OHHH CANADA!
I purchased my van with the intention of traveling all around the United States, but I never really considered Canada as a van destination. I’m not sure why, I loved visiting Vancouver and Victoria in high school. After traveling in my van in Canada every summer, I would seriously consider buying a summer home there. The country is beautiful in the summertime, and the people overall seem more diverse (more Muslims and Indians in the mix). Canadians have more of a relaxed attitude than my fellow 'Mericans.
I started my first Canada van trip in Niagara Falls State Park.
2017 Niagra Falls State Park
Heading North
After visiting Niagara Falls, I traveled north to Toronto and then east to Montreal.
Les Canadiens de Montréal a.k.a. the Habs
I had to catch a hockey game while I was in Montreal! It was a fun and exciting experience. I had never seen so many French-speaking people passionate about sporting events. The Montreal Canadiens are one of the most popular teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). They have a long and storied history, dating back to their founding in 1909. The Canadiens have won 24 Stanley Cups, more than any other team in the NHL.
The game was at the Bell Centre, which is home to the Canadiens. The Bell Centre is a large and impressive arena. It can seat over 21,000 people. The atmosphere at the game was electric. The fans were cheering and chanting throughout the game. I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience a Canadiens game. It was a great way to learn more about Canadian culture and experience the passion of Canadian hockey fans.
AAAAAAAALLEZ MONTREAAAL!
2018 2nd Van Trip to Canada
I traveled to Canada, arriving from Montana and then driving to Alberta, where I spent a long time in Banff. Banff is a resort town in Alberta, located within Banff National Park. The town is dominated by the peaks of Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade, which are part of the Rocky Mountains. The main street in Banff is Banff Avenue, which is lined with boutiques, restaurants, chateau-style hotels, and souvenir shops. The surrounding 6,500 square kilometers of parkland are home to wildlife such as elk and grizzly bears.
The northernmost location I visited was Jasper National Park in Canada. Désolé, je voulais dire le parc national du Canada Jasper. Beautiful place! Jasper National Park is a national park in Alberta, Canada. It is the largest national park within Alberta's Rocky Mountains spanning 11,000 km2 (4,200 sq mi). It was established as a national park in 1930 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Its location is north of Banff National Park and west of Edmonton. The park contains the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, springs, lakes, waterfalls and mountains.
Banff National Park WOW!
Including Lake Louise and sister Lake Moraine, the most beautiful place in Canada! Maybe on Earth?
Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada. The park is home to a variety of stunning scenery, including Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. These two lakes are often described as being among the most beautiful places in the world.
Lake Louise is a large, glacial lake that is located in the heart of Banff National Park. The lake is known for its turquoise water, which is caused by the glacial flour that is suspended in the water. Lake Louise is also home to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a luxury hotel that offers stunning views of the lake.
Lake Moraine is a smaller lake that is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks, and its water is a deep blue color. Lake Moraine is a popular destination for hikers and campers, and it is also a popular spot for weddings and other special events.
Both Lake Louise and Lake Moraine are stunningly beautiful places that are sure to take your breath away. If you are looking for a truly unforgettable experience, be sure to visit these two lakes during your trip to Banff National Park.
Prior to my recent trip to Canada, I had never heard of Banff. I was not prepared for the beauty of the town and the surrounding national park. The campground photo I took looks staged, but it is an accurate representation of the stunning scenery.
Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and the flagship of the nation’s park system. It is a vast and beautiful wilderness area that is home to a variety of stunning scenery, including snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and a picture-perfect mountain town and village. The park is also home to abundant wildlife, including deer, bears, moose, and woodpeckers.
I personally love Banff National Park in the summer. The weather is perfect for hiking and biking, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. I also enjoy the fact that the park is well-maintained, with clean campgrounds and excellent shower facilities.
Wildlife Crossings
Banff National Park is a world-renowned destination for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. However, the park is also home to a major highway, the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH). This highway poses a significant risk to wildlife, as animals are often killed when they attempt to cross the road.
In an effort to reduce wildlife mortality, Parks Canada has constructed a series of wildlife crossings along the TCH. These crossings provide safe passage for animals to cross the highway, and they have been shown to be very effective in reducing wildlife deaths.
One study found that the wildlife crossings in Banff National Park have reduced wildlife mortality by 80%. This is a significant reduction, and it has helped to protect the park's wildlife population.
The wildlife crossings in Banff National Park are a success story, and they provide a model for other areas that are trying to reduce wildlife mortality. These crossings are an important part of conservation efforts, and they are helping to protect the park's wildlife for future generations.
2019 3rd Van Trip to Canada
I came up to Canada from Washington State passing through my old stomping grounds in Seattle. While driving through Seattle, I couldn't resist the urge to try the iconic Dick's Deluxe Burger and Ivar's Chowder combo. I'm happy to report that it was everything I had hoped it would be and more! The burger was juicy and flavorful, and the chowder was rich and creamy. It was the perfect combination of comfort food and local flavor.
Vancouver, B.C.
After Seattle, I proceeded to Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia. It is one of Canada's most ethnically diverse and densely populated cities. It is a popular filming location, surrounded by mountains, and also has thriving art, theatre and music scenes. I stayed at an RV campground just below the Lions Gate Bridge, which was opened in 1938 and officially known as the First Narrows Bridge. This suspension bridge crosses the first narrows of Burrard Inlet and connects the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, to the North Shore municipalities of the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, and West Vancouver. The term "Lions Gate" refers to the Lions, a pair of mountain peaks north of Vancouver. Northbound traffic on the bridge heads in their general direction. A pair of cast concrete lions, designed by sculptor Charles Marega, were placed on either side of the south approach to the bridge in January 1939.
Fan of Trudeau
As a frequent visitor to Canada, I have been following the news about Justin Trudeau for many years. I believe that the United States would be well-served by electing a young leader with a similar style.
Trudeau was first elected to the House of Commons in 2008, at the age of 36. His youth and energy have made him a popular figure among young Canadians. He is also seen as a progressive leader who is willing to embrace new ideas and technologies.
Of course, Trudeau is not without his flaws. He has been criticized for his use of blackface and for his father's legacy as a politician. However, I believe that his good qualities outweigh his bad qualities and that he would be a successful leader in the 21st century.