The Dorothy Motel is Banff, Alberta's first boutique motel

Roadside motels are a staple in North America. Often rundown, dingy, merely a place to catch some sleep before getting back on the road. But they are the affordable counterpart to hotels and hence why Super 8 Motels and such fill my own childhood memories of family road trips across Canada! The Dorothy Motel on the other hand is no ordinary motel. As Banff's very first boutique motel, The Dorothy Motel blends Banffs beautiful national forests with a retro 50s vibe, completely redefining what a motel is. The motel is beautiful and is a must stay when in Banff. 

The Dorothy Motel's wooden sign sets the tone for your stay with its asymmetrical shape, rounded corners and curvy bold text. A lovely rich teal blue paint exterior is accented by beautiful crisscrossing large wooden beams, a nod to traditional ski chalets that are sprinkled on the mountains. Nestled in the middle of the motel is a wonderful stone-paved courtyard with cute bistro tables, chairs and lush plants. An excellent place to sit back and sip on some drinks underneath the starry Banff night sky! 

Golden Skybridge including an Exhilarating Treetop Experience

Golden BC's newest attraction, the Golden Skybridge, was completed and opened for guests to visit just this past May of 2021. Still fresh from opening day, some of the attractions at Golden Skybridge are still under construction like the Giant Swing, but others are open for guests to enjoy. The moment I learned about Golden Skybridge, I was fixated on visiting and I was able to in the final week of September, just ahead of Golden Skybridge closure for the 2021 season. 

The two Skybridges officially boast the honour of Canada's highest suspension bridges and cross the Columbia Valley with phenomenal views of the Rocky and Purcell mountains. A 61-meter tall Hospital Creek Fall rushes into the river that flows beneath the bridges and into the mountainous forests. 

Flying Domestically in Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Last week, I flew domestically to and from Calgary, Alberta. The flight barely exceeds an hour of flight time from Vancouver, British Columbia, so I could hardly take advantage of inflight entertainment. Not that there have been many movies released since the onset of the pandemic. Since returning, I have been fielding questions about what it was like to fly during the pandemic? 

Normal travel has resumed for domestic flights in Canada. I am a Canadian citizen and did not face any hurdles as one. I booked my tickets normally through the airline carrier's website. There is a small blurb on the website advising guests that are experiencing any flu-like symptoms to refrain from flying. Flying domestically within Canada does not require a negative COVID-19 test. I checked in remotely 24 hours in advance. Since I was not checking any luggage in, so after arriving at YVR airport, I proceeded directly to security. Again, nothing out of the ordinary. Did the normal security screening process at YVR airport after which strolled around the terminal until it was time to report to the gate for boarding. 

THREE COVID-19 related changes implemented by both Air Canada (YVR Airport) and WestJet (YYC Airport): 

Claudia's Kitchen is upgrading your home charcuterie

Charcuterie has steadily garnered popularity in Vancouver and I only see demand increasing for these artistically arranged meat and cheese boards. Originating from 15th century France, Charcuterie has evolved from only meats to now include an array of accoutrements. Claudia's Kitchen specializes in charcuterie condiments and sent over a package containing their 4 core products. 

Claudia's Kitchen is elevating your home charcuterie spreads. All of their condiments are prepared fresh in Vancouver in small batches. Owner Claudia is making it a point to reduce as much packaging waste as possible, so the condiments are packaged in small reusable glass mason jars. In addition to the condiments, Claudia plans to offer common charcuterie foods like meats, cheeses, crackers, pickles and nuts. 

Chatime 10 Year Anniversary Collab with the Moon & Back Gallery

Happy 10th Birthday Chatime Canada! To celebrate, Chatime Canada has partnered with Vancouver's beloved selfie studio, Moon & Back Gallery. I have had Chatime plenty of times because they always come through with their signature Milk Teas. You would think I would have been to Moon & Back Gallery already, but this was my first time checking them out. 

One of the special features for season 3 at Moon & Back Gallery is the exclusive Chatime room. The purple-hued room features an 8-foot boba cup complete with boba straw and beachball bobas! Across from the giant Chatime cup was my favourite corner in the entire space. Rainbow holographic walls are dotted with pictures of Chatime bubble tea glasses. A purple LED "Chatime 10th Anniversary" hangs from the wall and in front is a bubble swing! Needless to say, everyone had a fun time posing in that space. 

Fox & Oak Coffee and Doughnuts in Downtown Squamish

There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who like fluffy airy brioche doughnuts and those who prefer the denser cake doughnuts. Brioche doughnuts will forever be my favourite. Perched on the corner of Main Street and Cleveland Avenue in Squamish is my newest doughnut obsession, Fox & Oak. This blogpost is months overdue, so the doughnut flavours I talk about might not be part of Fox & Oak's current lineup.

The coffee and doughnut shop is still fairly new, but has already amassed a loyal following. For the hour that I was there, the line-up warpped around the corner. In fact, I braved the line twice because I had to get more doughnuts to snack on later. 

I have a weakness for fresh strawberries and when they are cooked down with rhubarb, it is just magical. The naturally leveaned brioche doughnt was generously filled with the strawberry rhubarb cardamom jam. Fox & Oak kept the rhubarb and strawberry pieces large, so the jam had a wonderful texture and a fresh sweet taste. The doughnut was finished with a glaze, pie shell lattice and whipped cream. 

Fig Face is Innovating Facials in Vancouver

Fig Face has changed the facial game in Vancouver with its innovative tech-forward approach to skincare. When co-owners Isabella Blow and Jessica Walsh moved from London to Vancouver, the duo noticed YVR had very little to offer in terms of spas. I do not disagree with them. Vancouver does not have much in the way of spas and relaxation. 

Fig's gorgeous green exterior and interiors are what initially piqued my interest. The floors, walls, counters, and even the ceiling are all green. But if you pop into the bathroom you will be treated to a delicious pink, representative of the fig fruit's pink interior. I could go on all day on Fig's impeccable styling and details. Needless to say, Scott & Scott Architects deserve an award for their work on Fig.