From Coast To Coast

September, 2025

Phew! We have been back in Canada since the middle of May… almost 5 months…

In that time, we have travelled to 9 of our 10 provinces (we missed Ontario). For me - some for the first time. Here is what I have learned.

I love Canada. I am so happy to be back in Canada. What a beautiful country. It has been a long time since we have travelled “in country”. It is amazing how much less stressful it is compared to travelling “out of country”. Everything is easy and familiar. And expensive.

After living in Japan and travelling in Asia, sticker shock is a real thing! Inflation skyrocketed while we were away and it was noticeable - grocery stores and restaurants - and then there is tipping. Yeesh. That was also difficult to get used to.

Our first stop back in Canada was Montreal. It was here that we realized that those machines that make it easy for you by letting you tap 18% - 20% - etc were asking for tips on the meal and your tax! We learned this because Quebec has made it against the law. Man - I actually kind of felt violated by this. So now - every gratuity I give is calculated in my little old head…

There is something to be said for the familiarity of your own country. Although I am not a crazed Tim Hortons fan, there is something comforting about seeing them along the way when you are travelling in Canada. And it is true about the east coast - I am sure there was a Timmy’s every 2 blocks! Having said that, there is actually a Tim Hortons in Dubai!

Another observation I made was how much slower the pace feels compared to travelling 20 years ago. Then, it was either a vacation and at the end of it was the return of work and school and “real life”. Or -  we had to arrive somewhere in time for something. I wish I had realized back then how precious those moments were with my family and sat back and took it all in. 

Now, the pace is relaxed and we can stop at that view point or not panic (as much) when we are behind a Sunday driver! Since back in Canada, we have travelled over 12,000 kms - Over 7,000 on our new car (that we have to share - not sure I like it) and over 5,000 on our rental car touring the maritimes. 

NOTE: I was almost hit by a car taking this shot - lol!

Every place we went - okay not ever place - sorry Saskatchewan - I was like…”I could live here”. 

NOTE: Saskatchewan does have Houston's Pizza which holds a special place in our heart.

I LOVED Vancouver Island - the beauty - the pace - the vibe. Shout out to the Aasman’s for the amazing accommodations! I could live here! 

Added BONUS - a visit with a previous band geek!!

And literally a month later we were on a ferry to spend a week in Newfoundland - OMG. Again - gorgeous - amazing food - and the best vibe. I could totally live here!

I do love the mountains. I actually saw them for the first time when I was 24 years old - I cried the first time I saw them. For my boys, the mountains are home. 

For me (Manitoba born) it’s water - lakes to be specific. But man - the ocean is a great runner up. I love water - I feel a sense of wonder and peace at the same time. So obviously after hitting both coasts - I am all about living on either Vancouver Island or Newfoundland!! Ha Ha! I would settle for Nova Scotia - I actually think it is the most beautiful province in Canada.

And then there is PEI - so beautiful - not as much my vibe - but Anne of Green Gables… that is so much a part of my childhood. It was such a cool experience to wander through the heritage park and read the many quotes from the books. 

As is often the case these days… we ran into students from past years and met up for a meal in Moncton.  New Brunswick was way more beautiful than I expected and less expensive than Nova Scotia… Hmmmm…. Should I say it?

In June we drove (through Saskatchewan) to Winnipeg to visit family and friends. Such a beautiful city in the summer - truly… and one of the first things we did was FINALLY go to a Blue Bomber game in the NEW (built 12 years ago) stadium. It was a beautiful night and it felt like home. I could live here…. 

Manitoba is home… Both Mark and I grew up here… we have family, friends and it is so familiar.

Did I mention we also hit wine country? Finally - at the end of July - Kelowna - amazing! SO much fun! So much wine! I could live here… later retracted after the islands and really - it is just tooo hot!

We also visited Montreal a second time when both our boys were there… taking in a CFL game “Go Bombers” with the whole clan!

In the end, as we head to the UK for three weeks, we still don’t know where we will end up. It won’t likely be as cool as Tofino or a coastal village in Newfoundland… but as my husband said to me back in the 80’s (before he was my husband) “Never say never”!