Louise Masin Sattler

Tips for Visiting Vancouver Island – Victoria, British Columbia

Published on July 6, 2024May 19, 2025 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Recently, I traveled to Victoria, British Columbia with my hubby, exploring a good portion of Vancouver Island and the capital city. How to get here? Many ferries come to this island from the mainland of Canada (the city of Vancouver) and the United States (Seattle). Also, the Victoria International Airport is very busy and has frequent flights to and from North America and beyond.

If you have read any of my travel blogs then you know to expect a list of travel tips. So, without further adieu here are my helpful tips, recommendations, and photos!

TIPS for VISITING VANCOUVER ISLAND

TIP 1: Consider traveling during the off-season

Victoria is a popular destination during warmer months due to cruise ships stopping en route to or from Alaska. Consider visiting Victoria, and the rest of Vancouver Island, earlier in the Spring or the Fall. You may have more rain, but you will not have to endure the crowds. If you are on a cruise with limited time – then consider my “Top 3” places to explore on this island.

My TOP 3:

1. BUTCHART GARDENS

2. EMPRESS HOTEL for HIGH TEA

3. INNER HARBOR of DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

TIP 2: MAKE A PLAN BEFORE VISITING

My top places to travel also are popular with others, so consider planning and purchasing tickets to visit Butchart Gardens and The Empress Hotel for High Tea. These two places are very impressive and also deserving of your consideration. Butchart Gardens can take several hours to meander the paths along the Sunken, Japanese, Italian, and Rose gardens. There are shops, restaurants, and even a carousel. During the summer weekends, musical entertainment is available along with fireworks on Saturday evenings.

The Empress Hotel is downtown in Victoria. It is located in the middle of the inner harbor and offers a multitude of places to visit. There is High Tea at the Empress (a very lovely two hours can be spent here having tea and assorted yummy sandwiches, scones, and desserts.). There also is a miniature museum on the perimeter of the hotel and well worth spending another hour or two visiting. (This is a very fun place to bring children!) Except for the museum, it is best to purchase in advance tickets for the gardens and high tea. Plus, enjoy the sculptures all around the hotel, as well!

TIP 3- Wear Comfortable Shoes to Walk the Downtown, including the Inner Harbor

Victoria is a walking city. Dress for a temperate climate and lots of walking. Be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella!

TIP 4- Use the very accessible bus transportation system.

Tickets can be purchased on the bus or the Visitor’s Center located on the corner of Wharf and Government Street.

TIP 5- Visit a winery or cider mill on the outskirts of Victoria’s downtown.

Located under an hour from downtown is no less than ten wineries and cider mills. We loved the Cowichan Valley’s Merridale Cider Mill – mostly because it had delicious ciders and sandwiches, but also because it was very family-friendly. Their property included much to see, including faerie gardens!

Learn more here:

TIP 6: Visit the beaches

Along the perimeter of Victoria, you will find inlets, harbors, and beaches. From the sea glass beach in Sidney (near the airport) to “SPLIT ROCK LOOKOUT” in Malahat (a lovely serene area off the beaten path). Pack a picnic, sunblock, and go hike the beach trails!

TIP 7: Visit at least ONE Castle!

If you are like me, you find castles and lighthouses fascinating. But, after one or two you have had enough! So, if you feel the need to explore a castle- make it Craigdorrach in the downtown area of Victoria! The history is fascinating and the castle is beautiful. BUT… be warned – there is no elevator, ramps, or any other attempt to make this place accessible. It is privately owned and everything is in ENGLISH (not even French – the official second language of Canada!)

TIP 8 – RESTAURANT SUGGESTIONS

We ate at a few really good restaurants and a few not so good. I already covered the two exceptionally yummy high teas we attended at Butchart Gardens and The Empress Hotel.

The only restaurant that we found as a standout was NAUTICAL NELLIES on Wharf Street. This restaurant has a casual atmosphere with a pub-like feel. There is outdoor seating and they have take-out options. It also had an eclectic menu that included lobster mac and cheese (double yum), a spicy street corn, and several varieties of sushi! We ate three times at Nautical Nellies and would have gone back again if we had more days! Their waitstaff also was very attentive and answered all of our questions (due to allergies – I got questions!)

In closing, we visited Victoria during their Canada Day celebration festivities! We booked our hotel for July 1 (Canada Day) at the Delta Marriott. It just happened to be the exact area where they launched the fireworks display for all who were visiting the harbor. Our room proved to be an excellent vantage point to photograph and video the fireworks. Enjoy the video!

gardens in the distance with green grass and pink flowers. People walking on a sidewalk

Tips for Visiting Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia

Published on July 4, 2024September 14, 2025 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Butchart Gardens is 55 acres of amazement! Privately owned by Jennie Butchart and operated by her family and considered the “must-do venue” of Victoria for tourists to visit! Thousands of people explore Butchart – and this year I was one of them during a recent trip to Victoria. I decided to share some insights and photos about Butchart Gardens for all of you to enjoy!

Tips for Visiting Butchart Gardens

TIP 1: Plan your trip before arriving in Victoria. Start by visiting the Butchart Gardens website to familiarize yourself with the layout of the area and also to purchase tickets. Keep in mind that there are many activities, including musical bands on Fridays and Saturday fireworks. I also would recommend making a reservation at the Butchart Tea House!

TIP 2: Go early in the day! Be sure to print your tickets or have them downloaded onto your phone. When you pass through the entry gates ask for the brochure guide that describes all the flowers and trees. This guide is very helpful is very little signage to help you know the names of the area flowers and trees.

Also, know that the crowds increase during the day, so plan on arriving at the gardens when they open. There are clear maps throughout the acreage. We started with the Sunken Gardens. The walkway had both steps and ramp inclines, so a person with mobility issues (such as a wheelchair) could access the gardens without much difficulty.

Photos of the Sunken Garden

TIP 3.: Earl Grey anyone? I highly suggest you make the TEA HOUSE a stop during your visit. No reservations? Don’t worry! Just plan on standing in line at the Tea House by 10:45a.m. to secure a spot or perhaps be one of the first to enter. (We were online for 15 minutes and seated and served our tea by 11:10 a.m.) The tea and food are delicious and well worth the wait and cost. ($52 Canadian when we visited). The food includes a trifle as the starter, then an array of foods served on a fancy three-tiered china platter with scones, bite-sized sandwiches, a small quiche, and selected desserts. While it may seem that this is not enough food – it was so much we took home several of the desserts as we were too full! (I highly recommend the peppermint tea.)

PHOTOS OF the BUTCHART GARDENS TEA HOUSE

PHOTOS OF The BUTCHART ROSE GARDEN

Everything is coming up roses at Butchart Gardens!

TIP 4 – This is a very popular area in the gardens – so expect crowds and try to time your entry into this area when there are no strollers or large groups behind you in line. This will allow you to take your time without people trying to rush you through this spectacular display or accidentally bumping into you. The roses are on both sides of the sidewalk and people tend to traverse from side to side – thus creating a “traffic jam”. This can lead to some less patient visitors trying to push their way past slower folks.

The Japanese Gardens

The Japanese Gardens are often cited as a favorite among visitors! I would have to agree! They are very serene with ponds, fountains, and even a zen garden.

TIP 5 – Gelato! There is a very busy gelato kiosk on the way out of the gardens. The cones looked delicious, but honestly, I was too full from the tea house treats that I skipped getting one.

TIP 6- Stop at the souvenir shop! This shop was packed with lots of gardening and souvenir-type gifts. Of course, there were walls covered with packs of seeds cultivated from plants grown in Butchart Gardens! I picked up a large selection for my home garden and to give as gifts. As a reminder – get the label and packaging needed to make it through customs in the country where you live. AND… some countries do not permit packs of seeds to pass customs.

TIP 7- Use the bus system whenever possible, including going to Butchart Gardens. The rapid transit system in Victoria is a far cheaper method of transportation than renting a car or taxi. You can get a pass on the bus or at the local visitor centers. The bus system is very reliable and runs a good portion of the day and night. From downtown Victoria, you can get the bus across from the Royal British Museum. The fee is $5 Canadian for a round-trip ticket. The bus leaves about every 10-15 minutes and drops off the passengers a short walking distance from the entry gates to the garden. The ride was about 40 minutes long. Food and drink are allowed on the bus. No smoking is allowed.

For more information about Butchart Gardens go here.

For more information about Victoria, British Columbia go here.

Happy Travels!

Tips for Travel to Spain and Portugal for People with Mobility Challenges, Blindness, and Deafness

Published on December 21, 2023August 24, 2025 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Cityscape from a hill above. See water and various old buildings on the side of the bank of the river.

Spain and Portugal are two of the most popular “post-pandemic” travel destinations. Scores of people already have flocked to the south of Europe – including me! And many more are expected to make the trip.

As I traversed these countries by plane, train, auto, tuk-tuk, and boat – I realized that there was much I wanted to share regarding accessibility and inclusion for people with mobility, vision, and/or hearing challenges. I also kept in mind how families with members on the Autism spectrum could travel with the least amount of disruption. Thus, I decided to write this blog as a “guide” or a set of “tips”. By no means is what I will offer below an exhaustive list – but just some information I learned along my journey. These tips were written for travelers coming from the United States to Spain or Portugal. And by all means- add your tips in the comment section.

TIPS for FLYING to EUROPE from the UNITED STATES

TIP 1 – Prepare by researching which airline, Hotels, land transportation, and attractions will meet your needs. Price may be a top consideration. But, being comfortable on your flight, cared for, and safe should be very important, as well.

Several airlines fly to Spain and Portugal. (Among other cities in Europe and beyond). Here are the airlines’ links to essential information for those who need assistance and have special needs. Also, a few airlines have bonus features, such as United Airlines’ social stories, on their websites.

AMERICAN AIRLINES– AA asks that you alert them to your needs for special assistance during your booking process. They have a full concierge of services that are outlined here.
BRITISH AIRWAYS – People requiring special assistance flying “BA” should alert the airline via the MANAGE BOOKING setting on the reservation. Here you will find this documentation and guide for how they can assist you.
DELTA: This airline breaks down all their services by “disability”. Here is the main page to access the others. There is even a list of multi-sensory rooms in various airports that can be found here.
IBERIA – Assistance Animals (Service Dogs)
IBERIA- Document regarding helping people with special needs or considerations
TAP AIRLINES (Air Portugal) – This airline does not seem to have a guide that lists services and how they will help someone who needs assistance until you complete their form found here.
UNITED: This airline also has an excellent reference page with the services they offer their passengers in need of extra assistance.
**United’s page can be found on their website here. A shout-out to this airline for adding a social story for those with sensory needs or autism. These stories help to prepare children and adults for social situations that could be out of their routine or cause general anxiety. They help to prepare the person as to what to expect when arriving at the airport, going through check-in, the gate, the waiting area, the gate to load on the plane, and the plane itself. This story even adds photos that help a person to know exactly what to expect. Bravo United Airlines!

TIP 2- Make arrangements for any service animals well in advance.

If you have a service animal please contact each airline well before you leave for any airport. There may be information that is needed well in advance and any place where you will have a stop along your route. Even if it is a short layover at London Heathrow Airport – England- there may be special considerations. The links shared above also have information about service animal restrictions, documentation, communications (such as rabies vaccines), etc.

TIP 3- Pack your carry-on luggage wisely

Make sure that you have all medications, essential documentation, a change of clothing (or more than one), battery chargers, extra oxygen canisters, etc. with you in case your checked baggage does not arrive when and where you do. Noise-canceling headphones may be the “best friend” for someone with sensory issues to sound. Also, a personal tablet chocked full of favorite games, audiobooks, captioned videos, etc. will help pass the time and be a great backup in case there is a technology “fail” while you travel. I find the Kindle Fire or iPad to be two very reliable devices that work well. Don’t forget electric converters, too. (The voltage is different in Europe than the US.)

For more information about packing strategies, etc please read this recent article.

TIP 4- If you are taking a tour be sure to communicate with the tour company your needs.

Communicaiton is key. This includes telling the tour company of any challenges you may have and modifications or accommodations you may need. Do you need extra stops for bathroom breaks? Do you need to have special dietary meals? Are you in need of assistance to go on and off a bus? Remember that other countries may not have disability laws (e.g. ADA), expect some differences and even inconveniences. For example, cobblestone streets are truly throughout Europe. We found that older cities, such as Toledo, Porto, and Lisbon were very hilly and filled with cobblestone streets. While charming, they are difficult for anyone to walk, especially in the rain.

NOTE: Vehicles are smaller in Europe, most likely to accommodate the narrow roadways. If you need an SUV for a wheelchair you may ask for the dimensions and to let the people know why. The SUV I just rented could not accommodate four people, luggage, and a wheelchair. Not a chance!

Also, the popular TukTuks vary in size and accessibility. We drove in some that were easy to get on and off and another that required significant athletic abilities!

Consider taking a car hire service such as Daytrip.com . This way you are door to door and have someone to help you. They also have experienced drivers with full-service vehicles that are large enough for a wheelchair.

TIP 5- Do not expect Hotels, museums, and public attractions (such as palaces and churches) to be inclusive/accessible or smoke free.

I spent a good deal of my time while visiting various churches, museums, and palaces inquiring where there were printed materials for the deaf as the audiotapes were so bad that a person with normal hearing probably couldn’t comprehend half of what was said, let alone anyone with difficulty hearing. The majority of my requests resulted in some answers that began with – “Sorry” and ended with “fill out this suggestion form.” How frustrating! So, my advice would be to print as much about the places you plan on visiting as possible. Perhaps an online guide or another resource. This way you will be able to enjoy the synagogues of Toledo, the Picasso Museum, or the Royal Palace in Madrid.

Also, note that the entries to these places are often with multiple steps and no ramps. Check first about walkability for popular tourist spots including the Alhambra in Granada, Sintra outside of Lisbon, and Barcelona. Plus, the hordes of people inside museums, etc. make getting about with a wheelchair or walker tricky.

Ambient noise also makes amplification equipment difficult – such as hearing aids. The PRADO is beautiful and worth visiting, but keep in mind it is crowded and noisy during their free evening hours. Consider going on a small/individual guided tour with a docent during the days and hours when the museum is least crowded.

CHECK YOUR HOTEL BEFORE RESERVING ABOUT BASICS…

Believe it or not, we stayed in more than one hotel that did not have a customer elevator that could accommodate a wheelchair. And, these were major hotel chains. We also noticed many boutique hotels did not have ramps, wide doors, or elevators. This would be very problematic and most likely impossible for a person with mobility needs to stay there. Cobblestone streets made it crazy for us to walk with luggage- let alone if we were someone with any mobility challenges. Streets were often too narrow for a van to drive, as well – thus preventing door-to-door service. Sigh!

Moreover, closed captioning options were not available on some of the older televisions in our hotel rooms. And, only a handful of hotels had technology that would be considered “standard” in the United States – such as braille in the elevators, or flashing lights to alert that there is a fire alarm ringing.

What about dining?

Portugal and Spain are known for great restaurants that are accessible with ample outside seating. The problem is that there is a “catch-22′. While these seats are great for people who wish extra room and easy access – they also are where people who smoke cigarettes tend to convene, as well. Sigh.

TIP 6 – Use language translation apps to help ease and promote communication

Many excellent cell phone applications can be useful to help with communication. It would be advantageous to pre-program key phrases – such as – I NEED HELP, I HAVE A MEDICAL ISSUE (e.g.diabetes, heart condition, etc.) Of course, Google Translate is the “gold standard”.

TIP 7 – Identification is key.

Be sure to place wearable identification on yourself and your loved ones. Especially children or adults with special needs. We know many people with Autism wander (e.g. elopement). In the event of being separated, it would be very important to have identification on their person. There are many wearable items – including medical alert necklaces and bracelets. And, it has become more commonplace to use “tracker” devices – such as the Apple AirTag, Android Tile, and Galaxy SmartTag. A little investment could be a lifesaver – literally!

In closing, the key to travel for anyone, including people with disabilities or challenges, is to 1) Plan and be prepared 2) Communicate with airlines, hotels, etc. any special assistance you may need 3) Read reviews on multiple sources to be sure that you have the full picture of what to expect and/or consider using a travel serivce to help you plan for this special vacation.

Thank you for reading – happy travels!

iPhone Photography of the Streets Of Southern Spain and Portugal

Published on December 17, 2023December 24, 2023 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

If only these streets could talk…

During a recent vacation, I found myself simply engrossed and enchanted by the cobblestone streets of southern Spain and Portugal. Hundreds of “snapped” photos found their way onto the camera roll of my iPhone 14 Pro Max. Each time I would try to imagine the lives of the people who lived on the streets where I was capturing these images. Were these people happy? Did this roadway have significance in history? How different were the lives of these residents than mine? If we somehow could do a “time traveler” experience – would we find our worlds to be similar or vastly different? Yes, I went “deep” with my thoughts. But, you only need to feel the cobblestone beneath your feet to let your imagination wander and wonder.

When I returned home, I realized I had hundreds of photos that chronicled our vacation – a large majority were streets, doors, and windows. Here are some of my favorite “snaps” of the streets, It is shameful that I didn’t take the time to learn more about these regions before we landed in Madrid. But, I am determined to study these areas now. And by all means, if you have any information about these places – please let me know in the comments. (Historical or ancestry links welcome.)

TOLEDO, MALAGA, MARBELLA, RONDA, and CADIZ

Toledo – A walk through a most important historical time for Spain

Toledo is a walled city where you can still walk through the doors that once welcomed carriages with royalty and soldiers protecting the area. It also is the home to the fictional, but in my mind very real, Don Quixote (a novel by Cervantes and the inspiration of the musical – Man of La Mancha). It is almost as if Cervantes’ words come alive as you walk from street to street. Toledo is an extraordinary place. Put it on your travel list. And wear shoes that are for walking on cobblestones! I would not recommend driving a car in this city. Take public transportation (e.g. Renfe train) or hire a car service, such as Daytrip.

Tip:

An empty street can be just as wonderful to photograph as one that is bustling with people.

CADIZ, SPAIN

Cadiz is a town we knew nothing about until…we found out that Real Madrid and FC Cadiz were playing during the time we would be visiting. Whoosh! We were off to Cadiz and collectively, our family thought it was AMAZING! A very walkable city – this place is chocked full of history, great music, shopping, and sports! Plus, you feel like you are at the end of the world because of the way the sunset hits the Mediterranean Sea.

RONDA, SPAIN

When it comes to a town that must have stories to tell – I think of Ronda, Spain. Orson Wells once called this place home.

This small city/ large village is atop a mountain. It takes about an hour to drive from Marbella to Ronda – up a very, very, very windy road – but it is worth the effort. There is a train and you can hire a car service or Uber – but be warned. These roads can be treacherous in the fog, rain, or at night (if you don’t know where you are going.)

However, once you arrive in Ronda you will be glad you endured whatever inconvenience you had. The views go on for miles. Plus there are bridges and olive groves that make this city so picturesque and worth the 100+ photos I took. Even the oldest bullfighting ring is in the town center – and that too, had cobblestone and tile features.

Tip: Know that unexpected photography opportunities may be on top of steep mountains!

MARBELLA – MALAGA

It is probably unfair to group Marbella and Malaga together. Each has their own unique vibe. Marbella is more quaint with a few attractions, but mainly shops, restaurants, and streets where families meet, children play, and couples walk hand in hand. Some celebrities do call Marbella their second home – but we didn’t spot anyone that we recognized. No biggie. We live in Los Angeles – the epicenter for celebrity spottings.

Marbella is famous for the “cute factor”, too – including the decorated bikes that adorn their streets. They share this “thing” with Malaga. I for one was in love with the idea of repurposing old bikes as art! ( Wouldn’t it be nice if we could adopt this trend in the United States!)

cobblestone and floral decorated sgtreets

Malaga has much more energy when compared to Marbella. When we visited Malaga it was almost frenetic. We figured out this was because the Christmas lighting festival was to begin that day. Thus, the streets were all aglow! Malaga also has numerous art galleries in its central district. The creativity spills out onto the streets with beautiful sculptures, fountains, gardens, and building designs.

TIP: Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso. The museum that was once his home is across from a lovely city square.

NORTHERN PORTUGAL- PORTO, AVEIRO, COSTA NOVA, and NAZARE

PORTO-GAIA

Porto- Gaia are gorgeous! But be warned – this city is nothing but serious walking up and down hills that are STEEP. (Wheelchairs will have a challenge, for sure.) For those who do not want to walk these steep areas consider UBER (easily available) or staying closer to the river where the landscape is flatter. Also, note that “rules of the road” are loosely followed. So look before you walk across any streets! You also can use one of the numerous boats that travel around the city and between Porto and Gaia. Parking is INSANE, so don’t drive here. Really – use an alternate way to arrive and leave. You will thank me for this piece of advice later.

Porto can be crowded – especially at the holidays

AVEIRO – COSTA NOVA – NAZARE

One cannot help but make a comparison between Venice, Italy, and Aveiro, Portugal. That is because of the “barcos moliceiros” that line the rivers/canals that flow through this city. I can’t say enough positive about Aveiro and the nearby area of Costa Nova. Charming. Delightful. Safe. Quiet. And during December – heavenly! I understand that summertime is hot and wall-to-wall tourists – so I am glad we visited in December.

The ribbons on the streets below signify a university student having completed a course. The houses with stripes are from Costa Nova.

NAZARE – Where 100 Foot Waves “Visit”

If you are a fan of the HBO documentary- The 100 FOOT WAVE – then you must put Nazare on your list of places to visit in Portugal. While there, don’t forget to take notice of the streets that hold so much history of this fishing village. These are proud people with deep religious roots and the church dedicated to fishermen is a very humbling reminder of the dangers of these seas.

Obidos a medieval castle

Obidos is very pretty to photograph. And, we happened to visit on a day it was misty rain. The cobblestones were exceptionally wet, but I think the photos came out far more interesting than if it was a clear sunny day.

Tip: Your pictures don’t need to be perfect. Just meaningful to you. These are the moments that are important to you – capture them, enjoy them, and save them.

LISBON

Last but not least I want to highlight the streets of glorious Lisbon. Here in southern Portugal, you find streets filled with motorcycles, tuk-tuks, people walking about, and artwork- including the iconic work of Arturo Boralo II .

This is another city that is hilly and hard to traverse – but worth it. We hired a driver and his covered tuk-tuk (good call as it started to rain) – to cover as much ground as we could in a short amount of time.

A Life Lesson

When we travel we sometimes look at the grandness of our adventure. The well-known landmarks, museums, or restaurants. But, I want the intent of this blog to remind you to stop and enjoy the simplistic elements of your surroundings – including the streets that are filled with history and life lessons.

Tip: BACK UP YOUR PHOTOS – DAILY

Enough said.

About these photos.

The photos in the blog are unfiltered, not retouched (other than cropping), and my own. Please do not snatch them, borrow them, or think they would make a great addition to your content without expressed permission from me – Louise Sattler.

Comment:

Please feel free to comment, share your tips, and give me guidance about the history of this area. I am a lifelong learner – so go ahead and comment!

Thank you!

Discover Lake Louise, Canada

Published on June 8, 2023September 14, 2025 by Louise Masin Sattler1 Comment

There are few places on this earth that leave me speechless. Lake Louise is one of them. The water is my favorite color- teal blue. On the day we arrived, the sky was overcast and then turned to a brilliant blue – with hardly any clouds. There is a walk from the parking lot and Fairmont Hotel around the lake to a “beach” and then a bit further to an area called the “Tea House”. Most of the terrain is smooth and paved, however, the further you walk the more likely you will encounter some bumps along the road- literally.

A Canada Park Pass is required to visit, as is either a bus fare or a parking fee for your car. There are ample bathrooms at the lake and a few miles from this area awaits cafes and shops for tourists to visit.

The only sour note I have to share is being declined from dining at the Fairmont’s breakfast establishment (the sitdown restaurant vs. the quick grab-and-go cafe.)

The restaurant at the Fairmont at Lake Louise is apparently for guests only unless you hit it at a lull. We tried to have breakfast at the restaurant and were told to come back several hours later. I still am confused why we were turned away from having a quick breakfast at 7:15 a.m. from an empty restaurant. It had always been a dream of mine to eat at sunrise on the shores of Lake Louise. Well, I guess not every dream comes true!

So the lesson is to pack a meal and drinks and enjoy a picnic at one of the most loveliest places to dine – on the banks of Lake Louise!

For those of you who are yearning for a bit more outdoorsy activities – there is a gondola and other activities and attractions near Lake Louise. Also, there are other area lakes that are stunning in beauty and worth a visit. Sadly, these many were “off-season” and closed when we visited.

To learn more about Lake Louise and the Banff, Alberta area please visit this website.

Enjoy the photos- but please don’t “snatch them”.

Discovering Banff, Canada

Published on June 4, 2023May 19, 2025 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

This past week hubby and I arrived in Banff, Canada to take in the area sights. I had always wanted to visit the Canadian Rockies, including Banff and my namesake body of water- LAKE LOUISE! This blog will focus on the attractions and parks within Banff – including the Sulphur Summit, the Cave and Basin, the downtown region, and the Bow River waterfalls and trails.

Before you venture out – check out the Park Pass requirements for Banff and all parks within Canada.

Downtown Banff

Downtown Banff has a feel to it similar to Lake Placid, New York or Park City, Utah. It is a small town that caters to the needs of tourists. From their very efficient transportation system (ROAM) to the helpful visitor center. Museums, parks, stores, and lots of restaurants help to create Banff’s amazing vibe. Plus, it is bordered by magnificent mountain ranges. However, the true “secret” to Banff is its wonderfully kind and generous residents.

Below I listed my favorite places that we visited in Banff. While they are in no particular order – I will say that the gondola ride was indeed a huge highlight of our trip!

Bow River Falls

The Bow River Falls can be easily accessed from the downtown main street – Banff Avenue. There are also entrances near some of the hotels on the perimeter of the park. It is a lovely place for a walk and to get acclimated to the elevation of Banff before venturing to even higher elevations – such as at the Sulphur Summit. This attraction is FREE! A little preview video I created is below.

Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola and Hot Springs

The Banff Sulphur Mountain is home to a spectacular gondola, viewing platform, small educational center, theater, and restaurants. Nextdoor you will find the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs. Both are worth taking the ROAM #1 bus to visit and spend quality time relaxing, learning about the Banff National Park, and enjoying the vistas!

Link to learn more and obtain tickets

The Hot Springs was a ton of fun and thankfully not much of that “rotten eggy smell” – common among natural springs. Phew! Instead we found a very pleasant place to relax and meet people from all over the globe! The hot springs has bathing suits and towels for rent along with lockers and showers.

A few things to know about this area: 1) When you go to the Hot Springs bring sandals as it is a communal locker room and is a bit slippery 2) The ticket to the Hot Springs has an add-on option that is worth the few extra dollars – entry to the Cave and Basin (across town). 3) When riding the gondola know that it is steep and if you are afraid of heights you may wish to reconsider. However, I felt totally safe and never scared. It was an exhilarating ride up and down the mountain. If you wish to take the Sulphur Mountain trails know that bear spray is required and for obvious reasons- bears are the owners of the mountain and people are simply guests!

Once atop the summit, you will find paths to go even higher! But, these paths require walking up and down wooden steps and on ground that can be uneven. Thus, not conducive for a person with special mobility needs – such as a wheelchair.

Note: We did not eat at any of the restaurants at the summit. But, people do say that the Sky Bistro is extra special and the buffet at the Northern Lights offers a wide selection of food.

Banff Cave and Basin

The Cave and Basin truly was the biggest surprise of our trip. I was expecting a rather drippy, dark, and damp cave. It was not at all! And we went on a rainy day! Instead, we found a super accessible and inclusive attraction that was very interesting and great for all ages! I want to give a shoutout to the gift shop buyer- the items at their store were very unique and reasonably priced!

To get to the cave take the ROAM #4 bus from the Banff downtown main hub.

Recommendations & Tips

Banff restaurants represent cuisine from around the world. While we sampled many of the local establishments – one made our “we would come back” list!

BALKAN GREEK RESTAURANT

This eatery is fabulous! And, I must not be the only person who thinks so – because there was a long wait if you didn’t have a reservation. Hubby and I circumvented the line by eating at the bar. Here we met bartender, Derek G. He is a prime example of the nice, kind, and helpful Banff residents! I saw many traditional Greek dishes being served and each looked AMAZING. We opted for the Greek Bowl. It was exceptional and if I had more time in Banff, I would have returned – again and again!

Check out the local Rundle United Thrift Shop!

This place was filled with great finds. I scored three wool scarves (new!) for only $5 each. Books, home goods, and much more filled this store located at the end of Banff Avenue (and close to the trail for the Bow Water Falls).

I feel compelled to give a few random travel tips.

The busy season starts in late May/ early June. Plan accordingly as there are only so many buses and hotels in this area.
Check out Lake Louise and other main attractions EARLY in the day – before the hordes of people arrive. We arrived by 7 am and it was very busy by 11 am.
Bring Canadian money if traveling from outside of Canada. There were some places that did not take credit cards or non-Canadian money.
Dress in layers. The weather seemed to change every hour! The morning in late May was quite chilly only to be 40 degrees warmer by lunchtime! Rain was on and off throughout our week in the Alberta province.
If you are flying WESTJET know that the international terminal for this airline is not the same as the national gates. We spent an hour online to check in bags only to find out we were at the wrong part of the airport. A 15-minute walk got us to the right place – but all could have been avoided if there was better signage from the rental car return building.
Visit other places en route to Banff- such as Canmore ( a charming town about 20 minutes away) and of course, Calgary. In this city, you will find the home of the 1988 Olympics. Also, the Calgary Stampede happens every summer in this little city- so plan your trip with care if you don’t want to be in the thick of huge crowds!

Southern Utah – Put it on your 2023 Travel List!

Published on January 2, 2023May 19, 2025 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

I Love Utah! In all honesty I love most of the Southwest of the United States. From the vastness of the Grand Canyon to the small state parks sprinkled throughout the area. But, in all honestly, it is Southern Utah that is one of my “happy places” on this planet. First – it is GORGEOUS. Just when you think you have seen the most amazing formations of rocks you drive around a bend and there is one even more stunning!

If you have only a few days to spend in Southern Utah then I recommend the following as a route that is family-friendly and full of adventure. Please keep in mind to do your due diligence before venturing out as parts of Utah are at a pretty high altitude and some of the trails that I may mention are not for the novice hiker.

Start your adventure in St. George and Ivins

St. George ,Utah is a very charming city just a few miles north of the Arizona border and about 75 minutes from the Las Vegas airport. It has something for everyone! From adorable vintage, antique, and thrift shops to outdoor sports to please nearly everyone. One of my favorite places to stay is actually a wee bit north of St. George at the Red Mountain Resort. This place is not your typical hotel (and adults only)- but rather a resort that insists you relax and unwind. There are just so many spa treatments to indulge yourself in, healthy eating, and a pool and several spas to help you rejuvenate. While it is not cheap- it is worth every penny.

When you are in the area of Ivins- drive over to the Snow Canyon State Park. It will take you less than 10 minutes to get there. The price of entry to the park is $15 per carload. We stopped at nearly every area that had trails of mild to moderate degrees. My favorite is Jenny’s Canyon. Oh gosh, this place was amazing. Hubby really loved the Sand Dunes. And the area known as Lava Flow was very popular – especially with kids hopping the lava rocks. Johnson Canyon also was popular. The walk was not extreme, but pleasant. Sadly, very little of this park is wheelchair accessible. There are some paved areas near Johnson Canyon – but not much more than that. Two areas for restrooms are available and park rangers are in the visitor’s center to assist you.

Snow Canyon is filled with wild cacti and other amazing plants

Fall in Love with Zion National Park (ZNP)

Arizona may have Sedona and the Grand Canyon – but Utah wins the beauty contest in my book with Bryce and Zion. There are trails to hike at both places, but in the snow it is a bit dangerous and necessary equipment is needed for safety. Frankly, I was lucky to have my winter coat during this last trip.

There is something about Zion that makes it indescribable. I have been three times and each time I fall more in love with this park. Maybe because it appears differently each time I visit. This past trip the park was slightly dusted with snow. It was magnificent. I have written about Zion before and you can read more here.

To enter Zion NP you either need to take a shuttle bus from the various spots along the main route leading to the park in the town of Springdale or pay $30 and up to drive through. There is a third option for those who wish to drive through the park and that is to have the America the Beatiful National Park Pass. This pass allows you entry into the 2,000 federally owned recreation sites, such as national parks in Utah! The park opens early – 8 am. Be there when it opens to maximize the grand effect it will have on you with the quiet and stillness of the early morning. The River Walk is for novice hikers and accessible for wheelchairs. There are many more adventurous areas to explore such as Angel’s Landing. (not for the faint of heart or this writer.) A list of the trails, their ratings, and when they are open (some are closed due to weather, etc.) may be on this up-to-date website.

Below is a picture that hubby snapped while we were driving through the twists and turns of Zion.

We stopped to snap this lovely mountainside. Sadly, my shot doesn’t quite capture the grandness of this area.

Make sure to stop at the Visitor’s Center in Zion NP and also if you drive all the way out the east exit – keep going. There are so many wonderful little shops and places to visit within a few miles of the park. PLUS… it is the back route to Bryce Canyon National Park – a “short” 90 or so miles from Zion NP!

BRYCE CANYON – So much to say – so little time!

When you enter Bryce you may think it will be a nice little drive through a wooded area. But, then you are nearly gob-smacked with the awesomeness that surprises you around each and every corner. This is the majesticness of Bryce Canyon National Park!

I prefer visiting this park using a system that my family calls the Disneyland method! Start at the end and work your way to the front of the park. The drive from the entrance gate to the end is about 20 miles. Be sure to stop at the visitors center on your right-hand side right after passing through the gate. The price is pretty much as Zion – so getting that America Beautiful Pass is really worth it! At the center there is a preview movie about the area and a nice walk-through set of exhibits. The gift shop is really filled with practical items – like sunscreen and water bottles.

Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor’s Center

The map of Bryce is easy to find and also available here.

My favorite area is called the Rainbow Bridge. It is a marvel to look at. Hubby really enjoyed exploring the region call The Apitheater – and it truly does look like one!

While it is possible to cover both Zion and Bryce in a day- I don’t recommend it. You made it this far to visit two of the most beautiful parks in the world – why rush it? Stay a few days and enjoy!

And, meander around the local area as well. There is the town of La Verkin that has the River Rock Roasting Company – a must for those who love to eat! This place has awesome pizzas, quiches, and of course – COFFEE! Springdale also has numerous shops and restaurants for most palates. Hurricane, “known as the gateway to the parks” – is great to stock up on supplies and explore some antique shops.

Need more convincing as to why you should travel to Southern Utah? Well, I just happen to have a few more photos to show you! Enjoy and Happy Travels!

The Big Island of Hawaii – a Photo Essay

Published on August 29, 2022May 19, 2025 by Louise Masin Sattler2 Comments

The Big Island of Hawaii is known for volcanos, lush land of the east bordering the desert of the western side. Small towns and villages with coffee that is AMAZING! But, to really enjoy this island one must either experience it in person or take a view through the lens of another.

Below you will find a few different groupings of photos and a video. The first is a slideshow of the Kona area, including the coffee farms and “shacks” that make it extra special.

Next you will see a carousel from the Volcano National Park- yes there are ACTIVE volcanos on the Big Island.

Historical sites are throughout the island, but many are in the upper west and north quadrant. Don’t miss them. Enjoy this carousel feature, too.

Charming is how I would describe Hilo! Small town vibe with excellent beaches, shops, and restaurants. Don’t miss this part of the island or the photos in the last carousel.

The Rainbow Falls are highlighted in a serene video below. All photos and video are property of moi- Louise Sattler and not for duplication or “snatching”. Thanks!

KONA, The Big Island’s home to tourists and coffee!

THE BIG ISLAND – VOLCANO TIME!

Historic Sites (north and west shore)

The Rainbow Falls are serene and lovely – stop when visiting Hilo.

Say Hello to Palm Springs, California!

Published on May 6, 2022May 6, 2022 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Before I ever visited Palm Springs, California I had envisioned it to be stuck in the 1960’s. I had thoughts of old cars with “fins” riding up and down the palm tree-lined streets. I assumed that every home was painted pink or neon green (or both). And, that the sounds of Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin were heard on stereos everywhere you turned.

You know what? I wasn’t that far off with my “visions”. You see Palm Springs is a quirky city. Parts of it are hipster 2022 while much of it seems stuck in the decade of Marilyn Monroe. In fact, the streets are often named after presidents who lived or vacationed in the area or mega-watt celebrities of past eras. And… I love it!

If you decide to visit Palm Springs (or are returning) – here are some tips on how to maximize the fun factor.

Book ahead. You can save a heap of $$ if you book ahead using one of the many discount websites. You know that I love TripAdvisor for just this reason.

We stayed at the Shadow Ridge Resort in the Palm Desert/ Rancho Mirage area, a Marriott property. This is a timeshare resort that offers apartments, when available. You can always trust that a Marriott will be top-notch with quality amenities – like golf, pool, spa, and more. For more information go here.

(Plus, many more suggestions below)

#1 PIONEERTOWN

This place is actually 45 minutes or so outside of Palm Springs. Known for being an old movie set converted to part artist colony and part honky tonk village – Pioneertown is sure to please most people. Please note that there is a lot of sand in Pioneertown. This will make mobility carts/ wheelchairs tough to get around. But, you can access the fun and delicious Pappy and Harriet’s restaurant without any problem. This place is reason alone to go to the high desert. Plus, you are very close to Joshua Tree – so consider that a bonus to your visit!

Scenes from Pioneertown

#2 The PALM SPRINGS TRAMWAY!

I absolutely love this tramway! The people are exceptionally nice and knowledgable. (A Shout-Out to a staff member – Gil!) The ten-minute tramway ride takes you to over 8 thousand feet above sea level. There are two restaurants at the top building. Plus, you can see miles and miles from the balconies and the building. The gift shop is really chocked full of fun and interesting items for all ages. And, the tramway is accessible for people who need mobility equipment. On the way down to the base building, our tramway conductor put on music, and collectively the riders sang to Neil Diamond’s, Sweet Caroline!

Call ahead for your tickets here.

Ride the tramway in this video!

#3 THE LIVING DESERT

The Living Desert combines a wonderful eco-friendly zoo with lovely botanical gardens. It is small enough to visit in just a few hours or discover in small bites. We went with friends when it opened because the Palm Springs afternoons can be brutally hot. Easy access and multi-lingual information is available. Great for couples, families, or solo travelers! Visit their website here.