Vancouver would be the final stop on our cross-Canadian Contiki trip.
It had been a long three weeks, but it was full of adventure and I was really bummed that it was coming to an end.
On this trip, I had seen so many places in my own country that I had no idea existed. I had met someone that would become a close friend and travel buddy. I had attempted to learn to canoe. I had… stripped down to my underwear on a glacier?
Contiki trips always feel quite surreal. You’re in this pressure cooker situation with all new people for weeks at a time, going on all these crazy adventures. And then when it’s over and you have to go back to Real Life, it doesn’t feel quite right.
Stanley Park and Vancouver street views (July 2022)
But I’d take full advantage of our last day on this trip and enjoy Vancouver.
We first drove through Vancouver’s Stanley Park – a gorgeous green space in the middle of the big city.
As a group, we went to Yaletown Brewing Company for dinner and a drink, then checked into our hotel and I crashed into bed. We’d been driving for nearly two days, of course I was exhausted.
Capilano Suspension Bridge (July 2022)
We woke up bright and early to get on a bus to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
It was so much fun climbing through the trees and crossing the daunting suspension bridge. I’m afraid of heights, but it wasn’t that bad. It may have felt like a tame day to most people, but to my anxiety, it was another large adventure.
Hanging on the front of the boat with pals (July 2022)
For our final celebration of the trip, our entire group would spend the evening on a private cruise. We’d get dinner and drinks and there was music, but my favourite part of this magical fairytale ending was sitting out on the front of the boat.
There was enough space for most of us to just sit and chat and take in the sunset views over the horizon.
It was so peaceful. Everyone just spending their last night together as a Contiki family. Appreciating where we were. Reflecting on all of the adventures we’d been on together.
It really was the best way to end this three-week vacation.
The best way to say goodbye (July 2022)
The next morning, Sophie and I ended up packing our bags and heading to the airport together. Contiki trip managers will always tell you, “It’s not goodbye, it’s just see you later.” But this one felt like a bittersweet goodbye. I was so happy we had met, but I wasn’t sure we’d see each other again.
