Canada

In 2018, I embarked on a journey to Canada, an adventure filled with discoveries and encounters. My trip began in Montreal, then took me to Sherbrooke, where I reunited with a friend I had met through Couchsurfing, before continuing to Quebec City. After a detour to Boston, I explored Niagara Falls and Toronto, then crossed the country by train to Edmonton, where I met other travelers. I then ventured through the Rockies between Banff and Jasper, a region of breathtaking beauty.

After a stay on a farm in Saskatchewan through HelpX, I returned to Banff before ending my journey in Vancouver. Finally, a chance encounter in Madrid a few months earlier led me to continue my adventure in Mexico a spontaneous decision that made this unforgettable experience even richer.

My Trip to Canada in 2018: An Unforgettable Adventure

In 2018, I embarked on a journey to Canada, an experience filled with encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unexpected events that made this adventure truly unique.

First Steps in Montreal

It all began in Montreal, a cosmopolitan and vibrant city where I took the time to explore iconic neighborhoods like Old Montreal and Mount Royal. I also reconnected with my former neighbors who had moved there and spent a few days in their company.

From Sherbrooke to Quebec City: Reunions and Discoveries

After Montreal, I headed to Sherbrooke to meet up with a friend I had met on Couchsurfing. We had already seen each other again in the Alps, and this time, it was her turn to show me around her part of the world. I explored the area with her before continuing my journey to Quebec City. There, I was amazed by the city’s European charm, its historic architecture, and the majesty of the St. Lawrence River.

Off to Boston Before Continuing in Canada

After Quebec City, I took a bus back to Montreal, then another one to Boston in the United States. I stayed with a Couchsurfing host, an incredibly welcoming woman who showed me around the city and introduced me to its culture.

Niagara Falls and Toronto

From Boston, I returned to Canada to visit the breathtaking Niagara Falls before heading to Toronto. There, I explored the city, strolled along its waterfront, and enjoyed its vibrant atmosphere.

An Epic Train Journey to the West

Next, I embarked on a long transcontinental train journey to Edmonton. On board, I had the chance to travel in a carriage with a panoramic dome, offering stunning views of the Canadian landscapes. I also met Anna, a very friendly German traveler, as well as an Australian whom I would meet again years later in Australia.

Banff, Jasper, and a Legendary Road

From Edmonton, I headed to Banff, where I rented a car to drive along one of the most beautiful roads in the world to Jasper. Before talking about this route, it’s impossible not to mention the Canadian Rockies. This vast mountain range, spanning multiple provinces, is reminiscent of the Alps with its snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and emerald glacial lakes. However, the Rockies have a wilder, more rugged feel, with pristine nature where wildlife is ever-present. It’s common to encounter elk, black bears, and even bighorn sheep, adding a true sense of adventure to every hike.

Between snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife, the road between Banff and Jasper remains one of the most breathtaking routes I’ve ever traveled.

A Stay on a Farm in Saskatchewan

While hiking in Jasper, I met two Belgian travelers. One of them was driving across the country to return to Montreal and offered to drop me off at the farm where I had found a mission through HelpX. This farm, located in Saskatchewan, belonged to Shirley, a retired woman who needed help taking care of her animals (horses, sheep, alpacas, llamas, and chickens) and preparing for the winter. I stayed there for three weeks, living an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of the vast Canadian prairies.

Return to Banff and New Encounters

After my stay on the farm, I felt the need to return to Banff to explore more of this region that had left such a strong impression on me. I rented another car and drove back to Jasper, where I met two French travelers, Christabella and Fanny. Together, we hiked through the breathtaking landscapes before reuniting in Vancouver, where my Canadian journey came to an end.

A Spontaneous Decision: Off to Mexico!

This trip was supposed to end there, but a few months earlier, I had met some Mexicans during a weekend in Madrid. Following my adventures on social media, they encouraged me to join them in Mexico. Captivated by this unexpected opportunity, I decided to extend my journey and set off for new horizons.

This adventure in Canada was much more than just a trip. Between breathtaking landscapes, meaningful encounters, and spontaneous decisions, it became a true human experience , an unfolding of opportunities that enriched my journey in ways I could never have imagined.