Drew Scott, the beloved co-host of HGTV’s hit renovation series Property Brothers, recently traded the hustle of television production for the cherished intimacy of family time, returning to his hometown of Vancouver, Canada. The heartwarming excursion saw Scott sharing a collection of candid and picturesque moments with his wife, Linda Phan, and their two young children, Parker and Piper, through a series of engaging Instagram posts on Thursday, April 16th, 2026. The shared snapshots offered a glimpse into a deeply personal trip, one that blended professional nostalgia with the simple joys of parenthood.
A Tour Through Childhood Memories
Scott’s Instagram post, which quickly garnered enthusiastic responses from fans, was accompanied by a caption that beautifully articulated the sentiment of the trip: "Throwback to playing tour guide in my hometown and seeing #Vancouver through my kids’ eyes!" This statement underscored the unique perspective of revisiting familiar landscapes through the innocent wonder of his children. The initial image presented in the carousel was particularly touching, depicting Phan tenderly holding the hands of Parker and Piper as they stood on a rugged, rocky shoreline, a quintessential Vancouver vista.
Beyond this poignant family portrait, Scott’s shared content painted a vivid tapestry of their Canadian adventure. Viewers were treated to a breathtaking video montage capturing the majestic mountain scenery of British Columbia, filmed from the vantage point of a boat. Further slides documented the children’s experiences on an airplane, their delight at observing sea lions perched on a buoy, and their general exploration of Vancouver’s vibrant urban environment. These visual narratives effectively conveyed the essence of a family reconnecting with its roots and creating new memories against a familiar, yet newly appreciated, backdrop.
The outpouring of fan reactions underscored the public’s affection for Scott and his family. Comments ranged from warm welcomes like "Welcome home!" to appreciative observations such as "Nice photos. Beautiful days." Many expressed a sense of pride in their shared Canadian heritage, with one fan exclaiming, "Being from BC is awesome!! Love my province!" The sentiment of lasting memories was also a recurring theme, as one commenter gushed, "What an absolutely beautiful and fun trip that you got to have with your amazing family Drew! So many wonderful and lasting memories that you and the kids will have for a lifetime." This collective enthusiasm highlights the deep connection Scott has forged with his audience, who not only follow his professional endeavors but also invest in his personal milestones.
A Return to the Roots of Acting
Scott’s presence in Canada was not solely for leisure. The trip coincided with his participation in a guest role on the Season 19 finale of the critically acclaimed Canadian historical crime drama, Murdoch Mysteries. The episode, which aired on Monday, April 13th, marked a significant return to Scott’s acting roots. He shared his reflections on this professional endeavor via Instagram, accompanying behind-the-scenes photos with a heartfelt narrative about his evolving career path.
"You never know where life takes you. I was in musical theater as a kid, studied acting as a young adult and then shifted into hosting for almost 20 years," Scott explained, tracing his journey from the performing arts to the world of television hosting. This introspection revealed a deep-seated passion for acting that has persisted throughout his career.
The opportunity to guest star as Cecil Winchester on Murdoch Mysteries was a chance Scott embraced with immediate enthusiasm. He expressed his gratitude for the experience, stating, "When the chance came to guest star as Cecil Winchester on @cbcmurdoch with my good friend @yannick_bisson, I said yes before they finished the sentence!" Scott further elaborated on the transformative nature of the role, noting, "This role pushed me in ways I didn’t expect and reminded me why I fell in love with acting in the first place. Thank you to the cast and crew who made me feel at home from day one." This sentiment underscores the profound impact that creative endeavors can have, reigniting dormant passions and reaffirming artistic identity.
Navigating Grief with Family Support
Amidst the joy of family reunions and professional achievements, the Scott family has recently faced a profound personal tragedy: the passing of Linda Phan’s mother, Barb, earlier in 2026. The news of Barb’s death was shared by Drew Scott via Instagram on February 5th, conveying a deep sense of sorrow and loss.
"My heart is broken. We have lost one of the most beautiful, kind and selfless people this planet has ever seen," Scott wrote in his heartfelt tribute. He further emphasized Linda’s mother’s unique qualities and the premature nature of her departure, stating, "Linda’s mom is truly one of a kind and was taken from us far too soon." The post painted a vivid picture of Barb’s role as a matriarch, highlighting her unwavering support for her family, including her ten grandchildren.
Scott expressed his feelings of helplessness in comforting his wife and her family during this difficult period but found solace in the enduring power of cherished memories. "I feel helpless in trying to comfort Linda and her family but know memories of all the beautiful times with Habu will live on with us forever. You were always there for us and all 10 grandkids. The hardest thing for me is to know we won’t have you here to see Parker and Piper grow into strong and compassionate adults like you. I love you. I miss you." The nickname "Habu," affectionately used by the grandchildren, further illustrated the deep and personal connection they shared with Barb.
In an interview with People magazine conducted the month prior to the Vancouver trip, Drew Scott opened up further about the devastating loss. "It’s very sad. It was very unexpected," he told the publication, reiterating the nickname "Habu" and its significance. He emphasized Barb’s integral role in the lives of all ten of her grandchildren, underscoring the void her absence has created. This public acknowledgment of grief serves not only as a cathartic process for the family but also as an important reminder of the human element behind public figures, showcasing their capacity for profound personal experiences.
A Look Ahead: Continued Success and Family Resilience
Drew Scott continues to be a prominent figure in the home renovation and design space, currently starring in HGTV’s Property Brothers: Under Pressure alongside his twin brother, Jonathan Scott. The show, which airs on Sundays at 9/8c, has garnered a significant following, testament to the enduring appeal of the Scott brothers’ dynamic and their ability to transform homes and lives.
The recent Vancouver trip, juxtaposed with the somber reflection on the loss of Linda’s mother, showcases the Scott family’s resilience and their commitment to cherishing both professional milestones and personal connections. The ability to navigate such profound life events while maintaining a public presence speaks to their strength as a family unit. The shared moments in Vancouver, captured and disseminated through social media, serve as a powerful reminder that even amidst the glitz and glamour of television, the fundamental bonds of family and the creation of lasting memories remain paramount. As Drew Scott continues his multifaceted career, his dedication to family, coupled with his enduring passion for storytelling and design, promises to keep him a beloved and relatable figure for years to come. The lessons learned from both the joy of revisiting his hometown through his children’s eyes and the profound experience of navigating grief will undoubtedly continue to shape his perspective, both personally and professionally.
