rolandbast There are hotel lobbies… and then there are places that make you stop before you even reach your room.

The Mercure Poitiers Hotel and Archives Restaurant is set inside a former 19th-century Jesuit chapel, and you feel that history immediately. Arches, height, stonework, and architectural details quietly remind you that this building had a whole life before becoming a hotel.

Once inside, the welcome is warm, and the rooms are anything but standard. Mine was a two-level room with stairs, tucked into the character of the building in a way that feels completely unique.

Attached to the hotel is Les Archives, a relaxed bistronomique restaurant where seasonal French cooking meets the comfort of a neighbourhood bistro. The dining room keeps the drama going, with historic features, soaring ceilings, and an atmosphere that makes dinner feel like part of the destination.

From here, Poitiers opens beautifully on foot. Historic streets, cafés, architecture, and quiet corners are all within easy walking distance.

It is close to the Poitiers train station, but here’s the honest travel note: take a taxi. The walk is short, but the hill is no joke with luggage. Your suitcase will not thank you. Neither will your knees.

A hotel stay, yes.
But also a very good first chapter in Poitiers.
With @region_nouvelle_aquitaine @cangeotravel @exit613_ottawa_and_beyond @visit_europe

rolandbast Hey Toronto, who explored this past weekend? It was incredible seeing long lines of people eager to discover more about their own city. @destination_toronto

I visited the Indigenous spaces and the courthouse — both were genuinely fascinating. But beyond the landmarks, I found some unexpected gems too: reflections between glass towers, perfect symmetry hidden in the architecture, and those small cinematic moments Toronto always seems to offer when you slow down enough to notice them.

And of course… you can’t walk through Toronto without photographing a streetcar or two.

rolandbast Have you seen the @nathanphillipssquare all set up for @fwc26toronto? What a brilliant setup and idea that should stay for each summer!
Are you excited about the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto? Who's going to the games?

rolandbast Sad news today. Will you head out to Gatineau to see them one last time?

I only really started appreciating them after seeing them a few years ago, and now it feels strange to think this might be the end.

Share and save this post — it may be the last time you see them in my feed.

#aerogatineauottawa #airplaine #snowbird #canada @cfsnowbirds

rolandbast The Ottawa Tulip Festival 2026 is on! And this week is going to be epic! The weather looks promising and warm.
Will you be attending this year’s festival?
Show your friends what Ottawa looks like in May 😀

#tulipfestival #ottawatulipfestival #spring #ottawa #weeekendvibes

rolandbast Summer is just around the corner, and Lake Louise will be opening soon. I’m already missing the beauty of Banff — the mountains, the turquoise lakes, and those quiet moments that make you stop and stare.

What’s your go-to spot in Banff?

Save this post for later and share it with a friend who needs a mountain escape.

#banff #lakelouise #japser

rolandbast One of my favourite Ottawa views: the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill, with the Peace Tower towering above the city. Share your favourite spot in the comments.
#ottawa #peacetower #centennial #longexposurephotography

rolandbast Easter weekend special at @restaurantsterling and this leg of lamb came in strong. Big portion, full of flavour, and that was after a dozen oysters to start. I almost needed to be rolled out.

Available tomorrow and Monday only, or until they run out.

Leg of lamb: .95
Prime rib 10 oz: .95
Prime rib 14 oz: .95
Oysters: market price

Quinoa salad is included with the table d’hôte menu.

rolandbast Some places just have it all. This building’s architecture, colours, and location make it one of my favourite photo moments in Ontario.

And when someone walks through the frame at the perfect second? That’s pure magic.

What do you like most about this spot? Tell me below, or share it to give it a little extra spotlight.

#ottawa #ontario #architecture

rolandbast Today was the 12 Hour Relay at @atelier.ottawa, where every 30 minutes a different chef from one of the top restaurants in the greater Ottawa area took over the kitchen.

You booked a 30-minute time slot, or more and each seating included two tastings paired with wine.

We booked three seatings, and it was incredible. Not knowing which chef was coming next made the whole experience even more exciting.

We got especially lucky with the chef @chef__sarathteega from Katha Restaurant. Both dishes were the perfect finale to our evening adding a bonus dessert!

What made it even better is that all funds raised from this amazing event go to the Ottawa Food Bank.
Congratulations to everyone involved for pulling off 12 hours of outstanding service. Everything was truly 5-star, and our three seating times surpassed expectations.

A big thank you to all the chefs, staff, and organizers who made it happen. ❤️