Miyakojima: Japan’s remote island paradise

On my latest visit to Japan, after a few indulgent days in Tokyo feasting on omakase sushi, flavourful bowls of ramen, and uni (sea urchin) in every possible form, we hopped on a nearly three-hour flight south to Miyakojima. Miyakojima, or Miyako island, is part of Japan’s southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, comprising 160 islands (of which just 49 are inhabited). Four more islands—Kurima, Irabu, Shimoji, and Ikema—are connected to Miyako via bridges, making exploration of the archipelago refreshingly easy. 

There’s an undeniable allure to remote islands—their unique customs and traditions, the stories of those who call them home, and the resourceful ways in which people weave the island’s natural bounty into the fabric of daily life. Miyakojima is all that, and more. Over four days exploring the island group, we sampled local delicacies ranging from sea grapes to coconut crab, met artisans who embody deep pride and excellence in their craft, and stumbled upon white sand beaches so pristine and empty they felt like secrets. 

One of Miyakojima’s many beautiful beaches

Scuba diving off the north shore of Irabu island, Japan

Underwater, the islands are just as breathtaking. While scuba diving with Penguin Divers, we found ourselves face-to-face with sea turtles drifting gracefully, moray eels peering from crevices, an octopus unfurling in the shadows, and flashes of boxfish, mantis shrimp, and tuna weaving through coral arches. Many sites are also snorkelling-friendly.

One of our favourite meals was lunch at Rainbow Fish, a restaurant literally built from the ground up by the chef. Each dish is cooked to order from an Italian-inspired menu with a Japanese twist. I ordered the homemade spaghetti with mentaiko cream sauce, topped with shredded nori—easily as good as anything I’d eaten in Italy a month prior. It was so good, in fact, that I ordered it again. Afterwards, we chatted with the chef about his journey to the island, and he turned out to be as humble as he is talented.

The vibrant octopus at Tako Park, Kurima island, Japan

Afterwards, we strolled to Tako Park, where a giant red octopus statue offers welcome shade and sea breezes on hot days. From there, we made our way to another animal-shaped structure, the Makiyama Observatory. The massive concrete structure, said to resemble a bird, commands sweeping views of the surrounding area, including the iconic Irabuohashi Bridge, its waves undulating over the surrounding shades of turquoise sea. A short drive away, Toguchinohama beach unfurled in a long crescent of white sand, dotted with just a handful of visitors on a national holiday weekend in August.

Toguchinohama beach, Irabu island, Japan

Even more spectacular was Sunayama beach, a short walk downhill from the car park. Its signature rock arch is now covered with netting for safety, but its true allure lies in the dazzling array of aquas and blues stretching to the horizon. We spent the afternoon wading through crystal clear shallows leading to sand banks and secluded coves. The best part? We had it all to ourselves.  

The entrance to Sunayama beach, Miyakojima, Japan

Sunayama beach, Miyakojima, Japan

That evening, we splurged on dinner at the newly opened Rosewood hotel, where the menu showcases local ingredients in simple preparations. Looking over the ocean as the setting sun colored the landscape in hues of deep indigo, we reflected on how lucky we are to be able to experience such an incredible place. 

Uni-no-hama sandbar, Miyakojima

The following morning, we set out with Jet Cruise to Uni-no-hama, a sandbar that emerges only at low tide just south of the Irabuohashi bridge. Surrounded by endless shallows and only a scattering of visitors, it felt like a fleeting mirage. Afterwards, we cooled off with some of the best mint chocolate chip ice cream I’ve ever had (made with locally grown mint) at Miyakojima Fruit Parlor, picked up sea grapes and salt at Island Station market, and headed to the airport, buzzing with the thrill of discovery. Miyakojima may be far-flung, but that is precisely its charm. Here, nature, tradition, and hospitality come together to create the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

Frolicking at Uni-no-hama sandbar, Miyakojima

Where to eat & drink

Rainbow Fish, Kurima island

Rosewood hotel, Miyakojima (multiple restaurants; reservations required)

Miyakojima Fruit Parlor, Miyakojima (ice cream made with local ingredients)

Bar Think, Miyakojima (amazing cocktails served by a very friendly 70-something-year-old bartender)

Island Station, Miyakojima (for groceries and items to bring home)

Goya Izakaya, Miyakojima (for local specialties, including noodles or rice with pork, tofu, and sashimi). It’s on Nishizatoo street, which is lined with many restaurants and late night spots.

Where to stay

Miyakojima Tokyu, Miyakojima (Note: while the setting by Yonaha beach is beautiful, and the included breakfast buffet was varied and filling, the thin walls meant we heard our neighbours’ every move)

City guide: Seattle

Seattle is the city that has seemingly everything in a compact package: easy access to nature (hiking, kayaking, skiing - you name it, Seattle’s got it), amazing seafood and a relatively diverse international cuisine, and no state or city income tax. Its reputation of grey skies and rainy days is somewhat unfounded: annual rainfall in New York is actually higher than in Seattle. While winter days do tend to be misty, they pave the way for gloriously sunny summers, when it doesn’t get dark until after 10pm and seemingly the whole city is outdoors. Below are some of my favourite spots for eating, drinking, and enjoying life in Seattle. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I omitted places I didn’t find to be unique or notable. It’s loosely ordered from north to south, west to east:

Restaurants & bars

• Indian-Nepali Kitchen - A diverse, wide-ranging set of North Indian and Nepali done consistently well

• Sophon - Relatively new Cambodian restaurant that’s still finding its footing but delivers for an underrepresented cuisine in the area

• Beast and Cleaver - Butcher shop that also does burger and sandwich popups as well as a full-service restaurant in the evenings

• Ray’s Cafe and Restaurant - Stunning sunset views and a solid take on local ingredients

• Bongos - Caribbean cuisine in a laid-back setting with beach vacation vibes

• Spice Waala - Affordable and tasty take on Indian street food

• Sunset Tavern - Retro vibe with solid drinks and live music in the back

• King’s Hardware - Fun local dive bar that stays open as late as Seattle does it (typically 1am)

• Ballard Sunday Farmers Market - The best farmers market in Seattle, with great tents to grab a bite to eat, including Bangalore Kitchen and Vespucci Pizza

• Strega Pizzeria - Run by the same folks as Vespucci Pizza, this is the best Neapolitan style pizza in Seattle

• The Walrus & Carpenter - Long-standing local favourite featuring fresh local seafood that will also make a dent in your wallet

• Dog Yard Bar - A fun alternative to a dog park serving beer and light bites with regular events and breed meetups

• Urban Family Brewing Co - One of many Ballard breweries worth checking out, this one has a nice outdoor space and great selection of sours

• Brimmer & Heeltap - $2 local oysters at happy hour and an inspired menu in a charming garden setting

• Atoma - Inventive New American cuisine featuring local, seasonal ingredients

• Kabul Afghan Cuisine - Traditional Afghan dishes and attentive staff

• Frelard Tamales - Previously available as a takeout window, large swaths of Seattle cheered when they opened a sit-down restaurant

• Kamonegi - Delicious and inspired menu focused on soba from a female noodle master

• Westward - One of my favourite restaurants in Seattle, Westward particularly thrives during the summertime, when you can sample perfectly prepared seafood dishes while enjoying views of the Seattle skyline across Lake Union

• Ivar’s Salmon House (several outposts) - Solid take on local chowder and fish & chips

• Hey Bagel - Previously available only via monthly drops, this is the long-awaited storefront from Andrew Rubinstein, whose passion and love for bagels is evident in every bite

• Mt. Bagel - Tasty runner-up to Hey Bagel

• Hello Robin - Amazing cookies with inventive seasonal flavours

• Din Tai Fung (several outposts) - Solid outpost for soup dumplings and noodles

• Spinnaker Chocolate - High-end locally made chocolate

• Fiddler’s Inn Pub & Pizza - Neighbourhood pub with a sizeable garden and beer and food offerings to match

• Sushi Kappo Tamura - As a lover of great sushi, I tried just about every highly rated or recommended sushi and omakase spot in the area, and Sushi Kappo Tamura was by far the best in Seattle

• Shiro’s Sushi - Delicious runner-up to SKT

• How to Cook a Wolf - Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a lively neighbourhood setting

• Taylor Shellfish (several locations) - Great oysters sourced from their local farms (a fun day trip!) along with fresh Dungeness crab and other seafood dishes with prices to match

• Paju - Fresh and delicious takes on Korean cuisine; outstanding on every level

• mbar - Go for the beautiful rooftop views, stay for the surprisingly tasty Mediterranean food

• Six Seven Restaurant - Set in the Edgewater Hotel (where The Beatles famously stayed), come here for a special occasion to enjoy outstanding seafood with stunning water views

• Wild Salmon Seafood Market - Located in the Fisherman’s Terminal, this is one of the best spots to get your fresh fish and seafood (and they have salmon treats for dogs, too)

• Rob Roy - Great cocktails with fun seasonal themes

• The Pink Door - Delicious Italian-inspired dishes with a beautiful rooftop terrace and live music most evenings; book well in advance

• The Nest - Rooftop bar with stunning views at the Thompson hotel

• The Goldfinch - Elegant and cozy spot in the Four Seasons showcasing local ingredients

• Fran’s Chocolates - High-end chocolates worth a splurge

• Elliott’s Oyster House - In a touristy area, but with one of the most extensive oyster selections anywhere and great water views, it’s hard to beat

• Luke’s Lobster - Yes, they are from the East Coast, but only here will you find their crab roll made with Dungeness crab, and it’s one of the best I’ve ever had

• Rojo’s Mexican Food - Vegan Mexican food? Yes, it is that good

• Uwajimaya - Large Asian grocery store with wide selection; nearby are many great little eateries that would require their own list to properly write up

• Ramen Danbo - The best ramen I’ve had in the U.S.

• Life on Mars - Quirky bar and eatery serving unique cocktails

• Unicorn - An anything goes, everyone is welcome bar with a carnival theme upstairs and a dance floor downstairs

• Spinasse - Elegant spot for Northern Italian cuisine; book well in advance

• Corvus and Company - Great spot for cocktails and late night bites

• Agelgil Ethiopian - Perhaps the best Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle (I tried 6 or 7 different spots)

• Stevie’s Famous - If you’re craving an NY slice of pizza, this is the only place in town that gets it right (I tried 10 or so different spots), but be prepared to spend roughly 2-3x NYC prices

• Easy Street Records & Cafe - A fun place to browse a wide selection of vinyl and grab a bite to eat

• Xochi - Amazing tacos with great flavour and heat; good place to stop after a hike en route back to town

Activities & day trips

Discovery Park at sunset

Seattle’s Space Needle, Museum of Pop Art, and Grass Blades sculpture

• Kerry Park for the best views of Seattle, with Mt Rainier in the background

• Golden Gardens - Gorgeous beach park with kitesurfing, kayaking, and sailing nearby

• Ballard locks and Botanical Garden - A great place to watch the salmon run in the fall and see boats and ships of all sizes pass between Puget Sound and Lake Union

• Magnuson Park - A beautiful park on Lake Washington, including one of the best dog parks around

• Discovery Park - Seattle’s largest park, with miles of hiking trails and beautiful beachfront

• Green Lake - Walk around the lake (just under 3 miles) to enjoy the beautiful scenery and people watch

• Olympic Sculpture Park, with Richard Serra’s Wake as its centerpiece

• Elliott Bay Book Company - Beautiful bookstore and an easy place to while away an hour or two

• Lake Union and Lake Washington - One of the best ways to explore is to rent a boat (preferably with a captain to show you the sites)

• Kayaking - An amazing way to explore Seattle; the Agua Verde Paddle Club is a great place to start

• Museum of Pop Culture for fun insight into locals like Jimi Hendrix; don’t miss the Grass Blades sculpture nearby

• Go mushroom foraging - I thoroughly enjoyed the experience with the female-founded Savor the Wild Tours

• Whidbey Island - A beautiful day trip from Seattle; don’t miss Meerkerk Gardens, Price Sculpture Forest, Fort Ebey State Park, Deception Pass State Park, and the Restaurant at Captain Whidbey, among many others

• Lake Quinault - An overnight trip from Seattle, Lake Quinault features miles of stunning hikes in one of the wettest places in the U.S., and you can cool off afterwards with a dip in the lake. Matt Houghton of Valley of Giants Nature Tours is the best local guide you could ask for.

• Olympic National Park - My favourite of Washington’s 3 national parks. Don’t miss the Hoh River trail, Storm King, and Hurricane Hill

• North Cascades National Park - The highlight for me was the Maple Pass loop trail, and don’t miss the Blue Lake trail or the Diablo Lake vista point

• Mt Rainier National Park - The Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap trail starting just outside of and finishing in the park will take you through a stunning range of scenery, and be sure to check out the views of Mt Rainier from Tipsoo Lake

• Snow Lake - A day trip from Seattle, this hike will take you through some varied terrain with a rewarding dip in the crystal-clear lake

• Crystal Mountain - Some of the best skiing in Washington state, just under a 2 hour drive from Seattle

Whidbey Island

Mt Rainier and Tipsoo Lake

In search of the path less traveled: Nicaragua

It will likely take you the whole day to get to Little Corn Island, a small speck of lush jungle meets hidden beaches, with just footpaths and boats to get around. The island is reachable only by boat from nearby Big Corn Island, itself accessible by ferry or flight from the mainland. Often the more difficult to reach places on this increasingly crowded planet are among the more alluring, and this is no exception.

Arriving to Little Corn Island

After 3 flights, a short group taxi, and a bumpy 45 minute boat ride run by some of the friendliest people around, all our weariness dissipated as we disembarked on Little Corn and walked a hundred metres or so to our lodging. Dropping off our bags, we ran out to the nearby beach to take a dip in the sea alongside the setting sun. Afterwards, we feasted on local seafood and pasta at the Italian-run Cafe Desideri, located among the cluster of eateries and sundry shops in town. By 10pm, every spot had closed, and most of the island was asleep amidst a calmness that is increasingly hard to find these days. No cars or motorbikes zoomed past in the night. Even a bicycle was a rare occurrence on an island on which everyone walks. And electricity on the island runs only at night.

Ferry arriving to Little Corn Island

We woke up early and excited for one of the purposes of our trip: scuba diving! Little Corn is surrounded by a shallow reef that is home to an abundance of sea creatures: octopus, turtles, lobster, crabs, shrimp, rays, nurse sharks, and more. We dove with Las Palmeras Dive Center, which is conveniently located and well-run. They typically offer two dives in the morning and a night dive departing just before sunset. The night dives were some of the best I’d experienced anywhere. We were treated to octopus sightings and flashes of bioluminescence when the moonlight disappeared behind some clouds in the sky above us, leaving us in darkness and better able to see the flashes of light all around. 

Beach cove along the northern coast of Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

Dirt trails run across the island through tropical forest filled with mango and other seasonal fruit, leading to small beach coves framed by palm trees.  Worth a visit are the northern beaches (reachable via a 20 minute walk from town past the local stadium, or via a short boat ride), featuring gentle waves great for swimming, a fish shack, and an upscale restaurant called Erizo (part of the Yemaya Reefs resort, the only one on the island). We savored the rondon, a traditional island seafood stew with root vegetables simmered in a coconut milk broth; a cucumber and kiwi salad with calala dressing; palm hearts and fruit ceviche. 

Walking path on Little Corn Island

Yemaya Reef, Little Corn

A few coves to the east is Derek’s Place, another lodging option with hammocks and a laid back vibe. Tracking back inland to then join a path leading to the windward side of the island, you’ll reach Little Corn Beach and Bungalow and its restaurant, the Turned Turtle, where you can eat delicious local specialties with your feet in the sand while watching the waves roll in (note: open for breakfast and lunch only). On our last evening on the island, we had dinner by the southern edge of town at the casual, family-run Melissa’s, serving perhaps the tastiest food around. Named after their young daughter, Melissa’s features fresh, locally caught fish and lobster as well as chicken, served as a stew with vegetables and rice. 

Losing track of time, Little Corn Island

We met a number of foreigners who had come to visit Little Corn, only to find themselves still there years later. The appeal of living on what can perhaps best be described as the edge of civilisation is strong, and it was with some regret that we took the boat back to Big Corn Island to continue our trip. We spent just one night on Big Corn, which was decidedly less charming. It did, however, feature one of the highlights of our trip: Bit Coin Island Bar. It’s a floating wooden bar located off of Arenas Beach (not to be confused with the impostor bar floating nearby, created to piggyback off the success of the original), and you reach it by standing on the beach and waving your arms until they see you and send a speedboat. We didn’t wait for more than a couple of minutes before being whisked away, and in no time at all we found ourselves in the care of Ana, the wonderful bartender who insisted on sharing playlists and dancing with us as the sun dipped below the horizon. 

Big Corn Island

Sunset, Arenas beach, Big Corn Island

The following day, we made our way to Granada, located on the shores of Lake Cocibolca, one of many towns known for its colourful architecture, checkered history, and vibrant community in which Nicaraguans and foreigners mingle. Nicaragua’s colonial past is predictably on display, and it’s easy to visit the main sights in a day or two. We stayed at the central and charmingly designed Casa del Consulado, featuring a refreshing pool in one of the courtyards. A block away is the central square, where you’ll find street vendors and the main cathedral. The nearby Garden Cafe is a great option for lunch and has delicious fruit juices and cocktails. For dinner, the more upscale NM Culinary features an inventive take on local specialties, or try one of the many options along the pedestrian-only Calle La Calzada. We enjoyed the old world charm of Hotel Dario, with an open air restaurant and cafe overlooking a lush central courtyard.

Granada’s vibrant central square

Horses ready for a ride, Granada

Calle La Calzada, Granada

Worth visiting are the Church of the Mercy and the Iglesia Xalteva, each featuring a small belltower from which you can see the expanse of the town leading to the surrounding Mombacho and Masaya volcanos. We also enjoyed a cool stroll around Casa Tres Mundos, one of the oldest buildings in Granada, which today hosts contemporary art exhibits. Afterwards, treat yourself to a cold chocolate from the nearby Bate Bate Chocolate cafe, or even a chocolate massage at the Mansion de Chocolate. Nicaragua is a significant producer of cocoa, and it’s a great gift for those back home. It was time for us, too, to head back home, but the country has so much more to offer. I like to leave something for next time in places I’ve enjoyed visiting, and that is certainly the case with Nicaragua. 

The past meets the present, Granada

Where to eat and drink

Cafe Desideri, Little Corn Island

Tranquilo Cafe, Little Corn Island

Melissa’s, Little Corn Island

Turned Turtle (part of the Little Corn Beach and Bungalow), Little Corn Island

Erizo (part of Yemaya Reefs - upscale), Little Corn Island

Bit Coin Bar, Big Corn Island

The Garden Cafe, Granada

Bate Bate Chocolate, Granada

NM Culinary, Granada

Hotel Dario, Granada

Where to stay

Sunshine Hotel, Little Corn Island

Little Corn Beach and Bungalow, Little Corn Island

Derek’s Place, Little Corn Island

Yemaya Reefs, Little Corn Island

Hotel Casa del Consulado, Granada

St Lucia: crystal waters, cocoa, and craters

Few places have it all, but St Lucia is a serious contender. Staggering deep green mountains for hiking and climbing, rainforest trails filled with coffee and cacao trees, coral reefs teeming with life, and volcanic hot springs paired with a rejuvenating mud bath? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. What’s more, the people are some of the kindest I’ve met anywhere, and delicacies like saltfish and green figs, or freshly caught grilled fish paired with the local hot sauce, will leave you wanting for more.

View of the Pitons flying into St Lucia

Flying into Hewanorra International airport, I was treated to a spectacular view of the green-covered twin peaks of Gros and Petit Piton (large and small, for the non-francophone), and quickly began to settle into island time. We stayed at Sweet Breezes, a simple but spacious rental home a stone’s throw from the more upscale Tet Rouge resort in a less populated area, and at night we marveled for hours at the vast quantity of stars we could see from our roof deck due to little light pollution. A few minutes’ walk took us to a small beach, where at night the waves shone with bioluminescence as they lapped the shoreline. This is a place where time seems to slow, allowing you to reconnect to what’s truly important. 

Sunset, St Lucia

Jalousie beach, St Lucia

The sea here teems with life, and you’ll be treated to schools of bright yellow grunts, squads of hovering squid, and a lone camouflaging octopus or two whether you snorkel or scuba dive. I did a couple of great dives with Chester, who runs Action Adventure Divers out of Soufriere at the base of the Pitons. We sought out invasive lionfish during our dives, which Chester speared and then asked a friend to fry for us next to the dive shop. One of the best snorkeling spots is on the north side of Jalousie beach, which you can reach by boat or by road via the Viceroy’s high-end Sugar Beach resort. We saw moray eels both freeswimming and emerging from hiding spots in the coral, inquisitive Caribbean reef squid traveling in family-size units, and a pair of pillow-sized porcupine fish. All beaches in St Lucia are public, and we enjoyed strolling along the sand, admiring the Pitons towering on either side of us. We followed with local greens, grilled fish, fried chicken, and passionfruit-flavoured drinks at the beachside restaurant, our feet in the sand as the sun set into the sea.

St Lucian sunset

View of Petit Piton whilst hiking Gros Piton

Feeling up for an adventure, the next day we awoke early to hike up Gros Piton. Upon arriving at the trailhead, we were paired with a local guide and asked to pay a $50 USD entry fee, which goes to the local community (note: you cannot go up without a guide and at least 1.5L of water per person, though I’d recommend bringing 2L or more). Reaching the summit requires roughly 2 hours of mostly uphill hiking, with 3 spots spaced roughly 30 minutes apart to stop, rest, and enjoy the views along the way. We were rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and spectacular views of both Petit Piton (a more difficult summit, involving some climbing) and the southern expanses of St Lucia, with the peak of La Soufriere volcano on St Vincent visible in the distance. The way down felt longer, as it often does, but fortunately a small hut selling delicious homemade ice cream and an assortment of cold drinks awaits.

Volcano crater on St Lucia

St Lucia is also one of the few places you can drive into the crater of an active volcano. We were greeted by the strong smell of sulphur and a few friendly local employees, who took us to a lookout point from where we saw an assortment of bubbling hot pools and heard stories about the history and formation of the area. Afterwards, we dipped into the nearby mineral hot springs, slathering ourselves in volcanic mud with revitalising properties that locals and tourists alike swear by. Our skin did feel baby soft for a few hours afterwards, so it’s certainly worth a shot.

Should you be craving a different kind of bath, nearby is the Toraille waterfall, a pretty 50 foot (15 metre) drop into a cold wading pool—stand under it for a nice back massage. Alternatively, nearby is Hotel Chocolat, an eco hotel with a spa featuring exfoliating scrubs and massages with oils made from the cacao beans grown locally on the property. Feeling sufficiently relaxed, we toured the cacao groves, and our patient guide taught us how to make our own chocolate bars from the raw ingredients. Spoiler: it requires patience and a lot of grinding pestle against mortar, and results in some of the best chocolate you’ll ever have. 

Our patient guide at Hotel Chocolat

Anse Mamin beach, St Lucia

Desiring more time in the sea, we headed to the nearby beaches of Anse Chastanet and Anse Mamin. Accessible by boat or car, both feature large expanses of sand lapped by crystal clear waters with dramatic rock-hewn backdrops. The high-end, open air sister resorts of Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet are located here, and we enjoyed the fish ceviche served in a coconut along with delicious burgers on the beach at the relatively quieter Anse Mamin. Whiling away an afternoon alternating between swimming, reading, and sunbathing was enough to forget the outside world, and splurging on a couple of nights at the nearby Caille Blanc villa was definitely the right choice.

A short drive or walk from the beach, Caille Blanc perches dramatically on the hillside, with an infinity pool overlooking perhaps the best view of the Pitons. The view is overshadowed only by the friendly staff, who will ensure your stay is as magical as their island. I spent hours gazing over the expanse of ocean and mountains, and the image of the twin Piton peaks remains etched in my mind like an invitation. It’s a place you’ll want to linger, taken in by its serenity as you reflect on how lucky we are to live in this world.

View of the Pitons from the infinity pool at Caille Blanc, St Lucia

Where to eat, drink, and stay

Jungle grill, Anse Mamin beach

Sweet Breezes rental home, Choiseul, Soufriere

Hotel Chocolat

Caille Blanc Villa

A few notes on logistics

In current times, you’ll need a negative covid PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival to St Lucia. I recommend doing this early, as you’ll need to upload it to the tourism portal, after which you’ll wait to receive an email with a QR code that you’ll need in order to enter the country. If you stay at more than one hotel in the country during your stay, some may require an additional test. To return to the U.S., you’ll need a negative test taken within 24 hours. As I found pricing for this to be quite high on the island, I brought a travel-approved test with me from the U.S., which I took under a doctor’s supervision via video call from my laptop. 

Having a car is essential to getting around the island (unless you’re willing to splurge on repeated outings from your hotel or rental) and gives you the freedom to explore. Many attractions are concentrated along the western side of the island, and the region around Soufriere is great to use as a base. If you’re looking to explore the whole island, keep in mind that driving distances can be significantly longer than they appear on Google Maps due to the frequent curves and potholes you’ll encounter on the roads; driving from the southern part of the island to the north without stopping will likely take about 3-4 hours. I highly recommend the locally-run Sacred Heart car rental - communication was easy, and everything went smoothly.

Winter escapes: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

As we drove, the peaks of the surrounding snow-capped mountains gradually came into view, reflecting the deep pink and violet hues of a new day. The excitement that comes with a clear day and the promise of several inches of fresh overnight powder filled the car, and after we parked at the Lake Louise ski resort, we donned our remaining ski gear with a sense of urgency. Of course, we were not the only ones with these thoughts, and the lines for both the gondola and Glacier Express chair snaked with a multitude of colourful snow jackets and chatter. 

Skiing at Lake Louise

But the mountain has room for everyone, and we skied all morning in sheer glee, finding pockets of powder under the t-bar near the peak and lapping our favorite runs with breathless, leg-burning zest. Eventually, when our quad muscles could take no more, we skied over to the Whitehorn Bistro (located at 6700’, or 2042m, above sea level) to enjoy inside-warming hot chocolate (spiked if that’s how you like it) and fondue served with a range of vegetables and potatoes. It’s for days like this that I tolerate winter.

One of many ice sculptures at Lake Louise

Ice skating on Lake Louise

Skiing isn’t the only reason to come to Lake Louise, a small town nestled in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, approximately a two-hour drive from Calgary International airport. Of the many winter activities on offer, you can go mushing with Snowy Owl dog sled tours, ice skating on Lake Louise, snowshoeing any of the nearby trails, checking out the ice sculptures in front of the Fairmont Chateau, or simply sightseeing in nearby places like the stunning Abraham Lake, where methane bubbles form when the lake freezes over in the early winter. The road there is equally beautiful, winding by Peyto Lake and the Waterfowl Lakes, surrounded by striking, snow-clad peaks. Nature at its wild best has a real way of reminding us how small we are.

Waterfowl Lakes, Banff National Park

Walking across Abraham Lake

Abraham Lake

You’ll also find world-class wine lists and top-notch food: The Post Hotel & Spa as well as the Fairmont Chateau feature both higher-end and less expensive dining options. We had fantastic burgers at the Outpost Pub at the The Post Hotel and delicious cocktails and light bites at the Lakeview Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau, with unrivaled views of the lake and surrounding mountains through the enormous arched windows. We stayed at the Lake Louise Inn, which features spacious rooms and a common area with a large pool and three hot tubs that are the perfect spot to massage your muscles after skiing all day. There are also free shuttles directly to the base of the mountain. Bill Peyto’s Cafe, at the nearby HI Lake Louise hostel, is also walking distance and features large portions across a fairly eclectic menu. 

Lake Louise itself is relatively sleepy, so if you’re looking for more of a nightlife scene, stay in the town of Banff, approximately a 40 minute drive from Lake Louise. You’ll find a range of restaurant options and bars to suit most tastes, as well as the Banff Upper hot springs, to which you’ll receive free admission vouchers if you flash your Ikon pass at the SkiBig3 adventure hub on Banff Ave in town. Our favourite spot for tasty, inventive cocktails and delicious small plates is Block Kitchen + Bar, and a short stroll will bring you to the Banff Ave Brewing Co for a selection of local beers while a hockey match (you are in Canada, after all) plays in the background. Reasonably priced accommodation with hot tubs includes Inns of Banff, or Hidden Ridge Resort, a short drive or shuttle ride from the town center. And of course, the Banff Sunshine ski resort is just outside of town, a slightly flatter but still challenging mountain that’s a great alternative to Lake Louise. Both mountains are currently on the Mountain Collective and Ikon passes, so a ski vacation here need not break the bank. 

The view at Banff Sunshine ski resort

Should you find yourself back in Calgary with some time before your flight, we thoroughly enjoyed the barbecue and whiskey selection at Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey in the Hillhurst area. The pork ribs and brisket, washed down by a rye, are a fitting end to an adventure-filled trip to this winter wonderland. 

Where to eat & drink

Whitehorn Bistro, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Lake Louise

Outpost Pub (and main restaurant), The Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise

Lakeview Lounge, Fairmont hotel, Lake Louise

Bill Peyto’s Cafe, Lake Louise

Block Kitchen + Bar, Banff

Banff Ave Brewing Co, Banff

Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey, Calgary

Where to stay

Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise

The Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau, Lake Louise

Inns of Banff, Banff

Hidden Ridge Resort, Banff