After the hassle of trying to return our car from Europe to Canada, we finally shipped it from Hamburg, Germany, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The car, loaded with bicycles, luggage, spare parts, and various odds and ends, arrived on the same day we did—October 15, late in the evening. However, due to shipping restrictions, we had to leave all our lithium-ion batteries in Germany, as they could only be shipped in a container if attached to the bikes. Unsure which two batteries to prioritize, we decided to leave them all behind.

The next morning, we met my friend Paul from the Wolfville area, who joined us for lunch. We spent the day enjoying his company and exploring the Fisherman’s Cove, a quaint tourist area just outside Halifax, with shops and a picturesque boutique hotel on the water.

The following day, we took the bus into downtown Halifax, walked along the waterfront, and admired the historic Citadel, the lively harbor, and even a Scottish piper playing tunes. The charm of Halifax was undeniable. But the next day brought the practicalities of our journey: a series of taxi rides to the shipping company for documents, the customs office to complete paperwork, and finally to the port to retrieve the car. With everything sorted, we loaded up the car, picked up our luggage, and began our cross-Canada adventure.

The Maritime Provinces

Driving across Nova Scotia and into New Brunswick, we were treated to the vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges of autumn. The fall colors were breathtaking, particularly on the scenic routes.Our first overnight stop was in Moncton, followed by a drive into Quebec.

In Rivière-du-Loup, we enjoyed a memorable dinner served by a robot at a local restaurant. Continuing to Quebec City, we stayed in a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town. Quebec City’s European charm is unmatched in North America, and we spent a day exploring its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture.

Ontario and the Nation’s Capital

Next, we drove to Ottawa to visit my second cousin Jeff. Our accommodation was perfectly situated on the 800-kilometer national bicycle trail, and the serene water views added to the charm. From Ottawa, we made our way to Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls was pricey, and the area has become somewhat touristy, with wax museums, video arcades, and horror-themed attractions. But the falls themselves, illuminated at night in vibrant colors, were a spectacular sight. We also drove along the scenic Niagara Parkway to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a delightful town where we sampled local wines.

Family and Northern Ontario

In London, Ontario, we stayed with my sister for four days, visiting family and friends, hosting book signings, and reminiscing. From there, we tackled the long drive around the northern shore of Lake Superior. Though the journey began with rain and fog near Sudbury, the rest of the drive revealed the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield, with its countless lakes, rocky landscapes, and the vast expanse of Lake Superior.

The Prairies

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, we stayed with friends from Costa Rica and explored the city’s historic districts and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It was a moving and educational experience, and I left wishing we had more time there.

Saskatoon was next, where we visited my granddaughter, who is in her third year at the University of Saskatchewan.

The Rockies and British Columbia

Heading west, we arrived in Edmonton for a two-week stay with my daughter. This was a time for rest, reflection, and family. We filmed 10 segments of our North American Odyssey YouTube series and hosted a well-attended book signing event.

Continuing west, we stopped in Canmore, Alberta, where snowcapped mountains surrounded us. In Banff, we visited the historic Banff Springs Hotel and admired Indigenous artwork in local shops. The journey through Golden and Revelstoke was snowy but scenic, leading us to Merritt, British Columbia, the country music capital of the region.

Finally, we reached Langley, where we visited my son’s family and spent a few days exploring nearby White Rock and Fort Langley.

Completing the Journey

The drive back to Edmonton took us through Jasper, where the scars of last summer’s wildfires were heartbreaking to see. The devastation brought tears to my eyes, a stark reminder of the fragility of our natural world.We wrapped up the trip in Edmonton, leaving the car there with plans for its sale to support my granddaughter’s education. On December 1, Gloria and I boarded a plane back to Costa Rica, completing our cross-Canada journey—a trip spanning roughly 8,000 kilometers across one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful countries.

Reflections on the Odyssey

Driving across Canada was a dream come true, especially for Gloria, who got to experience highlights like the fall colors of Nova Scotia, the historic charm of Quebec City, the majesty of Niagara Falls, and the breathtaking Rockies. For me, it was a chance to reconnect with family and friends, celebrate Canada’s natural beauty, and reflect on the vastness of this great country.

Few Canadians take the time to drive coast to coast, but for those who do, it’s an unforgettable experience. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, this journey showcased the resilience, history, and beauty that define Canada.