Our Summer Plans

Our Summer Plans

June 29, 2016

I remember growing up, wayyyy up north in Alberta, so far north that seeing the aurora borealis was a regular occurrence. So regular that they became boring. Crazy, right? People spend thousands upon thousands of dollars chasing them all over the world and I commonly had them dancing across my backyard. My mom would call out to us girls when they were particularly nice so that we could emerge from our rooms to see, and more often than not, I ignored her.

They were just normal to me. I didn’t for one second think of them as special, nor do I think I even realized that few in the world got to see them. I just assumed everyone did. (I’m pretty sure I must have slept through the science class in school that discussed how rare they actually are on the planet.)

And so the story goes that to really appreciate what you have, you need to travel. It wasn’t until we got on the road (and have chased the aurora in other parts of the world), that I realized how special it was to grow up where I did. Or how beautiful Alberta really is. The mountains, the prairies, the dynamic cities, all of it.

Now that I have seen the world, I want to know more of my own home.

Canada is a HUGE country – as if you haven’t noticed – it’s the second biggest on the planet. And even though we’ve hit almost every province, we have seen very little. And as we approach Canada’s 150th birthday next year (we’re so young!), Pete and I have decided to make a concerted effort to see more of it.

Starting this summer, we are diving into a region that we have barely touched in the past – we are off to Atlantic Canada!

Source
Source

In just a week after I return from this trip, Pete and I will head to New Brunswick, then onto PEI and Nova Scotia. And we’re not just in and out, which is what we are most excited about, this is our WHOLE SUMMER. We’re spending at least two weeks in each province, and taking our time getting to know the area. We’ll be watching whales and eating and kayaking and hiking and eating and road tripping and probably more eating. (Although I am not a seafood eater, so I was worried they wouldn’t let me in at all. But I am assured it is all amazing.)

Canada is so large, and so incredibly diverse. It’s about time we got to know it better.

Dalene
 
 
 
 
P.S. I know we have some Atlantic Canada readers among you. Get in touch and we’d love to meet you along the way!

12 Comments

  1. My husband and I are heading to the Calgary Stampede and Glacier National Park this summer and hopefully NFLD next summer. You should visit Lake Nipigon and Lake Superior on boats you can sleep on. We have done both! They are amazing lakes to explore but also respect due to their size and potential fierceness! Have a great summer! Looking forward to your posts!

  2. That sounds wonderful! And cooler, temp-wise.

    Having just discovered the beauty that is Lake Michigan and the western shore of the state, I’m now going to read your Great Lakes posting. Thanks!

  3. If you need any help with anything Newfoundland related, I’m happy to help. 🙂 If you make it as far as St. John’s, look me up.

  4. My family moved from New Brunswick to Newfoundland 4 years ago. We love it here. If you would like to have a tour guide for some of the local attractions in and around St. John’s, and especially along the amazing East Coast Hiking Trail, please just let us know. We would be happy to show you around.

  5. Ahhh I can’t wait to read more about Canada! I’ve explored so little of it (Quebec a couple times, BC, Alberta) and am dying to see more of your region in addition to the far north. Congrats on having a bit more of a chill summer than summers past!

  6. Oh, yay! I have loved every place I’ve visited in Canada, but haven’t been further east than Montreal…looking forward to your posts for sure!

    I totally get what you mean about exploring home…I have 1 year left in the Midwest and trying to see everything has become a bit daunting!

  7. I am so excited for you guys! I travelled through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI for only about 3 weeks but loved it. It’s definitely a region I want to return to see more, especially to make it to Newfoundland next time

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