Canada has become my second home. From the moment I arrived in Surrey, British Columbia, I knew this vast and beautiful country would leave an indelible mark on my heart. What I didn't know was just how much of it I would come to explore and love.
Vancouver & Surrey: My Canadian Home
Surrey became my base—a diverse, vibrant city that felt surprisingly welcoming from day one. Living there gave me easy access to Vancouver, with its stunning combination of mountains, ocean, and urban sophistication.
I fell in love with Stanley Park, the seawall walks, Granville Island markets, and the incredible food scene that reflects Vancouver's multicultural soul. But it was the mountains calling in the distance that eventually drew me to explore more.
The Canadian Rockies: Banff & Beyond
Nothing prepares you for the Canadian Rockies. Photos don't do justice to standing at Moraine Lake, watching the impossibly turquoise water reflect snow-capped peaks. It's the kind of beauty that makes you understand why people believe in something greater.
I visited Banff and Lake Louise in both summer and winter. Summer brought hiking, wildlife spotting, and those famous lake colors. Winter transformed everything into a snow-covered wonderland where I couldn't resist making snow angels in the fresh powder.
Cold Lake Adventures: Airshows & Alberta
One of my most unexpected Canadian adventures was a trip to Cold Lake, Alberta, for the air show featuring the Frecce Tricolori—the Italian Air Force aerobatic team. We had VIP access, and watching those jets paint the sky with red, white, and green smoke was absolutely breathtaking.
From Cold Lake, we explored Edmonton and made the drive to Drumheller to visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum. As someone who loved dinosaurs as a kid, walking through those exhibits filled with actual dinosaur fossils was a dream come true. The museum is world-class and absolutely worth the detour.
Eastern Canada: Quebec & Ontario
Mont Tremblant in Quebec charmed me with its European village feel and stunning fall colors. Ottawa, our nation's capital, impressed me with its history, museums, and the beautiful Parliament Hill. Toronto brought big city energy, diverse neighborhoods, and endless things to explore.
Pickering: My Ontario Family
But the heart of my Ontario connection is Pickering, where my dear friend and her family live. Every year, I visit them, and it's become one of my most cherished traditions.
Going to pumpkin patches with her kids Rivia and Aerys, watching the leaves change, experiencing Canadian Thanksgiving—these moments have become some of my happiest memories. There's something magical about autumn in Ontario, and sharing it with people you love makes it even more special.
We've explored Niagara Falls together (both the Canadian and American sides!), wandered the charming streets of Port Perry, and discovered hidden gems throughout the region. Each visit adds new memories to our collection.
Canada: More Than a Place
Canada has given me mountains that humble me, lakes that inspire me, cities that excite me, and friends who have become family. It's a country of vast distances and even vaster hearts.
From the Pacific shores of British Columbia to the autumn colors of Ontario, from the prairies of Alberta to the historic streets of Quebec—I've only scratched the surface of what this incredible country has to offer. And I can't wait to discover more.
Places Mentioned
- Surrey, BC
- Vancouver, BC
- Banff National Park, AB
- Lake Louise, AB
- Moraine Lake, AB
- Cold Lake, AB
- Edmonton, AB
- Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller, AB
- Mont Tremblant, QC
- Ottawa, ON
- Toronto, ON
- Pickering, ON
- Niagara Falls, ON
- Port Perry, ON