CANADA: Whale Watching

We took a boat from Campbell River, on the east coast of Vancouver Island, to mainland BC to start our grizzly bear tour.

Enroute we sailed through Discovery Passage. 

Because of it's deep channel, massive tides surge through a narrow space creating strong currents that can reach 15km/hr (9mi/hr).

The fast-moving waters are constantly bringing nutrients from the ocean floor up toward the surface, creating an exceptionally rich food chain that supports an abundance of marine life.

CANADA: Looking for Grizzly Bears

I am not exactly sure where I got the brilliant idea to go on a Grizzly Bear Tour, but somehow, I figured it would be a good idea.

I knew this time of year the grizzly bears are feasting to get ready for their winter hibernation.

I also knew this was the time of year when the salmon return to their spawning grounds

I figured hungry bears would be more interested in gorging themselves on salmon than on curious people.

I have to admit, sometimes I have really good ideas. And sometimes I have fantastic ideas!

This fell into the latter category.

CANADA: Vineyards on Vancouver Island?

When we found out there are vineyards on Vancouver Island we figured we needed to do some research.

Purely for educational purposes. Obviously.

Turns out that vineyards on Vancouver Island have been producing wine since the 1970’s.

There are now over 30 wineries, most of them small, family-run estates.

The majority of the vineyards are located in the Cowichan Valley, just over an hour north of Victoria.

CANADA: Victoria's Inner Harbour

Another place our footsteps keep taking us back to is Victoria, on Vancouver Island, on the west coast of Canada.

Victoria was first settled by Europeans in 1843 when the Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Victoria as a trading post.

It quickly grew into a key port and became the capital of British Columbia in 1868.

The inner harbour in the city’s centre is always active with boats, ferries, water taxis and planes.

CANADA: Ottawa, the Nation's Capitol

John and I both grew up in Ottawa.

We might be a little biased, but we both think it is a great city to grow up in.

Having said that, I think we took our own backyard for granted.

I think most of us are always busy doing what we need to do that we don’t stop to smell the roses and notice the treasures right under our nose.

Since we are currently full-time travelers, we figured it was time to stop and walk around the city we grew up in and look at it through a visitor’s eyes.

CANADA: Still Life in Toronto

Outdoor art is common in Toronto, integrating public art into urban landscapes.

There are statues throughout the city creating still life scenes.

Near the Hockey Hall of Fame is the statue called  “Our Game”. 

For those that don't know, the national sport in Canada is hockey.