Ash

Founder

Writer and social media pro who ditched fishing for film school, then pivoted into online poker, Europe, and beyond. Co-founder of Barcelona Hacks. Now splitting time between Barcelona and Vancouver.

Who Am I?

“What’s going on guys…”

Yeah, I’m not one to talk about myself or throw myself in front of an iPhone and document my time visiting monuments X, Y, and X – that’s probably why I studied screenwriting instead of acting.

That said, growing up in a Vancouver is where I found a passion for the art of storytelling.

I’d originally planned to be a writer in that capacity – but honestly, that’s a lot tougher a nut to crack than opening up a free blogspot account and calling yourself a writer that way 😛

I moved to London in 2007 as something to do. Travelling around Europe seemed like a good idea and I planned to stay there a few months – that was 19 years ago!

Since then I’ve lived in Florence, a town outside Venice, St Petersburgh (Russia), Barcelona, Brooklyn, and Puglia.

In all, living in so many different places and travelling to over 40 countries, I feel it gives me a unique insight into my own city… I know how to separate the wheat from the chaff: short cuts, money saving, adding value, you name it!

I’m so excited to be able to bring my city to the world!

What I'm Into

  • Hockey has been a lifelong passion: and the Canucks a lifelong frustration
  • Playing Texas Hold’em (let’s compare starting ranges!) against drunk tourists
  • Silver stacking (and wishing I’d put it into crypto instead)
  • Always wanted to be a pizzaoiolo (but would probably hate it)
  • Muay thai boxing and padel are two new loves
  • Growing herbs on balconies cuz I don’t have a yard
  • Creative writing and screenplays
  • Website creation (I’ve got Rome and Barcelona sites too)

All My Articles

  • aerial view of a beach with rounds of waves near tofino bc
    Ash
    Ash | 14 February 2024 | 0 comments
    What to Do in Tofino: 13 Things to See Right Now 🔥

    Wondering what to do in Tofino? Well, for starters you’ll want to take advantage of the area’s rugged coastline and enchanting forest setting. This is the perfect spot if you’re seeking adventure and relaxation. Add in some sneaky good cultural activities to the surfing, hiking, and wildlife and you’ve got one of British Columbia’s great […]

  • lions gate bridge seen from stanley park one of vancouver bridges
    Ash
    Ash | 07 February 2024 | 0 comments
    Best Time to Visit Vancouver BC in 2026

    Looking for the best time to visit Vancouver? For me, it’s whenever you’re free! But seriously – with so much possibility between beaches, skiing, foodie escapes, hikes, shopping sprees, and beyond – it’s kind of hard to say. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer in each season before deciding the best time of […]

  • english bay during sunset with a view of the sea, small rock formation by the shore with birds standing on it
    Ash
    Ash | 08 July 2025 | 0 comments
    English Bay Beach in Vancouver: What to Do

    English Bay Beach is where Vancouver slows down. It’s where sunbathers stretch out, paddleboarders glide past, and sunsets drop the curtain on the city day. But what exactly is there to see at English Bay beyond the obvious? There’s more here than just the sand and the skyline—and I’ll show you exactly what makes this […]

  • panoramic view of whistler village with mountain backdrop how far is vancouver to whistler
    Ash
    Ash | 26 January 2026 | 0 comments
    How Far Apart Are Vancouver and Whistler? + Distance Info 🗺️

    Some people think Whistler is so far away that you need to pack snacks, a spare tire, and three podcasts. But how far is Vancouver to Whistler, really? Does it take a whole day? Is there a train? Can you Uber? Is it worth doing in a day, or should you book a hotel? Let’s […]

  • this vibrant spread of mexican dishes was taken at chancho tortilleria or a similar spot near granville island in vancouver. colorful plates, homemade tortillas, fresh salsas, and cocktails make it a perfect pick for food lovers exploring the island.
    Ash
    Ash | 12 July 2025 | 0 comments
    10 Best Restaurants Near Granville Island in Vancouver (2026)

    The best restaurants near Granville Island Vancouver include bakeries, seafood joints, sweet shops, and full-on sit-down spots. I’ve eaten my way through the area to narrow it down. Not sure where to grab a great bite after the market or before a walk along the water? Here’s my list on where to eat at Granville […]

  • a skier racing down the hill at grouse mountain with vancouver cityscape background
    Ash
    Ash | 04 November 2023 | 0 comments
    Grouse Mountain Skiing Guide: Planning the Perfect Grouse Skiing Trip

    Grouse Mountain skiing excursions are an epic Vancouver winter pastime. Sitting 20 minutes above the city as if it were floating on one of Vancouver’s famous rainclouds, this is as close to urban skiing as you’ll ever get. Let’s go through the basics and get you up to speed to see if skiing Grouse Mountain […]

  • a taxi sign illuminated at night
    Ash
    Ash | 06 February 2024 | 4 comments
    How to Get a Vancouver Taxi Cab (+2026 Apps)

    Having lived in Vancouver, London, and Barcelona, I can confidently assert that the Vancouver taxi experience stands out as the least satisfactory. Flagging down a taxi seems as unfamiliar as serving ferret soup. Moreover, to compound matters, we were the final North American city to embrace ridesharing. If any taxi system needs a guide, it’s […]

  • a vancouver breakfast restaurant with high celings
    Ash
    Ash | 03 February 2024 | 2 comments
    14 Best Breakfast Restaurants in Vancouver BC

    The topic of the best breakfast in Vancouver is open to discussion. Whether it’s basic fried eggs, pulled pork pancakes, or a luxurious mimosa brunch, every local has a strong preference. As for me, I aim to remain unbiased in my quest to discover the best breakfast restaurants in Vancouver. This compilation of Vancouver breakfast […]

  • a man's hand holding a passport with the plane ticket inserted and a brown leather bag
    Ash
    Ash | 27 January 2026 | 0 comments
    Vancouver Canada Entry Rules: Is a Passport Required?

    You’re planning a trip to Vancouver and suddenly you pause: do you need a passport to go to Vancouver? If you’re American, this one comes up a lot – especially with how close cities like Seattle and Portland are. What if you’re driving across the border? What if you’re flying in from Europe or Asia? […]