Hi, I’m Chanelle – Welcome to Chasing Chanelle!
I’m an Aussie-born, Europe-raised, and now Canada-based traveller who writes detailed, honest, and experience-driven guides for curious adventurers.
I started Chasing Chanelle as a way to document my travels while pursuing a more nomadic lifestyle during the pandemic—when I packed up my remote legal job and headed out to explore the world on my own terms. What began as a digital nomad experiment has since evolved into something more grounded. These days, Toronto is home. But the travel bug is still going strong—and my blog now blends local Canadian experiences with international travel, long-haul trips, and outdoor adventures.
What You’ll Find on This Blog
Here on Chasing Chanelle, I share practical travel guides, destination inspiration, and outdoor adventure tips—especially for those who love hiking, road trips, and immersive travel. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip in Quebec or a multi-day hike through Patagonia, my goal is to help you feel prepared, excited, and informed.
I write about:
- Hiking and backpacking routes in North America, South America, and Europe
- Outdoor adventure travel (like canoeing, camping, and skiing & snowboarding)
- Long-term travel experiences (such as spending a summer in Europe or wintering in South America)
- Tips for moving to Canada (from a former immigration lawyer!)
- Travel stories and guides with an honest, down-to-earth, and personal touch
A Bit About Me
Here’s a quick timeline of my life (and travels):
- Born in Australia, raised in Europe (France, the UK, and a bit of Germany)
- Studied in the UK, then lived and worked in London
- Returned to Australia for a few years—based in Sydney and Brisbane, exploring the East Coast
- Moved to Toronto in 2018 and became a Canadian citizen (immigrated solo!)
- Former Canadian immigration lawyer turned travel blogger and content creator
- Took a 5-month adventure through South America in 2022–2023, including Chile, Argentina, and Brazil
- Passionate about hiking, trail running, skiing/snowboarding, and building trips around active experiences
One of my earliest travel memories is spending two months in Zimbabwe as a teenager, staying with friends in Harare. During that time, we road-tripped to Victoria Falls and also spent a few unforgettable nights in Matusadona National Park, near Lake Kariba.
We stayed in a rustic open-air bush house overlooking a watering hole, where elephants, buffalo, and antelope would gather at night while we slept under the stars. We went lion tracking, explored the park by 4×4, and even did a canoe safari—gliding past crocodiles and hippos while soaking in the wild, raw beauty of the landscape. It was a trip that left a deep impression on me and sparked a lifelong love for adventure travel.
While I’ve been fortunate enough to visit and live in many beautiful places around the world, I’m always on the lookout for my next travel experience—whether that’s a fascinating new city to explore, the next great trail, or a remote beach escape.
Where I’ve Been (and What I Love)
My favourite places I’ve explored:
Canada: Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Revelstoke, Banff, Jasper, Canmore, Whistler, Niagara Falls, Algonquin Provincial Park, Mount Assiniboine, the Bruce Peninsula, Muskoka, Prince Edward County, and Mont-Tremblant.
South America: Argentina, Chile, and Brazil—in particular, Patagonia (including Torres del Paine National Park and Los Glaciares National Park), Florianópolis, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, and Buenos Aires.
Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK. I especially love the Alps—particularly Chamonix and Courmayeur—but also the cities, including Paris, Nice, Monte Carlo, Milan, Verona, Berlin, London, and Stockholm.
Australia: The East Coast road trip is a classic for a reason—Sydney, Byron Bay, Noosa, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast are some of my top picks.
The Caribbean: The beautiful beaches of Barbados and Cuba.
The USA: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Niagara Falls.
Africa: Zimbabwe—in particular, Harare, Victoria Falls, and Matusadona National Park.
I’m also hoping to explore more of Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe soon.
Some of my most memorable travel experiences to date have been:
- Hiking the iconic West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, BC
- Having close-up wildlife encounters on safari in Zimbabwe
- Experiencing the 2022 Football World Cup celebrations in Argentina
- Witnessing spectacular sunset views in Mount Assiniboine National Park, BC
- Living by the beach as a digital nomad in Florianópolis, Brazil
- Backcountry canoe-camping in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario
- Seeing an opera at the historic open-air Roman Arena in Verona, Italy
- Skiing and snowboarding (and après-ski!) at Whistler Blackcomb, BC
- Getting soaked on a boat ride—and flying over—Iguazu Falls in Brazil & Argentina
- Traversing a Tyrolean zipline across a river gorge on the Huemul Circuit in Argentina
- Being invited into an art gallery for a late-night drink with one of the founding artists of the East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany
- Navigating a very lengthy (and tricky!) moose encounter in Banff National Park, Alberta
- Hiking the O Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
- Indulging in fresh pasta on the side of a mountain while skiing in the Aosta Valley, Italy
- Swimming with icebergs on Christmas Eve in Argentine Patagonia
- Dancing tango on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Spotting grizzly bears across the valley on a remote trek in Jasper, Alberta
- Camping on the bright blue shore of the upper lake at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, BC
- Road-tripping from Sydney to Brisbane in Australia
- Hiking through France, Italy, and Switzerland on the Tour du Mont Blanc
Fun Facts
- I’ve completed several marathons and ultra trail races, and I just did my first Ironman!
- I’ve lived in five countries, not including my stints as a digital nomad
- I speak English, French, and German—and I want to learn Spanish next
- Aside from my early years in Australia, Toronto is the place I’ve lived the longest and now call home
- I enjoy planning my trips almost as much as the trips themselves—from creating the itinerary to finding good deals and even prepping meals for backcountry camping, there’s something satisfying about organizing it all
- I always overpack food for hikes—I’d rather carry a slightly heavier pack for the extra comfort and calories
- The first thing I do when I get home from a trip is unpack—it helps me feel settled, and it only takes a few minutes (it’s packing for the trip that’s the tricky part!)
- I’ve been educated in four countries: Australia, France, the UK, and Canada
- I believe travel doesn’t need to be perfect or glamorous to be meaningful
Where I’ve Been Featured
I’m incredibly grateful that my blog and travel tips have been featured in some amazing travel publications and blogs. These features help me share my love of travel and adventure with a wider audience.
🌟I was recently mentioned as a Canada expert on the Redfin blog — check out the article here: Is Canada a Good Place to Live? 17 Expert-Backed Pros, Cons, and Surprises
Here are a few other places I’ve been featured:
- The Common Traveler – 21 Best Things to Do in Vancouver
- MSN – Is Vancouver Island Worth Visiting?
- Outdoor Adept – 28 Essential Hiking Tips for Beginners
- Culture Wedding – Honeymoon Places in Canada
- Travel Photo Discovery – Warm Places to Visit in December
- Jetlagged Roamer – Best Cities in South America to Visit Before You Die
- MSN – 9 Netflix Shows That Bring the Wild World to Your Screen
- The Solo Globe Trotter – Epic Europe Solo Travel Bucket List
- Traveleira – Best Places to Travel with Your Significant Other
- East End Magazine – First Time Visiting Chile: A Two-Week Travel Itinerary
- Solo Passport – 15 Best Beaches in Sydney
- MSN – First Time Visiting Vancouver Island: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary
- Gather + Go Travel – 31 Warm Winter Break Vacations Your Family Will Love
- Homeroom Travel – 4 Spectacular Day Trips from Buenos Aires
- Travel Wander Grow – Best Cities to Visit in Italy in September
- The Vanabond Tails – Foods to Try in Argentina
- The Backpacking Executive – Famous Landmarks in Brazil
- She Saves She Travels – Best 40th Birthday Trips for Adventure and Relaxation
- Julie Around the Globe – 7 Best Places to Visit in Northern Argentina
- Globe Gazers – Best 30th Birthday Destinations Around the World
- A Charming Escape – Amazing Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
- Queer Adventures – Best LGBTQ Family Vacations in Canada
- In Search of Sarah – Where to Get the Best Views of London
- Live Work Play Travel – Best Views from the Top
- The Homebody Tourist – The Best Outdoor Clothing Brands for Women
- Hill City Bride – 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Canada for the First Time
- The World in My Pocket – The Top 10 Foods to Try on Vancouver Island
- Travel Melodies – 26 Under-the-Radar Historical Monuments in the World
- Love Life Abroad – 12 Sea to Sky Highway Stops Your Family Can’t Miss
- MSN – The Best Cities to Visit in Argentina
- My Adventures Across the World – 20 Best Hikes in Patagonia
- Traveleira – 17 Safest Cities in South America for a Solo Female Traveler
- Gather + Go Travel – 35 Amazing Places to Go for Your Next Girls’ Trip
- Planning Away – 20 Best Family Vacations in Canada
- Next Up Adventure – Best National Parks in Canada
- Together in Switzerland – Day Trips from Geneva, Switzerland
- Jetlagged Roamer – Most Beautiful Cities in Canada Worth Visiting
- BRB Travel Blog – Best Fall Getaways in Ontario
- Homeroom Travel – Best Countries to Visit in November
- Career Gappers – 30 Best Workation Destinations Around the World
- Europe Diaries – Foods Across Cultures That Bring People Together
- Postcards and Places – Best Places to Do a Polar Bear Plunge This Winter
- The Rx For Travel – 18 Cities for the Best Family Vacations in Canada
- Wander With Jo – Unforgettable 30th Birthday Trip Ideas for Every Budget
- Southerner Says – 15 Exciting Road Trips in Canada
If you’re a brand, travel company, or fellow blogger and would like to collaborate, feel free to reach out.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you’re into adventure travel, scenic hikes, city trips, active vacations, and stories from someone who’s made a few big moves along the way—you’re in the right place.
You can follow me on Instagram or sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with my latest posts and travel stories.