Oh Canada

There has been much discussion about Canada, and the depth of patriotism among its people. This has brought back memories of some of the most unforgettable journeys I have taken, many of which were within our own borders. I have been fortunate to visit every province and territory, and while some hold greater appeal than others, there is not a single place in this country that I did not appreciate in some way.

The first time I travelled west, I visited Vancouver before making my way to Victoria, and further north on the island. One of the most remarkable sights was Cathedral Grove, a protected forest with towering trees as wide as automobiles, reaching skyward in a display of nature’s grandeur.

A flight five hours north from Edmonton brought me to Tuktoyaktuk, a destination that was never on my list of must-see places, yet it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.

Another adventure in the north led me to Thompson, Manitoba, where I checked into the Mystery Lake Hotel. Earlier that day, I had attended meetings in Winnipeg, dressed in a suit, and upon arriving at my hotel, I set my bags down and went in search of a meal.

Stepping into the dining room was like walking onto the set of a film. The noise, once loud and lively, dropped to complete silence as every patron turned to look at the unfamiliar man in a suit. Through the thick haze of cigarette smoke, I spotted an exotic dancer performing at the far end of the room. Not fitting in with this crowd, I backed out discreetly and found my way to a nearby A&W. The Papa Burger was delicious, even if I had to eat it sitting on the sidewalk, as the restaurant was a drive-in only.

Our easternmost province has always been a favourite of mine. Newfoundland, known as ‘The Rock,’ has drawn me back seventeen times, and never once have I tired of its scenery. The Avalon Peninsula, surrounding St. John’s, offers postcard-worthy views at every turn.

New Brunswick holds fond memories as well, with friendships that have lasted years. Many evenings were spent at Cy’s, enjoying lively conversations and warm hospitality. A visit to Magnetic Hill and watching the tides of the Bay of Fundy was unforgettable, yet nothing compared to my unexpected adventure in Edmundston. I had planned to stay two nights before heading to Fredericton for my flight home, but my rental car was blocked in. A nearby officer informed me that the Fromage Festival had just begun, and my car would not be accessible until Monday. There was little choice but to extend my stay at Keddy’s Motel, and immerse myself in a celebration of cheese.

The prairies possess their own charm, stretching endlessly in every direction. A night spent in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, gave me the opportunity to witness the northern lights in all their brilliance. The crisp air, free from city lights, made for an awe-inspiring display. The following morning, I visited a small zoo, expecting to see animals typical of the region. Instead, I was met with cows, sheep, and pigs. The zookeeper explained that these were uncommon sights for local children, making the exhibit a valuable learning experience.

The drive back to Regina left a lasting impression. The road stretched flat and empty for miles. The city lights appeared on the horizon, leading me to believe I would arrive soon. A sudden siren broke the silence, and in my rear-view mirror, I spotted an RCMP cruiser. It seemed I had lost track of my speed, clocking in at 135 km/h. The officer was kind enough to issue only a warning, advising me to watch my speedometer. The vast openness had played tricks on my sense of movement, and to my surprise, Regina was still two hours away.

A journey through the Rocky Mountains brought its own set of experiences. The drive from Jasper to Banff, meant to take six hours, stretched to twelve. A thick layer of fresh snow covered the road. Mule deer, barely visible above the drifts, wandered into the path, forcing me to stop every few metres to encourage them to move along. At one such pause, while making my way back to the car, a massive black bear emerged from the trees. Terror set in, but the bear, equally startled, kept moving. I wasted no time getting back into the safety of my vehicle.

Bears have been a common theme in my travels, none more striking than my time in Churchill, Manitoba. Spending a week among polar bears remains one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. These impressive animals, stretching three metres from nose to tail, roamed freely. Cubs played among low shrubs, while watchful adults surveyed their surroundings. Timing was crucial, as there is only a brief period before they make their way to the shores of Hudson Bay, preparing for the journey across the ice. I was fortunate to witness more than a dozen in their natural setting.

Canada offers experiences unlike any other place. From the rugged coastlines to the open plains, from the towering forests to the northern tundra, this country holds an abundance of wonders. It is easy to understand why others might envy what we have, not only the land itself, but also the welcoming spirit of those who call it home.

My family chose to move to Canada when I was young, and when I think of all the places in the world we could have gone, I am grateful we chose this one.