My Canadian Bucketlist //
National Parks and Historic Sites and the TransCanada Trail
An itinerary of initial design that will likely morph as I venture on ‘The Great Trail’ - open to unplanned experiences off my beaten path.
Pacific Rim National Park
(British Columbia)
COMPLETED
Itinerary: Arriving by Ferry in Nanaimo, I’ll drive directly to Tofino to camp and settle on the second day. I’ll cycle the new, paved trail that connects the communities, weaving through the rain forest and along the shoreline, 40 km each way.
Goal: The most powerful shoreline I have ever experienced. Visiting the traditional lands of the Ucluelet First Nation. Having fish tacos at Tacofino and a bonfire on Chesterman Beach.
Waterton Lakes National Park
(Alberta)
Completed
Itinerary: Having just cycled the Trans Canada Trail near Kelowna, mountain biking in Fernie, living in the community and riding with locals, I’ll drive to Waterton Lakes and camp.
Goal: To witness what I have only heard as the true GEM of the Canadian Rockies. To hike, bike, SUP and camp.
Jasper National Park
(Alberta)
Completed
Itinerary: From Calgary and through Canmore, I’ll settle in Jasper to experience the northern portion of the Icefields Parkway and the mountain town charm of Jasper and surrounding area.
Goal: Japer has a crazy food scene, accessible trails all through the community, incredible sites and geological features like Maligne Canyon and Pyramid Lakes. I am excited to cycle and hike and dine.
Grasslands National Park
(Saskatchewan)
Completed
Itinerary: After time in Calgary with family and a work trip to Toronto, I’ll return to the adventure enroute to southern Saskatchewan, meeting a friend for 3 nights in an O-ten-tik in the National Park.
Goal: Hiking and biking, rest, the vast skies, campfires and fresh air. I have heard that the Grasslands have the most spectacular skies.
The Forks National Historic Site
(Manitoba)
Completed
Itinerary: Visiting Winnipeg and family and friends, I look forward to more urban experiences in this destination including the Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and a Food Tour.
Goal: Working remotely is part of this goal. I have witnessed and worked in this province, in tourism and with the newly created Manitoba Indigenous Tourism Association (MITA). I hope to meet colleagues that we have only connected via zoom and phone, to learn more about the cultures of the Cree, Ojibway, Dakota, Ojibway-Cree and Dene.
Churchill and the Visitor Info Centre of Wapusk National Park
(Manitoba)
Completed
Itinerary: A round-trip with VIA Rail from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba and three days to explore.
Goal: The Wapusk National Park is unfortunately not so easily accessible however there is a beautiful visitor center in Churchill, July 1st celebrations, and I am stoked to witness the Beluga Whales and ‘hang out’ with the community - learn, volunteer, engage and explore.
Point Pelee National Park
(Ontario)
Completed
Itinerary: From Winnipeg, I am excited to journey into Ontario through Thunder Bay and head south through the famed Manitoulin Island, over to Tobermory by Ferry to the shores of Lake Heron before arriving at Point Pelee National Park.
Goal: I have only heard of the white sand shoreline, the crystal clear waters and that this is the most southern point in Canada. Having worked and visited extremely northern points in our Nations arctic, this is appropo to do the extreme. SUP will be the highlight for sure.
Parc National Forillon
(Quebec)
Itinerary: After family visits in ON and a cultural immersion in Toronto, I’ll drive through Montreal initially, quickly visiting Quebec with the goal of experiencing the shores of Gaspé.
Goal: Breathe in the eastern sea air, learn of the culture and land of this place, mountain bike and hike extensively, visit with cherished friends who call this Park community home.
Fundy National Park
(New Brunswick)
Itinerary: After time in Quebec, I’ll travel south, through New Brunswick to Fundy.
Goal: I grew up on these shores of the Nova Scotia side but had never explored through the actual Park. I will visit friends, explore the coast and communities, cycle and beach comb. Maybe a boat ride too.
Prince Edward Island National Park
(Prince Edward Island)
Itinerary: From Fundy, I’ll take the Confederation Bridge to PEI.
Goal: The ultimate is to cycle across this National Park island from end to end and I’ll need to do more planning. I have visited the Home of Confederation and seen shows in Charlottetown - maybe post COVID those experiences will be available again, visit family and friends, and beach comb - my secret obsession.
Gros Morne National Park Of Canada
(NewFoundland)
Itinerary: A Ferry to this ROCK is the plan - with bikes and SUP in tow, driving from Kilmory Resort through Saint John’s to Gros Morne National Park.
Goal: I want to slow down here, visit friends, write and walk, explore shoreline communities, have a night on George Street to be sure, and take my time heading to Gros Morne for more hiking and learning and engaging with locals.
Kejimkujik National Park + National Historic Site
(Nova Scotia)
Itinerary: This National Park was a childhood staple for many families when I was a kid. I have never been. Summer camps and weekend trips were not part of my childhood but today, I want to experience this place that is so dear to my fellow bluenosers, and learn more about my own history.
Trans Canada Trail
(28,000 total km ~
aspiring to do 10% of the trail)
At June 27th, I have achieved 1/3 of my goal on the Great Trail. South-central Manitoba around Winnipeg and north has many km’s of trail and the weather is fantastic. I am constantly reminded that this trail connects all the destinations and communities that we get to call Canada and share with all its people. This destination isn’t one place but many of them - each time, feeling that link or lifeline that can connect and reconnect our nation - geographically, culturally, figuratively. Onward…
Photo by Nataliia Kvitovska / unsplash