She’s every-fucking-where! I was channeling my inner Roy Kent over the past three weeks, metaphorically speaking, of course. I did not somehow obtain massive celebrity due to my sudden ability to play football at a premier level. I was, however, on a three-province tour, and I really hope you are humming the words three province tour to the tune of the theme from Gilligan’s Island.
My husband and I have long toyed with the idea of driving across Canada, but after we moved here, reality set in. People, I do not have the bandwidth for a weeks-, or maybe months-long road trip. I don’t think my husband does either. I don’t want to be away from home that long, for one thing, and for another, I do not want to be in a vehicle for an extended period of time.
But I do want to see more of our beautiful country; I feel like I have experienced so little. Other than Western Canada, which I have definitely seen a lot of, I have been to Toronto, and that’s pretty much it. My husband and I talked at length about how to see Canada, and we decided we would fly to parts unexplored, and then drive to where we wanted to go. As we all know, I am not the trip planner in this relationship, and so my husband got busy figuring out the logistics of it all.
One of the drawbacks to moving to Kelowna is that the airport is pretty small, and direct flights are not always available, and so it was the case for our flights to Ottawa. However, we are let’s make the best of it kind of people, and so we took advantage of our flight through Calgary, turning it into an overnight to spend with friends before embarking to our capital city. The first leg of our trip we were hosted by friends, spending three nights with them and doing some light touring. The absolute highlight for me was the afternoon I got to spend with Allison (HI ALLISON)!
Allison and I have been friends for probably fourteen years, but we haven’t seen each other in person for a decade. She’s the kind of warm, wonderful person with whom it is easy to just pick up where we left off – of course, we chat at least three or four times a week, so “where we left off” is pretty recent. I arrived at her house starving, having toured the Diefenbunker for two hours – apparently memories of the Cold War from a tour guide who actually was stationed at the Diefenbunker in the 60s really works up an appetite – and she had freshly-made guacamole, freshly-baked biscuits, apples, and, of course, snack mix.
After Ottawa, we drove to the Niagara region, and by “we,” I mean “my husband,” while I navigated. Some of you may remember that my favourite wine in the world is Vineland Estates Cabernet Franc; well, the head winemaker at Vineland is my husband’s lifelong friend Brian (HI BRIAN), and, in fact, the friendship goes back three generations as their dads and grandpas were also friends and grape-growers in the Okanagan. Brian put us up in his gorgeous guest house and toured us around the vineyard and winery, showing us the special wine cellar and also the block of Pinot Meunier, the cuttings of which plants came from my late father-in-law decades ago. Isn’t that a special thing?
You can’t go to Niagara without going to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and I was so excited to see all the beautiful tulips in bloom. I had hoped to see tulips in bloom in Ottawa, which had come from the Netherlands as a gift to Canada for our country’s service in World War II, but it was slightly too early for them. But Niagara-on-the-Lake did not disappoint!
And of course, you can’t go to Niagara without going to Niagara Falls. What a wild ride that was, literally.
Niagara Falls is so funny. I did not expect to see giant dinosaurs at a mini-golf course, many fun houses, carnival rides, and wax museums alongside one of the natural wonders of the world, but here we were. We took the boat into the falls area, and then went on a guided walking tour, which ended up behind and underneath the falls.
After Niagara we headed back to Ottawa for a night; my husband thought we would take the TransCanada back just for a different driving experience, and whoa, we were not expecting an undivided two lane highway with an 80 km/hr speed limit. Well, it was pretty, if slow.
This leg of our trip was the start of our CP Hotel experience – I am a big fan of the fancy CP Hotels, and the Chateau Laurier was incredible. I mean, if it’s good enough for my birthday twin, QEII, as well as Princess Di and the Queen Mum, I guess it’s good enough for me.
We wandered around the Parliament buildings and the Rideau Canal all evening.
The next day we headed to Quebec City, and friends, I was not prepared at all for how much I was going to love Old Quebec.
Once you enter the old fortification walls to Old Quebec, it’s like being transported to a little cobblestoned town in Europe. We stayed at the Frontenac, which is right in the middle of everything, and we spent all our time walking around those beautiful streets, to the Citadel and the Plains of Abraham, taking breaks for amazing food and to warm up on the Gold Floor of the hotel, which we had splurged on.
After Quebec City we headed to Montreal, where we stayed at the Reine Elizabeth, took in the light show at Notre Dame and had the most amazing dinner.
Not to brag, but I won the medal for Top Student in French in 1988; I have not, however, used those skills since about 1990 so I had to brush up a little before we ventured into Quebec. I can generally understand French if it is written or spoken very slowly, but my conversational skills are, shall we say, poor. Having grown up in Alberta, I had this outdated idea that Quebecers would be very dismissive of English-speakers’ attempts at French, but nothing could have been further from the truth. Everyone we met was SO kind and lovely, and seemed to appreciate my non-skills. Desolee, je parle francais tres mal.
We were able to visit with my husband’s cousins, who live in Montreal, and, despite pouring rain, gave us a little walking tour. The next day we drove back to Ottawa – a total of 2390 km driven – and then flew through Calgary back home. It was a super long day and, honestly, I was pretty exhausted.
If that wasn’t enough driving, though, we were home two days before we were on the road again. This time we took Rex with us and drove nine and a half hours to visit my parents. It was my mom’s birthday, and my beloved Aunty C was visiting as well, so we all had a great time together.
We drove the Icefields Parkway, rather than through Calgary, and we ran into some traffic.
After flying across the country and driving 4000 kilometres, I am ready to be home for a while! I have so much more to say, stories to tell, and books to talk about – and the garden, you guys, there is so much happening in the garden, I cannot EVEN – but this week is going to be all about catching up on life! And also on my blog reading; I currently have 194 unread posts, which I will be getting to hopefully in the next few days! In the meantime, I missed you all. Tell me what’s going on! Give me all the details. xo
Love the title of this post! 😂
Also this sounds like a fantastic vacation! Love all the photos so much!!! And welcome back!
I KNEW YOU WOULD LOVE IT!!! Roy Kent!
What a fun trip. It was nice to see pictures of you and Allison together on both blogs. Quebec City does look lovely. We visited Niagara Falls (American side) when Noah was doing college tours (it’s near RIT) and it was impressive.
Welcome home.
Thanks Steph, it was so much fun!
Yay! Nicole!!!!!!!!! I hoped this Monday would bring news from you! What fabulous travels! Je suis si heureuse que tu sois de retour!
I SO LOVE that last picture of you with your hair down and just radiating joy.
Oh thank you so much, Maya!
Oh, my goodness! What a jampacked fun time. I’m so glad you road tripped and had so much fun!
1694 unread posts!! LOLOLOL. Just hit “mark read” on all of those and start fresh, my friend. You’ll be forgiven by everyone.
Whoops, that was a typo! It’s only 194 unread posts. Still, it might take me a minute to get through them!
I agree. Got total tacky tourist vibes from Niagra Falls.
It was definitely tacky tourist, but I loved it!
I was told that Niagara was overrun by tacky tourist things and so I went expecting to be disappointed and LOVED IT. Admittedly, we didn’t really do any of the tacky tourist stuff, but the falls were just so incredible. I like going in to an experience with low expectations and having my proverbial socks blown off.
What a whirlwind tour of Canada – though, clearly, YOU DID NOT COME FAR ENOUGH EAST. Love it. I have only been to Old Quebec City once and really need to go. It’s so accessible (like I could be there by lunchtime from my parents home). Maybe this summer. Every single person I know who goes there raves about it.
It’s lovely to have you back in this space. I missed your posts so much <3
I know, I know, the Maritimes is next on my list! I swear! I have always wanted to see the East Coast.
I did not expect the tacky tourist stuff at all and I found it honestly delightful!
What fun, the Traveling Nicole Show! Love the photos. Welcome home.
Thanks C!
Yay! You are back! I have missed your posts so very much! It sounds like you were on such an epic adventure. You’ve sold me on Quebec/Montreal. I am determined to get there some day. I learned a bit of French before my trips to Paris and it really helped establish goodwill and the French seemed to appreciate that I tried to communicate in their language but “your mileage may vary” is my sense given what others have said about their experience in France and Paris in particular. Shrugs shoulders. But it sounds like my very basic French would likely be appreciated in that region of Canada as well – which is not surprising given your country’s reputation for being THE NICEST.
I’ve been a traveling fool as well, although not for fun but such is life. But spring has sprung and the temps are much higher than they had been and I’ve been able to run in shorts and wow does that put a spring in my step. I wonder – how much happier would I be if it wasn’t dark and cold for like half of the year? Hmmm… But it’s kind of futile thing to think about because we will be in Minnesota until our kids graduate from HS. But after that – get me out of here and to someplace with far more sunshine and weather that isn’t trying to kill exposed skin (and your spirit). There isn’t much else for me to update you on, but I did think of you for some reason when my husband I were discussing song lyrics to a Naughty by Nature song last Friday which I mention in my post today… But it sounds like HIS interpretation/understanding of what O.P.P stood for is also incorrect based on a comment from this morning and I am sure I can guess what the 2nd P is and it’s more close to my initial interpretation of what that acronym stood for.
Hahaha that made me laugh, Lisa!
You know what, moving to a milder climate has been amazing, and I hope you can do it yourself someday!
I know I said this before but you would absolutely love Old Quebec – it is just the coolest! Basic French would be all you need to get by, honestly! My tres mal francais did the trick.
Welcome home! That was A LOT of driving, but hey it’s a big country so you’re going to be putting on the miles. I was in Ontario a lot in the early 2000’s and made a few trips to QC – and spoke just enough French to be embarrassed and never try to speak French again. And yay for a Road Trip with Rex!
I can’t surpass your trip but I did have a very nice time on the road this weekend. I met Cool Bloggers!!! Story coming as soon as I can get it written.
OMMMMGGGGGGG I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR!!! Also, I guess I need to come to the Midwest now?
Oh wow, what wonderful travels! What wonderful pictures! I’ve always wanted to go to Quebec. It looks amazing. I enjoyed traveling vicariously through you! Whenever we’ve gone to Canada, I’ve always enjoyed watching the Quebec TV channel in French. I’ve always been envious of the dual languages in Canda!
Do you really have that many blog posts to go through? 😐
I’m happy you’re back!!! ❤️
I think you’d love Quebec! It’s really a cool place.
Hahaha, oops, that was a typo – it was 194, not 1694!
Wow, what an amazing trip! I was curious where you were off to! I am dying to go to both Montreal and Old Quebec City … I’ve had Montreal especially on my “list” for a long time. Need to make that happen! It’s not actually even a far flight from the Midwest here where I live.
We took the boys to Toronto and Niagara Falls when they were maybe 2 and 4! We did the boat ride and it was so cool. We actually did lean into a few of the tacky tourist things, just given the boys’ ages.. we did a black light mini golf, I recall, and some big arcade place. We were there in October and it was chilly but we had a wonderful time there!
What a fun time! So glad to see you lean into your “local”/national treasures. I think sometimes it can be easy to get swooped up in the excitement of traveling far and away, to foreign countries abroad etc. I sometimes see that with people here in the U.S. who go off to Europe or other places constantly but have never even explored some of the incredible places right here in our own country! So I think it’s great that you did some deep dive travel right there in Canada. I can’t wait to visit more of Canada some day.
I agree, Kae, there is so much to see in our own countries! I hope you get to Montreal and QC, because they are really cool – and you speak French, I think? You’d love it. THE FOOD IS DIVINE!
Haha no- I STUDIED French for 3 years in high school, but sadly, I do not really speak any!!! I speak Spanish, but French… not so much! 🙁
Oh, Nicole, I love this post so much. Your face is just beaming with joy! I can see the child in you, which makes me so happy.
Your friend Allison looks lovely, and I can tell from the photo that the two of you were happy to reunite.
Thank you for taking us along on this adventure. Let me tell you, seeing your pictures in my Instagram feed made me feel better. I’m also grateful for your kindness. I was touched when your second card arrived in the mail. You found time during your travels to send me a sympathy card. You’re such a good human. Thank you, friend. 😘💕
Oh Kari, what a lovely thing to say. I am so glad that those things brought a little glimmer of brightness to your day. xoxoxo
This looks like an amazing adventure. Quebec looks beautiful. Love that you got to visit with Allison. My dad is a huge fan of Big Horn Sheep. We spent many hours on vacations in the Estes Park, CO area as kids waiting for the sheep to appear on the mountain. Looks like he should’ve dragged us to Canada. I can imagine that travelling is so lovely, but that is also great to be back home.
Hahaha yes, you should have just come north! Big horn sheep are pretty common through Banff and Jasper! And you are right – it is nice to be home!
What a great trip! I have also been to Quebec City and it’s so European and pretty. Canada is a great country; have you been to the Maritimes or is that another trip?
I have not been to the Maritimes, but that will be our next Canadian trip for sure!
I’ve been following along via Instagram and absolutely loved being along for the ride! The pictures are fabulous.
I loved all the pictures of you – you are radiating joy!
Thanks so much Gigi, I had so much fun!
What a wonderful trip! I have always wanted to go to Niagara Falls! I totally get your trip philosophy; I’d rather jump on a plane for the long part to have longer to drive around and explore wherever I am going. Welcome back!
Thanks Lindsay, Niagara Falls is an absolute riot, I hope you can go sometime!
Missed you! I am totally bookmarking this and your travel trips. I really want to go to Old Quebec-it’s been on my list for a long time. I will show your post to my husband and try to convince him to go.
Laura, you would love it! It’s just the most incredible thing – honestly so European!
OMG, I was so excited to see that you went to Niagara-on-the-lake!!! Wasn’t it so nice? And I’m so jealous that you visited Quebec and Montreal. They are both on my bucket list. Like you, I want to use my student French. I took it for 7 years and was able to read novels in French back then, but I’d be the same with trying to understand anyone who didn’t speak at a snail’s pace. Is there a train that runs between the two cities? I feel as though I read about that once. I’m not a fan of riding in the car for hours either.
And now I must find you on Instagram!
There is a train! My older son went on a French trip when he was in grade 8 and they took the train between cities. It’s really a special place and I hope you get to go!
I WAS humming “a three-province tour” in my head! What a fun trip, and a reminder that Quebec is right next door and I should go there more (I had good marks in French too, and yet I am Scared of The French). Matt’s department sometimes has fancy Christmas parties at the Chateau Laurier and gets everyone a room for the night and it is SO MUCH FUN. I also love how traveling makes being home feel special again, so I hope you’re enjoying that.
It’s so true, it does make home feel special. And the Chateau Laurier is just so gorgeous, I cannot even!
Quebec is so beautiful! I would love to visit it one day. It’s pretty amazing you could travel across the country in 3 weeks. I can’t imagine the logistics involved. Please share more.
Oh, we flew from BC to Ontario, then drove around for two weeks. Then we flew back and drove to AB, so it was a lot of flying and driving!
I love how you are living your best life and it looks amazing! So many great places you saw. I also love the last pic and the shirt you are wearing! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Anna! That shirt could be yours too – I got it from Redbubble!
Ohhh – checking that out!
I loved watching this trip on social media. You look so happy and beautiful in all of these pictures.
Thanks Sarah! It was a great trip!
That was such a fun read Nicole! You always radiate so much joy and fun in your pics. I loved this read as you were pretty much in my backyard so I’m familiar with all the places. When I was a kid, an annual visit to Niagara Falls was a family standard (and the one time in the year our family of 7 went out to dinner). I am only an hour away right now, visit only occasionally, but am still awestruck by the falls. It is tacky, but there is also a lot of beauty there. Ottawa is such a beautiful city and such a great place to be active. My husband grew up in Montreal so we have visited many times. Quebec City is as close to Europe as we can get with flying across the ocean. What a busy trip you had!
It was a really hectic trip – but so much fun! We saw so much, but of course there is so much more to see.
I followed along with you on IG and loved it all. When we went to Old Quebec we stayed at the Frontenac, too. So close to Europe, yet far away. I’m pleased you had a good time. I want to follow in your footsteps… someday.
I absolutely loved the Frontenac!! I hope you can go back one day!
Oh my, what a wonderful trip, Nicole. And you got to hug Allison! That’s amazing.
I’ve heard that Quebec City is beautiful. I have not been to Canada yet, can you believe it, so I’ll have to put it on the bucket list.
Oh San, you would love Canada – so many beautiful sights to be seen!
What a lot of good times you’ve managed to pack in! And so much driving! I feel like Canada is so much bigger than one thinks it is. I mean we all know it’s a big country, but things are so spread out – it’s not dense like the Eastern seaboard of the US.
When I was growing up in southern Ontario, we used to go to Niagara Falls a lot. I’m sure it was only three or four times, but to me it seemed like a lot. It was certainly tacky and touristy then, and I imagine it is still so. I always loved how they shone different colour lights on the Falls at night. Do they still do that? My 12 year old really wants to visit, so we are thinking we will take a road trip there some day.
That is the thing – everything is so spread out!
They do still shine lights on the falls but we didn’t get to see that – we were there in the morning. It is totally tacky, but I loved it! I didn’t realize you grew up in southern Ontario, I guess I thought you were American!
What a lovely trip! It was fun following along on IG and seeing which place you were at next. You really were every-fucking-where. 😉 Now I need to go stare at pictures of Brett Goldstein for a few minutes, thankyouverymuch!!
I loved my trip to Niagara Falls. I didn’t do anything of the real “touristy” stuff but all of the other stuff was amazing. Truly incredible to experience in person!
It was such an incredible experience! I thought of you while I was there – I remembered you really enjoyed it.
Welcome back- we missed you!!!!! This trip sound incredible!!! The only place I’ve been in Canada is Toronto. I would LOVE to go to Quebec! Or, any of the places you went. My parents did take us to Niagara Falls when we were young but i don’t think we were on the Canadian side.
Anyway I’m glad you had such an amazing trip and I’m glad you’re back. I’m looking forward to pictures of Rex and your garden!
There will definitely be photos of Rex and the garden forthcoming!
I’m laughing at your Roy Kent comment! You are so much fun.
You saw Alison! Woot woot—that is so cool.
Girl, I’ve always wanted to see ALL of Canada and you’re making me want to do it even more so. Those old buildings, the quaint cobblestone streets, the wine. HA!
Well if you do come to Canada you have to come wayyyyyy West to see me!!! This is also wine country, where I live!
I loved reading about your adventures Nicole, as you know I loved Montreal, but now I really want to visit other places in Quebec especially Old Quebec City. Glad it was a great trip, one thing that really stood out to me in visiting Canada for the first time is how BIG it is! I mean, Australia is huge too but Canada is even bigger! Seeing a map is one thing, flying all the way over it (for 6 hours!) is another. No wonder there’s still places you haven’t visited. Can’t wait until you can visit the Maritimes and meet Elisabeth though!
Oh yes, Canada is SO huge! I mean, it would take so long just to explore my own province. My parents are in the neighbouring province and it’s at least a nine hour drive to see them.
Loved reading this recap – and seeing the pictures on IG. I’m sure you’re happy to be home and enjoying the bounty from your gardens. <3
Thanks so much, Anne!