I’m Liisa Ladouceur — a journalist, author, and solo travel blogger based in Toronto. I write for other curious, independent travellers who appreciate culture, beauty, weirdness (and a good spa). If you think differently, you’re in the right place.
When I’m not running Liisa Wanders, I work as a culture writer and broadcaster. You may know me from my book Encyclopedia Gothica, my freelance journalism, or my YouTube channel. My professional storytelling background shapes everything I do here: When I write about a destination, it’s because I’ve actually been there, talked to people, walked the streets and formed an opinion worth sharing.
This blog is especially for women who travel independently — including those of us who are well past our “gap years” — and who want trips that feel meaningful, safe, culturally rich, and occasionally a little weird. My goal is simple: to show you how to squeeze extraordinary moments out of the everyday, whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or in a small group.
I believe deeply that travel is possible for more people than we think. You don’t need endless money or to quit your full-time job; you just need a willingness to explore. I also believe in responsible travel — caring about local communities, supporting cultural experiences, and being a considerate guest everywhere you go. Read my full Travel Philosophy here.
If you’re a tourism board, cultural institution, wellness brand, or visual creator looking to reach thoughtful, adventurous travellers — especially women over 40 — who value honest, experience-based recommendations, I’d love to connect.
What I do
Here’s what you can expect to read on Liisa Wanders
- Solo travel tips (especially for women)
- Destination Guides for short trips to great cities
- The world’s most unusual attractions
- In-depth reviews of spas, saunas and hot springs
- Everything Toronto
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit more than 27 new countries and explore most of Canada. I’ve met the most fascinating people from all walks of life, gotten up close to awesome wonders of the world like the Eiffel Tower, the pyramids of Giza and the Taj Mahal, and experienced the best live music, visual art, food, and festivals in great cities all over this planet. Our world is wonderful, and I love sharing it.
How this all started
I didn’t grow up traveling. For a long time, I thought it was “for rich people.” But in my twenties, after saving $1000 for a trip to Mexico, everything changed. I climbed my first pyramid, ate my first Oaxacan cheese sandwich, and realized that the world was bigger — and far more accessible — than I’d been taught.
That first trip sparked a lifelong passion: visiting new places, learning from the people who live there, and encouraging others to take their own adventures.
Freelance Travel Writer
My travel and culture journalism has appeared in Canada’s top newspapers and magazines including The Toronto Star, Toronto Life and Chatelaine, as well as select international outlets. I’m always interested in working with editors who value thoughtful, authentic travel stories. Contact me by email.
Select Articles (see more at my MuckRack profile)
Astrotourism is travel’s next big trend (Toronto Star)
Experiencing self-love as a single traveller in Mexico (Toronto Star, essay)
Ontario’s Niche Museums Worth a Road Trip (Toronto Star)
We transformed a heritage property into the luxury Liberty Inn (Toronto Life, interview)
How to be polite in Canada (Matador Network)
Quebec’s Best Music Festivals (We Explore Canada)
10 Punk Museums Around the World (Spin.com)
Collaborations and Branded Content Writing
If you’re a travel company, tourism board, or other organization looking for an exceptional writer to help tell your story, or would like to see my Liisa Wanders media kit, please make contact by email.
Select content
Meet the women rickshaw drivers of Jaipur, India (for Intrepid Travel)
What it’s like on a Women’s Expedition in India (for Intrepid Travel)
Your Guide to Solo Travel in Toronto (Destination Toronto)
Toronto’s Best Subway Art (Destination Toronto)
Ask me anything
