If you're ever in Lausanne, Switzerland

Helen Vasilevski’s career has taken her to live in six countries and experience life in over 80. Born in Hamilton, the self-described city person has spent the past 18 years boomeranging back to Switzerland between work trips. As founder and managing director of advisory and fractional management firm flect., her work takes her across the globe, but she’s put down roots in Lausanne. She moved to “The Capital of Sport” and the home of the International Olympic Committee in 2006, trading the hustle and bustle of city life in Toronto and New York City for hiking, paddle boarding and skiing.

If you’re planning a trip, Vasilevski suggests activities that combine both natural beauty and tourist spots in Lausanne and the surrounding region. Why venture beyond the city? For perspective, Kingston to Toronto or Montreal is about the same distance as crossing Switzerland from Geneva to Zurich, so there’s “lots to see and discover within 15 to 30 minutes of Lausanne,” she says.

Tourist traps you can’t miss:

The Olympic Museum. Walk uphill (everything is uphill in Lausanne!) from the lakeside to the front entrance. The interactive museum is great. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant (it has amazing views of the lake), or eat nearby at the terraces of Château d’Ouchy, Hôtel Angleterre or Beau Rivage Palace.

Hidden gem:

La Cité (Old Town) and the Cathedral de Lausanne. Most people focus on the lake, the Alps and the vineyards. La Cité is amazing with a twist and turn at every point. The cathedral was built in the 12th century. Between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., the cathedral’s night watchman stands at the top of the bell tower and shouts out each hour to the residents: “Plus ça change...”

For a short jaunt:

Use public transit including the CGN boat cruise from Lausanne and be sure to stop at Evian (La Source), Château de Chillon (the impetus for Byron’s “Prisoner of Chillon”), Montreux (Freddie Mercury statue), or Vevey (Charlie Chaplin Museum). Slightly further by car, tour the Cailler Chocolate Factory and visit Gruyères (home to foundue and the HR Giger Museum).

Best place for families:

Walk along La Petite Corniche in the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces for the view. Most owners don’t mind if you walk through the vineyards. Stop at Le Deck or at one of the many maisons for a glass of wine (“Prenez un verre”). Swim in Lake Geneva (Lac Léman; jump in from anywhere, really) or rent SUP boards. Wander the farmers’ markets for seasonal delectable produce. In winter, ski or snowshoe (“raquette”). In any season, go hiking. The views of the Alps are phenomenal and “cottage country” life abounds.

My fav restaurants:

For Canadians, try rotisserie chicken at an original “Swiss Chalet”, the Auberge de Dully in Dully. Or enjoy the locally-sourced filets de perche at Café de la Poste or Fondue Bacchus at Le Léman, both in Lutry.

My tip for visitors:

Check events calendars in Switzerland for your travel dates. There are globally renowned festivals and annual events. To not miss my faves, I plan my travels 12 months in advance. My top travel tip: Don’t forget to pack good walking shoes!