Canada

I grew up in Toronto, which was where I sold everything I owned to embrace my dreams of long-term world travel. First, I took the train west across the country and explored Vancouver Island, before settling in Edmonton for seven months (much of which were spent in the Rocky Mountains near Jasper).
I have since gone back to Canada to visit family and friends, and also to do some further explorations.

This is the Best Way to Visit Newfoundland

How Best to Visit Newfoundland

In this article I discuss the best way to visit Newfoundland (spoiler alert: it’s by boat), along with insights into the history, language, and culture of Newfoundland.

A Moment in Time on a Toronto Subway

Toronto

Amidst a sea of people buried in their iPhones and MP3 players, I see something on a Toronto subway that warms my heart and reminds me of the city I left five years ago.

Toronto Pride Parade: A Photo Essay

Toronto Pride Parade Canada Flag

Here are some impressions and colourful shots of the Toronto Pride Parade, attracting over a million people on a hot sunny Sunday afternoon.

Canada AM recap

For those who missed it, here is a (poorly captured by yours truly – sorry for the mouse hand on the screen) rendition of my appearance on Canada AM this morning. The powers that be liked it enough that I think you’ll be seeing me a few more times on … Read More

Canadian versus Australian Coins

Here is a conversation I had with an Aussie mate the other day: Me: “Do you have a nickel?” Aussie Mate: “A what?” Me: “A nickel”. Aussie Mate: “A what?” Me: “Oh for god’s sake. A nickel! You know – a five-cent piece!” Aussie Mate: “OH! You mean a five-cent … Read More

Canadian Wild Animals Abound

Turtle crossing sign - Canadian wild animals abound!

This post about Canadian Wild Animals was originally published in 2009, during my first visit back to Canada after two years abroad. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.  Although my week in nature’s heaven of Muskoka was relaxing, the weather wasn’t exactly co-operative. We had … Read More

Sailing Away on the Segwun in Muskoka

Okay, so we weren’t exactly sailing, nor did we go away per se. But we were on the Segwun, nonetheless. Here’s what this historic boat ride is like. This post was originally published in 2009. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.  After arriving in Toronto, … Read More

The World’s Shortest Ferry Ride

This post about taking the world’s shortest ferry ride was originally published in 2009. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. Mums are the best, and mine is no exception. Upon hearing that I was going to travel up to Toronto from New York City via … Read More

A Few More Differences Between Edmonton vs Toronto

You may remember from my earlier post about Edmonton, I identified some of the many charming (and otherwise) new experiences I had when I came out here. Having spent the summer in Edmonton now, I have discovered yet more differences between Edmonton vs Toronto, Alberta vs Ontario, West vs East. … Read More

Why Anybody Would Think Caving is Cool.

My last post on The Ominous Disaster Point caving experience was a recount of the actual events of the weekend and our caving experience. But I have spoken to many people (both before and since I wrote the article) who have cited me as being just plain crazy for caving … Read More

Disaster Point: An Ominous Caving Experience

This post about Disaster Point cave was originally published in 2007. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.  A little over a year ago, I came out to Alberta for a visit. During that time, Kelly & I made a getaway to the mountains near Jasper. … Read More

Da Simple Life, Da Island Life

This post about discovering the island life in Hawaii was originally published in 2007. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.  It appears that we have nailed down the next step to our adventure; and it takes us to (of all places) Hawaii! Island life will … Read More

Climbing Mount Richardson: Don’t Look Down

When you are traversing a spiny ridge over 10,000 feet in the air, with an incredibly steep rocky scree slope on one side and cliffs overlooking thin air on the other side, and the wind is blowing fiercely, there is but one golden rule to live by: Don’t Look Down! … Read More

The Other Side of the First Class Curtain

Warning: This is not an educational article. Are you interested in the secrets of travel in First Class? Check out this post to apply a science to get there: A Beginner’s Guide to Frequent Flyer Miles and How to Start Travel Hacking Like a Pro This post was originally published in … Read More

The Gritty Grotto Mountain

This post about the hike up Grotto Mountain in Alberta Canada was originally published in 2007. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.  Part of the joy of mountaineering is the sense of accomplishment and elation you get when you get to the top….and then back … Read More

Rock Climbing in Hidden Valley

The last two weekends running, I have been in the mountains. Last weekend was at Hidden Valley near Jasper, where I accompanied a few members of the Alpine Club of Canada on a traditional multi-pitch rock climbing trip with an instructional bent. This weekend past was to “scramble” up Grotto … Read More

The Mountains are so Much More Than Jasper and Banff

This post about my adventures in Jasper and Banff was originally published in 2007. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. So we’ve already determined that I am a mountain person extraordinaire. But we weren’t so sure I was a camping person. My last experience camping … Read More

Edmonton: Even The Eggs Are Different

Edmonton: It’s amazing what 3000 kms and 3 provinces will do for changing the landscape….. And I don’t mean just the physical landscape. Although if you’ve seen the Rocky Mountains you needn’t go any further to know that you’re in a drastically different place. What I’m talking about are the … Read More

Sleepless in Vancouver – and Beyond

This post about backpacking through Vancouver was originally published in 2007. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.  Travelling on public transportation with massive backpacks can be fun. No really. Laden with 50lb packs and a positive attitude, we boarded the bus-to-the-ferry-to-the-bus-to-the-bus to the Vancouver hostel. … Read More

Courtenay: The Journey to Victoria Via a Little Place Called Home

Courtenay (on Vancouver Island) is actually a place we could call home. This post was originally published in 2007. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. After a few rainy days in Ucluelet and Tofino we decided to make our way back towards the eastern side … Read More

Ucluelet: Visiting the Quintesssential Tongue Twister

Ucluelet (pronounced yoo-cloo-lit…say that five times fast) was yet another unplanned locale for us. Our efforts were originally directed towards Tofino, which is the popular northern town on the western peninsula of Vancouver Island. However we had trouble finding available accommodations there, and in the spirit of “rolling with the … Read More

BC Friendliness (Vancouver Island)

This post about Vancouver Island was originally published in 2007. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.   I’ve said it over and over to people, and now I’m truly seeing and realizing it: Canada has so much to offer. From one coast to the other, … Read More

A Ferry Big Mistake

If somebody tells you “It’s worth its weight in gold to pay the extra cash for a cabin” – listen to them. The ferry ride from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy (on Vancouver Island) is a 20 hour adventure, taking passengers through the beautiful inside passage. Lush mountains covered in … Read More

Prince Rupert: A Town of Friendly Faces

An impromptu stay for longer than expected in Prince Rupert certainly paid off in spades. “Jimmy The Janitor” was the first friendly face, stopping his busy rounds to chat with us about the town.“If you aren’t afraid of work, and you have a business you like, you’ll do well here,” … Read More

Taking the Train Across Canada

Wow. Is the train ever the way to travel! So many people dream of taking a train across Canada. Yet so few seem to do it. Strong Travel Recommendation: If you have the time and ability to travel across the country, take the train! It’s the way to go in … Read More

How Do You Get Rid of 30 Years of Stuff?

This post about selling all my stuff was originally published in 2007. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.  We are sitting amidst makeshift furniture, boxes, piles of “stuff” scattered everywhere; we are moving! Well, not so much moving as liquidating.Currently we are working towards separating … Read More