Exploring Canada from Vancouver to McBride: A Traveler’s Story

Exploring Anchorage, Vancouver, and Poparide: An Unplanned Adventure

20th October: Farewell Anchorage, Hello Vancouver!

Wil kindly drove me to Anchorage Airport, where the small size meant no need for an early arrival. The three-hour flight to Vancouver flew by, thanks in part to in-flight Wi-Fi. I skipped breakfast due to IBS, so I was starving when we landed. Unfortunately, Rave, my friend meeting me there, was delayed at the border.

Airport prices were as steep as ever—$20 for a simple baguette! After a wait of about 1.5 hours, Rave finally arrived, and we set off toward Vancouver.

A quick stop just before the Canadian border led us to a Mexican spot where I devoured enchiladas. Crossing the border went smoothly, although I had to explain my lack of a return ticket. Rave dropped me at my hotel, and I spent a quiet night relaxing.

21st October: Vancouver's Chinatown and a Bit of Border Business

Rave and I met up again for lunch in Vancouver’s Chinatown, where I enjoyed a baguette with lemongrass chicken and a slice of cheesecake with coffee before we headed back, only to find Rave had received a parking ticket. Not too concerned, he simply crumpled it up—apparently, ticket collection in Canada is far less strict than in Norway!

A tip from online research led us back to the border to clarify how my Canadian stay might affect my U.S. ESTA. Luckily, all was fine, and I learned I could streamline future entries by filing an I-94 a week prior. I spent the rest of the day relaxing, enjoying some pool time and Vietnamese food in the evening.

22nd October: Exploring Vancouver Solo

With Rave helping a friend, I decided to explore the city solo, using Vancouver’s easy-to-navigate bus system. I stopped for breakfast at Bread and Meat, which lived up to its name.

Checking into the hostel later in the day, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be clean and comfortable. The mending circle I found online turned out to be a lifesaver for fixing my sweater my mom had made, though I forgot to take a “before” picture!

The night ended with karaoke in a rougher part of town, but it was a safe and fun experience. By 2 a.m., the hostel was finally quiet, so I got a good night's sleep in what became an unexpected private room.

23rd October: Vancouver’s Hidden Gems and Off to Kamloops

After checking out and storing my bag, I explored the city further. I just wandered around without any mission but figgured I should get something to eat and I ended up at the Cambie Bar and Grill and got a hearty hamburger for breakfast.

My ride to get further on was not until 17.00 so I should try to do something at least. So I checked out my map and saw I was pretty close to Chinatown. As I was walking I discovered a lovely garden and a small Chinese museum.

After this I went back to have a coffe. Vegan banana cake.

The day’s main event was a ride to Kamloops via Poparide with Mark, our driver. The five-hour drive went by fast, with two quick EV charging stops along the way.

Mark kindly dropped me off at the Best Budget Motel in Kamloops, where they helped me arrange a morning bus.

24th October: Into the Rockies, Meeting Samantha’s Family

After a brief motel stay and a four-hour bus ride, I finally met Samantha, who picked me up from Valemount, about 50 minutes from McBride. Samantha’s welcoming family includes her husband Doug, three kids—Amy, Max, and Cilas and a cozy collection of pets: Two horses, two ponies, five dogs, two cats, a hamster and a snake. The home and surrounding landscape are absolutely stunning, and I look forward to spending a few days here.