Discover Authentic Mexico in Tepic

October 20, 2025

In Nayarit’s capital city, vibrant traditions meet Riviera luxury — and WestJet makes it easier than ever to experience both.

With its lively plazas, centuries-old artistry, and colourful markets, Tepic is Mexico at its most authentic. This capital city of Nayarit remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism, offering travellers a rare opportunity to connect with Indigenous traditions, colonial heritage, and a thriving culinary scene. And when it’s time to unwind, the Riviera’s golden beaches and luxury resorts are just a short drive away.

This winter, WestJet Vacations brings Tepic within easier reach than ever before, with new direct flights from Calgary.

A City Steeped in Story

Begin in Tepic’s historic centre, where leafy plazas open onto cobblestone streets lined with pastel façades and neoclassical architecture. The soaring Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption commands the skyline, while the Casa de Amado Nervo — birthplace of one of Mexico’s most celebrated poets — invites a quieter pause.

Culture here feels alive, woven into daily rhythms rather than packaged for visitors. In nearby Huichol villages, artisans create beadwork and yarn paintings of dazzling precision, each design a spiritual narrative passed down through generations. At the Centro Cultural de los Cinco Pueblos, you’ll see how Huichol, Cora, Tepehuan and Mexicanero traditions continue to shape the region’s identity.

Beyond the city, remarkable adventures await. The Islas Marías, once a remote penal colony, has been reborn as a protected cultural and natural reserve, where guided tours pair fascinating history with untouched beaches. Closer to town, Tepic’s bustling markets spill over with handwoven textiles, rustic pottery and culinary treats — from smoked marlin tacos to candied pitaya — each flavour and craft a direct link to Mexico’s heritage.

Part of Tepic’s allure is its easy connection to the coast. Within a couple of hours, the cultural capital gives way to Riviera Nayarit’s surf breaks, palm-fringed beaches, and luxurious resorts.

At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, expect AAA Five Diamond indulgence, including the SE Spa’s new Chakra Healing Sessions that blend ancient Mexican practices with contemporary wellness techniques. Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort offers adults-only tranquillity with a rooftop infinity pool gazing over Banderas Bay, while Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort blends family-friendly programming with sleek design. Multi-generational groups will find thoughtful extras at Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa, where the exclusive Family Selection program delivers personalized touches for every age.

A Culinary Crossroads

For many travellers, food is Tepic’s most unforgettable calling card. In its markets, cooks prepare recipes unchanged for generations, while contemporary chefs reinterpret regional flavours with creative flair. The city also provides a gateway to Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, one of Mexico’s premier culinary festivals, where Michelin-starred chefs share kitchens with local innovators. Hands-on cooking classes and artisanal tequila tastings offer another lens into the region — one where tradition, geography and craft converge in every bite and sip.

The Best of Both Worlds

What makes Tepic extraordinary isn’t only its cultural depth or its coastal proximity, but the way the two worlds intertwine. Here, a morning of Huichol artistry can flow into an afternoon of spa treatments by the sea, and evenings might mean sipping tequila in a buzzing plaza or watching the sun sink into the Pacific.

In Tepic, you don’t have to choose between authenticity and indulgence — you can have both, often in the very same day.

Plan your escape with a flight and hotel package from WestJet Vacations, and experience the best of Mexico’s heartland and Riviera luxury in one unforgettable journey.

Six Adrenaline Fixes in New Zealand’s Adventure Capital

October 20, 2025

On New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown proudly calls itself the Adventure Capital of the World — and with good reason. This scenic lakeside town has a knack for coaxing even the most sensible travellers into trying things they’d never attempt anywhere else. From carving a jet boat through a narrow canyon to plunging headfirst off a bridge, here’s a taste of Queenstown’s adrenaline buffet.

Bungy Jumping

Inspired by the land divers of Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island, bungy jumping was invented in New Zealand, and Queenstown offered the world’s first commercial jump in 1988. Today, the 134-metre-high Nevis Bungy holds the record as the country’s highest jump, but the 43-metre-high Kawarau Bridge remains the most popular. For extra bragging rights, ask to dip your head into the river below.

Canyon Swinging

Home to the world’s first canyon swing, Queenstown invites you to leap off a cliff, freefall for 60 metres, and then swoop into a 200-metre arc at speeds up to 150 km/h. The Shotover Canyon Swing, just ten minutes from town, offers an à la carte menu of jump styles — from solo or tandem leaps to backwards, seated, or the nerve-shredding “cutaway.”

Jet Boating

The Shotover Jetboat is a Queenstown institution, inviting passengers to skim over as little as 10 cm of water at 85 km/h through the narrow Shotover Canyon. Invented by Kiwi Bill Hamilton to navigate the country’s shallow rivers, the jet boat’s speed and manoeuvrability are extraordinary. The signature Hamilton Turn — a full 360° spin — sends spray flying, which is why complimentary waterproof ponchos are more than a courtesy.

Paragliding

From a launch area atop the Skyline Gondola, it’s clear why Bob’s Peak is regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular places to go paragliding. Snow-frosted mountains, the glimmering Lake Wakatipu, and views of Queenstown provide a stunning backdrop to this gentle ride of a lifetime. Tandem pilots do all the work, warm thermal air keeps you afloat, and the soft landing below is surprisingly easy on the nerves.

Skydiving

Few thrills match the rush of freefalling at terminal velocity. NZone, one of the busiest and most experienced skydive operators in the world, is known for helping nervous first-timers embrace the plunge. With the Southern Alps framing the horizon, even the scenic flight up is a thrill. Then the door opens, your tandem instructor signals it’s time, and you’re out in the open sky.

Skyline Lugeing

Another New Zealand first, the luge is a three-wheeled cart with a low centre of gravity and simple steering and braking controls. Push back on the handles to slow down or let gravity take over and race the track as fast as your nerves allow. A modified ski lift whisks you and your luge back to the start. The course is accessed via the Skyline Gondola, which climbs 450 metres above Queenstown — the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.

Stopover in Iceland

October 20, 2025

Editor-approved spots for a quick trip to the land of fire and ice.

With black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls and geothermal pools, Iceland is one of the few destinations where nature still feels raw and untamed. An ideal short trip blends culture and wilderness: spend a night or two in Reykjavík, browse markets and design shops, savour inventive Nordic cuisine, and venture out for experiences that range from the iconic to the quietly off-the-radar.

Where to Eat

Dill, Reykjavík’s pioneering modern-Nordic restaurant, was the first in Iceland to earn a Michelin star in 2017, regaining it in 2020 along with a Green Michelin Star for its sustainability practices. It champions seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and techniques rooted in Iceland’s foraging and preserving traditions. Book well in advance.

For something more laid-back but equally creative, Skál! began as a stall in Reykjavík’s Hlemmur Mathöll food hall and has since evolved into a convivial wine-bar-bistro. The frequently changing menu leans on local produce, pickling and fermenting, complemented by a strong natural-wine list and craft cocktails.

Natural Attractions

The Blue Lagoon (pictured) is Iceland’s most famous spa for good reason: its opaque, mineral-rich waters hover around 39 °C year-round, and its location between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík makes it an easy stop before or after a flight.

On the Golden Circle route, Friðheimar Farm showcases Icelandic ingenuity — its geothermally heated greenhouses produce tomatoes year-round despite the short growing season. Guests can tour the greenhouse, learn about sustainable farming and enjoy lunch among the vines.

For a less-visited wonder, head east to Stuðlagil Canyon, where turquoise glacial water flows between towering basalt columns. The canyon emerged only in recent years after a hydroelectric project lowered water levels, revealing the dramatic formations. Remote but rewarding, the views from the east bank are worth the trip.

Where to Shop

Kolaportið Flea Market, Reykjavík’s largest and most famous, is open on weekends near the Old Harbour. Stalls sell vintage clothing, records, books, antiques, handmade crafts and local delicacies like dried fish. It’s one of the few places in the city where bargaining is still part of the experience.

For a distinctive souvenir, visit Fischersund, a family-run perfumery founded by the lead singer of Sigur Rós. The downtown shop has the feel of an apothecary, with hand-blended perfumes inspired by Icelandic nature and often made with sustainably harvested botanicals. Scented candles and art pieces round out the collection.

Where to Stay

Opened on the Old Harbour beside Harpa Concert Hall, The Reykjavík EDITION is a luxury stay that pairs clean-lined Nordic design with warm lighting and curated artwork. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame harbour and mountain views, while multiple dining venues, a rooftop bar and a spa with a hammam make it tempting to linger — even though you’re just steps from the city’s best galleries, cafés and nightlife.

If you have more time, Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll is a destination in itself. Opened in 2023, this remote highland lodge is about four hours from Reykjavík, surrounded by rust-toned rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs. Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms to cabins and A-frame huts, all connected to the main lodge, which houses a restaurant serving hearty Icelandic fare.

Step Inside Black Lagoon, the Halloween Bar Popping up Across Canada

October 20, 2025

From Toronto to Vancouver, this immersive experience invites guests to don their costumes, raise a glass, and summon a spirit (or two).

If your idea of Halloween involves more mezcal than monsters, the Black Lagoon pop-up bar s might be your perfect haunt. What began as a goth-horror cocktail concept dreamed up by bartenders Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage has grown into a North American phenomenon — part theatre, part mixology, and entirely spooky.

Now returning to Canada for another season, Black Lagoon transforms ordinary bars into occult playgrounds draped in cobwebs, red light and rock-and-roll attitude. Each location features an original menu of fiendishly named cocktails — from Forever Midnight to Nocturna Colada — served by bartenders who look ready to headline a metal show.

At The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall, Toronto’s subterranean Black Lagoon kicks off the festivities with all the eerie trimmings: rubber severed heads dangling from the ceiling, a horror-film soundtrack (think Werewolves of London, Boris the Spider, and Thriller), and a crowd that embraces the dress-code suggestion: “Come as your spookiest self.”

“We’re expanding the Halloween experience,” says Jas Bowles, part of the Toronto team. Meanwhile, Bowles’ colleague Veronica Cox says bar visitors shouldn’t be nervous about ordering a Widow Maker, despite its foreboding name. “It was the only drink created for Black Lagoon that doesn’t have alcohol, she notes. “It sounds lethal, but it’s the one that’s going to spare you a hangover in the morning.”

A Cross-Canada Haunting

This year, Black Lagoon spreads its dark wings across the country. Here’s where you can raise the dead — or at least your glass:

Toronto, ON – The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Vancouver, BC – Butcher & Bullock (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Whistler, BC – The Raven Room (Oct 3 – Nov 2)
Calgary, AB – Charlie’s Watch Repair (Oct 1 – Nov 1)
Edmonton, AB – Dolly’s Cocktails (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Ottawa, ON – The Standard Tavern (Oct 13 – 31)

Each city adds its own flair, but the spirit remains the same: a celebration of horror culture through handcrafted drinks and immersive design.

Four Spots for an Autumn Staycation

October 20, 2025

Summer might be over, but the best travel days aren’t. Fall in Ontario and New York State means fewer crowds, scenic drives, and resorts that feel made for sweater weather. Think fireside cocktails, forest hikes, and lake views tinted gold. If you’re craving one last road trip or just need a change of scenery, these four stays make a strong case for stretching the season a little longer.

Rawley Resort | Port Severn, ON

Just one-and-a-half hours from Toronto, Rawley Resort is a slice of paradise hiding out in Georgian Bay, formerly an old hunting lodge used during the height of pine logging in the region.

Last year, Rawley Resort redesigned their luxurious Lighthouse45 Restaurant — including a complete makeover of its menu, featuring delicious farm-to-table eats with foraged ingredients. To guide the creation of the new menu, Rawley recruited Chef Chris Locke, formerly of Toronto’s first farm-to-table restaurant, Marben. Enjoy live music in the dining room every Thursday to Sunday, or opt to dine al fresco and watch the sun go down.

Guests can choose to stay in spacious suites with king bed options, walkout terraces (these are pet-friendly) or two-level waterside lofts, complete with a private upper balcony.

Looking for a bit of added elegance? Request to have a bottle of chilled champagne and decadent chocolate covered strawberries brought to your room. Rawley Resort is also home to an outstanding spa that offers a number of treatments, but their signature service is the facials. Opt for a gemstone facial or try out a non-surgical facelift with one of the RMD structural remodeling facial treatments, done using electrotherapy technologies.

Rawley Resort is open for booking early May through late November.

Wander the Resort | Bloomfield, ON

Set on the shores of Lake Ontario, Wander the Resort is a sophisticated Canadian cottage experience quite like no other. Located in Prince Edward County, about two hours from Toronto, Wander is home to just 10 dreamy cabins, all decked out in a Nordic aesthetic. From pool and lakeside cabins to a massive A-frame treehouse, their interiors range in size from 500 to 1,400 square feet and feature homey accents, like sheepskin rugs and cool wooden decor.

Thoughtful amenities, like handcrafted bath and shower products, an indoor and an outdoor gas fireplace, organic cotton linens and heated floors make this spot feel like your home away from home for the weekend. And Wander recently introduced its own Nordic-inspired spa, complete with thermal circuits, tranquil treatment rooms, and sweeping views of Lake Ontario — the perfect complement to its cozy modern cabins.

The lakeside restaurant on site, Gather, offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu using locally sourced ingredients, and is open for weekend brunch, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Home to some of the province’s most stunning fall foliage, Prince Edward County is packed with outdoor opportunities, including sustainable farm visits, vineyard tastings, microbreweries and fall fairs.

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel | Celoron, NY

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is a luxury, four-season waterfront resort on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in the state of New York. Independently owned and operated, the property features generously-sized guestrooms and suites, many of which boast panoramic lake views and balconies, which make for the perfect autumn evening with the addition of a glass of wine.

At the lively Carousel Bar, guests can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and craft beers, while at the Lake House Tap & Grill, American fare and al fresco dining can be enjoyed on the patio.

Plenty of other amenities, like several indoor and outdoor pools, fire pits and an abundance of nature for outdoor activities make Chautauqua Harbor a fantastic place to visit year-round. Part of Lake Erie wine country, Chautauqua County is the largest grape-cultivating county outside of California, and is home to a number of vineyards and wineries that offer unique tastings and award-winning wines.

1000 Islands Harbor Hotel | Clayton, NY

Stationed on the St. Lawrence River, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel is the only AAA Four Diamond Hotel in the 1000 Islands region. It offers 105 handsomely appointed guest rooms and suites, many with panoramic river views and balconies.

There’s also an indoor heated pool and hot tub and a state-of-the-art fitness centre for guests. As the nights get cooler, The Riverside Patio is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a pint around one of the outdoor fire pits. Fine dining is also offered at the Seaway Grille and the 1000 Islands Bar.