Disney World and its many parks, Universal Studios and its many parks, plus SeaWorld and LegoLand, you can easily think that that’s all Orlando offers.

While we’re big fans of the big parks (looking at you Harry Potter World, we do love to find the quieter places to unwind and experience other things as well.

That said, Orlando is the most visited city in the US and there will always be people around no matter where you go. However, in comparison to the larger theme parks, the places on this list will generally be quieter and give you alternate things to do in Orlando.

While we’re on the subject, many places on this list aren’t in Orlando itself, but within quick and easy driving distance from your hotel so make sure to visit Official Disney Resorts Site if you’re thinking of visiting Orlando and looking for something close to all the action.

Unique Things to do in Orlando

Without further ado, here are 15 unique things to do in Orlando Florida. Hope you enjoy it.

Strain your neck at the Giraffe Ranch

Ever been licked by a giraffe, nipped at by a zebra or ridden on a camel? I’ve been lucky to do all three, and lived to tell the tale.

At Orlando’s Giraffe Ranch, you can explore wildlife via a driven safari tour, a camel safari tour or on a Segway safari tour.

What do they all have in common? They all take you on a ride to see a huge variety of African, Asian, Australian and American animals from rhinos to hippos to lemurs and ostriches. Every tour includes hand feeding some giraffes so watch out for that two foot long blue tongue, it will surprise you I guarantee it.

Go on a ghost hunt at American Ghost Adventures

Never been on a ghost hunt?

Have you ever been fascinated by the supernatural? Want to explore the darker (literally) side of downtown Orlando?

The American Ghost Adventures tour takes you on a ghost tour that includes some history, a few ghost stories and a brief investigation inside some of the most haunted buildings in downtown Orlando. When the sign says you will be provided ghost hunting equipment or you can bring your own, you know you’re in for a unique experience.

Stroll through the Bok Tower Gardens

What do acres of trees and the Singing Tower have in common?

Both can be found at Bok Tower Gardens just outside Orlando in Lake Wales. The Singing Tower is a 205 foot tall, circular pink and grey marble building with a carillon on the top floor with 60 giant bells connected to a clavier (piano like device) that fills the surrounding garden with rich reverberating sound when being played. With over 250 acres of trees, reflective pools, winding paths and a thriving bird sanctuary, there’s plenty to explore on a nice day.

Defy gravity at Spook Hill

What does gravity, illusion and roads have in common?

Spook Hill in Lake Wales (close to Bok Tower Gardens) is known as a gravity hill. While uncommon enough to warrant inspection, especially if you are already down the road at Bok Tower Gardens, this anti-gravity phenomenon puts you at the bottom of a seemingly small hill. When you put your car in neutral your car will magically start driving up the hill. Perception is a wondrous thing.

Go indoor skydiving at iFly

Never been skydiving? A little nervous jumping from a plane?

Well, you can go indoor skydiving at iFly Orlando. With state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels, you can experience the thrill of skydiving only a few feet off the ground. It’s a great experience when you’re with a group and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll walk away with a smile whether you’re five or 105.

Visit the indie-inspired Ivanhoe Village

Love the indie scene? Want to see where hipsters dwell, art lovers peruse and wine connoisseurs congregate?

Ivanhoe Village comprises of an eclectic group of retro retailers, art museums, craft breweries, boutique wineries and savory restaurants. You can hunt for records at Rock & Roll Heaven or check out vintage clothing at Deja Vu Vintage. You can have a beer at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company or a glass of wine at the Imperial Wine Bar. You can even stroll or bike the many lakes and pathways that call this little area of Orlando home.

Get mystified at the Orlando Science Center

Love science? Want to know the secrets of the universe and to unlock age old questions in a fun setting?

Then the Orlando Science Center is your ticket to happiness. With four floors of interactive exhibit halls, an observatory, theaters, labs and workshops, there’s no better place to learn as you play than a science center. With ever changing exhibits, 3d films on giant screens, a hands on dinosaur exhibit and huge playrooms for the little ones, it also makes a great indoor rainy day activity and is located in Ivanhoe Village.

Walk around Lake Eola

What do swans, ducks, turtles and an amphitheater have in common?

They all can be found around Lake Eola in Orlando. With a mile-long walking trail skirting the pretty little lake, you can easily walk it in an hour. Between the artisan markets, the local wildlife and the nearby restaurants, it’s easy to spend a few hours here.

If you want to go the tourist route, take an electric swan boat out for a ride at night, but if you want to chill with the locals, sit down on one of the many benches and watch the real swans swimming and walking around.

Take a paddle boat out on Lake Fairview

Have a fear of land and speed?

Then taking out a paddle boat on Lake Fairview is a sure way to put a smile on your face. There are actually a large variety of boats you can rent to spend the afternoon on Lake Fairview in Orlando. You can rent everything from kayaks and canoes to pontoon boats and fishing boats.

Strike a pose at Madame Tussauds Orlando

Have you ever wanted to stand next to your favorite superstar? Wondered just how tall a particular famous person was or just how round their belly really was?

Well, you can likely see their doppelgangers at Madame Tussauds in Orlando.

Gimmicky? Yes. Quirky? Definitely. Unique? Well, unless you happen to be a world class wax carver or painter with uncanny skills at making true to life replicas, the answer is definitely yes. While there are wax museums found across the world, Madame Tussauds Orlando is worth checking out if your celebrity curiosity knows no bounds.

Sink your blues away aboard Titanic Orlando

Ever wondered what life aboard the Titanic was like?

Whether you love history or just loved the movie, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is a great step backwards to the beginning of the last century with exhibits highlighting the wonder of that fateful ship.

This two hour romp gives you a replica boarding pass as you become a passenger aboard the historical ship. Featuring more than 300 artifacts as well as full room recreations, if you loved the Titanic, this should be placed on your list of things to do in Orlando.

Tackle the unbelievable at Wonderworks

Ever walked into an upside down building?

While I tried to step away from amusement parks, this place leaves a lasting impression. Complete with over 100 hands on exhibits, Wonderworks is more entertainment than education, but it doesn’t mean you won’t learn something along the way.

From walking through a 100 mph hurricane to experiencing a 5.1 earthquake there’s a few other activities that are worth checking out including playing a giant piano, sleeping on a bed of nails and experimenting with a giant Tesla Coil.

Go for a hike in the Tibet-Butler Preserve

What does the worlds largest amusement parks and a preserve have in common?

Nothing, except they’re both found in Orlando. If you need to get away from the chaos known as theme parks, there’s not much better place in Orlando than the Tibet-Butler Preserve.

With raised boardwalks, numerous trails, marshes, trees, plenty of birds, turtles and small animals, the preserve is a great free way to get away from the crowds and back into nature. With a small visitors center complete with clean bathrooms, it’s a great way to spend a quiet morning after a day battling the crowds.

Walk among the roses at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Ever been in a rose garden so large you’re not sure which direction you came from?

The largest rose garden in Florida can be found at the Harry P. Leu Gardens. This sprawling 50 acre estate, only minutes from downtown Orlando, comprises over 40 different plant collections and different dedicated gardens from a butterfly garden and herb garden, all the way to a bamboo garden. If you love camellias, this is one place you don’t want to miss as they also have one of the largest camellia collections in North America.

Glide through the bogs at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

What do huge fans and small flat bottomed metal boats have in common?

They can both be found together at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. Whether you take one of the personal tours or go on the larger 16 person boat, going for a swamp ride on an airboat is a unique adventure.

As you cruise along you’ll see everything from huge alligators to wading cranes to piles of turtles basking in the sunlight. You might be able to convince yourself you’re going there to experience nature but the truth is, those airboats are a ton of fun to ride on.

Have any other unique places in Orlando that are worth sharing? We’d love to the hear about them!

More Fun things to do in and around Orlando

• 10 Fun Things To Do at ICON Park Orlando
• Harry Potter Souvenirs from Universal Studios Orlando That are Worth the Money (and Where to Buy Them)
• Universal Orlando Tips to Save You Time and Money
• The Best Road Trips in Florida
• 21 Best Things to do in Destin Florida Bucket List

We’ve lived in BC for over a decade now, and while we haven’t driven every highway in the province, we’ve definitely taken our share of drives around our beautiful province.

British Columbia is Canada’s most western province. It borders Alberta, and is known for its vast size and natural beauty. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, BC is world famous for its mountain ranges, lakes and glaciers, as well as rocky beaches, ski resorts and natural beauty.

There are numerous highways and scenic drives in British Columbia that make for some genuinely spectacular road excursions no matter the season, with thousands of valley lakes, mountains, and a largely unknown north.

The best road trips in British Columbia will not only take you through some of the most scenic areas in the province but also in Canada. You can visit the Okanagan Valley and see world class vineyards or drive along the west coast and hang out on beautiful beaches.

If you’re quickly looking for snow-capped mountains, head north from cosmopolitan Vancouver up to Whistler where you can ski or snowboard during winter months or go downhill biking in the summer.

Want to see salmon spawning or visit the Rocky Mountains in its rawest form? British Columbia has both.

Dreaming of warm mountain lakes in summer, natural hot pools year round and great hiking? BC has that in droves.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to take your family on a road trip, or you just want to explore some beautiful sights with your friends, there’s something in BC for everyone.

So whether you’re a local wanting to broaden your range, on vacation traveling with family or friends, or just want to get away from it all, here are some of our favourite drives in BC that will take you off the beaten path and into nature’s playground.

The best road trips in British Columbia, Canada

Whether you have your own car or are looking to rent a vehicle, these are the best road trips in British Columbia to take in the beautiful scenery of this Canadian province.

If you’re in the mood for a guided tour, BC has plenty of bus tours available and if you want to see the province unfettered, traveling the province by motorcycle is an amazing experience. Whether you’re looking for the best motorcycle insurance or want to check out the best things to see and do from Vancouver to Banff, this post has you covered.

The Sunshine Coast – Sunshine Coast Highway

Vancouver to Powell River - 170km (105mi) - 4h 20m (2 Ferry crossings)

The Sunshine Coast Trail is one of the most popular hikes in BC, and for good reason. It’s located just north of Vancouver on the coast, and offers a variety of different options for hiking. This includes a section that goes right along the water with stunning views of mountains and ocean alike.

What does this have to do with road trips? Well, not only can you stop and hike the trail, but getting there is also a beautiful drive with tons of great coastal views and mountainous backdrops along the way.

A few highlights along this route include the 2 ferry crossings (the first at Horseshoe Bay and the second at Earl’s Cove) with possibilities to see everything from whales to dolphins and even killer whales right from your vehicle. The majority of the drive is 2 paved lanes and large animal sightings are common so keep your eyes open for any fauna in the area including moose, deer, bears, mountain goats and cougars.

If you want to continue your drive once you reach Powell Bay, you can take a ferry over to Vancouver Island where you’ll start your island adventure near Comox.

The Okanagan Valley – Highway 97

Vernon to Osoyoos - 173km (107mi) - 2h 25m

The Okanagan Valley is home to some amazing wineries and fruit orchards that have been around before BC was even a province!

Starting up around Vernon and continuing south down to Osoyoos you’ll see some of BC’s prettiest lakes starting with Kalamalka Lake that, depending on the season, can range from cyan to indigo.

As you drive south from Vernon on Highway 97 through Lake Country and get into Kelowna, the heart of BC’s interior, there’s tons of things to do with the family including hanging out along the boardwalk of the 135 km (84 mi) long Okanagan Lake (one of the few lakes in Canada to never freeze in the winter) and grab an ice cream before heading to the beach.

As you continue through West Kelowna (home to great vineyards like Mission Hill and Quails Gate) you’ll soon find yourself driving through towns named Peachland and Summerland (great names right!) before arriving in Penticton. Make sure to walk the boardwalk in town before continuing your drive south down to Osoyoos, the warmest city in Canada!

If you love vineyards and cideries, there are literally hundreds in the Okanagan Valley with many just off the highway so pick up a winery guide available nearly everywhere in the valley before you start your Okanagan BC roadtrip.

The Coquihalla Highway – Highway 5N

Hope to Kamloops - 203km (126mi) - 2h 15m

The stretch of highway from Hope to Kamloops has 2 things in abundance, beautiful scenery and infamous notoriety. The Coquihalla features gorgeous mountain rivers and some beautiful mountain vistas however it’s also the star in a show called Highway Thru Hell, depicting the sometimes hazardous conditions that can occur during the winter months. Since it is a high mountain highway through some unforgiving terrain, there is some merit to the legends but if in doubt, check out the Drive BC website and just pay attention to the weather.

That said, the Coq was originally built as a connector to speed up the route that the Trans Canada highway originally took as it made its way west. While the drive is indeed faster via the Coquihalla, the beauty of the drive is also unmistakable.

If you’re feeling the urge for a hot soak, veer off the highway near Bridal Falls to check out Harrison Hot Springs.

As you leave Hope via Highway 3 East (make sure your tank is full since the next gas station in Merritt is 120km or just over an hour away), you’ll quickly jump onto Highway 5 heading to Merritt and Kamloops. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, the Othello Tunnels just past Hope are worth a hike

As you pull into Merritt itself (most of the town is to the north of the highway), you can now choose to continue northeast on Highway 5 to Kamloops or head southeast down Highway 97C to Kelowna and the Okanagan valley.

If you’re planning to drive right through either cities as you continue east, the drive south toward Kelowna will add half an hour to your journey however it is a prettier drive by far and takes you through several small towns and cities.

The Island Drive – Highway 1 and Highway 19

Victoria to Qualicum Beach (Vancouver Island)- 158km (98mi) - 2h 25mins

Though not officially called The Island Drive, navigating this section of Vancouver Island definitely fits the bill. As you leave Victoria, the Victorian architecture filled capital of British Columbia, and head north on Highway 1, you’ll pass quaint villages, pretty murals and get the occasional sweeping views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands.

There are hundreds of places to stop along the way to grab a bite to eat, hike or shop however there are a few wineries and cideries around Cobble Hill that are worth checking out. If you want a quick hike, it’s also worth checking the Kinsol Trestle just before Cobble Hill. It’s one of the tallest free-standing timber rail trestle structures in the world and is amazing to see. It’s part of the Cowichan Valley Trail and is a popular hiking area.

Nanaimo is the next major city on the way north. It’s not a bad place to stock up supplies for your Qualicum Beach stay (if you’re planning a short vacay) and is also the other major ferry terminal if you want to hitch a ferry back to the mainland.

As you continue north you’ll eventually reach picturesque Nanoose Bay and then Parksville, another major waterside destination in its own right though the long sandy beaches along Qualicum Beach are usually what attract the crowds.

While in the region, make sure to check out the Goats on the Roof (literally) at the Old Country Market as well as the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Both are great places to take the kids and hang out for a few hours.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway – Highway 99

Vancouver to Whistler - 121km (75mi) - 1h 25mins

Not many people who visit Vancouver, often ranked as one of the best cities on earth, don’t take a day or two to make their way up to Whistler, BC’s premiere ski destination. The hour and a half roadtrip north up Highway 99 is filled with gorgeous ocean and mountain views and passes through Squamish, an outdoor lovers playground.

With everything from rock climbing to Bald Eagle viewing tours in the winter (it held the largest eagle viewing count in the world at 3769 with around 1300 spotted most given years), if you like the outdoors then likely Squamish has something for you. Squamish is also home to the wonderful Sea to Sky Gondola, a year round engineering marvel that zips you to the top in comfort with plenty of trails on either landings.

As you drive into Whistler, it’s quickly evident why it’s touted as an adventurers destination with a myriad of activities for the outdoor enthusiasts. After hitting the slopes, make sure to check out the town centre (known as The Village) with great shopping, restaurants and pubs open year round. Though we often think of Whistler as a winter destination, there are plenty of activities there happening year round.

Visiting in the summer? Check out Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a popular scuba diving destination with artificial shipwrecks and reefs supporting a huge variety of marine life, such as octopus, lingcod and starfish just minutes north of Horseshoe Bay. Don’t know how to dive? Take a course or explore the rocky beaches and go swimming in the ocean for a nice break from your road trip.

The Glacier Drive – Highway 5 and Highway 16

Kamloops to Jasper - 441km (274mi) - 4h 45mins

While Jasper isn’t technically in BC (it’s 20km from the BC/Alberta border), the vast majority of this drive is in British Columbia and it’s a beautiful road trip through valleys and mountains, with a few great sites along the way.

As you head up Highway 5 north from Kamloops, a great little city fronting the beautiful Thompson River and home to the BC Wildlife Park, you’ll pass wide open valleys that soon turns into winding mountain passes. The nicest part about this Kamloops to Jasper road trip is that the highway follows along the North Thompson River for a sizable portion of the drive, which makes for a great backdrop and gorgeous views.

Along the way, you can check out some amazing waterfalls or go whitewater rafting around Clearwater. If you don’t have time to check them out but want to stretch your legs, check out either North Thompson River Provincial Park right before Clearwater or the Blue River Provincial Park. Both are right along the highway and are easy to pull off into.

As you turn right (North) onto Highway 16 (known as the Yellowhead Highway) you’ll have another few places to stop with Rearguard Falls Provincial Park just on the right and then the Mount Robson visitor centre with Mt. Robson (the tallest mountain in the Rockies) as a nice backdrop. If you’re an avid hiker, the Berg Lake Trail (23km) is often considered one of the top 5 best hikes in Canada with plenty of gorgeous scenery and wildlife spotting.

Pulling into Jasper, it’s easy to see why it’s touted as one of the best destinations in Canada. From the stunning water colors of the Athabasca River and surrounding lakes, to its proximity to glaciers and icefields to the Sky Tram and Marmot Basin ski resort it has plenty to see and do including Canada’s best Dark Sky festival.

If you have the time, there are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada less than an hour from Clearwater. Helmcken Falls, the 4th largest waterfall in Canada, in gorgeous Wells Gray Park is just one of them. You can also check out both Spahats Falls and Dawson Falls while on the way. Total time to Helmcken Falls is around 45 minutes (44km) one way.

The Cathedral Drive – Highway 4

Parksville to Port Alberni (Vancouver Island) – 50km (31mi) – 44mins

We only discovered this route a few years ago when visiting Port Alberni for the first time but it’s a quick, gorgeous drive through old growth forests and one of the prettiest walkways you’ll find on Vancouver Island.

Just as you pass picturesque Cameron Lake, past the halfway point of your journey, lies Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. This trail leads to the most accessible giant Douglas fir tree stands on Vancouver Island. You can walk the short number of trails under the shadow of giant Douglas-fir trees with some more than 800 years old.

Due to some severe windstorms over the years, some of the ancient trees have fallen and the park and trails are continually being monitored and repaired. Make sure you check to make sure it’s open if you decide to make the trip out there.

The Rocky Mountain Pass – Highway 1

Revelstoke to Lake Louise - 227km (141mi) - 3hours

The Rocky Mountains are a some of the most mountainous terrain in the world however the drive through them is often a very pleasant experience. Similar to Jasper, Lake Louise is only 10km from the BC/Alberta border so the majority of this road trip takes place in British Columbia.

Along the way, you’ll drive over Canada’s highest mountain pass, see a few hot pools, look up at the second tallest waterfall in Canada, traverse the premiere whitewater rafting river in the country plus witness some of the best scenery Canada has to offer.

Leaving east down Highway 1 from Revelstoke, a former train station hub and home to the great Revelstoke Mountain resort and Pipe Mountain Coaster, a 1.4km all downhill rollercoaster that barrels your way down a mountain, you’ll soon hit a series of boardwalks and trails. The one you don’t want to miss is Giant Cedars Boardwalk, a quick 20 minute walk through some extremely large cedar trees.

Right after that you have Canyon Hot Springs resort with a nice set of hot pools and soon after that you’ll be climbing through Roger’s Pass, the highest point along Canada’s 8000+km TransCanada highway.

As you arrive into Golden, Canada’s whitewater rafting capital, there are a myriad of adventures you can partake in like whitewater rafting or checking out the Golden SkyBridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge and zipline site. After Golden you have Field, a cute mountain town with nearby access to Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s 2nd highest waterfall and around 10 minutes off the highway.

Once you arrive in Lake Louise, you’ll want to check out the gorgeous turquoise lake the town is famous next to stunning Chateau Lake Louise. There are some great hikes around the area and if you happen to be there in winter, Lake Louise Resort is considered one of the best ski resorts in Alberta.

If you want to read about more things to do along British Columbia’s TransCanada Highway, check out our ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip guide.

The Pacific Rim – Highway 4

Port Alberni to Tofino (Vancouver Island) - 126km (78mi) - 1h 50mins

Traveling on Highway 4 west from Port Alberni to the coastal side of Vancouver Island is a leisurely affair with some beautiful coastal roads, some old growth forests and plenty of sights along the way.

As you leave Port Alberni, a small city on the Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island’s longest ocean inlet, you’ll quickly pass Sproat Lake, a 4 season area with lakeside cabins and camping sites popular with fishermen and boaters alike. Next, you have Wally Creek. Right beside the highway with parking spaces, this is a perfect spot to jump in and cool off in the cristal clear blue water.

Continuing on you finally arrive at the coast. If you want to explore some of the natural beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park, now’s a great time to stop and grab a pass at the Pacific Rim Visitor centre. If you want a small detour, feel free to head south down to Ucluelet while first stopping off for a short walk around the Ancient Cedars Loop Trail.

To the north and towards our final destination of Tofino, another great walk is the Rainforest Trail that is a wood boardwalk & gravel trail through a veritable forest of cedar & hemlock trees covered in moss.

Next you have the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with a tiny tourist town (Long Beach) on the edge of a nature lovers coastal retreat. Near endless stretches of beach attract surfers year-round however most visit simply to watch the waves and walk the miles of sand.

Soon you’ll be at the end of your road trip and driving into Tofino proper. This cozy town on the edge of the world is popular with surfers, nature lovers, whale watchers and hikers. In summer the population swells but it’s also a popular area year round with some great chefs and restaurants calling the town home.

Another popular surfing and beach spot in the area is Chesterman Beach on the southern outskirts of Tofino. There are plenty of inns and hotels in the area if you plan to stay for a few days.

The Kootenays – Highway 6, 31A, 31 and 3A

Nakusp to Creston via Balfour - 218km (135mi) - 3h 15mins (1 Ferry crossing)

Unfettered nature is the best way to describe this road trip through British Columbia’s fabled Kootenays. Gorgeous lakes, relaxing hot springs, swaths of forests and a ferry ride are all highlights of this drive.

We first start in Nakusp, a nice beach village on the edge of the rather long Upper Arrow Lake. The Nakusp region is always busy in summer and has a gorgeous beach with clear water. As you head southeast out of town on Highway 6, you’ll soon be driving parallel to picturesque Slocan Lake. As you arrive into New Denver, a quaint village along the lake bank, you’ll soon be heading due east on Highway 31A.

As you drive over the Kokanee Glacier ranges, you’ll eventually reach Kaslo, a village on the west shore of Kootenay Lake in the West Kootenay region. If you want to stretch your legs, a quick walk along the Kaslo River Trail in town is a nice diversion and there’s a few good restaurants here as well. Further south of Kaslo, Fletcher Falls makes a great short pit stop with some nice little falls just off the highway.

Next we have Ainsworth Hot Springs, a favorite place of ours with some really nice hot springs and a heated hot springs cave. There’s also a delicious restaurant on site as well and if you stay in the hotel, the hot springs are included. Otherwise, they offer day passes for visitors.

After a lovely drive south along along Kootenay Lake we arrive in Belfour where it’s time to jump on a ferry over to Kootenay Bay as we continue down Highway 3A. The highway itself follows Kootenay Lake all the way towards Creston so don’t worry about getting lost now. Creston itself is a valley town with a variety of amenities, hotels and restaurants plus a few wineries and the Columbia Brewery (home of Kokanee beer) that gives brewery tours. If you’re there in summer, make sure to check out the wetlands at the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre.

To get to Nakusp, you can either head due south from Revelstoke on Highway 23 or head east from Vernon on highway 6. Either roads are great however the additional cable ferry ride from Needle to Fauquier is a great bonus when driving in from Vernon and there are some great views and awesome lakes, namely Mable Lake, Sugar Lake and Echo Lake just off Highway 6 that are worth checking out as well if you have time.

Bonus Road Trip – The Island Highway – Highway 19N

Comox to Port Hardy (Vancouver Island) - 290km (180mi) - 3 hours (1 Ferry crossing)

Since no list is ever complete, we’ve decided to throw this last BC road trip in as a bonus. It starts in picturesque Comox.

In Comox you can check out the fisherman’s wharf or one of the numerous beaches such as Goose Spit Park. Kite surfing is a popular pastime here as well you’ll likely see some kites flashing by as you walk the many beaches.

Heading north up Highway 19, you’ll soon be arriving in Campbell River. The city is a very popular whale watching center as well as famously hosting grizzly bear tours. Either tour can be booked well in advance with several companies and some even guarantee a sighting or your next tour is on them. Another popular activity here is heading to Elk Falls Suspension Bridge with it’s large suspension bridge and waterfall as well as checking out the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery, one of the largest salmon hatcheries in Canada.

Continuing past Campbell River (make sure you fill up before leaving) you have a lot of land to cover that includes a few rivers plus a lake before getting back to the coast. Soon you’ll be pulling in to Port Hardy and able to check out the many beaches and marinas plus a plethora of day trips to places like God’s Pocket Marine Preserve to view sea lions. Taking a guided kayak tour is a definite must if the weather is nice.

You can get to Comox from the mainland via a BC ferry from Powell River so if you’ve done the road trip there then this route is a natural progression of it. You can also take a ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. If you plan to do this 16 hour ferry, renting a room on board is a great way to relax and see everything along the way.

Final notes on the best road trips in BC

After having our home base in BC for over a decade, we’ve had the opportunity to see a large portion of it and can never get enough of the beautiful scenery, the friendly people and the wild beauty. While this list isn’t exhaustive, we hope it gives you a few ideas of some of the best road trips in British Columbia and inspires you to visit and see the province for yourself.

Think we missed a hidden gem? We’d love to hear about it below. Safe travels.

Cherry blossom festivals are one of Japan’s most beloved cultural traditions. Every year, during the Spring festival season, visitors come from all over the world to see the beautiful cherry blossoms. Within days of the flowers opening, Instagram overflows with stunning pictures and videos of the many cherry trees in Japan.

Best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan

Because cherry blooms are dependent on the weather, the exact time the cherry blossoms emerge varies from year to year. Every Spring, travelers wait for the sakura (cherry) trees to burst into bloom, and descend on the country to see this unforgettable sight.

Most festivals take place between March and May, and they’re a wonderful place to take in more than just cherry blossoms. Most festivals feature live music, food, craft stalls and tea ceremonies beneath the blossoms.

To get a rough estimate of when the cherry blossoms start, take a look at the last five year’s festival dates, and find an average of that to estimate the time of the cherry trees blossoms.

Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of renewal and hope, and the coming of spring. Once you have your visa for Japan in hand, follow our tips for the best cities to see cherry blossoms.

While you can see pretty blossoms at many parks and even along boulevards, several cities and small towns are especially well known for their cherry blossoms. For the most part, these cities have festivals that coincide when the cherry trees come into bloom.

Wanting to join in the festivities? Here are our picks for the top places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, along with the top cherry blossom festivals and viewing spots in Sakura season.

Yoshino, Kansai

Yoshino is known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of Japan. Small town Yoshino gets quite busy during cherry blossom season. Because it draws thousands of visitors, and there are a limited number of places to stay, accommodation is generally booked out well in advance.

Luckily, it’s possible to visit the Yoshino blossoms on a day trip from Nara or even Osaka.

The best time to visit Yoshino is usually from mid-April until early May each year. Check a cherry blossom forecast for more exact dates.

Hirosaki Castle, Tohoku

If you want to avoid the crowds, Hirosaki is a great choice. While it’s hugely popular, the park also covers a large area of over 50 hectares, which keeps it from feeling crowded.

The castle here, Hirosaki Castle, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan however all that’s left of the castle these days is the 200-year-old keep.

The park itself is crisscrossed with moats from the historic castle with cherry trees flanking the moats, alongside lovely, arching bridges. Walkways are often lined with a variety of flowers, including tulips and irises making the walk even more memorable.

There are over 2,500 cherry trees in Hirosaki, making for a fully immersive cherry blossom experience.

Fuji Five Lakes, Chubu

The Arakurayama Sengen-kōen park is in Fuji-Yoshida, a city at the base of Mt Fuji, with almost 700 sakura trees.

As you can imagine the photos in Fuji Five Lakes are gorgeous, with Mt Fuji in the background, and the Chureitō Pagoda in the front of the frame. It’s likely a photo that you’ve seen often and incorporates 3 things that Japan is known for in one picture.

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Fuji Five Lakes is generally from late March to early May.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a city with a long history that dates back to the 700s. Once the Imperial city of Japan, the architecture and general vibe of this culture-rich city reflect its origins.

Kyoto has many wonderful places to see cherry blossoms, making it hard to pick just one.

Maruyama-kōen (Maruyama Park) may just be the best place to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto.

You will find the wonderful Gion Shidare-zakura (in English, the “Weeping Cherry of Gion) in the middle of the park. The tree is over 10 meters tall (32 feet), and lit up at night. The nearby Shirakawa canal is lined with cherry trees and lit up at night as well.

While the Weeping Cherry of Gion is stunning, there are almost 700 other cherry trees in full bloom in the park and it makes a great place to see in person.

Tokyo

Tokyo is home to thousands of cherry trees that draw in thousands of tourists. Blooms usually last a couple of weeks.

Tokyo’s Yoyogi-kōen (Yoyogi Park in English) is a vibrant, fun place to take in the cherry blossoms. It’s a huge, sprawling area in the heart of downtown Tokyo. During cherry blossom season, it’s packed with people picnicking under the blossoms.

If photos and video are your priority, visit the stunningly picturesque Shinjuku-gyoen.

Nakameguro is Tokyo’s best neighborhood for seeing cherry blossoms, with numerous streets lined with cherry trees.

Osaka

Osaka is one of Japan’s most beautiful cities, and that’s saying a lot in a country known for its charm.

It’s an excellent choice to visit if you can’t visit Japan until later in the cherry blossom season, as cherry trees bloom later here than in other parts of Japan.

For the most part, the best time to view cherry blossoms in Osaka is the third week of March. The blossoms hit full bloom (known as mankai in Japanese) around April 1st.

Osaka Castle and its surrounding garden is a wonderful place to see cherry blossoms. The castle itself is a striking piece of medieval Japanese architecture that photographs well against the light pink or white cherry blossoms. the area is known for.

Himeji Castle, Kansai

Himeji Castle is only four hours west of Tokyo by train, making it easy to access for most visitors.

The castle only reopened to visitors in 2015, but it has quickly become popular with tourists and locals alike.

There are free areas at Senhimebotanen Garden (Sannomaru grounds) and paid areas at Nishnomaru grounds.

Matsumae Park, Hokkaido

Hokkaido is Japan’s most northern island, and home to Japan’s northernmost castle in Matsumae Park. There are over 10,000 trees here, with 250 varieties of blossoms. Because of the many varieties, which bloom at different times, Matsumae Park has a long viewing season until late April.

The castle is illuminated at night, making for a magical sight.

Matsumae Park is just a short walk from the city center, making it easy to access.

Articles you’ll enjoy

• 10 Insanely Helpful Tips For Visiting Japan With Kids
• Sakuraco Box Review – Is This Japanese Sweets and Snack Box Worth It?
• Our Tokyo Treat Review: Is This Japanese Subscription Box Worth It?
• 10 Tips for Traveling Japan by Train

Do you have any places you love to see cherry blossoms in Japan? Tell us in the comments below!