Early April marked a turning point. The decision to move to Nova Scotia and follow my heart back east finally felt clear. Belongings were packed up in Vancouver and plans were made for one last trip in British Columbia, this time to Victoria, a place I had missed on earlier adventures on the island. Goodbyes were said before boarding the ferry west, a journey I would go on to take many times in the years ahead, though that story belongs elsewhere.
Arrival on the island brought a sense of calm. Finding my way to Ocean Island Backpackers, I settled in for the week ahead. The hostel quickly became a favourite, somewhere I felt comfortable and returned to often. Victoria itself, though unintentionally at the time, would go on to shape the next two years of my life in Canada without question.
Rain fell steadily over the city, though it never dampened the experience. Wandering on foot revealed stunning historic buildings and a sense of old-world charm that felt distinct from anywhere else I had been in Canada. The seawall led the way towards Fisherman’s Wharf, where seals and sea otters lingered near the docks. The evening unfolded back at the hostel bar before continuing out into the streets, hopping between pubs and soaking up the atmosphere.
Later in the week, a catch-up took place with someone I had been chatting with online for a few weeks. What began as a casual drink downtown quickly turned into something more, and time seemed to disappear as we spent the rest of the week together. Anna worked much of that time, leaving space to explore independently. Goldstream Provincial Park became one of those days, along with several other corners of Victoria that revealed themselves slowly rather than all at once.
Thoughts soon shifted towards what came next. Flights to Halifax began appearing on my screen, though plans changed quickly when a message came through from Brody, a friend I had made in Vancouver, asking if I wanted to join him at Coachella that very weekend. Hesitation barely existed. A flight to Los Angeles was booked, along with a return ticket to Vancouver from Seattle, setting in motion a long-planned West Coast journey through Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle.
Leaving Victoria felt harder than expected. Standing at the bus stop, a quiet promise was made to return once the American adventure was complete. Travel continued back through Vancouver and onward to YVR, where a new chapter began with a road trip across the United States waiting ahead.
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