Memories in British Columbia
I remember what it was like as if it was yesterday.
Five years ago, it was my first time traveling to a different country outside of the United States. Even though it was our beautiful neighbor up north — Canada, it was like a whole new world to me. There was so much beauty to discover, and so much to see, and after every subsequent visit after the first, I still couldn’t get enough of Canada.
I have traveled to British Columbia, and visited the cities and towns of Vancouver, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs, and Hope.
Everything about British Columbia fascinated me. It was a province right by the ocean, but also surrounded by mountains, with so many rivers and forests all around! It was like walking into a fairy tale. At least, if I was the princess in this story, British Columbia would be where I’d have my castle.
There was no sight more beautiful than the Canadian Rockies especially amongst the forests out there. I’ve traveled to Colorado, and while the mountain range is the same there, and Colorado has it’s own unique points of beauty, I am forever entranced by the nature of B.C.
It felt like the forests were alive all year round. It’s a silly statement to say out loud, since nature is never truly dead, but the trees had this beautiful bright green moss in winter. Even in the dead of winter, forests looked alive and bright. Even when it was rainy, there was something beautiful about going for a walk in the woods while it drizzled.
You could smell how pure the air was from all the surrounding trees, and when it rained, the smell of the rain in the forest was enchanting. I remember walking through the snow on trails and seeing the combination of the bright white snow amongst the mossy greens of the trees. Everything felt so vivid and peaceful. There was a serenity about being in the forests that I haven’t felt anywhere else but in these forests.
Nothing was dull about the forests in British Columbia. Everything came to life. I’ve visited in every season, and every season was beautiful in it’s own way.
In summer and fall, you could pick natural blackberries and blueberries off shrubs in the area and eat them straight from the bushes. In the spring, you could watch the rivers rise again. You could see everyone having parties by the river, and enjoying themselves. I got to see waterfalls, and climb up hills and mountains. It was an adventure, but it also my peace.
Prior to traveling to Canada, I never stepped foot in a natural body of water (pools don’t count) but I jumped in the Chilliwack river and took in the sunlight in the middle of summer looking at the mountains and trees that surrounded me.
The first time I visited Vancouver around July 2016, I climbed Grouse Mountain and that was the biggest challenge of my life, and I loved it. Through the sweat and tears and pain, I challenged myself and got closer to nature. As my heart beat pounded through my chest, I felt my connection as a human to this planet, enjoying the moments that were around me. When I got to the top of the mountain, there was a relief. The struggle ended, and was rewarded with a bright clear view from the top.
In Winter, I walked miles in feet deep of snow just to see the beauty of Chillwack Lake provincial park. The beauty was pristine. The water was clear, and everything felt right.
I felt fearless, and I love that feeling of taking on an adventure.
I met new friends out there, and got to enjoy some time in Vancouver at the Richmond Night Market with my friend Nina. It was great to be in the company of good people, and try all these new foods. It was like a huge Asian market, full of different foods and accessories and cute things to buy! I still remember getting these awesome blueberry flavored drinks inside these lightbulb shaped cups that sparkled.
Even the visit to Whole Foods in Vancouver was amazing. I got to try their own local Kombuchas, and different fruits that were locally sourced. I even was able to get some amazing teas!
The city life was amazing and enjoyed traveling on their trains with my cousin to show up in different parts of town and check out the different neighborhoods. For the most part, people were super friendly and helpful and I loved it.
I always made sure to start my day with a Timmies coffee (Tim Hortons) and loved snacking on their Timbits (the Canadian version of Munchkin holes from Dunkin Donuts). Wish we had a Tim Hortons in Chicago, but next time I travel to Canada, it’s always a must.
One day when the Pandemic ends, I plan on being back again. This time I’ll discover another part of British Columbia — the Sunshine Coast. It’s where my friend Nina lives, and I’ll be excited to see and experience a whole new adventure then.
Regardless of the time, I know one day I’ll be back. The mountains call to me, and I must return.
