It Was Worth It

10/18/2026

Travel tip: When you're in Duncan, LOOK UP. 👀

We set out to explore Duncan's Totem Trail and quickly discovered that walking around town becomes a bit of a treasure hunt.

You spot one.

Then another.

Then suddenly you're wandering down the street wondering where the next one will appear.

But the best part isn't simply finding them.

It's slowing down long enough to appreciate the incredible carving, artistry and stories represented along the way.

📍 Duncan, BC | Cowichan Valley
https://itwasworthit.ca/following-the-totem-trail-discovering-the-stories-of-duncan-bc/

Another Vancouver Island experience I didn't expect to enjoy quite as much as I did.

It Was Worth It. ❤️

10/17/2026

Meet the Animal Guides

🦥 Every adventure needs friends.

As Lila explores Panama, she meets amazing animals who help her along the way.

Which guide would YOU choose?

🦥 Sloth 🐢 Sea Turtle 🦜 Tropical Bird 🐒 Monkey

Tell me your pick below!

Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0HLDLBV3M

10/17/2026

WAIT... WHAT WAS THAT? 👀

Somewhere just south of Duncan, our road trip turned into one of my favourite kinds of travel experiences:

An unplanned detour.

Meet Whippletree Junction, a quirky collection of old buildings, shops and galleries tucked beside the Trans-Canada Highway.

It has history.
It has character.
It has wonderfully mismatched buildings.

And naturally, I wanted to explore all of it.

Travel rule #37: If somewhere looks weird enough to make you turn your head as you drive past, STOP.

Those places usually have the best stories.

📍 Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island
https://itwasworthit.ca/whippletree-junction/

10/16/2026

Can You Guess the Mystery?

👃 CLUE #1

Lila smells something sweet.

🥭 It grows on trees. ☀️ It loves warm weather. 🐒 Animals enjoy it too.

Can you guess what she's searching for?

Leave your answer below before tomorrow's clue!

Available on Amazon:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0HLDLBV3M

10/15/2026

Today's very difficult travel assignment: drink w**e in a vineyard. 🍷 I take my responsibilities seriously. The Cowichan Valley is home to Vancouver Island's main w**e region, and it has a lovely mix of polished estates and smaller w**eries that feel much more intimate and personal.

Translation?

It's extremely easy to turn "let's stop at a w**ery" into: "Well... we may as well try one more." And suddenly you've discovered Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Averill Creek Vineyard, Unsworth Vineyards, Zanatta Winery and Alderlea Vineyards. I regret nothing.

Save this one for your next Vancouver Island trip!

Vancouver Island might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Canadian w**e, but the Cowichan Valley has quietly become a destination worth raising a glass to. From sweeping vineyard views and elegant tasting rooms to intimate family-run w**eries, here are five Cowichan Valley w...

10/15/2026

One moment, Lila is enjoying a beautiful day.

The next, she catches a mysterious scent floating through the air.

Sweet. Tropical. Delicious.

She follows the clue through rainforests, beaches, and exciting new discoveries across Panama.

But what is she searching for?

Join Lila and see if you can solve The Mango Mystery before she does! https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0HLDLBV3M

10/15/2026

THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I FOUND A CHEESE VENDING MACHINE.

Forget chips. Forget chocolate bars.

In the Cowichan Valley, you can walk up to a vending machine and buy locally made artisan cheese.

It’s called The Shoppertron, it belongs to Cowichan Station Creamery, and it may be my favourite vending machine on the planet.

Yes, we stopped.
Yes, we bought cheese.
Yes, I would absolutely do it again.

Because sometimes the best travel experiences aren't the ones you meticulously planned. Sometimes you just stumble across a machine dispensing cheese and realise you've peaked as a traveller. 😂

📍 Cowichan Station Creamery, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island

Would you stop for a cheese vending machine?

Obviously, there is only one correct answer. 🧀

Vancouver Island might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Canadian w**e, but the Cowichan Valley has quietly become a destination worth raising a glass to. From sweeping vineyard views and elegant tasting rooms to intimate family-run w**eries, here are five Cowichan Valley w...

09/29/2026

Lila's nose always knows where the adventure is. 👃🌎

In her first adventure, a mysterious scent leads her through Japan and all the way to Canada, where animal friends help guide the way.

Along the journey, she discovers new places, new smells, and a surprise she never expected.

And this is only the beginning.

The world is full of adventures waiting to be discovered, and Lila can't wait to follow the next scent trail.

📖 Lila's Nose Knows
Perfect for children who love animals, travel, and a little mystery.

Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0HKNWMZDP

09/29/2026

Book 2: Available Now on Amazon.

The Mango Mystery
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0HL5JQXYH

09/28/2026

Lila's nose always knows where the adventure is.

One little sniff can lead to a colourful street, a new friend, an unexpected surprise, or a journey she never imagined.

That's what Lila's Nose Knows is all about.

It's a story about curiosity, courage, and discovering that sometimes the most wonderful adventures are hiding right around the corner.

Whether you're following the smell of fresh-baked treats or simply wondering what's waiting beyond the next turn, Lila reminds us that the world is full of possibilities when we're willing to explore.

👃 What's a smell that instantly makes you happy?

📚 Lila's Nose Knows is available now on Amazon. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0HKNWMZDP