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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.

Abercrombie & Kent Has Released Its List of Where to Go in 2026

October 7, 2025

From Kenya’s newest safari lodge to Peru’s hidden Incan citadel, these are the destinations luxury travellers will be talking about next year.

After years of shifting travel priorities, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of meaningful exploration. According to Abercrombie & Kent, the luxury travel company that pioneered adventure by day and indulgence by night, travellers are looking beyond bucket lists for journeys that connect them more deeply with culture, nature, and purpose.

“Our guests aren’t just seeking beautiful destinations — they want experiences that challenge perspectives and create lasting impact,” says Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about collecting moments that define a lifetime.”

From Africa’s untamed plains to the icy glow of the Arctic north, A&K’s experts have unveiled the destinations that promise the most transformative experiences in 2026.

Kenya: A New Chapter in Safari Luxury

Amboseli National Park, with its views of Mount Kilimanjaro and vast herds of elephants, continues to captivate travellers. In 2026, the debut of Kitirua Plains Lodge — a new A&K Sanctuary property featuring 13 organic suites within a private concession — will elevate Kenya’s safari scene once again. Together with Olonana in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the trio offers a modern circuit for travellers seeking immersive wildlife encounters and hands-on conservation.

Peru: Machu Picchu’s Secret Sister

While Machu Picchu draws the headlines, Choquequirao — accessible only on foot — remains a rarefied destination for those willing to trek. Often called its “sister city,” the archaeological site receives fewer visitors in a year than Machu Picchu does in a single day. A&K’s new Peru: Trek to Choquequirao expedition blends challenge with cultural reward, tracing Incan history from the heights of the Andes to the Sun Gate itself.

Egypt: The Long-Awaited Reveal

Nearly two decades in the making, Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum is finally set to open in November 2025, housing 100,000 artefacts, including all of Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed together for the first time. A&K is marking the moment with the launch of Nile Seray, a sleek 32-suite cruiser offering rooftop pool decks and private access to the Valley of the Kings. For ultimate seclusion, the Zein Nile Chateau, an intimate dahabiya, channels the spirit of Cleopatra.

Lapland: Northern Lights and Nordic Wellness

The aurora borealis will reach its brightest and most frequent peak in over a decade in 2026, making this the year to head north. A&K’s Adventures in Lapland and Christmas in Lapland itineraries combine light-chasing with reindeer sleigh rides, glass cabins, and ice therapy — the kind of coolcation that restores body and spirit beneath a sky ablaze in green and violet.

Madhya Pradesh, India: Tigers Return to the Spotlight

Half a century after Project Tiger began, India’s wild tiger population has soared by more than 160 percent — a conservation success story best experienced in Madhya Pradesh, where new luxury stays such as Oberoi Vindhyavilas await. A&K’s Tailormade Tiger Tracking in India itinerary combines wildlife viewing with visits to tribal communities and rewilding projects, redefining what a modern safari can be.

Mongolia: Life on the Open Steppe

Thanks to new direct flights from Tokyo, Mongolia is finally on the map for cultural explorers. A&K’s small-group journeys — Naadam Festival & Gobi Desert Adventure and Golden Eagle Festival — offer a front-row seat to nomadic life, from wrestling tournaments and horse races to the centuries-old bond between Kazakh hunters and their eagles.

Okavango Delta, Botswana: Privacy, Perfected

In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, remoteness itself is the new luxury. The newly rebuilt Baines’ Lodge, with just six suites suspended above the floodplains, provides a front-row seat to the rhythms of the wild — from dawn safaris to starlit baths on private decks. Expect to see more elephants than people during your stay.

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: The Wild Coast

Only accessible by boat, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula offers one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet. On A&K’s Cruising and Wildlife in Costa Rica itinerary, guests explore this pristine region aboard a nine-suite luxury yacht — combining jungle treks, guided snorkeling, and slow mornings at sea.

Seoul, South Korea: Asia’s Next Capital of Cool

As Virgin Atlantic launches new nonstop flights from London in early 2026, Seoul is poised for a global spotlight. A&K’s South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies itinerary uncovers the real city behind the K-wave — from palace architecture and temple stays to cutting-edge design and Michelin-starred dining.

Dolomites, Italy: After the Games

With the 2026 Winter Olympics heading to nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy’s Dolomites are seeing a luxury renaissance. New openings — including Aman Rosa Alpina, Mandarin Oriental Cortina, and the reimagined Hotel Ancora — will welcome guests long after the medals are awarded. A&K’s Venice and the Dolomites trip offers alpine adventure paired with Italian elegance, from cheese tastings to Prosecco picnics in the highlands.

Intrepid’s 2026 Not Hot List Reveals 10 Under-the-Radar Destinations

September 23, 2025

In a world where 80 per cent of travellers visit just 10 per cent of destinations, Intrepid Travel is steering adventurers elsewhere. The company’s 2026 Not Hot List, developed with trend forecasters Globetrender, spotlights 10 places often overlooked but poised to welcome visitors—from Central Asia’s vast mountain ranges to North America’s least-visited national park.

Among the highlights is Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone, newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2025. Here, travellers can overnight in rainforest lodges and embark on river cruises while supporting local communities that reinvest tourism revenues into conservation and development.

In Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan Mountains, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail—a grassroots trekking network expanded to 2,000 km—opens up alpine valleys and glacial lakes. Trekkers stay in yurts and share meals with nomadic families, offering a rare glimpse into a way of life largely unchanged for generations.

Closer to home, Great Basin National Park in Nevada remains one of the United States’ quietest parks, drawing just over 150,000 visitors in 2024. With expanded campgrounds and new programming planned, a visit here is both a retreat into solitude and a statement of support for preserving fragile landscapes.

Other destinations on the list include:

Sierra Norte, Mexico, where Zapotec villages operate under a pioneering community-led tourism model.
Vis Island, Croatia, an antidote to overtourism with no airports or cruise stops.
Southeastern Anatolia (pictured in feature image), Türkiye, home to UNESCO sites and renowned culinary traditions.
Arunachal Pradesh, India, celebrating its first Sunrise Festival in 2026.
Via Transilvanica, Romania, a 1,400 km trail dubbed the “Camino of the East.”
Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador, a highland route famed for coffee and culture.
Oulu, Finland, the European Capital of Culture 2026, merging Arctic gastronomy with bold climate programming.

“While some places receive millions of visitors each year, many others go virtually unnoticed,” said Erica Kritikides, Intrepid’s General Manager of Experiences. “Our Not Hot List reflects an approach to tourism we’ve long championed: better tourism, not less tourism.”

For the curious and conscientious, the 2026 Not Hot List is an invitation to take the road less travelled—and to leave a positive impact along the way.

Louise Penny’s Guide to Quebec’s Eastern Townships

September 23, 2025

Where the bestselling mystery author finds inspiration, connection, and really good cheese.

When we caught up with Louise Penny, she had just returned from London, England — not to promote a book or attend a literary gala, but to retreat. “Oddly enough, I go to London to be quiet,” she says with a laugh. “This little village can be quite hectic.”

The village she’s referring to is Knowlton, Quebec, where she resides for most of the year. It’s also the real-life setting that inspired Three Pines, the fictional home of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache in her bestselling mystery novel series.

From lakeside trails and butter tarts to monastic cheeses and her own newly opened Three Pines Café, here are the spots she recommends to friends and family visiting the Eastern Townships.

Buzz Café, Knowlton

“First, you have to sleep in,” Penny says with a smile, when asked where she takes visiting friends. “Then we go to Buzz, which has fabulous coffee.”

This cozy Knowlton café is where she starts most mornings — especially when their homemade butter tarts are on offer. Penny praises the café’s owners for their support in helping her launch her own nearby spot, Three Pines Café. “The guys at Buzz were so helpful in getting the café up. They acted really as the midwives to the café, which was incredibly generous of someone who could consider the new café to be a competitor — but we’re not.”

Three Pines Café & Brome Lake Books, Knowlton

In 2024, Penny opened Three Pines Café, located beneath Knowlton’s independent bookstore, Bromelake Books. “The entire building came up for sale, and I was afraid that someone who bought it might want to convert it into apartments or something else and get rid of Brome Lake Books, which I couldn’t allow to happen.”

She set to work turning the lower floor into a café that reflects the fictional bistro from her novels, complete with fieldstone fireplaces, cushy armchairs, and a welcoming, homey feel. “I want people to bring your laptops, sit at one of the tables, and work all day if you want to — just make yourself at home,” she says.

The café is open to the public six days a week, but Mondays are reserved for a cause close to Penny’s heart. “It’s reserved for a local dementia support group. They do activities, have lunch, and spend time in a setting that feels like home. Or a club. Not something institutional.”

Manoir Hovey, North Hatley

“This hotel is one of my favourite spots in the region,” Penny says of the lakefront Relais & Châteaux property. “My husband and I were married here — well, our ceremony was at the little church overlooking North Hatley, and then our reception was at Manoir Hovey.”

She returns regularly for lunch on the terrace or a massage at the spa. “I always book the same thing: just a good 90-minute massage,” she says. “I love going to spas. I really think I’d like to die on a spa massage table,” she jokes. “What better way to go?”

Built in 1900 as a private summer home inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, the manor is now one of Canada’s most charming boutique hotels — known for its top-rated restaurant, Le Hatley, a tranquil lakeside spa and pristine outdoor pool.

North Hatley General Store

Penny insists that this century-old store is worth a stop. “It inspired the general store in my books,” she says. “You can find everything there. Where else can you buy steaks and fresh produce, but also a hammer, rain boots — and even a coffin? You can buy a coffin there!”

From local maple syrup to hand tools and hardware, the shop remains a reliable (and delightfully quirky) community fixture. Stepping inside is like walking into a bygone era, so it’s no surprise it sparked a fictional counterpart in Three Pines.

La Rumeur Affamée, Sutton

This beloved épicerie and bakery in Sutton is a go-to for Penny. “There are pastries and breads of all kinds, sandwiches. It’s good for breakfast,” she says of the neighbourhood fixture, housed in a historic brick building. “This one inspired the bakery in my books. I really mined the entire area for inspiration.”

Head to La Rumeur Affamée for buttery croissants, crusty sourdough, and shelves stocked with Quebec cheeses and artisanal jams — perfect for assembling a picnic or cozy breakfast spread.

Coldbrook Path

Back home in Knowlton, Penny often walks her two golden retrievers, Muggins and Charlie, along the lake. “As the leaves turn, it’s just the most spectacular place to be.”

She’s referring to the Coldbrook Path, a scenic trail that winds past creeks, bridges, and wooded stretches before hugging the edge of Brome Lake. The 3.3-kilometre route is flat and peaceful, with benches and lookout points along the way. A longer network of trails connects to Foster and the Quilliams-Durrell Nature Reserve, offering even more quiet corners to explore year-round by foot, bike, snowshoe or ski.

Gift Guide: Our top 5 picks for luxury travellers

November 18, 2022

From stocking stuffers to last-minute splurges, cross off the travel enthusiast on your shopping list with a little help from our Holiday Gift Guide.

Carry-On Closet

Designed in collaboration with tattoo artists Veronica Mallo, Emily Conley, and Megan Massacre of NYC’s Grit & Glory salon, the new 2022 limited edition Solgaard ‘Touch of Rose’ Luggage Collection is now available in Solgaard’s full range of three suitcase sizes, including the flagship Carry-On Closet (20”) and Carry-On Closet Plus (22”), and Solgaard’s larger Check-In Closet (Trunk). Solgaard’s new Carry-On Closet doubles as a mini closet, complete with several built-in garment organizing cubes. All suitcases feature a sustainable interior lining made with Solgaard’s proprietary SHORE-TEX fabric made from ocean-bound plastic.

$315 USD, www.solgaard.co

Winter Boots

Where refined meets rugged, Cougar’s newest winter collection has a wide range of stylish yet practical boots for everyone. For the outdoor adventure enthusiast, snag a pair of the Swinton leather waterproof boot. Available in black/gum, black, and brown colour combinations in sizes six through eleven, these mid-height leather Chelsea boots feature a rounded toe and are completely waterproof. The thermoplastic rubber outer sole provides an anti-slip grip and the polar plush lining keeps your feet cozy, making the Swinton boot the perfect transitional footwear from autumn to winter.

$200, cougarshoes.ca

Tunic

Featured in Vogue Italia and spotted on the Vancouver Fashion Week runway, Nanaimo-based design house Ay Lelum fuses storytelling and cultural preservation through fashion. Using multigenerational family artwork of Coast Salish artists, they create wearable pieces from natural fibers. Opening their first store in Nanaimo in October, visitors can view and purchase stunning couture, along with items such as The Spindle Whorl Pillow, starting from $95, featuring a spindle whorl motif by artist William Good. The popular sustainably made tunic is soft and cozy, perfect for keeping your loved ones warm during the winter. Available in teal and red, sizes run from XS to 5XL .

Starting at $245, aylelum.com

Wireless Mobile Printer

Travel memories are meant to be shared, not tucked away on your phone’s camera roll! Display your favourite travel photos around the house with the help of Kodak’s pocket-sized printer, which easily connects to any iOS or Android smartphone, tablet or similar device via Bluetooth. Available in white, the printer eliminates the need for clunky ink cartridges and instead, features a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery that prints cute and compact up to 25 2”x3” prints on a full charge.

$119.99, amazon.ca

Fanny Pack

Perfect for stashing your keys, cash, and mobile phone, MNDRN’s Remy fanny pack is a stylish twist on an old wardrobe staple. Handmade in Bali by local artisans, the bag is designed using genuine leather and is available in black, sand, tan, or taupe. The convenient strap can be adjusted around the waist as a bag, cross body or off-the-shoulder accessory for any and all adventures, hands-free.

$222, mandrn.com

5 things you absolutely need for glamping this summer

March 18, 2022

Despite recent changes towards international travel rules, domestic travel remains one of the most popular avenues for Canadians who are looking for an escape. According to the 2021 National Travel Survey by Statistics Canada, in the second quarter of 2021, virtually all (99.1%) of trips were domestic. With domestic travel still very much a safe and viable option, camping has become more popular than ever, with nearly one third of all domestic trips (31.8%) dedicated to exploring Canada’s big backyard.

As such, the demand for luxurious glamping (a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping”) facilities has also increased. Unlike a traditional campsite, which more often than not requires campers to bring their own tent and supplies, glamping takes an elevated approach to sleeping in the great outdoors, with cosy yurt-like structures that provide guests with everything from supplied feather duvets to meals prepared by an on-site chef. With warmer weather just around the corner, glamping will be more popular than ever. Explore the great outdoors in comfort and style with these items.

Crossbody

The Edition22 crossbody from Montreal designer Bugatti is a versatile accessory that can also be worn as a backpack or a frontal bag. Crafted from luxe nylon, this earthy, tan coloured crossbody (also available in colours black or plum) is as functional as it is stylish, thanks to four discreet zippered pockets, including one in the front that’s perfect for your phone. Two straps with buckles allow for customization when you’re on the move.

$70, bugatticollections.com

Rain Boots

Make a splash this spring with Cougar’s new ankle-high Firenze glossy rain boots. Available in six colours including cute pastels like the Butter yellow and Cucumber green, these boots mimic the classic design of a timeless Chelsea boot. Stylish enough for everyday wear, these pull-on rubber-like boots are fully waterproof, and also have a removable moulded foam footbed which allows for extra comfort for more adventurous days.

$80, cougarshoes.com

Silk Pillowcase Set

Just because you’re leaving home for a few nights doesn’t mean you have to leave your beauty routine behind! Wake up to a great hair day, no matter what’s on the agenda, with the Blissy Dream Set, available in five colours including champagne and pink. Each set includes a silk pillowcase, sleep mask, scrunchie and skinny scrunchie, all made from 100 per cent pure mulberry silk, which is the highest quality silk on the market.

Starting at $219, ca.blissy.com

Sherpa Jacket

Keep cozy on cooler nights with this sporty sherpa anorak jacket. Made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, this sustainable piece is lightweight but warm. It features two drawstrings at the waist that allow for a more fitted look, but also keep you snug. The nylon panels at the front also protect the items in your pockets. Wear it as an extra layer, or opt to show it off as a stand alone piece.

$794, holtrenfrew.com

Duvet

Leave the sleeping bag at home and snuggle up instead with this luxurious, four-season duvet. The outer shell of this made-in-Canada duvet is crafted from a 400-thread count cotton satin shell, while the inside is made using sustainably-sourced loft white goose down that offers the perfect balance of lightness and warmth.

Starting at $402, aulitfinelinens.com

Holiday Gift Guide

November 12, 2021

1. COCKTAIL KIT
Impress and treat your guests with a professionally handmade cocktail from The Cocktail Box Co. Choose from six classic on-the-go cocktails to be enjoyed from anywhere, including the citrusy Moscow Mule or the smoky signature Old Fashioned. Each cocktail kit serves six and features high-end organic ingredients, a bartender’s spoon and muddler, three cocktail picks, as well as a hand-knit cocktail napkin. Alcohol sold separately. $24.99.
(thecocktailboxco.com/ca/ )

2. LUGGAGE
Stuck choosing between checking a bag or cramming everything into a carryon? Away makes it easy, with their newest piece of luggage, The
Bigger Carry-On. Available in nine sophisticated colours, including Coast, Sand, and Asphalt, this smart suitcase features a durable polycarbonate hard shell and 360° spinner wheels, as well as a hidden interior laundry bag. There’s also a built-in TSA-approved USB charger which makes it easy
to stay connected on-the-go. $325-$355.
(awaytravel.com)

3. SANITIZER
My Paume is a luxurious, eco-friendly hand sanitizer that not only wards off harmful germs, but nourishes and protects skin as well — thanks to a unique blend of essential oils like lemon, cedar, citrus, rosemary, and lavender, and
premium plant-based emollients like certified organic aloe vera powder, and 69% ethyl alcohol. The Essentials Kit from My Paume features a refillable pump that can hold 8 oz of product, a 170 oz refillable bag, and a 30 oz
refillable bag (perfect for the car or the plane), for a total of 500 applications. All of the packaging from My Paume is crafted from biodegradable materials or recycled plastic. $72.
(mypaume.com)

4. ESPRESSO MACHINE
De’Longhi’s dishwasher-safe Dinamica LatteCrema automatic coffee and espresso machine features a one-touch LCD display that can create 18 unique espressos and specialty coffees at the touch of a button. An included milk frother creates the perfect foam every time, and the machine’s dual thermoblock system lets you create iced versions of your favourite lattes, cappuccinos, and coffees. There’s also a built-in conical Burr grinder that features 13 settings to freshly grind a variety of coffee and espresso beans. $1,299.95.
(delonghi.com)

5. ELECTRIC WINE OPENER
Tired of getting the cork stuck halfway? Rabbit, a leading maker of wine accessories and barware, has developed an electric wine opener with a non-stick worm that removes stubborn corks with ease at the touch of a button.
Finished in soft navy matte and satin-finished champagne steel that looks great on any kitchen counter, the Rabbit also comes with two wine stoppers. $109.95.
(crateandbarrel.ca)

6. BED SHEETS
Cold winter nights call for a cozy sleep. Proudly Canadian, these wrinkle-free sheets from Benji offer the ultra-soft luxurious feel of 1,500 threads per square inch, without the extravagant price tag. Made from high-quality double-brushed microfiber that’s both breathable and moisture-resistant,
these sheets are also environmentally-certified and free of harmful fibers or contaminants, making them the perfect pick for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Benji offers a variety of colours and patterns to choose from,
and also sells duvets, pillowcases, and comforter sets all made from the same soft fabric. $95.
(benjisleep.com)

7. CARD GAME
The holidays are meant for spending time with loved ones. “Hygge” is a Danish word that refers to a feeling of togetherness, which is why The Hygge Game is the perfect gift to unbox after dinner. With more than 300 thought-provoking, inspirational, and family-friendly questions, The Hygge Game aims to spark conversation and meaningful discussion based on a recollection of memories or moments, big and small. The Hygge Game is suitable for ages 14 and up and requires two or more players. $25.40.
(amazon.ca)

8. SKI PACK
Hit the slopes in style over the holidays with a stylish new ski pack from Mountain Hardware. The Powabunga was designed for those who enjoy backcountry skiing. Made from a durable, super bomber nylon fabric, it includes a padded hip belt that is attached at multiple lash points to allow for free movement, including while standing. The tuckable front helmet hammock allows for the helmet to be stowed below the pack, giving unobstructed access to the large-zip front navy tool pocket. $260.
(mountainhardwear.ca)

9. SLIPPERS
Perfect for the cottage or at home, L.L. Bean’s Wicked Good Moccasins are constructed from superior sheepskin and lined with cozy shearling that keeps feet warm and dry. Featuring rawhide laces, a contoured memory foam footbed, and also a durable outer sole, these moccasins can also be worn outside. Available in women’s from sizes 5 to 11, and men’s in sizes 7 to 14. $129.
(llbean.ca)

10. IPHONE 13 PRO
The camera is the focus on the all-new iPhone 13 Pro. Made from surgical-grade stainless steel and coated in a ceramic shield, this is Apple’s most advanced camera phone to date, with next-level hardware and superintelligent built-in software and a lens that can focus as close as two centimetres. Macro video capabilities that support time lapse and slow motion are also possible. Perfect for low light conditions, the iPhone 13 Pro brings night photography to life, with an even wider aperture, a faster sensor and all-new autofocus. It’s available in four trendy colours, including Sierra Blue, Graphite, Silver, or Gold. $1,399.
(apple.com)

Story by Christine Hogg

Gift Guide

November 24, 2020

From trinkets to treasures, make this season meaningful with gorgeous gifts from artisans, artists, makers, and designers from around the country…

1. HANDCRAFTED SOAPS Organic, sustainable, and handcrafted in small batches using ingredients local to Vancouver Island, there’s nothing we don’t love about Tofino Soap Company’s delicate soaps, candles, and accessories. (Starting at $13) tofinosoapcompany.com

2. COUNTERTOP COMPOST BIN Stylish, discreet, and available exclusively at Toronto retailer Hopson Grace, this handsomely hand-crafted Ontario walnut compost bin, with removable stainless steel insert, is perfect for that special someone who has it all. ($150) hopsongrace.com

3. CHOCOLATE BONBONS Named one of the top 10 chocolatiers in North America, Sweet Lollapalooza, based in Edmonton, hand-crafts chocolate confections using some of the rarest cocoa beans on earth. The popular assortment of 36 memorable morsels includes flavours like Burnt Butter Caramel, Iceberg Mint, and Raspberry Noir. ($80) sweetlollapalooza.com

4. FINE ART Specializing in eclectic Canadian art-work, the Auburn Gallery’s collection includes paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, bronzes, fibre art, and handcrafted jewellry. Though located in Gravenhurst, the heart of Muskoka, featured artists range from coast to coast. (prices vary) auburngalleryoffineart.ca

5. NECKLACE Thoughtfully designed and sustainably produced, the effortlessly elegant Hera necklace features a single freshwater pearl perched in an organic oval pendant. Allison Asis, the artist behind Cadette Jewelry, crafts each piece by hand in her Toronto studio. ($790) cadettejewelry.com

6. RAINCOAT Every strong woman needs a strong raincoat. Designed with meticulous attention to detail and quality in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Mernini’s flattering A-line raincoat – available in caramel or grey and sizes XS-XXL – is built to withstand any storm. ($279) mernini.com

7. BIRCH SYRUP So named for its location in northern Quebec, Escuminac is an award-winning producer of maple syrup. But for the foodie on your list, try their rare Birch Syrup. It takes 160 litres of sap to produce just one litre of the stuff. Smooth and strong, it’s a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, not unlike a quality balsamic vinegar. ($64.95) escuminac.com

8. HANDBAGS The CAP collection by Karen Wilson Handbags is inspired by her grandfather’s time in WWII when soldiers travelled overseas each carrying a canvas bag with handwritten names, numbers, and markings that told their individual stories. Karen’s vintage inspired bags are designed and handcrafted in Rockwood, Ontario, from elegant textiles, hand-waxed canvas, leather, and recycled fur. ($360) karenwilson.ca

9. PLATTER SET The Art Gallery of Ontario has a treasure trove of gifts. Like this set of Namwayut Recycled Glass Platters made by Kwakwaka’wakw-Tlingit artist Corrine Hunt, who designed the 2010 Olympic medals. Practical and beautiful, the lightweight serveware features Northwest Native forms and are great for everyday entertaining. ($94) ago.ca

10. MUKLUKS The stunning Metis Mukluk, with its signature beaded floral pattern, is made to carry you through winter in warmth and style. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Indigenous-owned Manitobah Mukluks, brings you the original winter boot of Canada ($359.99) manitobah.ca