This summer, I decided it was time to step out of my comfort zone and explore our neighbor to the north- Canada! Though I'd been to Banff National Park in Alberta several times and Whistler in 2001 for brief snowboarding trips, I yearned for something more. This time, I had a much grander plan: a road trip across Canada, from the West Coast to the East Coast, to see and truly understand the country.

The Indescribable Beauty of Canada

Words fail me when I try to describe Canada's beauty. Often, we think glitz, glamour, and noise are necessary for something to be considered classy. However, simplicity, humility, understated elegance, and silence are the true marks of class. Canada embodies this clandestine, timeless, classy beauty that leaves a lasting impression. This past September and October, I spent six weeks road-tripping from Canada's Western to Eastern coasts, and it was nothing short of magical. The cities, nature, history, and people are absolutely beautiful.

3,001 Miles of Grace and Majesty

Driving 3,001 miles across this stunning country alone was a profound blessing God allowed me to experience. It was, without a doubt, an "Elohim Li" moment—God was with me every step of the way. Every moment felt surreal, from witnessing nature's majestic beauty to encountering strangers' kindness. These miles took me through six provinces, which, in American terms, are akin to states.

Understanding Canada Through Numbers

To better understand Canada's vastness compared to the United States, consider this: The U.S. comprises 2.26 billion acres and has a population of 340 million, whereas Canada stretches over 3.85 billion acres but has a population of only 41 million. In Canada, only 20% of the land is inhabitable due to extreme cold, just 0.77 billion acres. In contrast, less than 1% of the U.S. land is uninhabitable.

Here’s a snapshot:

In 2023, while 66.5 million people visited the United States, only 18.3 million visited Canada. Why share all this? Many people perceive Canada as a vast, icy tundra with little to offer—nothing could be further from the truth! Having traveled across the country, I can confidently say it’s surreal in every sense of the word. The diversity of landscapes and experiences, paired with the warmth and kindness of its people, makes it unforgettable.

A Preview of What’s to Come

This post is just a summary of my journey, but I will be diving deeper into each of the six provinces I visited in upcoming blog posts. Here’s a sneak peek:

British Columbia: Stunning coastal views, vibrant cities, and serene mountain getaways.
Alberta: Home to the iconic Rocky Mountains, turquoise lakes, and breathtaking vistas.
Saskatchewan: Expansive prairies and endless skies that leave you in awe.
Manitoba: A hidden gem with rich culture, incredible wildlife, and stunning natural beauty.
Ontario: Big-city vibes, stunning waterfalls, and cultural treasures.
Quebec: A European touch in Canada, with cobblestone streets, historic sites, and mouthwatering food.

Reflections on the Journey

Looking back on this incredible experience, I am deeply touched by how blessed I am to witness the beauty of God’s creation—both in nature and in people. Each journey I embark on humbles me by reminding me how small I am in this vast world and the importance of respecting other cultures, beliefs, and the natural world. It also reaffirms God’s commandment that we are stewards of His creation.

Choosing a Favorite Province?Impossible!

People often ask me, "Which province was your favorite?" It's impossible to choose just one. Each province has its unique charm and beauty. I explored six provinces on this trip, but there are six more. God willing, I’ll visit a few more this fall. Stay tuned for the detailed posts about each province I visited during my road trip last September.

Until next time, xoxo, Karen