Experiencing Canada Through The PNW Forest

Katelyn Edmisson-Breeze
Oct 15, 2024
3 min read

Looking to Experience the Upper Third of North America?

If you live in the states, you have probably been to Mexico because, who wouldn't want to go to a warm beach for vacation? And, if you are like me, Canada may be pushed to the back of the mind when it comes to deciding on where to book a trip. I am here to tell you to bring Canada to the front of that mind because it is time you go!

With Canada, you don't have to go deep into the belly of the beast of forest and cold temps. You can simply just go across the border, the U.S. still in sight, to experience another world. Canada, of course, is not too different from the states. Especially since they drive on the right side of the road and the landscape looks similar to Washington's if you are in British Columbia. However, they, like the rest of the world, use kilometers instead of miles and Celsius instead of Fahrenheit. They are ruled by the monarchy in the United Kingdom, not a president, and a lot of their citizens are fluent in another language, other than English.

Taking the ferry from Port Angeles, Washington, seeing Victoria, B.C. for the first time is a sight to behold. Some of the bigger buildings, like The Empress Hotel and the Parliament building, are that out of a fairytale. The forest is lush and green, and the people are quite friendly. Poutine is available just about everywhere, including McDonald's. Explore Chinatown, the Parliament Building, and have afternoon tea at The Empress Hotel - you will feel like a monarch, I guarantee it. If it is flower season, buy tickets to Butchart Gardens and experience the flower displays they create. And, yes, even in the summer, the weather was quite chilly for most of the stay, so it's wise to bring a jacket for anytime of the year.

Sooke, B.C. is where the real magic happened. And by that, I mean where I stayed for the entirety of my trip. Sooke Harbor Resort and Marina is a quaint resort at the edge of the water with individual townhomes to rent. And, yes, there is a marina. The marina has West Coast Outdoor Adventure that loans kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes, which I highly recommend. The water is a little inlet off of the Salish Sea, so waves are not a big issue, but the water is very cold. If you are lucky, you might see some sea lions or whales passing by, and if you aren't as lucky, you can book a whale watching tour on a boat.

The best things to do in Sooke are hike and eat at local restaurants. With a hike to Mystic Beach, you will be in awe of the bright green, lush trees and floor greenery, and then again with the beach itself. A cliff separates the sand from the forest, and the mist and fog from the water paint a true Pacific Northwest picture. Another hike to do would be Avatar Grove, and a hike to the Sooke Potholes. For a good post-hike beer, try The Renfrew Pub in Port Renfrew. For a real tavern feel and a plate of poutine, try Route 14 Sooke off of the highway.

British Columbia, Canada is the perfect place to travel with family, a significant other, or maybe even solo. If you are an avid hiker or just like being outdoors, Sooke is a magical wonderland of beautiful sights. If you are more city-oriented or just have a weekend to getaway, Victoria is a very cute little city with a lot of charm. No matter what, Canada is the right choice.