Contributed by Sarah Ennor
While I was a little bit early for the official Canada 150 celebrations, I decided last October to take a month to cross Canada by car. I’d never done it, had some spare time on my hands, and thought a fall-time jaunt would do my spirit some good. It turned out to be a trip stuffed full of personal reflection, which culminated in the decision to start my own legal and strategic consulting business acting as Growth Counsel to startups and other young companies (www.growthcounsel.ca). I believe it is a trip every Canadian should undertake as a top priority.
In the first days of October I started the three day journey across the head of Ontario. Whoever referred to the Nickel Belt the armpit of Ontario has obviously not driven through it at the height of fall colours. Though the different landscapes of our country are spread out and require vast travel to view, it was the trip of a lifetime to move from granite, lakes, and forests, across arctic watersheds and into the prairies, and then along the Icefields Parkway and on to the ocean at the west coast (they have forests and lakes there too!).
The absolute highlight was the Icefields Parkway, which I enjoyed well near the end of tourist season. In fact, I needed to stay a night in Lake Louise due to snowy road closures and a flat tire. But the mountains, cliffs, turquoise lakes, and snow laden trees all made it worth the effort. Pulling into Prince Rupert at the end of the Northern BC arm of the Yellowhead Highway was a sight full of rainbows that I will remember for eternity.
Anyone seeking adventure coupled with awe-inspiring beauty should visit www.goyellowhead.com and rent a car immediately. Take your time, though! We live in a very big country.
