Our Big Move: Living in Vancouver for a Few Years

May 3

No one told us it was going to be easy to move cross country! (OK, yes they did)

Due to many reasons—one being the lingering effects of the pandemic—we made a big life change and moved from Toronto to Vancouver. It’s a long story… but a very exciting one. Once we sold our house, packed up our belongings, and watched the moving truck disappear down the street, we hit the road in our own car. Most of the journey took us through the United States, a decision that gave us the chance to explore some charming towns and experience scenic, off-the-beaten-path landscapes. The route took us through a mix of weather and terrain, and it felt like the country was revealing a new personality every hundred miles. One day we were sweating in the dry heat of North Dakota, and the next we were caught in a whiteout snowstorm that forced us off the highway. With visibility near zero, we pulled off and took refuge in the tiny town of Sturgis, South Dakota. Quite the unexpected detour.

After a night in snowy Sturgis, we hit the road again as soon as conditions allowed. The interstate had reopened, but the adventure was far from over. The route west took us through even more dramatic scenery, including winding mountain roads and thick forests. Our next weather surprise came near Mount Baker, Washington, where we had to navigate a full-on sleet storm on steep, twisting roads. It was both nerve-wracking and beautiful—intense, but unforgettable. Every leg of the trip brought something unexpected, and by the time we reached the outskirts of Vancouver, we were both exhausted and exhilarated. Settling in came with its own challenges, but the change of scenery and pace was refreshing. Vancouver, with its mix of mountains, ocean, and urban life, began to feel like home surprisingly quickly.