Vancouver Island – Road Trip Magic
I spent the first few days in Victoria with my friend A. We wandered through the city, explored beautiful spots, and just soaked up the atmosphere. Afterwards, I met my other friends from Whistler in Tofino and Nanaimo. We did a little road trip, played golf, went kayaking, and enjoyed the peaceful vibe of this small fishing town.
If you ever come to Canada, you have to visit Tofino.
Even after only six or seven months in Canada, I was able to experience more of the culture than many others get to.
Here’s our little Vancouver Island holiday:
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My Summer in the Rockies – Jasper & Sunwapta Lodge
Right after the island trip, I started my new job in Jasper. I was still sad about leaving Whistler, but I wanted a fresh start. And it turned out to be an incredible summer.
I worked from May to August at Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge, 40 minutes outside of Jasper. We lived in little cabins in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, waking up every day to the view of peaks in our backyard. It was insane — something truly special.
Our staff residence manager, Justin, organized all the fun trips: hikes, lake days, white-water rafting, a glacier walk, and countless barbecues. Living and working together for three months created intense, beautiful friendships — the kind that might last a lifetime.
Because of Whistler and Jasper, I now have friends all over Australia, who I definitely have to visit.
Friendships formed while travelling are different: strong, emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking. You spend weeks or months together, grow incredibly close, and then suddenly have to part. You never know when you’ll see them again — maybe in a year, maybe in five.
But reunions in each other’s home countries?
There’s nothing better.
September – Big Cities, Solo Travel, and Workaways
At the end of August, I returned to Whistler for a week to see friends again. It felt incredible, but I was glad I experienced a different summer. Nothing beats the Canadian Rockies.
September was full of new experiences. It started with a solo trip to Toronto. The city was huge and there was so much to explore — the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, filming locations of one of my favourite shows, Shadowhunters, and so much more. Solo travel can be lonely, but it’s also incredibly freeing.
Next, I travelled to Quebec City to meet Luke and Bri again. It felt almost like a European city, and reminded me of home. We visited the citadel, beautiful churches, enjoyed good suppers, and played games in the evenings.
Saying goodbye again was tough.
Then I continued alone to Montreal for my first Workaway. I lived with a French-Canadian family, helped out in the dad’s furniture store, worked with their child, and experienced the real French-Canadian culture. I worked almost all day every day, but it was such a wholesome and rewarding week.
From the 17th to the 19th of September, I returned to Vancouver — my home away from home. I even went to a Jonas Brothers concert alone, which was intimidating at first but turned out to be very enjoyable. I’d definitely do it again.
The Yukon – Farm Life & Pure Nature
After Vancouver, I travelled to the Yukon Territory — another unbelievable place full of untouched nature. I worked on a farm with cows, pigs, and chickens, helped with gardening, fed animals, and cleaned barns. We lived as part of the family, celebrated Thanksgiving together, and explored cute little fishing villages.
The landscape was breathtaking.
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Final Stop – Mexico
The last two weeks of my Working Holiday were spent in Mexico with friends from Jasper. Cancun, Chichén Itzá, Día de los Muertos in Mexico City — the whole trip was insane. I loved every second, even though I was already exhausted from so much travelling.
Going Home – Gratitude & the Wish for More
Going home felt strange. I was excited to see my family and friends again, and I needed a little break. But at the same time, it hurt knowing I couldn’t see more of Canada or experience another ski season – which truly made my year.
I learned so much about myself in these 12 months. I’m incredibly grateful for everything:
the people I´ve met; the places I´ve visited; the memories I´ve made.
This year has been an absolute blast.