My time in Vancouver
A while back before covid, I thought I was going to live out west.
I never did after things in life happened, and always wondered what it would be like. I finally got around to going to Vancouver on a solo trip, after lots of encouragement from friends and my partner in crime. Travelling solo is something I have not done in almost 10 years, so it felt a little daunting.
This wasn't my first time in Vancouver, but this trip was the most extensive by far. The trip turned out far better than I had imagined, so I thought I'd make a post with pictures:
The nature Vancouver and BC has to offer is astonishing. Every time I thought it couldn't get better, it did and I loved every moment of it. I walked, hiked, biked, ran and swam every chance I had. 2.5 weeks here, and I had only scratched the surface.
Nothing like an icy plunge into Garibaldi Lake after a full morning of hiking. The water must've been around 7°C. It is a glacial lake after all!
Thanks to my friend Justin, I was able to experience a different part of Metro Vancouver - Port Moody (affectionately known as PoMo by locals). It's part of the Tri-Cities (along with Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam - PoCo)1, and not a place most tourist would know about.
Port Moody in all its splendid, small town-y beauty. Did you know they have 5 breweries within a 10 minute walk, and its famous Rocky Point Ice cream?
I was able to see much of metro Vancouver this time around. Pretty much everyday I was on the sky train with my bike. I got to Whistler, Squamish, Grouse Mountain, Lake Buntzen, Belcarra, Garibaldi Lake/Park, Stanley Park Sea Wall x42, Kitslano Beach, Richmond, Burnaby, East Van, Coquitlam, and saw lots of Port Moody this time around.
While I was here, I was able to connect with old friends, colleagues and even made some new friends. Seeing people and hearing about their lives in Vancity was one of the biggest motivation for me to come out. I felt a little home sick on certain days, but seeing everyone really boosted my morale and warded away any loneliness. Thanks for being a part of my trip!
Saw quite a few animals out here, here's a few:
There were so many things and places to explore, people to talk to. I am sure I wouldn't run out of things to do for a very long time:
Food was great here, but I have to say Toronto food beats Vancouver 3 times out of 5 ;)
I felt like I was slowly becoming more like a local each day I stayed. I think I got the experience I wanted and got a glimpse of what it's like to live in Vancouver - and it was good. Somehow, I feel the west coast and this city has a natural pull on me. Alas, my family and home is still in the GTA so it was time to return home. Perhaps one day I'll be out west again for an even longer stay... only time will tell!
Until we meet again :)
