(Tori Dark and Kevin Nault have embarked on a trip across Canada aboard their newly converted camper van. In doing so they are joining hundreds of other couples who have taken up what is referred to in the culture as “VanLife”. During their trip, the Orléans Star will publish a series of diary pieces from Tori allowing readers to follow the couple’s journey. This is the latest installment in that series.)
Before starting our trip across Canada, Kevin and I were most excited about two different destinations. Kevin was excited about living in the Canadian Rockies in Canmore, Alberta and I was excited about visiting the Pacific Coast and Vancouver Island.
We have spent the last month living in Canmore which is approximately an hour west of Calgary. The small town, energetic people, and stunning view of the Bow Valley have captured our hearts.
A couple of weeks ago Kevin and I met a journalist from Skier Magazine named Kelly, who happens to also be from Ottawa (Rockcliffe Park to be exact). He hired Kevin through the magazine to create video coverage for the Whistler Ski and Snowboard Festival in April. As a result, Kevin and I were offered a three-night stay at the Crystal Lodge hotel in downtown Whistler Village and five full-day ski passes each for Whistler/ Blackcomb! We were so excited and grateful to have this wonderful opportunity.
There are two ways to reach Whistler if you’re traveling from Alberta. You can either take Highway 1, which is a well-paved and maintained road that will take you through Vancouver and Squamish up to the Town of Whistler. This is the route I would recommend if you are driving in the winter or are afraid of cliffs (like me).
The other option is Highway 99, which heads north through Pemberton and I would only suggest this route if you have chains on your tires and don’t fear death (unlike me).
I trusted my co-pilot (Kevin) to choose the safest route for us to arrive in Whistler. This was mistake number one.
I blindly followed Google Maps off Highway 97 and onto Highway 99 North. That was mistake number two. I am not exaggerating when I say that was the single most terrifying experience I’ve ever had while driving. The shoulder of the road was either a cliff or another cliff. I was regularly whipping my sweaty palms to ensure I could grip the wheel because there were no guard rails whatsoever. It’s safe to say we did not take that route back to Canmore.
This was our first time visiting Whistler and we wanted to cover all our bases. Kelly, who currently lives in Revelstoke, is a frequent visitor and practically a Whistler local. He showed us around the village, helped us find free overnight parking and even camped with us on Crown Land in his Honda CRV, affectionately called “Sendy Wendy”. The warm weather, moss-covered ground and a change of scenery were much needed. We had officially become west coast ski bums, but it’s time for us to venture west and explore even further.
(You can follow Tori and Kevin at www.instagram.com/vanxiety_life/. Tori and Kevin are both former students at Cairine Wilson Secondary School, Class of 2012.)
Past articles...
Vanxiety_life #14: Kevin and Tori spend a month skiing in the Rockies
Vanxiety_life #13: VanLife couple enjoy life in the Rocky Mountains
Vanxiety_life #12: VanLife couple make mid-winter Prairie crossing
Vanxiety_life #11: Local VanLife couple travels across the Superior lakehead
Vanxiety_life #10: Local VanLife couple ready to hit the road again
Vanxiety_life #9: Vanlifers decide to spend a few months close to home
Vanxiety_life #8: Vanlifers return home for a short break before heading west
Vanxiety_life #7: It's never too late to start your own vanlife adventure
SDBC TAPROOM CONCERT SERIES presents Quite Alright live and in concert at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Advance tickets $7 available at 
PUMPKINS & PINTS pumpkin carving event at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Cost $10. Your ticket gets you your own pumpkin and materials so you can get creative and carve out your masterpiece. There will be prizes and other surprises. All ages. Space is limited so RSVP today by visiting 
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d'Arc. For more info visit 
OYSTER NIGHT every Wednesday from 6-9 pm at the Orléans Brewing Co. Two types of oysters served with lemon, Tobasco, horseradish, salt and mignonette. The Orléans Brewing Co. is located at 4380 Innes Rd., next to McDonalds.
FINAL ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET OF THE YEAR from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road. Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it.
BOOZE AND BREWS BASH at the Royal Oak Orléans, 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. (corner of Jeanne d'Arc) 10 pm to 2 am. Dance the night away when DJ Kwizz starts spinning the tunes at 10pm!! Prize for the best costume!! Pints of Molson Canadian for $6.95 & shots of Jameson's for $5.95.
