My Semester Abroad in Canada: Travel Tips
I‘m Davina, and I spent the winter semester of 2022 studying abroad on the west coast of Canada—specifically in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, BC.
First things first: Canada is a stunning country with friendly people and breathtaking nature. From bears and whales to snow chaos, it had everything!
Before the semester began, I spent a few weeks traveling around the country. After visiting the Niagara Falls in Toronto during the summer, I headed to Vancouver. The city is beautifully situated, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean with mountains in the background. Besides the legendary steam clock, which whistles and plays music every quarter-hour, there are the classic must-dos: a walk along the waterfront, a bike ride through Stanley Park, or shopping on Robson Street. After ticking off the major sights, there‘s still plenty to keep you busy.
A bit outside the city, you‘ll find the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which features not only a suspension bridge but also a skywalk and treetop walkway. It‘s worth visiting both in summer and during the Christmas season.
Next, I embarked on a road trip to the Rockies, passing through and ending in Calgary. On the coastal route to Whistler, there are several small but worthwhile waterfalls, all just a short walk from the parking area. The Britannia Mine Museum, an old copper mine you can ride into, is also along the way—definitely an interesting stop. Whistler itself, known as a ski resort, is a paradise for mountain bikers in the summer. It‘s a charming little town with lots of hiking opportunities. You can also take the gondolas up the mountains, including one with a glass bottom that connects two peaks.
On the way to the Rockies, you‘ll pass the Joffre Lakes. The hike up to the glacier lakes is stunning – though a bit challenging, it‘s absolutely worth it! (Tip: By late afternoon, around 4 PM, the parking lot is less crowded, and there‘s still plenty of daylight left to enjoy.)
Heading towards Calgary, there‘s so much to see: waterfalls, wildlife, and, if you‘re lucky, bears and moose. On one hike, I spotted a moose wading through water that eventually crossed the path right in front of me. Further along, you‘ll find Glacier National Park, where you can see how rapidly the glaciers have receded in recent years—still, it‘s a fascinating sight.
Next, you‘ll come across beautiful lakes like Peyto Lake, Emerald Lake, and, of course, Lake Louise. The best time to visit Lake Louise is early in the morning to catch the sunrise lighting up the surrounding mountains. You can take a shuttle bus to Lake Moraine, which I found even more breathtaking than Lake Louise.
Nearby, the charming town of Banff is worth a visit. It‘s small and easy to explore, but with its mountain backdrop and picturesque park at the edge of town, it feels magical. The town has cute little shops, and if you‘re in the mood, you can buy Christmas decorations from a shop that‘s open year-round.
Exiting the Rockies, you quickly arrive in Calgary. It‘s not the most beautiful city in the world, but it‘s pleasant for a summer stroll and offers great food.
Back in Vancouver, I enjoyed a few relaxing days before heading to Vancouver Island. To get there, you can either take a (seaplane) flight or a ferry. From Horseshoe Bay, there‘s a direct ferry to Nanaimo. The ride takes about two hours, and if you‘re lucky, you might spot some whales along the way.
