The iconic champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot, Tattinger, and Pommery, are situated in the town of Reims. Ruinart is the oldest of the champagne houses, established in 1729, and is known for its blanc de blanc, a pure blend of Chardonnay grapes.

We decided to catch the train in the morning and visit two champagne houses. The trip was easy, we settled into our pre-assigned seats and soon were swaying along the tracks as the train sped through golden fields and open skies.

Once we pulled up to the train station I had read how important it was to quickly get in line at the taxi line up just outside the train station doors. It was true. There was a long line up already when we arrived.

Surrounded by tall stone walls, we pulled into the driveway of Maison Ruinart and were greeted by a friendly guard. All guests booked on a tour have their name on the list, no walk-ins allowed! Luckily, due to our advanced planning, we were invited to enter the gates and join a few fellow couples in the salon, elegantly decorated with renaissance paintings and some comfortable plush sofas.

Our chic french guide greeted us and started our visit by speaking about the history of Ruinart, pointing out the portraits of the founders. It was after Louis XV issued a decree allowing champagne to be distributed by bottles, and not just barrels, that Ruinart’s champagne gained popularity as business gifts to the cloth buyers, distributed through Dom Ruinart’s brother’s network as a cloth merchant.

Our first stop was a room filled with art – a modern tablescape with melting chandeliers by Dutch artist Maarten Baas; one of France’s earliest advertising posters with a woman provocatively showing off her shoulder by Czech illustrator Alphons Mucha; a replica of Louis XV’s commissioned “Le Déjeuner d’Huîtres” oil painting depicting an oyster feast in full swing with many of Ruinart’s recognizable round shaped champagne bottles.

This painting happens to be the first known piece of art to showcase champagne – can you look carefully and figure how they knew it was champagne featured at the party?

Finally someone in our group noticed the cork flying over the table, a telltale sign of the bubbles pressurized into the wine.

Throughout the entire tour our guide’s descriptions were interesting, engaging and thought provoking… she really knew her craft!

At this stage our guide offered the group a warm blanket as the cellars – les crayères – would be quite cold once we dropped 38 feet below ground, to an even temperature of 11-degrees Celsius. It was this attention to detail that really elevated the experience and made us feel taken care of and appreciative of the luxury in this world prestigious champagne house.

Down the steps we went into the cool dark tunnels, lit with a warm glow along the stairwell. Once we reached the lower level we could see through a window into the production facility as they corked each bottle.

Champagne has a two part fermentation process. Once the first fermentation is complete the neck of the bottle is frozen to create an ice plug, trapping the collected lees sediment. The plug is popped out before quickly re-corking the bottle for a second ferment to create those beautiful fine bubbles.

We were led through the dark halls of the cellars where rows and rows of champagne bottles were gently resting. A quiet setting with dim lighting is just what the champagne needs to mature into its wonderful flavor. As we walked deeper into the caves the bottles of champagne grew larger, and the rows grew deeper, grouped by various cuvée.

In one of the main cathedral-like chambers, the champagne bottles rest at an angle in large wooden trestles shapes like an M, where they are rotated or ‘remuaged’ a quarter turn, 2-3 times a day, to help the lees particles slowly make their way into the neck of the bottle. Madame Veuve Clicquot is credited with inventing the riddling rack. Premium cuvée continue to be rotated by hand.

The history of the cellars is fascinating. Originally old chalk quarries, the walls and large dome shaped rooms are all chiseled by hand. During World War I the main Ruinart house was tragically destroyed and so the offices were moved into the cellars, creating an underground bomb shelter where work could continue.

France’s champagne houses have a history of strong women entrepreneurs. In 1919 André Ruinart passed away leaving his widow Charlotte to run the estate. This is a similar tale to that of Madam Veuve Clicquot who had a huge influence on establishing and innovation in the champagne industry (and some say was rumored to have murdered her husband!). There must have been huge competition and drama between the champagne houses, this setting would make an exciting novel I’d like to read.

Finally we emerged into the sunlight and walked back across the grounds taking in the vast and elegant building and its perfectly manicured landscape. We re-gathered in the salon to savor some of the delicate champagne that had been resting in the caves just days prior..

Our host presented us with a choice of blanc de blanc or rosé, with two cuvées to sample. As we sipped, she joined us and described the flavor profiles, taking us through what to look for on the pallet and the subtle differences.

The blanc de blanc is Ruinart’s signature champagne, made entirely from Chardonnay grapes. It glows with a pale golden yellow color and very fine bubbles. The rosé, created since the 18th century, blends Chardonay with the addition of Pinot Noir.

This was a lovely way to experience the champagnes and we discussed as a group what we thought of each one, which we preferred, and where everyones’ travels had taken them. Finally our tour was complete and we couldn’t resist stopping into the store to bring a few bottles home with us, creating a very special memory of our visit to the one and only champagne region.

Sails & Spices Travel Tips

• Getting Around – When arriving at the train station be prepared for a long line up at the taxi stand. We took a taxi to get around and once we were done our tours, called one from the champagne house to get back into the town square where the train station was.
• Lunch – The champagne houses can be quite far apart and it’s a bit of a walk along the main road to get from place to place. We decided to book two tastings and in between it was a challenge finding somewhere for lunch. Next time I would pack a picnic if there isn’t ample time to find a restaurant. Note the main town square has lots of restaurants (although not a ton of vegetarian or vegan options – we settled for a veggie burger).
• Dress – It does get chilly down in the caves and there is a fair bit of walking, so dress accordingly for your comfort.
• Language – We took the tour in French and probably understood 80% of it, but  being immersed in the French language added to the atmosphere and we felt we probably got a better tour in the guide’s native language.
• Book in advance! It’s no surprise the tours book up quickly especially in the summer time. We simply booked online.

Before I arranged this trip I had no idea the champagne region was so close to Paris. It turned out to be a very easy day trip from Paris. We were back in time for dinner and were thrilled to have experienced the Champagne region of France. What an experience!

Enjoying Your Champagne

• Serving – Serve your Champagne cold, between  7 to 10 °C / 45 to 50 °F. Chill your bottle in a bucket of water and ice for 30 minutes, or take your champagne out of a cold fridge for ~10 minutes before serving.
• Storing – For long term storage, champagne prefers a cool and dark location, with a consistent temperature of approximately 55 deg-F . Lay your bottles on their side so the cork doesn’t dry out. Only store your champagne for up to a couple days in a fridge before serving, or chill with ice.
• Pairings – Champagne pairs beautifully with most lighter meals. Brie cheese, strawberries and almonds are all classic pairings. Rich, buttery and salty foods will contrast nicely with the champagne’s light bubbles. Try our Spring Asparagus Risotto to enjoy with your next bottle.
• If you are looking to throw a cheese a wine party – don’t miss our comprehensive guide to The Ultimate Cheese and Wine Pairing Party. 

If you love wine, we would highly recommend a visit to the Champagne region, just outside of Paris.

A quick search for Vancouver sight-seeing, day trips, or Vancouver suspension bridges inevitably yields Capilano Suspension Bridge as one of the city’s must-see.  It’s certainly impressive, but our vote for the best suspension bridge in Metro Vancouver is in Lynn Canyon, easily accessible by transit or car in the District of North Vancouver.  Since there is no entry fee to Lynn Canyon Park, save yourself the whopping $42.95 (2017) charge to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and get high above the tree tops with your need-to-know guide to the Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge.

Twin Falls at Lynn Canyon Park, North Vancouver

Overview

Lynn Canyon Park, home of the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, first opened in 1912 and boasts over 600 acres of forest trails, swimming holes, and gorgeous natural landscape waiting to be explored.  With a forest of west coast evergreen trees averaging 80-100 years old a mere 25 minutes from the city, a day trip to Lynn Canyon Park is city escapism at its finest.

Numerous trails connect the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge with 30 Foot Pool, Twin Falls Bridge, and the Ecology Centre.  See them all within an hour’s walk.  For those looking to head out a little further afield, the 48km Baden Powell Trail flanks the east side of the park and provides a challenging yet simple to navigate out-and-back hike of any duration you choose.

Lynn Canyon Park Trail Map

Walk Up from Twin Falls Bridge

Getting There

15km by road from downtown Vancouver, Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is accessible by car via the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows Bridge to Vancouver’s North Shore. There is free parking on site, though on busy days you may need to park outside the main park’s entrance and walk in.

For those without a vehicle, catch the SeaBus across beautiful Vancouver Harbour to Lonsdale Quay, and hop on the #229 or #228 bus to Lynn Valley Centre – a 15 minute walk from the Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance.  If you would rather save your steps, the #227 bus will connect you from Lynn Valley Centre to the Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance so your walking shoes are ready to go inside the park.

Vancouver SeaBus from Downtown to North Vancouver

Hours

The park is open summers from 7:00am to 9:00pm PST, spring and autumn from 7:00am to 7:00pm PST, and in the winter from 7:00am to 6:00pm.

As with any forested outdoor activity, be sure to keep your visit well within dawn-to-dusk hours.

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

The park’s main attraction, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, remains a locals’ true hidden gem.  It’s narrow, springs a little with each step, and gives breathtaking views of the waterfalls and forests below.  You will be 50m (164ft), or about 16 stories, above the raging river so take your camera and get ready to capture some incredible shots!

Lynn Canyon Park North Vancouver

If the suspension bridge is your only priority in Lynn Canyon Park, it is easily accessible off the paved parking area for those visitors who are less mobile.

What to Bring

The trails at Lynn Canyon Park are a combination of wood plank boardwalk and dirt trail.  Wear your day hikers as Vancouver is notoriously rain-city, so the trails may be wet.  We believe there are no bad days, only bad gear, so with a decent rain coat and shoes you’ll be set no matter what the day’s weather brings.

There are numerous swimming holes in Lynn Canyon, though we’re talking mountain-top runoff and very fresh water… so it tends to be chilly!  Even so, on a summer’s day a crystal-clear fresh water swim just can’t be beat so pack a towel, picnic, drinking water and snacks and you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a full day in west coast paradise.

Any of the accessible swimming locations are a minimum 15-20 minute walk from the carpark / suspension bridge.  Mind the signs pointing out the swimming locations and do not jump a fence.  It’s incredibly steep in some locations with unforeseen drop offs.  Stay safe, and enjoy the park!

Learn

The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre offers young visitors of any age the opportunity to learn about the variety of plants and animals they may see in the park.  There are numerous galleries to explore and with only a $2 suggested donation for entry, is easy on the pocket book.

Après

No doubt you’ll be ready for a bite after your visit to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, so we’ve compiled a few of our favourite North Shore vegan and vegetarian friendly hotspots for a great post-hike meal on your way back to the city.

• Tao Organics Café.  Raw/Vegan.  210-150 Esplanade West, North Vancouver
• Burgoo.  Soups/Stews/Comfort Foods.  3 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver
• The Workshop.  Vegetarian Japanese. 296 Pemberton Ave, North Vancouver
• Bluehose Market & Cafe.  Organic/Local. 4342 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver

Did we miss your go-to veggie friendly restaurant?  Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

Baden Powell Trail Marker

We hope you enjoy your day at the beautiful Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge as much as we do!  It’s a locals’ hidden gem, and unlike the Capilano Suspension Bridge, visiting is completely free.  So grab your shoes and camera and head out for a gorgeous west coast adventure just half an hour from the city lights.  Bon voyage!

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If you have a little extra time, be sure to drive along country roads through the small villages along the way, stopping and visit the crafts and farmer’s markets. There are gems just waiting to be discovered that can change your perspective of a destination and how you see the world.

Chichen Itza is an expansive collection of Mayan ruins in the Yucatán, Mexico, dating back to 600 A.D. We spent the day exploring this ancient Mayan society.  We could spend hours just walking around the base of the impressive the step pyramid, El Castillo, and appreciating the detailed stone carvings at the Great temple of Warriors. With this much history, having a guide or guidebook can really help you understand the symbolism and significance behind the architecture.

Visiting Chichen Itza is an easy day trip from Cancun and the surrounding areas, but to help make the most of your visit we’ve outlined our top tips to know before you go.

Temple of the Warriors

El Castillo

Getting There

• Set the alarm and head out early! The Chichen Itza ruins open at 8am ~ and is located in the central standard time zone, which is conveniently 1 hour behind Cancun time only half of the year, so double check your time zones.  It’s recommended to be a few minutes early if you really want to beat the crowds. If traveling in a group, once you arrive have one person park while the another gets in line at the ticket booth.
• To give you an idea of the crowds, every year over 1.4 million people visit the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins; a UNSECO World Heritage site and a New Seven Wonder of the World.
• If you’re driving from Cancun, it’s a two and a half hour (200km / 125mi) drive on the toll highway. From Playa Del Carmen, Chichen Itza is a comparable (180km / 111mi). There are two tolls for a standard car in each direction $67pesos and $267pesos ($632pesos return trip ~ 2017).  Fill up with gas before you go and be sure stay within the speed limits.
  • Sails & Spices Note: There is plenty of highway patrol, so the route is quite safe.  Even so, at dawn and dusk some industrious folks have been known to fake a vehicle breakdown or flat tire to lure in a tourist or two and relieve them of a few dollars.  Don’t bother to stop, local authorities can assist any drivers that have broken down.
• If an early morning wake up call while on vacation isn’t your idea of a good time you can also spend the night near the ruins, like in the bungalows at The Lodge, and take a leisurely 10 minute walk over in the morning.

El Castillo Serpent

El Castillo

Mesoamerican ballgame

What to Bring to Chichen Itza

• Your camera! The ruins make for stunning photos, particularly at sunrise.  Many of Mexico’s top attractions do not allow tripods, monopods, or any “filming” without a government permit.  As long as your camera is handheld, you’ll be fine. 
• Chichen Itza is a sprawling site with limited shade.  On a sunny day remember to bring lots of water, your hat, and sunscreen!  There aren’t any hills to climb, but as the site is large it’s best to wear some good walking shoes.
• There is so much history behind the ruins that having a guidebook or hiring a guide will help paint a vivid picture of the ancient city.  Guides may be hired at the front entrance though prices will vary.
• On site vendors sell all manners of high quality artisan souvenirs including masks, pottery and jewelry so bring cash if you want bring some handmade crafts back with you.  An ATM is located just outside the main gate.

Nearby Attractions

After a day of walking in the hot sun, stop for a refreshing swim at one of the nearby cenotes on the way back to your hotel.  Two recommendations are Cenote Il Kil or Cenote Samula, and both are on the google map below.

Continue Exploring Mexico’s Tastes and Sites

Explore more of Mexico’s great culture!  Catch a sunrise at the incredible sea-side ruins of Tulum, explore local Mexican cuisine at the Ritz-Carlton Culinary Center, or reminisce on a trip for your taste buds with one of our favorite Mexican recipes:

• Visiting The Ancient Ruins of Tulum
• The Ritz-Carlton Cancun’s Culinary Center 
• Vegan Ceviche Recipe
• Squash Tacos with Homemade Tortillas Recipe

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