My Canada plans
My grandfather was actually the one that put Canada on my bucket list. Every Friday I’d spend at my grandparents and stay overnight. Of course, I had my own room and we had our own cute rituals for our Friday nights, including watching Western movies. I don’t know why he never said “If we win the lottery we will go to the Wild West and shoot some bandits!”. Instead, when the lottery numbers were drawn on the television or whenever we bought cigarettes at the shop (he did not survive the treatment of his lung cancer due to nicotine addiction aka smoking) and submitted our lottery numbers, he always, ALWAYS, used to say “If we win the lottery, we will go to Canada and shoot some bears!” and I’d hesitantly reply “Yeah let’s go to Canada! But without shooting bears, please!”. Fast forward roughly 25 years. He is gone for exactly half of my life now and I will go to Canada on my own. I wear the wedding ring of my grandmother around my neck, so technically, they are always with me!
Vancouver and Vancouver Island
Well, originally I wanted to make my way from East to West, starting in Toronto and heading West by train with The Canadian. Turns out Canada is very expensive and I figured I’ll leave some things for later in my life! So I’ll head to Vancouver which was my main goal anyways. I’ll spend some days strolling the streets of this incredible city (how many days would you recommend?! I though about a week.) and then head over to Vancouver Island. My main focus lies in seeing as many big trees as possible while making my way to the trailhead near Port Renfrew to do the West Coast Trail.
Shout out to Colin Spratt who created the most inspiring Instagram account documenting and trying to save ancient trees around Vancouver! We might be soulmates but that’s another story.
Haida Gwaii
My next destination after visiting Vancouver Island. I’m still trying to figure out the timings and if I should fly or make my way up north to take two ferries of 16 and 8 hours to get there. The latter would be much more exciting with the chance to see a lot of sea life.
Rocky Mountains, Banff & Jasper
I just found out that there is a train leaving from Prince Rupert going to Jasper. I’m certain there is a connection to Banff from there. I’ll stay in the area for about four weeks and then take The Canadian from Banff back to Vancouver to head back to Europe.
That’s the plan for now. There is more to come!