Travel Bucket List
Q&A
Chasing the World Stage with Leandra Earl of The Beaches
From unforgettable shows in Budapest to breathtaking moments at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Canadian rock band The Beaches are turning their global tour into a travel bucket list of its own. The Toronto-born group shares the destinations that surprised them, the once-in-a-lifetime moments that come with life on the road, and the places—from St. John's to Japan—that still top their personal wish lists.
On your world tour, what’s been the most unforgettable destination you’ve played so far, and why did it stand out? There have been so many unforgettable cities and shows, but a recent fave of ours is definitely Budapest! We had never been before, so we got to explore for a day before we played Sziget festival and went on stage with queen Nelly Furtado!
Touring takes you to places most people only dream of visiting. Which city surprised you the most on this tour?
Our Fall No Hard Feelings tour ended in Vernon, BC where we got to meet so many lovely people, including the Mayor! He welcomed us into a city we had never been to and made
us feel like locals. It always feels very special to get to experience the excitement of a city. We’re grateful to be there, and locals are always grateful to have us.
If you could play a show anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Ok I’ll give you my top three because I can’t decide: any city in Japan, Italy, or Brazil! Selfishly they’re places I really want to explore, but I also think the people in these countries would really appreciate live music and the energy we bring.
Unique and Beautiful Experiences Await Visitors
In St. Martin
This Caribbean gem offers visitors the chance to choose-theirown adventure, with stunning outdoor activities, an array of accommodations and a delicious food scene.
Sonya Friesen
Steeped in history, St. Martin merges culture with tourism, gourmet restaurants with traditional values, and elegance with adventure. The island gives visitors the chance to step into paradise, complete with all the adventure and unique experiences indicative of the perfect tropical vacation.
From sailing the island’s crystal clear waters, strolling the 37 white sand beaches, to shopping for the world’s most desirable brands, St. Martin is the ideal choose-your-own-adventure vacation, perfect for every travel style.
Temperatures hover between 27-34°C allowing families to enjoy the crystal clear water, adventurers to scuba dive the reef, and relaxation-seekers the chance to enjoy some of the best shopping and food the Caribbean has to offer.
The island’s convenient location makes it easily accessible from many major hubs.
St. Martin’s ability to embrace its history has not only allowed culture and kindness to thrive, but solidified it as the Caribbean's “friendly island”.
On the quiet northern shore of French Saint-Martin, Grand Case Beach Club off ers a laid-back Caribbean experience, where comfort, natural beauty, and a quiet attention to detail come together. Set between two calm, swimmable beaches, days unfold easily, with coffee by the water, bare feet in the sand, and time that slows down. That sense of ease carries throughout the stay, shaped in part by a team, many of whom have been here for decades, welcoming returning guests year after year.
A short walk leads into Grand Case, widely known as the island’s culinary capital, where beachfront lolo grills and refi ned French-Caribbean dining sit side by side.
The overall experience feels easy and authentic, with a subtle European influence woven into the Caribbean setting and a natural rhythm that keeps guests coming back.
The Perfect All-Year Destination Is Closer Than Many Ontarians Realize
This state offers the perfect blend of outdoor recreation with culture and history, making it an all-year bucket list destination.
One of the 13 original colonies, Virginia is often referred to as the gateway to the South. The state boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in North America and one of the East Coast’s largest mountain ranges. Only a 9-hour drive or 1.5hour flight from Toronto, Virginia spans 112 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, bridging the benefits of mountain outdoor experiences with beach luxuries.
The state is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, but also houses some of the country’s most historic landmarks, like Monticello, making it a true hidden gem and a destination
that often gets overlooked when it comes to the North American bucket list.
From famous golf courses to quaint small towns, and from hundreds of miles of mountain ranges to a Virginia Beach getaway, Virginia provides travellers the right climate, engaging attractions, and an enriching environment, all offering unique experiences that cater to every individual.
