Lougheed House in Calgary, Alberta

Built in 1891 by Senator James Alexander Lougheed, the Lougheed House is a historic sandstone mansion located in Calgary, Alberta's Beltline neighbourhood. This massive home was once the social and political hub for prominent Calgary residents in the early 20th century. Today, Lougheed House boasts a museum, event space, and restaurant, and is recognized as both a Provincial Historic Site and a National Historic Site of Canada.

Loughheed House in Calgary, Alberta ca. 1912

Loughheed House in Calgary, Alberta ca. 1914

A Surprise Gift | Keen Canada

Last week I received this amazing care package from Keen Canada, which among a handful of awesome gifts, included a stylish pair of Persol sunglasses and a brand new pair of their Citizen Keen boots. As I mentioned on Instagram, second only to my camera, a good pair of boots makes all the difference when I'm out on a travel shoot. 

Keen Canada reached out to me back in the summer, but I had no idea they would be sending me such a generous gift. Enclosed in a beautiful wooden box, and in addition to the boots and sunglasses, the package also included a personalized note, leather journal, Byrd pomades, a travel thermos, and a slim metal wallet.

Excuse the shout out, but I felt Keen Canada really deserved this one. I was impressed with the care and attention to detail that went into putting this together. I just wanted to make it clear that it didn't go unnoticed. So, thanks very much to Keen! You're bound to notice these boots popping up in a few of my familiar "foot shots" in some future travel adventures. 
   

A photo posted by Luke Fandrich (@editingluke) on Nov 3, 2016 at 4:50pm PDT

Chinatown in Victoria, British Columbia

The historic Chinatown in Victoria, British Columbia is the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco's. Once home to the largest Chinese population in the country, during its historical peak in the 20th century, Victoria's Chinatown was a densely populated maze of shops, theatres, schools, and temples. 

With a surge of immigration in the late 19th century, Victoria's Chinatown grew by leaps and bounds. The area quickly garnered a seedy reputation because of the rise of opium factories, gambling dens, and brothels. As the decades past, the area began to decline in both population and size, and by the 1980s plans to significantly revitalize Chinatown had begun.  

Today, Victoria's Chinatown is popular with artists, tourists, and locals alike. Places like Fan Tan Alley showcase the oddities and history within this unique neighbourhood. Between the markets, coffee shops, bright lanterns, and vibrant colours, there's an undeniable energy here. Victoria's Chinatown has become a must-see downtown attraction within the city, and in 1995 it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.