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Jon Callahan

Jon lives in North Vancouver where he skis, mountain bikes, boats, fishes, hikes and enjoys all that Metro Vancouver has to offer. He writes about and photographs his adventures throughout Metro Vancouver and beyond.

3 Types of Luggage Straps (and how to choose luggage based on strap preferences)

Bungee cord, X-shaped, and regular type that come in various materials, colors, sizes, and styles. The type you choose depends on the amount and type of luggage that you’re taking with you.  If you’re like me, and always overpack, we need to stop our toiletries from falling out of our suitcase on the plane (or …

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Cultus Waterpark – Everything You Need to Know for a Great Time

If there’s one place I know well at Cultus Lake, it’s the waterpark.  I went when it first opened in 1984 (I was in grade 4) and continued going through the 80s and 90s.  In recent years I’ve returned with my own kids (aged 10 and 7).  It’s one of my favorite things to do …

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We Rented a Vacation House at Cultus Lake (3X) – Everything You Need to Know

We’ve rented three different houses at Cultus Lake over the last two years.  Specifically, we’ve rented houses in the Sunnyside neighborhood which is on the north side of the lake (closest to the park entrance).  I have not rented a house in the Lindell Beach area of the lake so I cannot comment on that …

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Playland in Vancouver – Worth Going? This is What You Need to Know

We live in North Vancouver, BC. It’s a 15-minute drive from Playland in Vancouver. We go annually at least once.  Our kids are 10 and 7 so they’re at prime theme park ages.  While it’s not my favorite outing of the year, the kids love it.  I should mention that I’m not much of a …

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33 Different Luxury Travel Accessories

Travel has always been an exhilarating way to relax and rejuvenate while exploring new states, countries, continents, and cultures. In many ways, travel across the globe is now easier than ever, depending on your ultimate location and travel plans. Travel is most enjoyable if you can do it with not only essentials but the little …

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30 Different Luggage Accessories – Ultimate List

A luggage accessory can be a lifesaver when traveling. Whether you need a new suitcase or just a new strap to keep your bag together, there are plenty of accessories on the market to help make your trip easier. Here is a list of some of the most popular luggage accessories available today. 1. Suitcases …

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11 Different Types of Hotel Guest Complaints

Whether you’re working for a hotel, thinking about buying your own Bed and Breakfast, or you just started renting out a property on AirB&B, one of the most important aspects of your business is keeping guests happy. Unfortunately, one of the worst things about operating a hotel or other type of guest lodging is dealing …

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8 Different Types of Hotel Amenities and Facilities

When you are going away or traveling with a hotel stay, it’s normal to get excited about so many different things. You want to see this, go there, spend time with this person. For many people, including myself, getting excited about a good hotel stay is sometimes half the fun. That is because today’s hotels, …

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When is the Best Time to Visit Vancouver? I Live Here and This is When

I live in North Vancouver and have for years. North Vancouver is a stone’s throw from Vancouver. Pretty much the same weather. The best time of year to visit Vancouver, BC is July, August and September. July and August are the sunniest months.  Since it doesn’t get too smokin’ hot in Vancouver (although that is …

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Swedish Heritage in BC (Museum) – Everything You Need to Know

We recently spent a delightful afternoon touring the Swedish Heritage in British Columbia museum. And get this. We took our kids who also thoroughly enjoyed all the historical Swedish artifacts, furniture, photos and information.   What is Swedish Heritage in BC? It’s a museum whose goal is “to document and record the history of Swedes, and …

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Ambleside Beach, West Vancouver – Everything You Need to Know

Our family loves Ambleside Beach.  We live in the Blueridge neighborhood in North Vancouver but often drive the 15 to 20 minutes to get to Ambleside. It’s the largest public beach on the North Shore (North and West Vancouver). It’s more than just a beach though. It’s a place your entire family can enjoy all …

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Garibaldi Park (Playground) in North Vancouver – Everything You Need to Know

This article is NOT about Garibaldi Provincial Park. Instead, this article is about Garibaldi playground park in east North Vancouver (just off Seymour Parkway where it intersects with Apex Street). I’ve been taking my kids to Garibaldi playground park for years.  It’s a great playground for younger kids. My oldest (10 years old) has outgrown …

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