Editors’ Picks: Our Favourite Western Living Travel Stories of 2024

The beauty of a great travel story is that it can fulfil two purposes: maybe it inspires and guides you through a trip of your very own… or maybe it offers a fun little fantasy escape from the comfort of your sofa. Either way, these Western Living travel stories, selected by our editorial team, are here to help.

The Most Memorable Travel Stories of 2024, According to Our Editors

Campbell River, B.C.

Here I am, once again, fulfilling a time-honoured tradition of tooting my own horn on the end-of-year lists. Visiting Campbell River’s new Naturally Pacific Resort was my favourite travel assignment of the year, because it was a rare opportunity to see a place in a totally new way. I’m normally a pretty optimistic traveller, excited to be plunked down in any new town and confident I’ll discover something great—for this trip to check out the new resort, though, I had some pretty set-in-stone perceptions to work through. Campbell is a place I’ve been visiting my whole life, and while I’ve loved every visit up there to see my wonderful family, I never really saw it as a dream-vacation destination. Getting the chance to stay at a chic, modern hotel and explore the surprising wildlife and outdoors activity the area has me thinking about the east side of Vancouver Island in a whole new way: a story that’ll certainly stick with me. — Stacey McLachlan, senior editor

Guy Saddy Takes on Paris’s Fait Maison Scene

It’s not just because Guy Saddy’s story takes place in one of my very favourite food cities—I’ll read just about anything that dives into Paris’s restaurant scene—but Guy remains one of my all-time favourite travel writers, City of Light locale or not. He’s gifted in getting you right into a place (“Looking back, there were flags. English menu? Yes. Suspiciously quaint neighbourhood? With its ancient cobbled streets and historic pedigree, Le Marais is like a theme park designed by Rick Steves.”), and quickly had me fantasizing about retracing his footsteps on his quest to find truly authentic French cuisine. Plus, for this piece we worked with one of our favourite recipe developers, Lawren Moneta, to replicate some of his memorable dishes—which I’m revisiting now that we’re officially into aligot season. —Anicka Quin, VP content

A Non-Skier’s Guide to Whistler

Toot toot-ing like our senior editor Stacey McLachlan, I’m throwing my own travel story into the ring as my fave this year—mostly because it perfectly aligns with my travel style: private accommodations and absolutely zero adrenaline-fueled activities. A non-skiing Whistler trip might sound impossible (okay, no one actually said that, but it feels implied by the dramatic, snow-capped peaks—relax, Whistler). I wanted a trip where dodging trees, bears (probably) and toddlers doing backflips on the black diamond wasn’t mandatory. Writing about a more laid-back Whistler experience was my way of showing that you can end your vacation in your own bed—not a hospital one. —Kerri Donaldson, assistant editor 

Why Paddleboarding Lessons in Squamish Are Definitely Worth It

Former Managing Editor and current incredible contributor Alyssa Hirose’s lifestyle writing is truly some of the best—and her travel writing manages to transport me instantly to wherever she went. For someone still getting to know all the nearby cities in B.C., this weekend getaway to Squamish feels accessible, while also remaining daydream-worthy because (shock) despite living on the West Coast my entire life, I have yet to stand up paddleboard. Alyssa hilariously puts into perspective how not-that-easy it is, but it makes the loves-a-challenge in me ready to click the link for Paddle BC and get out on the water ASAP. Plus, she includes some great places to eat and things to do in Squamish even if you’re not looking to become a boarder. —Dani Wright, Managing Editor