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From cobblestoned Portuguese alleys navigated one-handed with a stroller to reef dives in Fiji, this is where the trips live. Told through words and whatever camera happened to be with me.

I shoot film and digital and travel with family in tow. These posts are part travel journal, part photography log, and part love letter to the places that made an impression. I hope they make you want to go see them for yourself.

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The Road to Hana — Beyond the Turn (Part II)
The Road to Hana — Beyond the Turn (Part II)

The Road to Hana and beyond — narrow roads, raw coastline, and the question every traveler faces: turn back, or keep going?

West Maui in Monochrome — Kaanapali, Napili & Kapalua (Part 1)
West Maui in Monochrome — Kaanapali, Napili & Kapalua (Part 1)

When I booked a week away to the Island of Maui, a project dawned on me to abandon the temptation to capture the vivid colours of the island and seek instead to document it as I first saw it through the monochrome images shared by explorers and tourists generations before me.

Portugal - Sintra
Portugal - Sintra

The last leg of our trip was here in Lisbon. We had several days to explore the city and the idea was to do so on foot, rambling the narrow and hilly cobbled streets with one hand on the stroller and the other with the camera. No plan of action here, so let’s see what the city decides to show us!

Portugal - Lisbon
Portugal - Lisbon

The last leg of our trip was here in Lisbon. We had several days to explore the city and the idea was to do so on foot, rambling the narrow and hilly cobbled streets with one hand on the stroller and the other with the camera. No plan of action here, so let’s see what the city decides to show us!

Portugal - Nazare
Portugal - Nazare

Nazare sits on a steeply sloping hillside terminating at a broad crescent beach adjacent the ocean. The beach you see in front of the bulk of the town is not in fact where the world-famous big-wave surfing takes place. That area rather, is on the opposite side of a steep rocky outcrop that extends 500m or so into the sea on the north end of town. But for starters we thought we’d tour the city and see what it has to offer.

Portugal - Comporta
Portugal - Comporta

It's a bit of a tricky beach. And what I mean by that is, on the first day one could wade out through the surf quite some distance before it got above thigh height. The waves were of a decent size and surf-board rentals and lessons are available here which certainly suits the character and conditions of the waters. On the second day, I tried the same wade into the ocean and got a bit of a surprise…

Portugal - Cabanas do Lago
Portugal - Cabanas do Lago

As we approach the area the dam becomes visible towering over a small valley. The road soon changes from paved to dirt, but nothing most cars can’t handle. We snake along it’s winding path and turn off onto a steep sided valley that surrounds one of the hundreds of coves around the perimeter of the lake. At the end of the road we see the large main house appear through the trees and are immediately greeted by one of the smiling hosts, Filipa, as we arrive.

Portugal - Lagos
Portugal - Lagos

The Algarve seemed the logical choice for starting our trip to Portugal. It was well recommended by friends, and since we were arriving in early September, the timing gave us the best chance of experiencing some beach-worthy weather to kick off the relaxation.

Mallorca - Palma
Mallorca - Palma

The sun came out for us in Palma and we got a taste of the heat that makes Mallorca such a popular destination for travellers. It’s here we’d get a bit of real beach-time, plenty of walking, cold drinks and al fresco dining.

Mallorca - Cala St. Vincenc
Mallorca - Cala St. Vincenc

It didn’t seem right to do a trip to Mallorca without staying at a beachside resort of some kind, so we decided to take advantage of shoulder-season rates to stay at the Grupotel Molins, located along one of the crystal blue bays of the resort town of Cala St. Vincenc.

Mallorca - Fornalutx
Mallorca - Fornalutx

The views from town are magnificent, especially looking back across the valley at the various and ancient terraced orchards and olive groves. There are a number of hikes up and down available to explore, but with the stroller in tow we decided to stick to the cobble stones streets which were a steep enough challenge on their own.

Mallorca - Soller
Mallorca - Soller

Soller was buzzing with activity when we were there. While there were plenty of tourists, it’s clear that there is a large local community here and the buzz of them going about their day creates a great vibe in the town center. While bigger than Deia, Soller is by no means large, and exploring it on foot is the best way to go for the most part, especially with the aforementioned narrow lanes.

Mallorca - First Taste of Spain
Mallorca - First Taste of Spain

It was a last minute idea. From intention, to booking, to flight in less than two weeks. It’s not often one makes a significant career change, and this one warranted a few weeks abroad to rest and reset. Mallorca was not an obvious destination for us, coming from Vancouver where Hawaii or Mexico might be the more frequented, and frankly closer, destinations.

Japan - Epilogue - Travelling with Film Photography
Japan - Epilogue - Travelling with Film Photography

One Camera, one lens, and one film stock. That’s where we started this first photographic sojourn to Japan. A fitting assignment, I think, considering the countries’ own reputation for blending the new with the old. What follows is a few of my learnings for would-be film photography travelers.

Hiroshima - Japan
Hiroshima - Japan

I was at times perhaps too stingy with my shooting, and other times I felt compelled to snap a photo of some okonomiyaki. In time I’d develop a rhythm (and tendency to overpack) to my shooting that freed me to shoot unencumbered by worry of running out out of film.

Koyasan - Japan
Koyasan - Japan

After a long day of travel getting here, we lay on our comfortable mattresses preparing to sleep when the deep hum of a gong reverberated from the forest and filled the room. It was a low tone that you feel more so than hear and one that had the hairs standing on the backs of our necks.

Kanazawa - Japan
Kanazawa - Japan

A guide to Kanazawa, Japan—Kenroku-en gardens, historic districts, incredible seafood, and a slower, more local side of Japan.

First Frames, Tokyo - Japan
First Frames, Tokyo - Japan

Admittedly the first few days of this trip were spent shooting sparingly, driven by the neophyte’s underlying fear of depleting a limited film stockpile.

Japan - Prologue
Japan - Prologue

“Does it work"?” I asked, pulling the metal brick out of a dusty cupboard. “Find a battery for it and find out!” My Dad replied. And like that, sometime in early 2017, my curiosity for film/photography was reborn.

Undersea Fiji - Viwa
Undersea Fiji - Viwa

The first adventure of every Viwa dive excursion is crossing its barrier reef. There’s a small gap forming a channel about a hundred meters off-shore that the boat has to blast through in order to get to the deeper waters beyond.

Little Viwa
Little Viwa

The sandy beach here is amazing and really the star of the show on Viwa. Soft-white and stretching the length of the resort, I could walk end to end all day long…

Undersea Fiji - Rainbow Reef
Undersea Fiji - Rainbow Reef

The first time I dive a new area I find my focus starts out on the big picture - landscapes, colours, and the contours of the seafloor/reef. At the Rainbow Reef, that big picture immediately sends you into sensory overload.

A Glimpse of Village Life
A Glimpse of Village Life

While the villages’ appearance was spartan by Western standards, it’s integration with its environment and the sheer abundance therein is nothing sort of astounding. Everything the Vunikurans need grows all over the village grounds, on the mountain slope behind, or in the sea.

Let's Get Remote
Let's Get Remote

They don’t call it remote for nothing. Located on the far Eastern shore of Vanua Levu, in a bay that was once home to a palm tree plantation, The Remote Resort forms a wonderfully secluded oasis.

Local Yarko Petriw Local Yarko Petriw

Get Disconnected - Murtle Lake

Once at the end of the road you’ll find yourself in a small dirt parking area and that’s where the adventure begins. From there, the lake entry-point is accessed via a winding 2.5km forest trail.

Peter & Peter, Olympus XA, Portra 160

Want to see the quintessential lakes and mountains of British Columbia, without the crowds that accompany the easily accessed sites near Vancouver? I may have a spot for you -if you’re willing to put in some effort to get there. Murtle Lake BC is the world-famous lake you've likely never heard of, until now.

White sand beaches, Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160

Planning a trip? Here’s what you need to know before you go:

Murtle Lake — Quick Facts

  • Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia

  • Distance from Vancouver: ~600 km (≈7–8 hour drive)

  • Nearest Town: Blue River, BC

  • Access: 18 km forest service road + 2.5 km portage trail

  • Lake Size: ~30 km long

  • Boating: Canoe / kayak only (no motorized boats)

  • Campsites: Distributed along shoreline (many with bear caches & outhouses)

  • Best Time to Visit: June – September

  • Key Tip: Paddle early—afternoon winds can be intense

  • Cell Service: None

How to Get to Murtle Lake

“World Famous” you say? Yes indeed, though I’d first heard of it only a couple of weeks before we ventured out. Murtle Lake is the largest canoe/kayak only lake in North America. That means no power-boats, no sea-do’s, not even those little electric powered dinghy’s to help you explore this body of water that stretches for over 30km. This is going to be a paddle powered adventure, once you reach the water that is.

The lake is located in Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia’s interior, nearly 600km from Vancouver, and an 18km off-road drive from the nearest village, Blue River BC. A 4x4 is not required, but good ground clearance and rugged tires will get you to the trail head with less stress. Once at the end of the road you’ll find yourself in a small dirt parking area and that’s where the adventure begins. From there, the lake entry-point is accessed via a winding 2.5km forest trail. This means you are hiking/portaging to the lake with your camping gear, supplies and vessel of choice, unless you’ve arranged to rent a canoe from the nice folks at Blue River Campground, who’s canoes are stored at the small dock at the end of the trail. The above characteristics tend to keep the day-trippers away and when considering the sheer size of the lake, almost guarantees the solitude one hopes for in a wilderness getaway such as this.

Cozy campsite, Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160.

Canoe Camping on Murtle Lake

Once you’ve left the dock and the small lagoon at the southern tip of the lake, the rest is up to you. There are campsites all over the shores of Murtle Lake, most equipped with bear-safe storage boxes and even outhouses. If you’re staying for a few days, you should relocate a number of times and experience different sites, shores and islands that can vary wildly from dense thickets to long white sandy beaches. A key piece of advice I’ll share is to start your paddling early in the morning and plan to end by mid-day. Fierce winds can descend upon the waters in the afternoon and easily overpower even the strongest paddlers, sending you wherever they’re blowing (which can be 20km+ from where you want to be, or worse). If you’re caught out later than you expected, hug the shore in case you need to make a hasty landing.

Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160

The Sound of Silence

As power-craft aren’t allowed on the lake, there’s nothing but nature to assault your senses. The breeze whistling through trees, a trout jumping, the frogs croaking, all combine to create a nice backing track to whatever you’re up to. Oh, and the mosquitoes buzzing, but they’re not too bad. I tend to have my best sleeps while camping, and this place didn't disappoint in that regard.

Wild Shore, Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra XA

Hidden bonus lake! Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160

Dinner prep, Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160

White Sandy Beaches

Few lakes in the Pacific North West have white sandy beaches (that aren’t human-made), but Murtle, no doubt due to its glacial-volcanic heritage, has plenty. On a hot summer day you could be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere much more tropical as you lay on the warm sands soaking up the sun.

Paddle past a beach, Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160

Picnic Spot, Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160

Let’s stop here, Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160

To Do

I probably don’t need to tell you how to fill your time here, but definitely don’t forget your fishing rod! Even a natural fish-replant such as myself was able to catch some trout, and they were delicious cooked over the open fire. Organic eating with lake-to-table sustainable appeal!

There are also numerous hikes available from various campsites, including one to another hidden lake which didn’t show up on any map I had with me. I delight in experiences like that, and found most fellow paddlers on the lake eager to share their tips & tricks to finding hidden gems in the area.

Lighting the reeds and grasses, Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160

Vicky catches the Sun, Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160

Sunset at Murtle Lake BC, Olympus XA, Portra 160

Get Disconnected

A spot such as this is best shared with family and friends, in person and in the moment. One of my favorite aspects of this piece of wilderness was the complete disconnection from the digital. No signal here, folks. You can enjoy the company you brought along with you without distraction, and if you haven’t experienced that in a while, the experience alone is worth the trip.

Continue for a glimpse of other secluded parts of BC →

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Local Yarko Petriw Local Yarko Petriw

Moody Symphony - Tofino

It’s not often you hear someone say, “I hope there’s a storm”, when planning a weekend to the coast, but then Tofino, British Columbia isn’t your typical beach destination.

Victoria watches the waves, Nikon FE, Nikkor 20mm lens, Rollei Superpan 200, Circular Polarizing Filter

It’s not often you hear someone say, “I hope there’s a storm”, when planning a weekend to the coast, but then Tofino, British Columbia isn’t your typical beach destination. Tucked into the edge of a temperate rain-forest on the far Western shore of Vancouver Island, its sprawling beaches meet tall evergreens as surfers delight in waves that approach unfettered from the Pacific Ocean. Sure, it’s lovely in the sunshine, but the Pacific Northwest is at it’s best when mother nature throws some energy at it, stirring up the sky and sea into a moody symphony. To capture that mood, I chose Rollei Superpan 200 (perhaps my favorite black & white film) and my trusty Nikon FE. Can you hear the wind and the waves?

Florencia Bay, Nikon FE, Nikkor 20mm lens, Rollei Superpan 200, Circular Polarizing Filter

Florencia Bay Driftwood, Nikon FE, Nikkor 20mm lens, Rollei Superpan 200, Circular Polarizing Filter

Tonquin Beach, Nikon FE, Nikkor 20mm lens, Rollei Superpan 200, Circular Polarizing Filter

Victoria on Tonquin Beach, Nikon FE, Nikkor 20mm lens, Rollei Superpan 200, Circular Polarizing Filter

Exhausted Surfer on Chesterman Beach, Nikon FE, Nikkor 20mm lens, Rollei Superpan 200, Circular Polarizing Filter

Victoria fixed on the sea, Chesterman Beach, Nikon FE, Nikkor 20mm lens, Rollei Superpan 200, Circular Polarizing Filter

Chesterman Beach Surfer, Nikon FE, Nikkor 20mm lens, Rollei Superpan 200, Circular Polarizing Filter

Tonquin Tree, Nikon FE, Nikkor 20mm lens, Rollei Superpan 200, Circular Polarizing Filter

Surfers on the Way Out, Chesterman Beach, Nikon FE, Nikkor 20mm lens, Rollei Superpan 200, Circular Polarizing Filter

Continue to another BC adventure at - Murtle Lake →

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