And so the Canadian Adventure begins....

....almost...Well, I've checked in for my flights, so I guess you could say it's started...

Hello one and all,

It's been a while since my last blog, obviously a sign that I should travel more right? Some would argue I travel too much as it is, but I would argue...

So, for the next two weeks I am going to be in Canada, a country that has been on my list of places to see for sometime, but not at the top of the list, nor the most obvious of choices for me, but sometimes you need a little change, and I decided that I have travelled East quite a lot so this year I should go the other way.

I fly tomorrow to Vancouver, where I will be based for 10 days, and then I fly to Toronto for 4 days before coming back home.  Yes I know, for a country the size of Canada, only visiting two cities isn't really "doing Canada" but it's a start!

Whilst in Vancouver I have a number of trips planned already, first a day trip (by Seaplane) over to Victoria, and another day trip taking me to the North Shores for a bit of hiking.  I am also aiming to do a day trip up to Whistler, but I will arrange that when I arrive.

I'm also going to take a quick trip into the States and head to Seattle, it's just a few hours by coach from Vancouver and for $15 ticket, why not!  The original plan was to go further into the states to Portland to meet another Chris, a couchsurfer I hosted in London a few weeks ago but the dates didn't quite work out, so Seattle it is.

Whilst in Toronto, well my main reason for there was to do the typically touristy thing and go to Niagara.  After seeing Iguassu in Argentina/Brazil last year, this is most likely to be "just another big waterfall" but it is quite iconic and if I have the chance, then I figure I should take it.

To be honest, I have no idea what to expect from Canada, so in some ways I'm really excited about the trip, but I'm at the same time, also a little nervous as I don't want to miss out on anything, but for the first time, I'm not staying in hotels, in stead I am going for a "home stay" option and I am staying with local residents! All thanks to a website called airbnb - a way to keep costs low but also see the place you visit from a slightly different viewpoint.  Both hosts in Vancouver and Toronto seem really cool guys and live in  great locations.  The guy in Vancouver is a Brit and has lived there for 6 years, and lives on the 19th floor of a high rise in downtown VC - I can't wait, and no doubt will have lots of photos to share...

Bookmark me, subscribe, keep checking in...and I look forward to sharing my adventures over the coming weeks with you all!

Bon Voyage!