Cynthia Dial 
Called the “Castle in the City,” Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is appropriately crowned with a chateau-style peaked copper roof, now elaborately aged a burnished patina. Built in the 1930s as one of the country’s premier hospitality residences (a collection of iconic hotels that even today still dot the original Canadian Pacific … Read more
Confession: Though I’ve visited seven continents, 60 countries and 46 of the nation’s states, it wasn’t until recently that my travels included Idaho, more specifically Boise, its capital. As the saying “it’s never too late” suggests, my visit to the largest city of the country’s 43rd state may have been … Read more
“All aboard,” announces the service manager, and we’re off from Vancouver. Making our way within Canada, there are two options – the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail – each a nostalgic adventure, each distinctively different. So, join me on the rails for the inside scoop on the maple leaf nation’s … Read more
The Broadway musical Come From Away, is one of the hottest productions being performed today, not only in New York City but also in London, on tour in theaters across North America and soon in Melbourne, Australia. It’s set in the town of Gander on the Atlantic-facing island of Newfoundland, … Read more
Situated directly across from La Jolla Cove in the tony town of La Jolla is the Pantai Inn, completely renovated to perfection in every detail. A collection of cottages and buildings – all different and special, but under one ownership – this top-notch, family-owned inn with 30 rooms (20 suites … Read more
It’s our last morning at Tweedsmuir during prime bear watching season and so far, no bears. So, we’ve set our alarms and are heading down the path to one of the lodge’s two wildlife viewing stations. We climb a treehouse-like structure overlooking the Atnarko River in an area that doubles … Read more
At first glance on a visit to Quebec City most eyes spy a towering cliff, Cap Diamant (the promontory overlooking the St-Lawrence River on which the town sits) and the very top of it where history sits. Enter the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, an icon, a landmark, a beacon on … Read more
On your mark. Get set. Go! And our girls’ “Two for the Road” discovery of Canada’s Okanagan begins. The main characters in this cast include myself and my redheaded colleague, friend, and bestie named Nancy. In the past our escapades have been likened to Lucy and Ethel’s on I Love … Read more
If an artist tried to capture the city of San Antonio with a single brushstroke, she would be remiss. This is a Texas town that proudly showcases a blend of Southern comfort, Wild West bravado and Mexican flair. A logical first step to uncovering the many layers of this thriving … Read more
My initial introduction to the city of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean in Quebec is a serene one, with a drive through acres of farmland dotted with corn and cows. A collection of colorful barns is simply a preview of more attractions to come. At one point La Route des Bières (The Beer Route) … Read more
It’s not that high I tell myself after committing to be the first to climb a rope ladder to the crow’s nest of a tall sailing ship – my home on water for a week. Not one to break my word (at least not with so many witnesses), I’m secured … Read more
When I moved to California years ago, I vowed to explore it. After settling in San Diego, I enjoyed many visits to northern California and developed a real connection with some of California’s well known destinations – L.A., San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Carmel and Napa. But those journeys paled in … Read more
Whether you’ve been one time or a hundred times, every jaunt to Las Vegas is different. When a city features the Eiffel Tower across from Lake Bellagio, a short distance from the Pyramid of Giza and around the corner from the Brooklyn Bridge, it’s no ordinary town. Add its ever … Read more
“If you stand on any corner in Montreal, you can tell who’s a native and who isn’t,” I’m told by a Montrealer. “Locals are in no rush. They make eye contact; they acknowledge you and they never walk with coffee.” Java is for savoring, I’m schooled. A destination known for … Read more
There’s a dramatic coastline to the west and rolling hills to the east, but it’s the scent of pines that announces your arrival in Cambria. Ensconced in a forest of evergreens, this California village—deemed “one of America’s prettiest towns”—sneaks up on motorists traversing Highway One, the state’s scenic roadway. Situated … Read more