Discover Canada with Wander Maple!

Real Stories, Original Photography, and 20 Years of Local Insight

Welcome to the heart of Wander Maple. This isn’t just a collection of travel lists; it’s a living map of my journey through the “Great White North.”


When I moved to Canada, I brought with me a global perspective from living in Japan and South Korea. Over the last 20 years, I’ve made Ontario my home, but my curiosity has taken me much further. I’ve lived and worked in the Prairies (Saskatoon) for 14 months and driven the vast stretches of highway between Toronto and Western Canada multiple times—staying in quiet motels, taking the Via Rail, and experiencing the country from the window of a cross-country bus.



What Makes Wander Maple Different?

I built this site to provide the level of detail that only a long-term resident and an amateur photographer can offer.


  • Professional & Authentic Visuals: The vast majority of the images you see across this site are original visuals captured personally during my travels. You will frequently see my watermark, S. Hayat Photography, which is my personal guarantee that the content is based on real-world visits. While I occasionally use high-quality stock photos to provide specific context or complete a guide, my goal is always to show you the real Canada through my own lens.
  • Tested Itineraries: These are the routes I have personally driven, the cities where I’ve stayed overnight, and the spots where I’ve waited for the perfect light to catch a landmark.

  • Beyond the Tourist Map: From the hidden alleys of Toronto to the wide-open skies of the Prairies, I’m here to show you the spots that visitors—and even many locals—often miss.


Explore My Latest Discoveries

Below, you’ll find my most recent guides, photography tips, and travel hacks. Whether you are planning your first trip to Niagara Falls, navigating the Toronto subway, or curious about life in the Prairies, I hope my stories help you plan an adventure that feels truly authentic.



Let’s explore the beauty of Canada together—through a lens of experience and a heart for adventure.



Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island Road Trip: The Ultimate Toronto Loop Guide !
    Some trips are planned down to the minute—booked months in advance, timed perfectly, and packed with expectations. Some trips happen on impulse, born out of a sudden free weekend or a late-night idea. And...
Solo Travel Safety
Solo Travel Safety: How to Prepare for the Unexpected
Explore, meet, and enjoy! Solo travel offers freedom, but remember Solo Travel Safety is key to a worry-free adventure. Have you ever thought about going on a big trip all by yourself? Like a superhero...
Aga Khan Museum in Toronto Islamic Art and Culture
Aga Khan Museum in Toronto: A Personal Visit into Art, Light, and Quiet Reflection
I had heard about the Aga Khan Museum long before I finally visited, but nothing quite prepared me for how calm and immersive the experience would feel. In a city like Toronto—busy, loud, constantly moving—the...
Fall Colors
The Best Time & Places to See Fall Colors in Ontario: Your Ultimate Guide
Autumn in Ontario is like a magical brushstroke across the landscape. The forests come alive in a burst of colors, with shades of red, orange, and yellow carpeting the trees and painting a scene so stunning...
Travel Tips for Beginners
Travel Tips for Beginners: Start Your Adventure with Confidence
    Best travel tips for beginners: Ready to explore the world but feeling unsure about where to begin? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Planning your first trip can feel overwhelming, but with...
western development museum saskatoon
Step Back in Time at the Western Development Museum
When I visited the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon, I didn’t expect to feel so immersed in Saskatchewan’s past. The museum, with its focus on the province’s transportation, agriculture, and...
Remai Modern Saskatoon
Remai Modern: A Contemporary Art Haven in Saskatoon
Saskatoon’s Remai Modern is an iconic contemporary art museum that has quickly become one of the most exciting cultural hubs in Canada. Opened in 2017, it showcases cutting-edge modern art and offers visitors...
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatoon
Wanuskewin Heritage Park: History, Nature, and Culture Combined
If you’re visiting Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a must-see destination that connects you to thousands of years of Indigenous history and culture. For me, Wanuskewin was not just another stop...
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