En Route to Tofino, British Columbia

Of all the places I have travelled over the years none have ever compared to the timeless town of Tofino. I spent a summer in British Columbia being a nanny and housekeeper for some of my relatives. Nearing the end of August my aunt and uncle lent me their silver hatchback and I took off on the island highway in search of an adventure. 


It was certainly that, something you should know about me is that given a map, compass and all the necessary direction-orientation tools I would still get lost in my home town. We will just say that navigation is not my forte (putting it lightly). As I gathered up the google map directions and landmarks from those who have travelled to Tofino and back in the past I set out on my way. Never have I ever seen a more beautiful landscape or drive getting lost in my life. Now I don't know how many of you know how much about Vancouver Island, but I may have misjudged the distance once or twice and missed a couple signs or so. I ended up travelling a bit passed my turn off but made for even more of the island I wouldn't have seen otherwise so I am not one to complain. 


I decided to spend the night at my aunt's parent's place in Port Alberni: my favourite place on earth to date. I don't know if its the harbour on the pacific ocean that made me fall in love or the majestic mountains that made my heart stop but if I ever have to settle down that is the only place I can imagine being truly happy. Port Alberni is a small community close to Arrowsmith Mountain and is known for its heart warming farmers market and beautiful surroundings. Imagine waking up every morning to the mountains overlooking the ocean and walking to pick fresh fruit from the market on a crisp, sunny, Saturday morning. 


Early morning after my photo shoot down by the dock, I took off for the rest of my journey to Tofino. Driving by the big lakes, the market where goats live on a grass covered roof and through the ancient, characteristic trees of Carmana I made my way to my destination.


When I arrived to the small surfing town I was amazed with the culture. I had never seen anything like it in Canada and was overcome with a sense of calm. I had the whole day to myself to just roam around and take it all in. I drove to every beach and watched the surfers in their natural habitat. I walked in the sand by the abandoned log shelters and spent the whole time playing with settings on my camera to take the perfect shots. 


I was lucky enough to board a boat to go whale watching - another aspect of the town that brings in a lot of tourism. I was so amazed to see so much gorgeous sea wild life. From seals and walruses to whales and bald eagles. I will never forget the time I spent looking at the amazing creatures in the pacific ocean. 


Although my trip was only a day one, I remember every lasting moment. If I ever get the chance I won't hesitate a moment to go back. It is absolutely one of the most hidden beauties on earth and certainly a Canadian treasure. 

surfing on long beach

whale watching on the ocean

 goats on the roof

en route to Tofino

Paris, France

If France is one thing above anything else it is cultured. I have never felt so much a part of something that was so foreign at the same time. I don't know if it's because I have seen so much French culture through the media or because I was familiar with the language but for some reason it all seemed so familiar. I would recommend Paris as a top destination location because of the amazingly beautiful sights and the rich, historic culture.


Walking down the L'Avenue des Champs Elysées is one of my most vivid memories of France. It could be because of the notoriously famous shopping locations or because of the eclectic gypsies prancing down the street but I will always remember my afternoon on the sunlit avenue. Picture a wide open (cleanly kept) street with sky high buildings filled with famous artwork and talented individuals. To be in Paris, France is like being a part of something huge. You feel a part of what makes the city so exciting. There are three must see places to see within this must see city. 


The first of these incredible locations would be the Louvre. If not for the beautiful and historic Mona Lisa than for all the artwork you studied in tenth grade and really never understood. Its mesmerizing to actually see first hand all of these spectacular pieces of work that have been known and studied for ages. 

Next stop would have to be the Palace of Versailles. More tenth grade course work, the ever known King Louis the VIII. You can get a tour of the luxurious gardens, immaculate hall of mirrors and the actual bedrooms where Mary Antoinette resided. Its unbelievable knowing that you can actually walk in the same footsteps as these amazing people who shaped the history we now study as humanity. 


Lastly, and most significantly known, the Eiffel Tower. I suggest seeing this 360 degree view of Paris at night time. The lights of the vivacious city will be forever engraved into my most pleasant memories. Seeing the illuminated city puts many things into perspective. You feel an overcoming sense of place, at least that was my experience. Imagine looking out over one of the most visited destinations with one of the most historic stories from one of the most widely recognized landmarks. Imagine being a part of such a culture for even a day. 

There are so many beautiful places to see in Paris. It would be impossible to paint a picture of the cornucopia of beautiful sights, but it would be my hope that everyone gets to take part in this incredible place at some point in their life.   

Why travel?

If you are sitting there wondering to yourself "Self, why visit all these places?" Well, let me tell you! It may just be the best decision you will ever make to visit any ONE of these incredible destinations. Imagine yourself living in one room of your house. One room, could be a bedroom, living room, dining room or kitchen but never leaving it. Think of how many things you would never see, never learn, or never experience. Life never travelling would be like living in one room for your whole life.

Being confined to a city, province, coast or country limits the amount of knowledge someone can posses and life they can experience. Imagine all of the amazing and beautiful places and people you could meet by just venturing a little out of your comfort zone! This dream is a reality by just exploring one new place every so often in your life. It brings colour and joy to a life that may be just as plain as living in a one room house you can't leave.

Its difficult to imagine things you have never seen but with this blog I hope that you can imagine your life with just a little more. A little more colour, a little more knowledge, a little more experience, a little more life.