Cross Canada, or Hello Saskatchewan? Either way, I’m happy!

June 13, 2021

So, here I am anxiously awaiting the announcement (hopefully made tomorrow) that the current restrictions in B.C. that ban recreational travel outside of one’s own Health Authority region will be lifted at midnight on Tuesday, June 15th. Then, I will be off like a shot the morning of the 16th, heading east, possibly all the way across Canada!

Once the current restriction is lifted, I will be able to legally travel throughout B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan. I have been researching many wonderful places to visit in these three western-most provinces and I am greatly looking forward to exploring new roads that travel through mountains, valleys, foothills, prairies, and badlands. I will see lakes and rivers, wetlands and native prairie grasslands, all homes to a wide variety of plant and animal life. I will visit small towns and important cultural, historical, and archaeological sites. There is more than enough to see and do, and I have recently been surprised to hear myself say to family, “I’m getting excited about Saskatchewan!”

Liz Bryan will be a welcome guide again my travels, with her “Exploring the Routes Less Travelled – Country Roads of Alberta” book, as well as “Stone by Sone – Exploring Ancient Sites on the Canadian Plains”, and “River of Dreams – A Journey Through Milk River Country.” And for Saskatchewan, I have found some wonderful books by Robin and Arlene Karpan and they also have an excellent online travel blog with stunning professional photography.

Once I get to the eastern edge of Saskatchewan, I will see what the updated travel orders are for the other provinces. Ontario will likely open its borders on June 16th, and although Manitoba currently requires a 14 day isolation period, it is legal to drive straight through the province, stopping only for gas and groceries, to arrive in Ontario. Quebec will also likely be open by the end of June. But, if the Atlantic provinces are still closed or require isolation after entry, I will not travel further east than Saskatchewan because I don’t want to drive more than half way across the country and not see the Maritimes! I would rather postpone that adventure and instead continue to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions of the three western provinces until I feel like heading home. Either way, I’ll be happy to be on the road.

Friends and family members sometimes express concern about my travelling alone and I’d like to reassure everyone that I feel very safe and confident in my ability to make good decisions about any “iffy” situations. I drive safely, and only when well-rested. I make good choices about where to spend the night and which hikes to go on. I am bear and cougar aware, and I carry bear spray. Each day, I keep in touch with Brent by text, letting him know which roads I plan to travel, which hikes I set out on and return from, and where I plan to stay overnight. Regarding Covid, I will act as responsibly on the road as I do in Vancouver. I will wear my mask in public buildings, wash and sanitize hands at campsites and when visiting gas stations and grocery stories. I will be mostly by myself, in outdoor spaces, and will not attend events or be in crowds. I am quite happy being on my own and do not tend to get lonely, though I do miss Brent, Sophie and Daniel when I am in new and beautiful places and I wish they could be there too.

Now, all I have to do is get all of this into my Highlander!

Then, I’ll be ready to head out as soon as that restriction is lifted! I am not sure how often I will be able blog due to wifi access and an unreliable ipad, but I hope that you will be able to follow along on my travels and perhaps get some inspiration for Canadian travels of your own. Best wishes to everyone for a lovely summer ahead!