(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 final 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 #15: Navan's vanlifers complete cross-Canada odyssey
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