Author Archives: Hans Tammemagi

Explore Chinatown in Vancouver: Welcome to Canada’s Largest Chinatown

The Millenium Gate in Chinatown, Vancouver

Chinatown, a prominent neighbourhood in Vancouver, is Canada’s largest Chinatown, and a destination very much worth exploring. Our nation is a cultural mosaic made up of the stories of many peoples. From food to museums to classical Chinese gardens, this is a place for visitors to appreciate one of the most prominent origin stories for […]

Visiting the Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia: Set Eyes on This National Historic Site of Canada

The Butchart Gardens outside Victoria, BC

Established by Jennie Butchart, The Butchart Gardens is a 55-acre display garden situated in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. Well over 100 years old now, this internationally acclaimed garden remains under the private ownership and operation of the Butchart family. In 2004, on its centenary, The Gardens received the honor of being designated a National Historic […]

Staying at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: The Most Photographed Hotel in the World

Staying at the Chateau Frontenac

The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, regularly called simply “Château Frontenac,” was completed in 1893, and is the most famous of Canada’s grand railway hotels. Not only is it the most photographed hotel on the planet, but it’s also one of Canada’s great architectural treasures, and staying here is a bucket-list worthy Canadian travel experience. Hans […]

The Top Things to Do in Steveston, British Columbia: A Fishing Village With Many Stories to Tell

Masts at Sunset in the Steveston Historic Fishing Village.

Steveston, British Columbia is much more than just a cute and photogenic fishing village. It has a rich, important history that visitors would be wise to dive into when they’re visiting. In this article, Hans Tammemagi tells you the story of this village, and lets you know how you can access it on your own […]

The Best Things to Do in Tofino, British Columbia: From Wild Nature to Wondrous Cuisine

Things to Do in Tofino

Tofino is a town of a few thousand people located on beautiful Vancouver Island. It attracts people from around the world because of its pristine nature, and opportunities for outdoor adventure – but not enough people know about its remarkable culinary scene. In this article, Hans Tammemagi walks us through all sides of Tofino. Tofino, […]

Haida Gwaii: A Mist-enshrouded Showcase of Haida Culture 

Loo Taas (Wave Eater) by Bill Reid

Haida Gwaii, which literally translates to “Islands of the Haida People,” is an archipelago located off the northern Pacific coast of Canada. It’s a place that’s immensely rich in culture, and spending time here allows visitors to tap into a history and way of life that’s filled to the brim with valuable lessons and insight. […]

An Adventurer’s Guide to Salt Spring Island in British Columbia

Sunset on Salt Spring Island in BC

Salt Spring Island, so named for salt springs in the northern part of the island, is one of the Gulf Islands, located between the Strait of Georgia and the mainland of BC. Local expert Hans Tammemagi lets us know how we can embrace “the extremes” of the island, and all that aboard his trusty 50 […]

A Niagara Falls Weekend Getaway: A Quick-Hitting Itinerary for the Adventurous

The MistRider Zipline in Niagara Falls

If you’re the type of person who likes to have a jam-packed itinerary filled with some great adventure-filled memories then this Niagara Falls, Ontario weekend guide is what you need. Longtime We Explore Canada contributor Hans Tammemagi breaks down how to get the most out of your Niagara Falls Weekend Getaway. The Niagara Wonder pounds […]

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site: The Largest Historical Reconstruction in North America!

The Fortress of Louisbourgh National Historic Site

Take a 35-minute drive from Sydney, Nova Scotia, and arrive in 18th-century French colonial life. We Explore Canada contributor Hans Tammemagi takes us back in time and lets us know why this is his single favourite National Historic Site in the Great White North. The Fortress of Louisbourg sprawls on Cape Breton’s rocky shoreline east […]

Spending Canada Day on Parliament Hill: A Moment to Go Back in Time, and Be Present

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

Parliament Hill is one of the most iconic places in Canada, especially if you’re spending Canada Day there. Hans spent the day there with his daughter, and his experience was nothing short of unforgettable. On Canada Day, there is no place I’d rather be than packed like a sardine into the tumultuous, exuberant crowd on […]