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Category: Stories

Spend 3 Days on Île d’Orléans: Québec’s Most Beautiful Getaway

Posted on by Roberta Hill

I am surprised and embarrassed to admit that I have never ventured onto Île d’Orléans. I was happy to finally visit and it is everything Louise said it would be. Just Outside Québec City Imagine a place where time passes slowly, not quickly, where vineyard tastings and jam samplings are legitimate itinerary items. Where lilacs flirt with roadside fences, and the river never rushes you. Welcome to Île d’Orléans — Québec’s deliciously charming island, just 15 minutes from Québec City, but a world apart in mood and tempo. It is especially ideal if you’re a senior traveller looking for scenic…

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What I discovered this week #26, 2025

Posted on by Roberta Hill

AI Lies, Are You a “Nerd” Traveller, Stories of Amazing Travels,  . . . Do Not Trust AI Great example of how AI is being used in the background (for years) without us questioning its legitimacy. Here’s the exact comment I read last week from Janel Comeau, confirming the startling turn from satirical writing to real-world search results: “Google and Meta search both report that Cape Breton Island has its own time zone 12 minutes ahead of mainland Nova Scotia time because they are both drawing that information from a Beaverton article I wrote in 2024.”  Cape Breton is to create…

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Surfing “Vague à Guy” at Parc des Rapides

Posted on by Roberta Hill

There’s something a little bit wild — and wildly poetic — about a place where the St. Lawrence River decides to stop flowing politely and throws itself into a frothy, endless dance. It’s not quite an ocean, not quite a river, and not relatively calm. It’s the Vague à Guy — Montreal’s perpetual wave — and it’s been churning just west of downtown for decades. Vague à Guy is steps from the bike path and the bird sanctuary at Parc des Rapides, which we often visit. A few weeks ago, we were walking on Le Plateau in Montreal and saw…

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The Toilet Chronicles: Adventures in Travel and Toilet Paper!

Posted on by Roberta Hill

Suppose you’ve been following me for a while. In that case, you might have noticed my somewhat quirky obsession with toilets—and more specifically, the often-overlooked hero of every bathroom break: toilet paper. So, when I came across an interesting article from Approach Tours about the types of toilets you might encounter while travelling, I was naturally curious. The article does a solid job (no pun intended) of preparing travellers for various toilet experiences around the world (spoiler: not every toilet comes with a heated seat and soothing sounds). However, it doesn’t address the toilet paper situation, which is something you…

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The Travel Fiascos That Turned Into Stories

Posted on by Roberta Hill

I consider myself pretty lucky when it comes to travel. In all my years of travelling, I’ve only ever missed one flight, no trains and no cruises. That said, there have been several mishaps along the way. Somehow, when you are with others, it often seems much more manageable than when you are on your own. Not speaking the language also adds to the anxiety. 1. Lost in Transit: A Birthday Blunder On what was supposed to be a celebratory day, I found myself missing our flight home on my partner’s birthday. The car rental parking was a half-hour trek…

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Visiting Rarotonga on The Cook Islands

Posted on by Roberta Hill

One of our most memorable and favourite trips we ever took stemmed from a gimmick. I was looking for something special to do for New Year’s Eve back in 2018 when I stumbled across this fantastic idea. We were living in Wellington at the time, so why not take a flight up to Auckland to celebrate New Year’s and then, the next day, pick up a direct flight to the Cook Islands to celebrate a second New Year’s Eve? It turns out the Cook Islands are slightly over the international deadline. So that’s what we did. We don’t only celebrate…

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Selecting the Right Carry-On

Should You Move to Somewhere Else in the World?

Posted on by Roberta Hill

Lately, I’ve noticed a surge in articles and blog posts asking, “Should I move to…?” Everyone, especially from the U.S., seems to be contemplating a big move. I’m also surprised by the number of Facebook Groups dedicated to nomadic travellers. It gives the impression that this lifestyle is becoming the norm. However, packing up your life, selling belongings, and travelling the world are rare. Ah, the timeless fantasy: getting rid of everything, breaking up with your dentist, and relocating elsewhere. You’re not exactly sure where “somewhere else” is, but it has fewer meetings, better cheese, and everyone seems to have…

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Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia: A Visit That Lingers

Posted on by Roberta Hill

This coming weekend, we are off for a week to Nova Scotia. It is one of my favourite places, and we will visit Peggy’s Cove. Last time, we were fortunate to visit during the shoulder fall season, and this time, it will be similar but in the spring. I mention this because it is lobster season. And the best, and I do mean best, Lobster Rolls are at Tom’s Lobster Shack at Peggy’s Cove. There’s a kind of magic to Peggy’s Cove that sneaks up on you. It’s not the flashy, fireworks kind of magic, but something quieter, like the…

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I never understood the point of bunkers in Switzerland

Posted on by Roberta Hill

I read an article recently entitled “Why Does Switzerland Have So Many Bunkers?” Having lived in Geneva from 2005 to 2010, I never really understood the point of bunkers. Switzerland’s bunker system seems almost mythical until you see it for yourself. The city felt safe, completely insulated from the rest of the world. Everything ran on time, the streets were clean, and the biggest worry was whether the hedges were trimmed correctly.. The idea of heading underground to await a disaster felt distant, almost unnecessary. The bunkers, those heavy doors in apartment basements, were just part of the scenery, like…

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salaberry de valleyfield

A Perfect Day Trip: Montreal to Valleyfield

Posted on by Roberta Hill

If you’re looking for an easy, breezy day trip from Montreal, consider Valleyfield – a hidden gem just an hour’s drive away. This quaint town is known for its charming waterfront, laid-back vibes, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you’re into cycling, birdwatching, or want a scenic escape, Valleyfield has something to offer. Let’s plan your perfect day! Morning: Set Off from Montreal Start your day bright and early. Grab a coffee and a croissant from your favourite local café in Montreal and hit the road by 8:30 a.m. The drive to Valleyfield is about 60 kilometres, which takes roughly…

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