Category Archive for Alternative Canada
50 Best Bars Awards! Vancouver ceremony & cocktails, Dr Sun Yat-Sen Garden, Seair Seaplanes to Victoria, Ellipsis cafe.
Life has been busy lately in Vancouver — time for a recap! I spent the first quarter at home, but will soon be jetting off to manyyy new places around the globe between now and September. I’ll be adding six new countries to my grand total, as well as returning to some of my fav destinations ever… as always, I’ll be taking you along! (Add @lacarmina IG for the first look at where I’m flying.)
In April, I was delighted to welcome my friends in the food/cocktail world to my hometown for the North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 awards week! For the second year in a row, my hometown hosted the countdown to the year’s top 50 bars on the continent, April 22nd at Vancouver Convention Center.
The libations began at my fav local hangout, The Chickadee Room in Chinatown. Perhaps you recognzie Chef Pepe Salinas from Mexico City’s Balcon del Zocalo, which I visited twice. He now opened Taco Tasting Room in CDMX, which is getting mega buzz… must return to try his omakase tacos…
Is Holly’s Hello Kitty phone case big enough? I think it should be 3x the size!
My comrades from Mexico City, Pepe Salinas and Ximena Aréchaga of Long Story Short, spiced up their Chickadee takeover with Mexico-inspired cocktails, flautas / panuchos / grasshopper tacos, and more… We ordered everything from the special edition menu, twice!
So many celebrations happening at bars all around Vancouver during the 50 Best awards week.
We flipped out when Pepe generously offered us the best artisenal mezcal ever… The Lost Explorer Salmiana.
David and Alex of The Chickadee Room always bring the <3, and their cocktails hit all the notes (balanced, creative, unusual, yummm).
There were so many popups, residencies and press events for North America’s 50 Best Bars awards. I managed to swing by some of my faves: above is a floral negroni from Botanist at Fairmont Pacific Rim (they collabed with NY’s Clemente Bar).
The 50 Best Bars award ceremony itself was a blast. Top bartenders from around the world flew in to mix drinks and discover who made the top 50 list this year. (Martiny NY’s Roku Gin paloma was one of the tastiest).
Congratulations to the winners and cheers to all who made these fantastic events possible — Vancouver is truly becoming a cocktail capital! (So many from Vancouver made the list, along with Mexico City, Toronto, and NYC – check out the ranking here.)
I also got to attend a special event at Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, to honor its 40th anniversary.
Isn’t my outfit giving Street Fighter Chun-Li? Wearing a 100% silk cheungsam by Beth and Brina Qipao, and Cyberpunk 2077 amber shield glasses by Gunnar Optiks, yatta!
To celebrate their 40th year, Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese garden is offering:
– Apr 24, entry costs the same as in 1986 ($3 for adults!) & is open til 8pm.
– Apr 25-26, enjoy cultural experiences like a Chinese tea ceremony (loved tasting the jasmine pearl brew) and Silk Talk brocade embroidery workshop (learned the history & made a pin)
Check out their site for more info. I hope you’re able to visit Chinatown’s Ming dynasty style oasis, a very special place and part of the city’s cultural history.
One of my fav recent outfit shoots in the city… Bury me at Ellipsis, the modernist-industrial pyramid at Vancouver’s Waterfall Building
Now a cafe/bar, this masterpiece is one of architect Arthur Erickson’s final works (1996).
True to Erickson’s “truth to materials” philosophy, sunlight streams through the angled glass onto concrete & stainless steel. At night, the back wall glows with a Turrell-like projected sunburst.
My L’Intervalle Thelma Nude Naplack 4 inch stilettos echoed Erickson’s geometric lines. L’Intervalle is a Canadian shoe company, their heels are 100% leather (no microplastics) and elongate your legs… no wonder j’adore.
Wool coat Rudsak, maxi leg slit dress Cyberdog. Tip: order the matcha black sesame oat milk latte, and make a res for dinner.
For more photos and video footage from my Ellipsis Vancouver visit (a must for architecture lovers), see this IG post.
I’m leaving on a seaplane… Although I didn’t leave British Columbia at the start of the year, I flew the new Seair Seaplanes route between Vancouver and Victoria, BC downtown harbours. The scenic flight only takes 30 min, and is so much more convenient than taking the ferry.
With only a handful of passengers per flight, the Seair experience is giving PJ (private jet)!
I took my new Eyebobs glasses for the ride: Eyebobs has the chicest upscale frames for travelers, from blue light blocking prescription ones like mine, to readers & sunglasses. Rainbow cybergoth tank and joggers Cyberdog, Mongolian sheep pink coat Skandinavik Fur.
I took a girls getaway to Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, BC! Current life priorities: reducing stress while maxxing sleep, health, and time with besties. Lounging in the steaming mineral pools with ocean views at Oak Bay checked off all the boxes.
Zebra striped sequin maxi skirt and corset top by Kate Hewko. If you’ve been reading my blog since its infancy, you’ll recognize these spiky boots that I got at Trash & Vaudeville NYC wayyyy back in the day! Forever a slay.
I share tons of Vancouver fashion / food / travel recommendations on my IG, such as a recent moon phase themed tasting menu at Michelin starred restaurant, Burdock and Co (see the reel here).
Add my Instagram @LaCarmina to see more of my daily life… and the far-off places I’ll be flying to next! Also coming up: articles in new travel journalism outlets. You can catch up on my travel / food / culture writing on my portfolio page.
I also posted an update on my Miffy meets mid-century modern apartment decor. Watch the reel to see day to night in my tiny apt. Furniture by Eames / Herman Miller, Verner Panton, Magis, Mobital and from the 90s. Miffy the bunny and Line Friends Bear lamp Mr Maria. All art is original including the skull spirit paintings by Jon Saemunder. (Look closer & you’ll see Goth motifs throughout!) For all the details and more photos of my home, see this blog.
CLOSET SALE: I’ve been selling my fabulous clothing collection on Poshmark @lacarmina and it’s going well! Shipping is low for Canadians, so take a browse (if you’re international, reach out by email/DM and we can figure it out, or shop my Depop @lacarmina instead.)
Yay to sunnier skies now… and travels ahead to alternative, offbeat destinations around the planet! It’s going to be a wild ride from now through autumn, so buckle up…
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Prince Edward Island! Anne of Green Gables house, Charlottetown Slaymaker & Nichols, Instagrammable PEI.
My Canadian travel adventures continue in one of the most beautiful and distinctive locations in Canada: Prince Edward Island!
I’ve had PEI on my bucket list ever since I was young, and finally got the chance to spend two quick but magnificent days in the province with photographer Joey Wong.
Of course, we pranced around the Anne of Green Gables house in Cavendish (aka Avonlea)! Did you know that the Japanese are mega-fans of Anne Shirley, the feisty orphan in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels?
Read on for photos from Green Gables Heritage Place and other must-visit photogenic spots around Prince Edward Island!
If you’re driving to PEI from Nova Scotia, stop by the fishing village of Victoria as you make your way up to Charlottetown, the capital city.
We were hungry after driving for several hours, and stopped here to devour seafood at Lobster Barn.
Victoria-by-the-Sea is a quaint seaside village that preserves the old-school charm of the Maritimes fishing heyday.
Stop here for scenic views as you chow down at Lobster Barn. The lobster roll with warm butter, and fish and chips hit the spot. Don’t miss out on PEI spuds, as the local potatoes live up to their fame.
Victoria’s historic seaport was founded in 1819 and features a lighthouse, fisherman shacks and fishing vessels.
Then, we settled into our downtown Charlottetown digs at The Holman Grand Hotel. The spacious rooms and prime location (on the main Queen Street) made this the perfect choice for our brief trip to PEI.
The capital city is small and easily walkable. We strolled down Queen Street to the waterfront and Confederate Landing Park, where we saw people fishing from the pier and lounging on Adirondack chairs.
Queen Street is lined with classic brick buildings and rows of seafood restaurants, Anne of Green Gable shops and craft boutiques. I was pleased to hear free live music at several spots during my walkabout.
Many told me that the best spot in Charlottetown for dinner is Slaymaker & Nichols gastro house — and from the moment I spotted the vibe-y exterior, I knew this was the right choice.
Slaymaker & Nichols has a playfully-named menu that serves fresh, local ingredients in bright and creative creations. You can tell from the photos that these dishes slayed: “Let’s Go Mushrooming” portobello and crimini mushrooms on garlic toast, and house made smoked haddock and salmon cakes with tangy sauces.
The interior’s vintage feel is a hat-tip to the 19th-century Slaymaker & Nichols Olympic Circus, which caused a splash in Charlottetown in 1864.
The elegant carnival atmosphere extends to the charmingly presented, mouthwatering dishes designed for sharing.
The mixology is a stand-out: I had a hard time deciding between all the creative, well-balanced cocktails like this orange one with foam and bitters.
Slaymaker & Nichols features rotating menu items like this Thai curry fish and rice dish. Ask your server for the daily recommendations, although everything you’ll eat here is a slay!
The next day, we drove to the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown — a tranquil campus with lovingly maintained brick school buildings.
I can’t stop mentioning how the Canadian Maritimes took me back in time to the happy, relaxed 1990s. The authentic friendliness and gentler pace of life here are so different from my usual travel experiences.
It’s best to have a car when traveling in Prince Edward Island, as the driving conditions are easy and you can better access areas around the province — like Brackley Beach up north.
We rode to Covehead Harbour Lighthouse, a tapered wooden tower built in 1975.
The sand at Covehead Bay is so powder soft — did you expect landscapes like this in Canada?
Wearing a jacket and dress by Michi, Roberto Cavalli sunglasses, and Anthony Wang shoes.
Brackley Beach is one of the most popular beaches in PEI, only 20 minutes away from Charlottetown. The clear water, dramatic dunes, and long stretches of sand are fire.
Canada’s tiniest province remains predominantly rural, with gorgeous flora and greenery especially in the peak summer season.
It’s so chill at Brackley Beach that for once, I was not fueled by spite — but you can never escape the fate of microplastics! Bag by Mourning Breath Shoppe.
When in Prince Edward Island, you must make the pilgrimage to Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish. Anne of Green Gables fans will immediately recognize Anne Shirley’s green and white Avonlea home featured in the children’s books, movies and TV shows.
Anne of Green Gables is a 1908 novel by local author Lucy Maud Montgomery, which spanned sequels and various film, TV and manga adaptations. The tales of the fiery red-headed orphan girl and her journey growing up captured the hearts of millions — including a particularly passionate audience in Japan.
The novel is centered in Green Gables, the home in which orphaned Anne (“with an E”) is raised by Marilla Cuthbert and her brother, Matthew. The setting is based on L.M. Montgomery’s memories of this turn of the century house and surrounding farmland of Cavendish (which inspired Anne’s fictional home of Avonlea).
Lucy Maud Montgomery lived nearby and frequently visited this real-life Green Gables owned by her aunt Annie, which is now a National Historic Site and part of Parks Canada.
The author had warm memories of her “second home” and was even married here in 1911. Visitors can go inside and get immersed in the storybook via the Anne of Green Gables Museum.
How quaint is the kitchen with the butter churn and washboard? If you grew up with the Anne books and films/shows like I did, then being here hits you right in the feels.
I was tickled to see the puffy sleeved dress, which was one of Anne Shirley’s dearest wishes! Stoic father figure Matthew was so pleased to gift her with the puffed sleeved dress of her dreams.
Anne of Green Gables is a Canadian icon, and led to a number of related works like the TV spin-off “Road to Avonlea.”
Going inside Green Gables Heritage Place lets you be part of her world.
The novel is set in the late 19th century, so there are a variety of old-time photo spots, exhibits and activities throughout the property — like this carriage in the barn.
PEI is home to other Anne attractions including L.M. Montgomery’s birthplace in New London, Anne of Green Gables Museum at Campbell Homestead, the Lower Bedeque School where Montgomery taught, and Avonlea Village, a recreation of the storybook setting. There may also be performances of Anne of Green Gables–The Musical.
Why is Anne so big in Japan, where she is known as Akage no An (赤毛のアン) or “Red-haired Anne”? The story was translated to Japanese after WWII and became a beloved anime series. As a result, she became a pop culture icon and many Japanese tourists visit Prince Edward Island because of her.
Super-fans can also pick up souvenirs like Anne’s Raspberry Cordial, a sparkling berry beverage that is unique to PEI and a fav of the character.
After visiting the buildings, take a walk through the Haunted Wood and the romantic Lover’s Lane.
As we were in Cavendish, we popped over to the Dunelands Trail by the water.
The easy path is lined with ponds, sand dunes and boardwalk with plenty of chances to spot flora and fauna.
Summer is the best time to visit Prince Edward Island, as the weather is comfortable and everything is in bloom. (Although accommodations are pricier, so book early.)
L Maud Montgomery enjoyed visiting Cavendish Beach with her friends and family. The relaxed natural setting makes it feel like a scene from the past.
How 90s is the Cavendish sign? I love the nostalgic feel of PEI and the Canadian Maritimes.
Can’t get over the stunning red sandstone cliffs and wind-sculpted dunes overlooking the Gulf of St Lawrence.
Photographer Joey Wong and I only got to spend a short time in PEI, but we’d love to come back to take it easy by the red sand beaches. (And eat more seafood and spuds.)
Traveling in Canada rocks! Please add me Instagram @lacarmina to see snaps from this trip (saved in IG Stories) — as well as my most recent adventures in Japan for Halloween.
More Canadian travels and adventures to come — I’m keen to see new parts of the country with friends like Sancho Angulo (you may remember our game show appearance on trivia TV series, CTV Battle of the Generations! Here we are on the downtown Vancouver Seawall recently).
Are you an Anne of Green Gables aficionado? Do you want to visit Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest (and arguably sweetest) province?
LA CARMINA
