Feature

Disclaimer: This feature is based on a trip before the Covid-19 Pandemic.

European sailors observed the sport of surfing for the first time in 1769, but historians believe the art of wave-catching dates back to ancient Polynesia. Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary surfer, introduced the sport to the world during the twentieth century and now surfers can be spotted catching waves all over the world. Somehow or another, the sport traveled up to Canada and the hamlet of Tofino became the country’s only surf town. Today, Tofino is a hotspot for North American surfers with a climate that doesn’t always feel that way.

I learned about Tofino while living in British Colombia and I knew I had to check the place out before leaving Canada. I didn’t know how to surf at the time, truth be told I still don’t, but that didn’t stop me from planning a very impulsive trip. Friends joined in, I called in sick, and before we knew it we left the mountains and headed for the beaches.

There is something uniquely fun about traveling long distances without a car. It forces you to engage with the world around you and rely on your problem-solving skills to acquire transportation. With this at heart, my travel companion, Daisy, and I used a smartphone to download a ride-share application to which we hired a ride to Horseshoe Bay. Ok, we kind of wimped out on that one. Coming off our culturally rich car ride, we purchased two tickets for the ferry bound for Vancouver Island. To Daisy’s dismay, I decided to use the remaining ten minutes before the ferry departed to grab a coffee from Tim Hortons across the street. In my opinion, traveling in Canada is not done properly without a visit to the country’s famous coffee chain. I don’t think Daisy shared this sentiment as I quite literally was the last person to get on the boat.

The ferry, which runs daily, is enormous. Three levels of passenger decks sit overhead a massive hanger where cars and trucks await to drive again on solid land. The trip takes about an hour and we spent the entirety of it on the top deck, looking for whales. Whales are spotted often by Vancouverites and an hour-long journey on the Pacific Ocean seemed to be our best bet to catch a glimpse of these sea mammals.  Sadly, no whales felt like breaching that day.

View from the top deck of the Ferry

At around 4 pm, we docked at the small port city of Nanaimo and made our way to the hostel. Nanaimo is a hard-working city that has its fair share of quirks and family-owned shops. We spent our evening at the waterfront, continuing our search for whales.

The next morning, we planned to make our way to Tofino. With our backpacks on, we walked straight to the nearest rental car service and forked over some cash. There is something uniquely fun about traveling long distances with a car. You have the freedom to go anywhere and do anything that you please. On this particular three-hour drive from Nanaimo to Tofino, we did just that.

We found ourselves stopping every thirty minutes or so to experience the beauty that Vancouver Island has to offer. Waterfalls and streams run alongside the highway, beckoning us to pull over and explore. Massive Douglas Fir trees surround the road, as Vancouver Island is part of the Pacific Coast Forest, the densest forest in the world. We had to make a stop at The Cathedral Grove, a provincial park with trees measuring as tall as 240 feet.

Me standing inside a Douglas Fir Tree

It took us more than three hours to get to Tofino, but the drive had turned out to be the best part of the adventure thus far. We stopped in the nearby town of Ucluelet and reunited with some old friends who decided to move there for the summer. Ucluelet is a gorgeous town situated right on the shoreline. The housing is sparse, so our friends would spend the entire summer living out of their tent. We could understand why, like many others, our friends sacrificed their comfort to live in such a breathtaking place.

View of the Ocean in Ucluelet

Following in their footsteps, we set up camp right on a beach in Tofino. I highly recommend staying at Bella Pacifica campground for an amazing experience. A trip to the local brewery quickly put us to bed and we dozed off to the thought of riding big waves.

On par with being in a rainforest, the clouds above Tofino sent us some freezing rain in the morning. I began to question how we were going to stay warm in the water. The surf pros had a solution that came in the form of 5mm thick wetsuits with hoods and booties. Covered head to toe in thick neoprene, Daisy and I carried our surfboards down to Cox Bay. Before heading into the waves, Daisy tried to give me a few pointers on the beach. I practiced “popping up” onto my board while lying on the sand. It was definitely going to be a challenge in the water.

It seemed like I was the only person on the beach who did not know how to surf. The cold water helps discourage the crowd of eager tourists. I was shocked to learn that the winter season in Tofino brings the best waves, a phenomenon that benefits those most committed to the sport. Eager to join the ranks of wave riding individuals, I made my way into the water. I immediately forgot everything Daisy taught me as I got blasted by saltwater. I would be lying if I wasn’t cold or in pain, but the beauty of the whole experience made me forget about all those things. For three hours I practiced standing on the board. The training I did with Daisy on the sand began to come back to me and on the final wave of the day, I stood up!

Retiring back to the campsite after a long day of surfing, I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to embark on this impulsive trip. The beauty of Canada is incomparable and being able to experience it with friends far from home is beyond special. I didn’t do much planning for this adventure but it sure had plans in store for me and my friends. I think that is the best way to travel. Your trip to Tofino may look and sound a lot different than mine, but I can assure you it will come with some gorgeous views and unforgettable surprises.

And, hopefully, you’ll spot some whales for me and Daisy.

Me, Daisy, and some friends enjoying the evening on the beach

 

How To

The best thing about eggs is that they can be cooked in so many different ways. Sunny-side up, over easy, hard-boiled, the experience is different every time. Right now, things in this world are a bit messy and eggs may not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind.  However, I’m going to show you how we can borrow some of that craziness from outside, and put it to good use in our kitchen. I call this egg recipe: The Pandemic Scramble.

  1. Find Good Eggs

First things first, not all eggs are created equal. I believe that a happier chicken makes a happier egg, so buy those cage-free cartons when you can. There are a lot of cheap eggs out there, but why not treat yourself and spend an extra dollar for an “Eggs-qusite” taste. Think of your egg selection as the people you are choosing to spend your time with during these months. A good egg will crack its shell open for you and allow you to do the same. They have the protein and nutrition to support you during these tough times, and you will in turn protect them from breaking. Covid-19 may have limited the eggs that we have available to us, but just remember that good eggs back home are always a phone call away. I’m sure you can send eggs in the mail nowadays anyway.

Happy Chickens

2. Crack the Shell and Whisk it up

One has to be careful here, after all this is the most delicate part of the whole operation. Use a hard edge to crack the egg and then gently peel away the shell. Pour the yolk into a bowl and make sure none of the shell pieces fall in. Whisk up the eggs until the yolks have all been pierced and the mixture is a homogenous yellow.

Like the eggs, our lives are being scrambled up at the moment, but oftentimes this will reveal our true colors.

3. Slow-Cook

Use a non-stick fry pan because the Pandemic Scramble gets a little messy. Add some butter as a further measure to prevent the eggs from sticking. If you don’t have a non-stick frypan, use even more butter. Once you have a nice golden-brown coating, it is time to pour in your eggs. Immediately set your stovetop as Low as it can go. We want to cook the eggs slowly so we can get that desirable soft and creamy texture. Constantly stir during this process. Every 30 seconds or so, turn the heat up to a 3 or 4, just below medium, and continue to stir. Allow the eggs to cook at this temperature for no more than 10 seconds, then return back to Low. Continue altering between Low and Medium until the eggs begin to solidify.

This is a long process but it is necessary. Perhaps use the extra time to call a friend or family member. I’m sure they’d love to hear from you and learn about the Pandemic Scramble themselves.

After seven or eight minutes your eggs should finish solidifying and look something like this: https://savorysweetlife.com/gordon-ramsay-scrambled-eggs/

Delicious right? At this point in the recipe, you should have already connected with a loved one and made some killer scrambled eggs. Not a bad start to the morning.

4.  Eat Papa, Eat!

Eat Papa, Eat

This is my favorite part of the experience. I personally like to add hot sauce, salt, and pepper but I would never judge anyone for doing otherwise. Hopefully, you have someone to share these eggs with, after all, they took some love to make. It’s important to remember that despite how scrambled our world is right now, the little things can still help makes our days “eggs-tra” special.

Enjoy!

Informative

A Winter Wonderland 

If you imagine a ski destination built for top-class athletes and dream family vacations, you’re probably thinking of something close to Whistler.  North America’s largest ski resort boasts endless acres of winter fun, with some of the best terrain features in the world. The resort, which combines the mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb has something for everyone. A beginner zone for those new to the slopes and terrain parks for those who love to fly. The Coca-Cola tube park and Olympic sliding center are also great options for alternative outdoor fun!

Skier on Whistler Mountain
Skiing at Whistler Blackcomb Resort

After a long day on the slopes, relax in the impressive Whistler Village. Built to accommodate the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the Whistler Village boasts world-class dining and amazing shopping options. 5-Star hotels like the Four Seasons, Westin, and Fairmont will accommodate guests of the highest expectations and are only a short walk to the village. A night out on the town in Whistler might include casual drinks at Tapley’s Neighborhood Pub or dancing to the early morning at Garfinkel’s nightclub. There is something for everyone to enjoy on a winter day in Whistler.

The Whistler Village
Whistler Village at night

Come for the Winter, Stay for the Summer

A popular saying for many who get to experience the beautiful summer months in Whistler. The ski mountain overgoes a massive transformation in the spring to form the Whistler Bike Park, attracting thousands of experienced bikers from all over the world. The Whistler Bike Park is one of the three featured stops on the CrankWorks tour, the biggest bike competition of the year. If biking isn’t your sport, experience the beauty of the Coastal Mountain Range on some of Whistler’s best hikes. Alpine lakes and meadows are guaranteed to blow you away. With five large lakes within a walking distance of the village, visitors can relax by the water or take a canoe down the exhilarating River of Golden Dreams. If all these activities sound too adventurous, allow the Scandanvain Spa to redefine relaxation with their incredible steam rooms and outdoor pools.

A rider at the Whistler Bike Park
A rider at the Whistler Bike Park

A summer stay in Whistler is an adventure of a lifetime and one that you will never forget.

Personal

I’m good on airplanes, flying above the Earth in a small cylinder has never bothered me. I try to sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight as pilots often advise. However, on my flight to the Bahamian Island of Andros, the pilot added a step to the overused gimmick and asked me to hold the plane door open. I found myself sitting in the cockpit of a six-seater Beechcraft Bonanza A36 next to a pilot I had met five minutes ago, holding the airplane door open. Suffice it to say, I was sitting straight up, stressing out, and beginning to question my life choices.

View from the cockpit

Accompanying me on the plane were my bags, full of SCUBA gear, and three other volunteers who were all grateful they weren’t the ones holding the plane door open. The pilot, a competent flyer, felt no need to offer an explanation for the seemingly bizarre request. The gate agent didn’t even check my ticket at the terminal in Nassau. This was my first taste of the ‘go with the flow’ attitude the islanders in the Bahamas had.

To my great relief, the pilot asked me to close the door just before takeoff and we landed in Andros 45 minutes later. We were picked up by a taxi driver who threw our bags in the bed of the truck. He threw me in the bed as well after realizing there were enough seats in the cab. This capped off the craziest travel experience of my life.

Over the next few weeks, the group of volunteers honed our diving skills and scrubbed unhealthy algae off of coral nurseries. Under the water, I had a purpose and a schedule to follow. Everything is timed when diving: O2 levels, depth, time spent underwater, but above the waves was a different story.

The Beach I lived on in Andros, pictured at sunset

Life felt like it slowed to half the speed of what my life in America felt like. Bahamians relaxed like professionals. Timeliness was an option, arriving casually late was the norm. People took the time to greet everyone they saw at the store, bar, or on the beach.  I was told by the locals that it was considered rude to not greet strangers when passing by.

At first, I struggled to relax despite the beauty that surrounded me. I had moved to the Bahamas for a reason, I was on a mission of sorts, to help out an issue I felt passionate about. With so much free time throughout the day, I began to feel aimless and even useless. It was hard for me to feel content or satisfied with my day when I would accomplish nothing. A week of bad weather kept us landlocked, which only contributed to my restlessness.

I got to spend more time with the locals that week since I wasn’t diving. I noticed that everyone around me was almost always in high spirits. People were content with relaxing and taking life at a slower pace. Someone had to remind me how lucky I was to be there, and how much my surroundings could teach me.

I was failing to appreciate the beauty around me and was focusing too hard on things beyond my control. So, the next time I went to the local shop, I tried to remain in the moment. I wasn’t annoyed that the shopkeeper took ten minutes to show up, instead, I embraced the sounds and sights around me.

My life is so fast-paced in America, I don’t realize all of the little things in life that we all just glance over. When things slow down, my focus expands and I began to learn more about myself and the people around me. I took the time to build connections and create memories. Little tasks started to feel like grand adventures which helped me learn in the end, how to relax.

As I said farewell to the island of Andros and boarded the skinny prop plane, I felt no rush to get home. I sat back in my seat, held the airplane door open, and enjoyed the flight.

Multimedia

The magic of the Bowron Lakes can only be truly experienced in person. That didn’t stop me, however, from trying to capture some of it along the way. This video is a series of moments from a canoe adventure that I’ll never forget. I’ve left music out of the video so you can really hear what it is like to paddle alone!

Enjoy!

Travelogue

In Autumn of 2018, I found myself in the Chalkida province of Greece, traveling alone for the first time in my life. I took the trip to expand my comfort zone and experience a part of the world completely foreign to me. And yeah, to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean. Visiting Greece is not supposed to sound like a chore.

I spent the first two weeks of the volunteering at a refugee camp hosting refugees from the Middle East and Africa. The experience was eye-opening and more emotional than I thought it would be.

After two weeks at the camp, I started to feel worn out. I decided to book a train to Athens and meet my Dad who was coming to visit me. The trip did not get off to a fast start. First, I managed to board the wrong train and started heading in the opposite direction of Athens. That’s when my phone decided it would be a good time to run out of battery. In Athens, tourists can get by without speaking Greek, but this was not the case in Chalkida and I struggled to find someone who understood my situation. I felt alone even though I was surrounded by people.

Embarrassed, I fumbled around the train, trying to build up the courage to ask strangers for help. Eventually, I met a friendly Greek couple who helped me transfer trains at a nearby station. It was late when I finally got to the hotel and all I wanted to do was relax for the next few days. My father’s flight would be getting in later that evening and I was sure he would want to do the same thing, hopefully on his dime.

! His itinerary for the weekend included a guided bike tour of Greece. Our guides were experienced cyclists and were delighted to learn that we had never ridden road bikes before. They were pretty confident that the route my Dad booked would be too challenging. Truth be told, I really had no interest in biking 65km that day, but I wasn’t going to let him know that. Grudgingly I accepted that my relaxation would have to wait.

We then proceeded to ride from Athens to Corinth which was as beautiful as it was agonizing. True fatigue began to set in on the last 10km, we struggled big time. The desire to get off the bikes was strong enough to fuel us into Corinth. We disembarked and hobbled over to the canal, which is a marvel of 19th-century technology.

The Corinth Canal

I was ready to head back to the hotel when I saw someone jump off the bridge transpiring the canal walls. I had never seen a Bungee jump before, but fun was not exactly the first word that came to mind. Unfortunately for me, this trip was about leaving my comfort zone, and I couldn’t think of a better way of doing this than jumping off a bridge.

Two weeks at a refugee camp, the most stressful travel experience of my life, and a 65km bike ride had left me pretty tired. I had not planned on free-falling 45 feet when I woke up that morning. Yet, it just felt like the right thing to do. Sometimes the best adventures are unplanned, unexpected, and even undesired.

 

Listicle

A Canoe Guide to the Bowron Lakes

My friend Angus paddling at the bow of our canoe

Hidden in the magical British Colombia rainforest, the Bowron Canoe Circuit has been providing paddlers with a tripping experience like no other. If diverse wildlife, stunning views, and unique campsites are what you are looking for, Bowron is a great next adventure.

Before you start packing, here are 7 Things to Know About Bowron Lakes.

  1. Getting there

This is one of the best parts, especially if you like road trips. The canoe put-in is an eight-hour drive north from Vancouver. Luckily, the Sea to Sky corridor is the most scenic drive in Canada, passing through famous towns like Squamish, Whistler, and Lillooet. It is also possible to fly into Kamloops BC, which cuts the drive in half.

We choose to drive up from Whistler and stopped by several famous alpine lakes along the way!

2. Permits

Very important to reserve your permits and do it early!!! The beauty of the Bowron is a poorly kept secret and spots in the park are limited.   Permits are $60 per person ($30 for the shortened circuit) and can be purchased here.

Once you’ve purchased your permit, you are required to report to the ranger station for a trip briefing and weigh in. The ranger station is located conveniently next to the start of the trip.

Late July to August is the peak season for the canoe circuit, I recommend securing permits at least two months in advance.

3. Outfitters

Northern B.C. does not have a lot of residents but it sure does have my favorite canoe outfitter in Canada. They’ll set you up with paddles, life jackets, packs, stoves, and most importantly canoes. They also rent canoe carts for the portages, which I recommend not renting if you are an experienced canoe tripper. Carrying the canoe is part of the experience!

Expect to pay $100-$300 depending on how much gear you need to rent.

You can park at the outfitters and they will shuttle you to the ranger station where you will begin the trip. Please note: they only have a small selection of food and camping items, so definitely pack these beforehand.

4. Trip Length

The record for the circuit is less than 24 hours, but since that is not recommended, plan for 5-10 days depending on your style. As experienced canoeists, we completed the circuit in six days at a relaxed pace.

Maps can be purchased from outfitters, online, or at the ranger station. They are helpful to identify campsites, wood caches, and portages. Navigation wise, the trip is quite straightforward as it follows a near-perfect parallelogram.

Portages (where you carry your canoe and gear overland between lakes) are well-maintained and moderate in length. There are also a few sections of moving water that can be easily paddled through if water levels are high enough.

5. What to pack

  • Food and Fuel
    • Pack extra days worth in case you get delayed.
  • Water purification system
    • Filters, chlorine tabs or boiling water are all safe options
  • Campsite supplies (Tent, sleeping bag, etc)
  • Bear Spray and Bear Bangers (Essential)
    • Know what to do in a Bear encounter
  • Warm clothes (non-cotton)
    • Cotton clothes will not dry, wool or synthetic material is recommended.
  • Wet clothes
    • The clothes you plan to wear throughout the day, they’re supposed to get dirty
  • Rainjacket (Essential)
  • Trash bags
    • Pack out your waste
  • Duct Tape

6. Food and Bears

Bears are common in the game preserve of Bowron and are closely monitored. Typically only Black Bears are spotted but Grizzly Bears sightings are not unheard of. Pack bear deterrents like mace for safety. Park Rangers will close campsites that have had bear sightings and will notify canoeists of updates. Bear caches are at every campsite and portage to keep food out of reach. Leave no food behind and do your best to leave a small scent trace. Luckily, these preventions and the number of travelers have kept bear encounters low.

7. Weather

Since Bowron is found in Canada’s only temperate rainforest, expect rain often. It can get quite cold during the early summer months, especially when combined with rain. Ensure you have proper rain gear and a good tent to keep you dry at night! On the other hand, Bowron is host to many bluebird sunny days that invite you to go swimming. A hat and sunglasses would not be the worst of ideas.

Lanzai Lake

 

There is beauty in the uncertainty of a canoe trip, and Bowron will certainly keep you on your toes. Enjoy the trip of a lifetime!

 

 

 

Review

There are two types of burgers in this world: the expensive burger with complicated garnish and seasoning served at fancy restaurants or the one that helps you eat your feelings away, and then some. Park Burger delivered that very necessary morale booster for my friends in the form of a mouthwatering hamburger. Located just off the University of Denver’s campus on Pearl Street, Park Burger nails the feel of a college restaurant that remains appealing to locals and families alike. Outdoor seating and heightened COVID-19 procedures made for a pleasant and stress-free afternoon lunch. The staff was very friendly, and it was not uncommon to see some friends from school. Our mouths were craving flavor, and Park Burger’s “The Royale” did not disappoint. Filled with bacon, bleu cheese, onions, “The Royale” had a very mature taste for a burger that does not break the bank. Expect to pay $12 for a meal with fries, college students rejoice! The garnish was optional and applied by the customer, which I tend to prefer since I don’t like an abundance of ketchup. The bun was nice and toasted, and the restaurant even boasted a gluten-free option which was quite helpful for one of my friends. I highly recommend giving Park Burger a try!

Walker

Yelp Review