A Brit and A Southerner

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival – Enjoy the Best Things to Do

Florida

Apr 16, 2018

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival – Enjoy the Best Things to Do

It’s crazy to think that you can reach your thirties and yet still never experienced Disney World…it’s true, both Heather and I can attest that we hadn’t been there until we reached this milestone decade. But as soon as you visit Disney World once…well folks, it’s fair to say, you will want to go back again and again! After our action-packed first visit to Disney World in Orlando when we visited three parks in one day (I still think we must be crazy for attempting that), we headed back to experience the wonderfully acclaimed Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

Whether you are an avid world traveler, have a fond desire to sample global delicacies or perhaps enjoy a myriad of spectacular floral displays, visiting Epcot during the International Flower and Garden Festival is one of the highlight experiences throughout the year.

Of course, Epcot quickly became our favorite of all four parks (Heather would argue that the iconic Magic Kingdom is her “real” favorite but I think we can both agree that at the current stage of our life, Epcot is the park we can really relate to!) so it was a no-brainer for both of us to take a return trip to experience this event. Did we mention that we will be experiencing Disney World at Christmas also? We will save that for another story!

Celebrating a milestone 25th anniversary of this event in 2018 meant that this was the perfect time for us to experience Epcot in all its floral beauty. Let’s take a look at our insider’s guide to this awesome festival.

When is the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival?

One of the main benefits of choosing to visit Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival is that you can experience this over a period of three months. That’s right, the festival runs between February and the end of May (in 2018 for example, Feb 28 to May 28).

Whether you choose to take a trip at one of the busier times during this timeframe, such as Spring Break or simply want to venture down to Disney World at a quieter time (is there ever really a “quiet” time at Disney?), the Flower and Garden Festival is certainly a great time to enjoy the very best of Epcot.

Are there additional ticket prices? Don’t worry, your daily park pass will give you access to both Epcot and the festival itself that takes part inside the park. If you are truly visiting Disney World for this festival, I think it’s great value to just buy a single day pass for a single park, rather than having the possible temptation of venturing elsewhere if you purchase the “hopper” option.

Although ticket prices increased slightly in early 2018, it’s fair to say that if you were willing to pay the price before, this minor change is unlikely to deter you. Plus, after reading this post, you will be convinced that purchasing a ticket to Epcot is money well spent! Arguing over the value of ticket prices for Disney World is another topic for another day folks.

Gorgeous Floral Masterpieces

Be prepared for an array of floral beauty! But it’s not just gorgeous floral displays that you can appreciate at Epcot, rather it’s an opportunity to admire the creativity that has gone into the production of the various features scattered across the park.

From a selection of your favorite Disney characters, each of which are perfectly manicured and aesthetically pleasing to the eye, to a diverse array of flower beds that immediately make you realize that the spring season is here.

Disney Character Topiaries

For those of you that have attempted any form of landscape gardening where you prune a tree or bush in an attempt to create an artistic masterpiece, you will know that this is a challenging task.

It’s only when you see the breathtaking designs at Epcot that you quickly appreciate the landscaping marvel in front of you. They truly are a majestic sight and regardless of your interest in the flora and fauna of the world, it’s something worth admiring while visiting Epcot.

Epcot is in our opinion, the adult theme park at Disney World! Yes, you can meet your favorite characters but ultimately it’s about the World Showcase and learning about the cultures and cuisines of the nations represented at Epcot.

But visiting Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival offers visitors the opportunity to rekindle their childhood memories and see some of their favorite Disney characters courtesy of these amazing topiary designs.

Let’s take a look at the uniquely creative topiaries that are on display throughout Epcot. The moment you walk into this theme park, you will notice a “Welcome to Epcot” from your favorite characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse accompanied by some of their favorite Disney friends.

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you who they are but for those of you not au fait with every Disney character, there is just a little reminder as to who and where you can see them during your visit to Epcot!

Anna and Elsa – Frozen

Location – Norway Pavilion

Beauty and the Beast

Location – France Pavilion

Bromeliad Dragon

Location – China Pavilion

Lady and the Tramp

Location – Italy Pavilion

Simba and Friends

Location – The Outpost Shop

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Location – Germany Pavilion

The Three Caballeros

Location – Mexico Pavilion

Tinker Bell

Location – United Kingdom Pavilion

Winnie the Pooh and Friends

Location – United Kingdom Pavilion

Woody – Toy Story

Location – The American Adventure

Indulge in the Outdoor Kitchens

If you thought that visiting Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival was about the plethora of floral displays, think again! This is the perfect time to explore the World Showcase and experience the myriad of outdoor kitchens that offer a selection of delicacies representing that nation.

Affordable, delicious, unique and appetizing can all be used to describe the variety on display throughout the Showcase. We couldn’t resist trying several of the options but the tough decision is trying to figure out which samples you cannot resist. Alternatively, you can always try a little bit of everything for the ultimate foodie experience!

Each year, a selection of “fan favorites” can always be found scattered around Epcot but you never know what new kitchen will pop up. In 2018, 15 different booths were set up for visitors to enjoy these appetizing delicacies. First stop…Canada!!

Canada – Northern Bloom

“Northern Bloom” is located in the Canada pavilion and you can choose Seared Scallops, Beef Tenderloin Tips or for those of you that want to go straight for the sweeter option, how about Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato.

A selection of accompanying beverages are available but if this doesn’t sound too appetizing…well, this is just the start.

United Kingdom – Cider House

Our first tasting experience arrived in the UK pavilion where we had traditional Fish and Chips from the ever-present Yorkshire County Fish Shop before heading to the “Cider House” pop-up kitchen for dessert.

How does this sound… a freshly baked Lemon Scone with Crème Fraîche and Mixed Berries? Trust us when we say, it tastes even better than pictures can ever do it justice and it’s also gluten free which is an added bonus!

Heather couldn’t resist ordering the Apple and Orange Mimosa and it was certainly the perfect way to cool down while contemplating our next stop.

Germany – Bauernmarkt (Farmer’s Market)

From Potato Pancakes with home-made Applesauce to Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese, Germany’s Farmer’s Market is the place to go if you cannot the resist the temptation of German cuisine.

A Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries will surely entice you to this pavilion but regardless of your choice, exploring this part of Epcot is always a fun and colorful experience.

Italy – Primavera Kitchen

If watching a passionate Italian performer (or comedian you may think!) isn’t enough to justify a visit to the Italian pavilion, perhaps the thought of sampling Frittata di Asparagi (Asparagus Frittata, Mixed Greens, and Citrus Dressing) or even Panna Cotta al Melone (Cantaloupe Panna Cotta) will entice you.

Other Kitchens

This is just a small selection of our favorite Outdoor Kitchens but we are convinced that you will find something to satisfy your palette. One thing is for sure when you visit Epcot, the amount of exercise you do will certainly ensure you have an appetite.

Summary

Visiting Epcot is always a fun experience with so many cool things to do and enjoy during your visit. However, we would argue that visiting during a timeframe when a festival is taking place is undoubtedly the best time to go.

For the price of admission, why not visit when you can experience more epic encounters and this is exactly what we did during the Flower and Garden Festival. Even if the floral displays around Epcot doesn’t sound too appealing, the uniqueness of the topiaries will surely capture your attention.

Figuring out which is your favorite design may be a challenge but why not discuss this with the family while sampling one of the various Outdoor Kitchens that will keep you occupied throughout the day.

Have you visited Epcot during the International Flower and Garden Festival? Have you visited during any other festival?

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How to Enjoy an Amazing Whale and Puffin Tour in Iceland?

Iceland

Chris Boothman

Apr 9, 2018

How to Enjoy an Amazing Whale and Puffin Tour in Iceland?

Iceland is home to a plethora of amazing natural attractions but perhaps the best reason to visit the Land of Fire and Ice is to enjoy up close and personal wildlife encounters. One of the highlight experiences for anyone heading to Iceland should be a whale and puffin tour! Iceland is home to a myriad of whale species and if you are heading to Husavik, well you should be aware that this is renowned as the ultimate whale capital of the world. Throw 250,000 puffins into the mix that migrate here every year and I think it’s fair to say you have a haven of wildlife waiting to be discovered.

For those of you that have enjoyed some epic wildlife experiences around the world, perhaps taking an African safari in the Serengeti or stumbling across wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, it’s inevitable that Iceland will be on your radar as a hotspot for more encounters with species you may not see in your own backyard.

Whales and puffins are perfect examples of wildlife that you are not going to see every day, so heading to Iceland and having the opportunity to see these in their natural habitats was a once in a lifetime experience we weren’t going to let slip by.

Husavik – Whale Capital of the World

Let’s start at the beginning of our visit to Husavik. When you think about experiencing the best things to do in North Iceland, Husavik surely has to be on your radar…it was certainly on ours!

Having spent an enjoyable morning exploring the spectacular Godafoss waterfall, we headed to Husavik mid-afternoon with every intention of just strolling around the town and “hopefully” capturing a glimpse of a whale or puffin from the shoreline. That’s right, we were visiting Husavik with no excursions booked and honestly, no real intention of experiencing one.

After arriving in Husavik and immediately falling in love with the quirkiness of the architecture and harbor front, we parked our vehicle and started doing a little research on the best things to do in the town renowned globally as “the whale capital of the world.”

When you start researching the best things to do in Husavik, it seems everything revolves around one topic – whales! Numerous tour companies offer daily excursions, each with something unique that helps differentiate it from the competition.

So…I am sure you have probably figured out by now that our decision to NOT take an excursion quickly changed. I started doing a little further research and stumbled across North Sailing, renowned as the number one of things to do in Husavik!

I will add that it was about 3:40 PM when I was conducting my research and when I found the last available tour with North Sailing at 4:00 PM, I realized that we had to act pretty quickly. Needless to say, I booked the ‘discounted’ whale and puffin tour and after taking the short walk to the North Sailing Visitor Center, we were told that the excursion was delayed until 5:00 PM.

North Sailing Excursions

Who exactly are North Sailing? Since 1995, this company has been offering daily excursions to explore Husavik’s renowned coastline.

Why Choose North Sailing?

I think the best way to assess why you should choose North Sailing as the best option, is to take a look at a few factors that this company uses to promote their daily tours:

Eco-friendly since 1995.
Focus on sustainability – North Sailing has been awarded for their excellence in sustainability and innovation.
Offering Carbon-Neutral excursions.
Great levels of respect for whales, nature, and wildlife. No electric sonar or other devices to locate the wildlife, simply tour guides using their eyes.
Responsible whale watching.

Ok, so we always hear companies that drive home their desire to be sustainable and create a “green” environment with their responsible eco-tourism approach. However, the only way you can really make a judgment about this is to take a tour for yourselves.

Tour Options and Prices

North Sailing offers a wide variety of tours and “authentic adventures” as you have the opportunity to enjoy a cruise around the arctic waters of Skjalfandi Bay.

Here are the various options along with the latest prices at the time of publication of this post. As always, we recommend visiting the North Sailing website for the latest prices and availability.

Husavik Original Whale Watching

3 Hours
Adults – 10,500 ISK ($99 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 4,500 ISK ($42 USD)

Silent Whale Watching

3 Hours
Adults – 10,500 ISK ($99 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 4,500 ISK ($42 USD)

Whales, Puffins, and Sails

4 Hours
Adults – 14,500 ISK ($137 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 6,500 ISK ($61 USD)

Whale Watching and Puffins

3+ Hours
Adults – 12,500 ISK ($118 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 5,500 ISK ($52 USD)

Whales and Sails

3+ Hours
Adults – 12,500 ISK ($118 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 5,500 ISK ($52 USD)

Northern Lights Sailing

3 Hours
Adults – 10,500 ISK ($99 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 4,500 ISK ($42 USD)

Hjalteyri Whale Watching

2+ Hours
Adults – 9,900 ISK ($93 USD)
Youths (Age 7-15) – 4,000 ISK ($37 USD)

We opted for the Whale Watching and Puffins tour which offers a nice blend of everything. For three hours, you are whisked away by an awesome North Sailing captain and crew members, to enjoy a myriad of amazing wildlife and an unforgettable experience.

Purchasing any of these tours in advance on the North Sailing website will enable you to take advantage of a 5-15% discount, so be sure to book online before heading to the visitor center. Even booking about 20 minutes prior to departure online allowed us to take advantage of this discounted rate!

If you purchase a ticket, you also have the opportunity to enjoy the following benefits on other spots around Husavik:

20% discount at Husavik Whale Watching Museum
10% discount at Restaurant Gamli Baukur
10% discount at Cafe Hvalbakur
10% discount at Restaurant Fjaran
10% discount at North Sailing’s Souvenir and Clothing Store

Contact Information

Address – Hafnarstétt, Húsavík, Iceland
Tel – +354 464 7272
Website – North Sailing

Whale and Puffin Tour

Prior to boarding the gorgeous traditional wooden oak boat named Bjössi Sör, we were given a short briefing by our tour guide who pointed out the overalls that would be provided to each of us if we wanted some additional layers.

Given that it was a gorgeous early evening and the prospects were for excellent weather during our tour, we opted again wearing these.

What we didn’t realize is that we would be the only ones NOT to wear them! There is always someone right. However, in hindsight, we didn’t need them as it was a pretty comfortable temperature throughout the three hours at sea.

Our guide told us that we could find a seat anywhere on the boat so we opted for the back but throughout the tour, we moved around and even headed to the very top to admire the breathtaking views across Skjálfandi Bay.

The typical safety briefing followed to ease everyone’s nerves about possibly being thrown overboard but I think we all had the same motive for this trip – a desire to see whales and puffins!

Shortly after 5:00 PM, our captain lead the Bjössi Sör out of port and into the open waters of the Bay. The view looking back to the town of Husavik was breathtaking but we immediately focused our attention on the water to try and spot our first wildlife sighting…we didn’t have to wait long!

Minke Whale Sightings

We had only been sailing for about 20 minutes when our guide pointed out a whale sighting in the distance. As we all scrambled to the front of the boat, we caught a glimpse of not one but two whales. Our guide let us know that these were “minke whales” and as we approached the area, we were fortunate to see further sightings of the pair.

Minke whales are a type of baleen whale and in comparison to other species are relatively small. We felt honored to get several sightings of these whales because our guide told us that these are generally pretty elusive whales and rarely stay on the surface for long, particularly when tour boats approach. We were hoping that this was going to be a good omen for the rest of our excursion!

One of the challenging aspects of taking a whale sighting tour is trying to take pictures. You quickly realize that you have several factors working against you. Firstly, you are on a moving vessel which can be pretty challenging to stay upright once you are in the heart of the open water. Secondly, you have no idea when or where the whales are going to appear!

Puffin Island

I think it’s fair to say we were all pretty ecstatic at seeing those two minke whales within the first few minutes of our excursion. We shifted focus for a while as our vessel headed for the wonderfully acclaimed Puffin Island.

The Whale and Puffin tour is a relatively new tour offered by North Sailing and the decision was made to add this to their schedule when they considered how they could make the Husavik Original Whale Watching tour better. By adding a visit to Puffin Island of course!

Our guide shared some pretty impressive statistics about this island as over 250,000 puffins migrate here every year to use this as a nesting ground. This is undoubtedly a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy amazing sightings of these puffins, both on the island and flying around.

It’s not just puffins that you can see either. A variety of other bird species can be seen enjoying Skjálfandi Bay, including guillemots, gannets, fulmars and many others. But it’s the puffins that the majority of visitors are interested in admiring and for good reason! Puffin Island is such a popular hotspot for puffins because they nest in colonies on the grassy areas of the island before heading out to feed in the ocean, mainly on small fish.

In hindsight, it would have been great to have a 600mm lens to get some really cool shots of the puffins but we had an amazing experience seeing these gorgeous birds in their natural habitat.

Humpback Whale Sightings

We always like to save the best experience until last and perhaps our captain and his crew knew this when he chose to head away from Puffin Island into the heart of the Bay and give us the opportunity to find more whales.

We didn’t have to wait long despite experiencing some pretty choppy waters and we soon stumbled across a humpback whale which was at the very top of everyone’s bucket list for this excursion.

For the next hour, we sailed around in search of whales and I think by the time we headed back to port, we had experienced about 6 or 7 sightings.

Again, trying to capture pictures was difficult but we managed to take a few, perhaps because those humpback whales enjoyed having their pictures taken! I finally figured out it was easier to video our experience so hopefully, you will enjoy this as much as we did.

The Northern Atlantic humpback whale migrates to the Caribbean every year before returning to the Icelandic waters in time for us to enjoy this amazing experience.

It is estimated there are about 1500-1800 humpback whales in this area and although they are pretty elusive creatures, we felt pretty fortunate to see several of them surfacing.

Summary

What an incredible experience! If you have the opportunity to visit Husavik, you would be CRAZY to not enjoy the whale and puffin tour. Whether you choose to go with North Sailing or one of the other tour operators, I am convinced that you will have a memorable experience that you will always cherish.

When you start looking at the prices, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s pretty expensive. Let me tell you, it’s well worth the price! We were a little skeptical because of course, they cannot 100% guarantee any sightings but the reality is, they have been doing this for a while so know pretty much which areas are likely to have whales.

Have you experienced an excursion like this? Are you inspired to visit Iceland and enjoy this epic experience? Let us know your thoughts!

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How to Enjoy the Best Free Oslo Attractions in 24 Hours

Norway

Chris Boothman

Apr 2, 2018

How to Enjoy the Best Free Oslo Attractions in 24 Hours

Is there anything better than being able to explore a city knowing that you can do so on a pretty tight budget? When you think about destinations across Europe where you can achieve this, it’s unlikely that the Scandinavian nation of Norway (or any of the other countries in this part of the continent) will be very high on your list. However, during our recent visit to the Norwegian capital of Oslo, we challenged ourself to experience the very best of this city without breaking the bank. We want to share how you can experience the best free (or budget-friendly) Oslo attractions if you only have 24 hours in this part of Norway.

Oslo, in much the same manner as fellow Scandinavian capital cities Stockholm, Helsinki, and Copenhagen, is a city full of rich history, modern culture and a plethora of attractions that will keep you occupied throughout your visit.

Just like most other European cities, 24 hours in Oslo is barely enough to touch the surface but if you are experiencing a whirlwind trip throughout Scandinavia or perhaps enjoying an epic Eurail adventure, you have to be prepared to make the most of your limited time in the city.

Let’s take a look at how you can explore Oslo on a budget. We are convinced that after your trip, you will be raring to head back to Norway to explore more…I know we are!

How to Reach Oslo City Center?

Ok, let’s start with the first challenge…how to actually reach Oslo! If you are traveling around Europe via train, this is actually going to be an easier and more affordable option than if you are flying.

This may sound a little strange given that flying into a European city with low-cost airlines in today’s era is the norm but the reality is, it’s not the cost of the flight that you need to be worried about…it’s the location of Oslo’s international airport – Oslo Airport Gardermoen.

Gardermoen is located 45 km from the city center and unless you plan on renting a car, your best option is going to be to take the train. Here are the options available to you:

Flytoget

Known as the “shuttle train,” this is the quickest way to reach Oslo’s city center from Gardermoen airport. Hopping on the Flytoget shuttle is a 20-minute journey and except for a taxi, this is going to be the most expensive option. A one-way ticket (at the time of publication) costs 190 NOK (24 USD).

Check out Flytoget’s website for the latest prices.

Regional Train

The most “cost-efficient” method is the regional train that takes longer (25-30 minutes) but is certainly cheaper. A one-way ticket is 101 NOK (13 USD).

Check out the NSB website for the latest prices.

Taxi

Taxi service is available between the airport and city center but you are looking at somewhere in the region of 600 NOK (76 USD) for this method of transportation. If there are multiple in your party, this may be a more cost-effective method.

Of course, if you are confident enough to drive in Norway, a rental car may be the best option but if you are only planning on staying inside the city center, we highly recommend taking the regional train.

Given that we only had 24 hours in Oslo, we actually booked our hotel by the airport and opted to travel into the city via the regional train before returning at night. It was approximately 40 USD combined for the two of us (round-trip) and if you have an early flight in the morning, staying at a hotel near the airport is definitely a wise move!

Best Free Oslo Attractions

You have figured out your best way to reach Oslo city center, so now it’s time to head out and start exploring! What better way to achieve this than your own two feet.

It’s true, exploring any European city is better when you take a self-guided walking tour given that you can wander down different streets, explore hidden neighborhoods and have better interactions with locals who will always point out the best “local spots” that you cannot afford to miss.

The beauty of exploring Oslo in only 24 hours is that you can accomplish a lot given that there is a lot to see and experience in the central business district by the harbor. Oslo is a port with plenty of cruise liners and cargo ships frequently entering and leaving the area.

Whether you have any time to admire the vessels passing through is entirely your choice but after reading our recommendations, we think you will have enough to keep you occupied and your eyes away from the port.

Here are 5 awesome FREE things to do when you next visit Oslo.

Akershus Fortress
Karl Johans gate
The Royal Palace
Aker Brygge Wharf
Mingle in Local Markets

A stay in Oslo doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there is a lot you can do for free in the Norwegian capital. (Visitnorway.com)

Although Oslo may no longer be considered as the world’s most expensive city, it’s still in the higher echelons in comparison to others across the globe. But as with any city in the world, you can always find something that is free and for those of you that tend to travel on a tight budget, these attractions will keep you occupied for at least 24 hours!

Akershus Fortress

If you are ready to learn all about Oslo’s rich history, there is no better place to start than at the iconic Akershus Fortress which dates back to the late 13th century when construction first started following the instruction of King Håkon V. This medieval castle was originally built in the strategic location at the end of the headland overlooking the bay.

It’s no surprise to hear that this castle has withstood various battles over the centuries and today, it’s been transformed into a stereotypical Renaissance castle and royal residence. Guided tours are available (at an additional cost) if you are interested in heading inside the residence but we think that exploring the grounds and imagining life here over the last 700 years is equally rewarding.

It’s also worth noting that Akershus Castle was formerly used as a prison prior to World War II and has housed many famous prisoners, including early Norwegian socialists.

You can easily spend several hours walking around this part of Oslo. Although Akershus Fortress is the focal point of this area, there are other attractions that may catch your eye as you explore. The Armed Forces Museum, for example, is a great spot to learn all about Norwegian military history dating back to medieval times and up until World War II.

Akershus Castle Church is located in the castle at the very top of the fortress. Public services are available and offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity to experience a peaceful atmosphere in a place of worship.

Karl Johans gate

Ready to experience the heartbeat of Oslo? Take a stroll over from Akershus Fortress to the city center to enjoy Karl Johans gate which is renowned as the main street. The street was named in honor of King Charles III John.

Karl Johans gate was formerly a series of separate older streets but was collapsed into one to create the iconic thoroughfare that we see today. This main boulevard leads all the way from the Central Station where you will likely arrive for your visit to Oslo, to the Royal Palace and measures a distance of just over 1,000 meters.

Whether you are interested in enjoying a little retail therapy (not going to focus on the plethora of retail outlets that are available given that we are primarily interested in FREE attractions) or simply admiring the Norwegian architectural ingenuity on display along this street, Karl Johans gate is undoubtedly the place to be to enjoy a little bit of everything.

Nightclubs, bars, hotels, cafes, chain stores and boutique establishments can all be found along Karl Johans gate but it’s when Oslo prepares to celebrate with a street parade or at Christmas when you really get to experience the very best along this street.

Our visit to Oslo was a few weeks prior to Christmas and everything was preparing for the holiday festivities with a Christmas market at “Jul I Vinterland” (Christmas in Winterland).

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Oslo dates back to the first half of the 19th-century when this was initially constructed as the royal residence for King Charles III of Norway. Today, it is home to HM King Harald V and HM Queen Sonja. This gorgeous structure is perfectly situated at the end of Karl Johans gate and towers above the main thoroughfare in Oslo.

For those of you interested in European architectural styles, the Royal Palace is stereotypical of the neo-classical design with a facade of stuccoed brick. If you can arrange your Oslo itinerary to accommodate the changing of the guard, this takes place every day at 1:30 PM and well worth experiencing if you want to see how the Norwegians perform this tradition.

Guided tours are available throughout the Royal Palace in the summer months but regardless of the time of year you visit Oslo, you can be assured that this residence is a landmark you won’t want to miss.

Aker Brygge Wharf

One of our favorite neighborhoods that we explored was Aker Brygge. We took the short walk from the Royal Palace to head down to the Aker Brygge Wharf and were immediately impressed by the eclectic blend of restaurants, shops, bars and other spot were locals and visitors alike could mingle together. This commercial district is also a popular spot for visitors that want to take boat tours out into the bay.

In comparison to many other attractions around Oslo, the Aker Brygge Wharf is relatively new given that this it only became prominent in the 1980s and 90s. This area was formerly a shipyard until it ceased operations in 1982.

The Aker Brygge neighborhood is a popular and vibrant commercial district and frequently plays host to photography exhibitions, concerts and pop-up events for fashion, art and culture. We spent a couple of hours exploring this neighborhood and although our visit to Oslo was only short, this was definitely a spot we are already looking forward to returning to.

The relaxing atmosphere was evident as you stroll along the Wharf and whether you are just grabbing a cup of coffee or enjoying dinner with a gorgeous view overlooking the bay, this is a part of Oslo perfectly situated to reflect on your visit to the Norwegian capital.

Local Markets

The street market culture in Oslo is definitely a popular experience that you will want to participate in during your visit. Depending on the time of year you visit Oslo will determine the style of markets available.

Visiting in November or December will give you the opportunity to experience the best Christmas markets and we can well and truly attest that Oslo has some of the best markets across Europe. If you are contemplating where to visit for the best Christmas market breaks in Europe, Oslo should definitely be on your radar!

For those of you interested in experiencing a stereotypical Norwegian fish market, head to Fisketorget on City Hall Pier for a truly immersive experience. Be prepared for a pretty strong smell but that’s part of the experience!

An alternative market is Mathallen Food Hall which is a little further outside of the main city center in the heart of the Grünerløkka district but well worth the effort to visit. This market offers a variety of locally produced cheese, chocolates, meat, fish, and vegetables.

Summary

Oslo is a beautiful city and definitely, somewhere you should have on your radar regardless of your budget. Just like any other city, you can spend as much as you want but hopefully, we have highlighted some attractions and neighborhoods that you can thoroughly enjoy exploring without putting too much of a dent on your credit card.

Each of the above-listed experiences can be enjoyed at no extra cost or alternatively, you can spend money in each spot and add an extra layer to the experience. It’s personal preference folks! We had an amazing 24-hour visit to Oslo and look forward to returning in the future.

Our intention was to explore Oslo using the Visit Oslo Pass but unfortunately, some technical issues prevented us from using that. However, that did allow us to spontaneously put together our very own self-guided itinerary and experience everything we listed above. We hope you have a similar positive experience when you next visit the Norwegian capital.

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How to Enjoy the Drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park?

Canada

Chris Boothman

Mar 26, 2018

How to Enjoy the Drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park?

The Canadian Rockies is blessed to have a spectacular array of national parks worth exploring. Inevitably, visitors will head to this part of Canada in hope of experiencing the amazing natural attractions throughout Jasper and Banff National Parks but we would argue that there is a third option that you cannot afford to miss out on – Kootenay National Park. After spending an amazing few days in the aforementioned parks, we opted to take the drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park to enjoy a day trip exploring British Columbia.

drive from banff to kootenay national park

If you read our recent post on the drive from Jasper to Banff National Park, you will know that this region of Alberta isn’t short of natural beauty. In fact, it’s blessed to have a myriad of amazing attractions waiting for you to discover. The same can be said when you head across the border between Alberta and British Columbia to explore Kootenay National Park.

The Continental Divide bordering the two provinces may be an imaginary line but it’s certainly a significant location for more reasons than you may know…more on that later! Hopefully, after reading our post, you will be inspired to add Kootenay National Park to your itinerary.

Kootenay National Park – A Hidden Gem

Let’s just face the facts, if you asked anyone to name a national park in the Canadian Rockies, the likelihood is that 99.9% of responses would contain the names Banff or Jasper National Park. How many would realistically name Kootenay National Park when asked this question? Kootenay National Park is located in southeastern British Columbia and covers an area of over 540 square miles.

Kootenay National Park is located in southeastern British Columbia and covers an area of over 540 square miles. Established in 1920 when an agreement was made to form a road across the Rockies connecting British Columbia with Alberta, Kootenay offers a distinctive blend of unique contrasts, ranging from gorgeous panoramic vistas to breathtaking icy mountain rivers.

Drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park

The start of the drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park is relatively painless (unless you stumble across a burning vehicle as we did after leaving the Trans-Canada Highway 1) and it doesn’t take long before you arrive at a plethora of amazing spots you will want to explore.

We will share a few of the attractions that we experienced during our road trip but how much time you have to spend here will determine just how much of Kootenay you want to explore. The drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park along Highway 93 leads all the way to Radium Hot Springs, before connecting with Highway 95 that heads north-south through southeast British Columbia.

Whether it’s the Continental Divide where you can capture a selfie at a spot that marks the divide between two drainage basins or a variety of overlooks that you cannot help but fall in love with when you see the beauty in front of you, this part of the Canadian Rockies is an untouched wilderness that is the epitome of breathtaking elegance.

Click Here for Directions from Banff to Kootenay National Park using Google Maps

Although driving through Kootenay National Park is an incredible experience, we strongly encourage you to spend some time enjoying the various hiking trails throughout this landscape.

There is so much to see along the way, you can’t help but get out and stretch your legs! (Parks Canada)

Let’s take a look at some of the iconic spots you can enjoy along the drive from Banff to Radium Hot Springs.

Continental Divide

How cool is it to stand at an invisible location knowing that you are at a point where the water starts flowing in different directions? The Continental Divide is a point from which water flows to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and as you approach the entrance to Kootenay National Park, you have the opportunity to grab a quick selfie and also learn more information about the history and geology of this landmark.

The Continental Divide is also commonly referred to as the “Great Divide” and the Canadian Rocky Mountains is the perfect spot to learn about this geological phenomenon because of the height of the land.

continental divide kootenay national park

Visiting this landmark is a cool experience but don’t worry, you likely won’t need to spend much time here because the beauty of Kootenay National Park awaits!

Marble Canyon

Marble Canyon offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the geological development of this area in addition to a microcosm of the Rocky Mountains in general. For over 500 million years before the Rocky Mountains formed in this region, a shallow tropical sea covered this part of Canada. The carbonate sediments deposited during this time are what we now see forming the limestone and dolomite rock formations throughout the canyon.

Learning about the history not only puts into perspective the beauty of Marble Canyon but it also enables you to have a much greater appreciation of your surroundings. Take a moment at the start of the trailhead to relax by the banks of the Kootenay River and enjoy the spectacular landscape in front of you.

If you are brave enough, take this opportunity to remove your socks and shoes and feel the arctic cold glacial water flowing downstream. It will certainly awaken your sense!

The round-trip walk along the self-guided trail takes around 30 minutes though you may want to spend longer here if you find spots to enjoy the scenery. Although it’s a pretty popular spot in Kootenay National Park, you certainly won’t have to deal with the number of visitors that you likely experienced at attractions in Jasper and Banff!

Numa Falls

Numa Falls is a controversial location in Kootenay National Park that I contemplated not mentioning simply because of the dangers associated with this spot. However, the beauty of this spot is such that I felt everyone deserves to know about it and you can all make your own judgment as to whether it’s worth experiencing.

Let’s start with the dangers associated with this location. When you see Numa Falls, you will know exactly what I am referring to. The power of the water flowing down the gorge is such that any slip could be costly.

The trail to reach Numa Falls was closed during our recent trip because of the bridge crossing the river was washed out. Signage around the trail indicated that “Numa Creek Trail was closed because of a bridge wash out.”

However, despite the sign showing the obvious dangers, the trail wasn’t actually closed and we soon entered an area of forest that was easy to navigate. As we approached the end of the trail and noticed the bridge was washed out, we realized exactly why the sign was there. The drop off the edge of the rocks was pretty intense but even from a safe distance, you can enjoy stunning views of Numa Falls.

Effective May 1, 2017, until further notice…

The Numa Trail is not accessible for use from either the lower or upper access points due to the bridge being washed out over the Vermilion River. (Parks Canada)

***We are NOT encouraging you to dismiss the above notice and you should always follow the guidelines and signage.***

Hopefully, this area of Kootenay National Park will be renovated in the near future and Numa Falls will be accessible from the trail. If you visit Kootenay National Park in the near future, please let us know if the Numa Falls trail is reopened by commenting below!

Kootenay River

The drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park is predominantly alongside the Kootenay River and you will stumble across several opportunities to enjoy the beauty of this natural attraction. Our final stop before heading back to Banff was a gorgeous picnic area on the banks of the Kootenay River.

A bridge crossing the river provided a perfect focal point for pictures of the river and also enabled us to explore the other side though it’s the amount of gorgeous scenery surrounding you that makes Kootenay National Park such an amazing destination worth visiting.

Other Areas to Explore

Regardless of which spots you choose to visit, simply exploring Kootenay National Park will leave you speechless. When you have the opportunity to admire stunning panoramic scenes such as the one below, it’s difficult to leave this behind.

Rather than driving all the way to Radium Hot Springs, we actually turned around and headed back to spend more time at Marble Canyon and enjoy the gorgeous Kootenay River. There are plenty of spots along this drive that you may want to revisit or simply enjoy lunch before continuing your journey.

Here are some other spots that we would love to explore the next time we experience Kootenay National Park:

Radium Hot Springs – At the south entrance of Kootenay National Park, Radium Hot Springs is a small village that is predominantly renowned for the natural hot springs that visitors can enjoy. The world-famous mineral pools are surrounded by natural rock walls and are the perfect place to relax. Arriving in Radium Hot Springs, visitors are greeted with the following and I think it’s fair to say, Kootenay National Park certainly achieve this goal.

The mountains shall bring peace to the people

Olive Lake – An impromptu visit to Olive Lake as you approach Radium Hot Springs will offer a rewarding experience with an easily accessible trail taking you to an overlook across the lake.
Sinclaire Canyon – The hike to Sinclair Falls is a short trail from the Juniper Trail that is within the Sinclaire Canyon. A number of switchbacks make this a relatively easy and accessible trail.
Kootenay Valley Viewpoint – A visit to the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view across the national park. If you driving through Kootenay National Park in the opposite direction, you will likely catch a glimpse here of everything you will enjoy later.

Summary

I am sure you will agree that Kootenay National Park will never have the same appeal as Jasper or Banff but that should take nothing away from the beauty this part of the Canadian Rockies possesses. If you have time while exploring Banff, we strongly encourage you to consider taking a day trip or even just a few hours, to enjoy the drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park.

We opted to drive about half way into Kootenay and this was sufficient for us to capture a sense of the beauty throughout the park. Aside from Numa Falls which is potentially still inaccessible for visitors, the beauty throughout Marble Canyon and along the Kootenay River is something you cannot afford to miss.

Our adventures in Kootenay National Park support our claims that the Canadian Rockies is an unbelievable destination that should be on everyone’s radar. We are already planning a return trip to this part of Canada and we hope you will too!

Have you experienced the Canadian Rockies and in particular, Kootenay National Park?

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