Some people get exhausted from vacation travel, but I am the opposite. There is something energizing and rejuvenating to me about exploring new places, trying new food and making memories on the road. I live for these moments and I find once I am back from one trip, I am already thinking about the next.
Going into 2026 we weren’t sure what our summer travel would be. Sandy was amidst his job hunt and we were trying not to make too many plans until we knew where he would be working, etc. In February Noah Kahan tickets went on sale and Sandy, Ella, Caile and Nathan wanted to go and got lucky enough to get tickets, so we decided to plan an Ontario vacation. Sandy didn’t get to come to Toronto last summer and Nathan had never been to a big aquarium before, so we saw it has a great opportunity to go back and play tourists.
We decided to keep it brief and go for 9 days with Caile and Nathan flying in on Day 2 and leaving on Day 7 so they could both return back to work. We also saw it as an opportunity for Sandy to finally see Ottawa. We went 15 years ago and Sandy ended up very ill in the hospital and needing surgery. He didn’t get to adventure very far and stayed in the hospital there for 10 days before being able to fly home. This was a good chance for a redo of that trip. Nathan’s brother, sister in law and Aunt also live in Ottawa, so it gave us a chance to meet them.
Fast forward to today… we are Day 9 on our way home from this awesome trip. It is always good to get uninterrupted family time. I absolutely love our family. Life gets so busy, that one of my favorite parts of vacationing is that you get to spend all of your time together, making incredible memories. As the kids get older, I have a greater appreciation for these.
During the Toronto part of our adventure we went to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Noah Kahan, lots of outlet shopping and Lake Ontario. We have driven by the Great Lakes often, but this was the first time they kids had the opportunity to be on / in the water. It was amazing. It looks like the ocean / ocean sand, but the best smell in the world is missing. It was beautiful though and we really enjoyed our time there.
In Ottawa, we met Nathan’s family at the Dominion Arboretum which was along the Rideau Canal. We went back to his Aunt’s for a BBQ and enjoyed some games. We also went on an Ottawa River Cruise, explored the Parliament area, Nature Museum, Rideau Mall and the Ornamental Gardens before Caile & Nathan flew back. We didn’t plan on the National Art Gallery, but our boat guide sold us on it. It was cool to see some pieces by Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet in person!
We had lots of great treats along the way and during our road trip days we found some great trails along the St Lawrence River and other waterways to enjoy.
I honestly think I could just travel forever. Sandy and I have spoke many times about getting a big RV and spending part of the year on the road. I think it would be amazing. So many wonderful places to see and I don’t think it would ever be tiring to me. Next trip for me will be Arizona and I am pretty excited about it. In the meantime, I am looking forward to enjoying summer in Nova Scotia. The beaches are calling my name!
I Dream of Summer 
Leave a comment