Travel

Airports

Brussels Airport is the nearest international airport. There are frequent direct flights from Montreal, and depending on your travel dates, you may also find direct flights from Toronto.

Alternatively, you can fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

While you’re here, if you want to explore more of what Europe has to offer, Brussels South Charleroi Airport and Lille Airport are also great options, offering a variety of low-cost flights across the continent.

Getting around

Cars

Rental cars are readily available, including at Brussels Airport. While there are alternative options for getting around Belgium, rental cars offer the most flexibility. Keep in mind that while Uber is available, it’s not as common as in North America. This may result in higher prices or difficulty finding a driver, especially outside larger cities. For those looking for a traditional taxi in and around Kortrijk, we recommend Taxi Leiedal.

Public transport

Trains are a convenient way to explore cities in and outside of Belgium. You can purchase your tickets online. If you plan to take multiple train trips or are traveling in groups, the "standard multi" option offers great value for money in Belgium. You can also take a train across the border to venture into France, the UK, and the Netherlands. Alternatively, you can hop on a Flixbus to uncover neighbouring countries.

Biking

Biking is a wonderful way to discover the region. Since this is a more rural area, there are plenty of charming routes that offer safe and scenic cycling. Loes' family has a few regular and electric bikes available, or you can rent bikes. This website makes it easy to map out a beautiful tour and avoid busy streets. If you’d like any assistance, feel free to ask Loes—while geography isn’t her strong suit, she has a kind and knowledgeable dad who would be happy to help!

Where to stay

Parkhotel Kortrijk

Parkhotel is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of Kortrijk. It’s conveniently positioned near the highway, just a 13-minute drive from the wedding venue, and directly across from the train station.

This makes it an ideal starting point for anyone interested in exploring nearby cities by train: Bruges (50 minutes), Ypres (40 minutes), Ghent (40 minutes), Antwerp (1 hour 30 minutes), and Brussels (1 hour 15 minutes), Lille (in France, 40 minutes). For those who prefer to relax, the hotel’s wellness facilities are highly recommended.

The hotel has blocked rooms for our guests, so be sure to use the code PHK25LL to receive a discount when booking directly on their website. Payment is made upon arrival, and cancellations are allowed up to 11 AM on the day of arrival. Parking is available at €15 per day.

Last but not least: Parkhotel is renowned for its breakfast, which is included with your stay. Speaking from experience—after enjoying their breakfast buffet more than once—you won't want to skip it. Be sure to come hungry!

Other suggestions

Another hotel we recommend nearby is Blue Woods Hotel in Deerlijk.
If you’re planning to book with a group of friends or family, this vacation home with space for up to 14 people and hottub might be exactly what you’re looking for.
If a cozy bed and breakfast is more your style, we can recommend this spot.
For those seeking a more personal experience, some of Loes' friends and family would be happy to welcome you and spoil their Canadian guests in the comfort of their homes. Don’t hesitate to ask us for more information!

Another hotel we recommend nearby is Blue Woods Hotel in Deerlijk.
If you’re planning to book with a group of friends or family, this vacation home with space for up to 14 people and hottub might be exactly what you’re looking for.
If a cozy bed and breakfast is more your style, we can recommend this spot.
For those seeking a more personal experience, some of Loes' friends and family would be happy to welcome you and spoil their Canadian guests in the comfort of their homes. Don’t hesitate to ask us for more information!

Things to do

Tasting Belgium’s Breweries

When you think of Belgium, you think of beer culture! With around 300 breweries across the country, many of them welcome visitors. Lucas’ favorite beer, Omer, is brewed right in Kortrijk. However, please note that guided tours are only available in English for groups of more than 10 people. Let us know if you’re interested, and we’ll do our best to arrange a group visit if we meet the required number.

Other nearby breweries worth exploring, all of which have on-site restaurants, include Halve Maan in the heart of Bruges, Kasteel Brouwerij in Izegem, and Sint-Bernardus in Watou. While Sint-Bernardus doesn’t offer a traditional guided tour, they provide an interactive brewery experience. Every visit ends with a beer tasting, and most breweries also gift you a beer to take home.

Shopping Local in Loes’ Hometown

Don’t let Deerlijk’s small size fool you—our town has plenty to offer! If you’re in the mood for top-notch, artisanal Belgian chocolate, you must stop by Hannes D’heedene. Conveniently located right across from the church, it’s the perfect place to pop in before or after the wedding ceremony (just don’t forget to save some for the bride!).

Another local gem is Atelier Feryn, run by Loes’ childhood friend and her sisters. These talented ladies create beautiful, handmade handbags from buttery soft leather, with each piece being a limited edition. You can shop online or admire their collection of bags, jewelry, and gifts in person at their shop. Tip: Be sure to check their opening hours before you go.

While you’re in Deerlijk—or anywhere in Belgium—do yourself a favor and indulge in the offerings from local bakeries like Hanssens (also conveniently located across from the church). Loes’ favorite is the crèmekoek, a pastry filled with crème pâtissière and topped with powdered sugar. If you’re craving something savory, ask for a “broodje” —think Subway, but way better!

Discovering Kortrijk

The largest city in the vicinity is Kortrijk, a lively city waiting to be discovered. Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Lys River and then wander through the city center to see the iconic Belfry and relax at the Grote Markt.

Be sure to check out the Begijnhof, a charming medieval courtyard that adds to the city’s rich history. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping or soaking in the local culture, Kortrijk truly has something for everyone!

Exploring West- and East-Flanders

West and East Flanders offer some lovely biking and hiking trails, with routes winding through the Flemish Ardennes and the gentle hills of Heuvelland. Websites like RouteYou and Komoot are great for planning, and Loes’ parents are currently exploring local hikes and cycling routes to find the best options for our Canadian guests. We’ll update our website with their top picks as the wedding approaches. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to Loes with any questions!

Daytripping to Nearby Cities

If you’re in the mood for a day trip, you’re in luck—there’s a nearby city for every kind of experience! Whether you’re looking for rich history, vibrant fashion scenes, or a lively atmosphere, you’ll find it just a short train or car ride away. Consider visiting Ghent or Bruges for their historical charm, Antwerp for fashion and culture, Brussels for a mix of everything, or Ypres for its poignant World War I history.

Places to eat

While West-Flanders’ food culture isn’t as diverse as Toronto, we’re confident you won’t be going home hungry.

Belgium may have fewer fast food chains, but every town—no matter how small—has at least one frietkot (fries stand). You’ll find a variety of fried meats (Loes’ favorite is bitterballen, a croquette stuffed with chicken ragout) and, of course, fries!

For a local fast food favorite, we recommend Lucas’ pick: Burgerlijk in Deerlijk. Both frietkoten and Burgerlijk offer limited seating, so consider taking your food to-go.