Pemberton, British Columbia
Pemberton Over
Looking the
Valleys.
The hum of the train and the beauty of the Canadian landscape flashing by—I love the romance of rail travel. This time, the journey started in Cornwall, a charming city in Eastern Ontario, aboard the Via Rail. As we pulled out of Cornwall in the morning, the view from my train window was a beautiful morning sonnet.
Our destination was Canada's largest city, Toronto, where urban vibrancy intersects with cultural diversity. Via Rail offers a perfectly unhurried way to traverse this expanse, allowing passengers to admire the sweeping pastoral landscapes, marvellous cityscapes and tranquil riverside views that define this part of Ontario.
Arriving at Union Station, Toronto's grand terminus, we transferred smoothly to CYYZ, the bustling Toronto Pearson International Airport. This sprawling hub was alive with excitement and travelers from every corner of the globe. After checking in and breezing through security, we waited for our upcoming adventure on Lynx, eager and unabashed.
The Lynx flight offered stunning aerial views as we moved from the distinctive neighborhoods of Toronto to the diverse geographies of British Columbia. Having safely landed at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), we were greeted by Linus, a friend with the joie de vivre of a local and the heart of a guide.
We stayed overnight at the University of British Columbia, resting our heads amidst the rich history this place carries. The campus, nestled in the heart of Vancouver, feels worlds away with its lush greenery and stunning architecture.
The next day, it was time to satisfy our nature-loving souls. We headed to the scenic Garibaldi Provincial Park for a planned wilderness hike. But oh, were we in for a surprise! The trail proved more challenging than anticipated. Unequipped for such rugged terrain, we decided to pivot our adventure to Pemberton instead, a lesser-known gem of British Columbia.
Pemberton greeted us with open arms — as did the incredibly friendly park ranger who helped store our food away safely, would come and check in on us. Oh! An interesting fact about her was not many people know Cornwall, especially from out west so we always say Ottawa. We are from Ottawa. Little did we know that the Park Ranger was from Ottawa too. She left her job during the pandemic and became a Park Ranger in Pemberton. The campsite within the lush parkland was our home for the next couple of nights. Home, sweet campsite!
Pemberton
Creek
The following morning, we ventured down Lumpy’s Epic Trail, a breathtaking hike renowned for its panoramic vistas. The undulating trail lulled us through cool, green forests before revealing the epic namesake view at the top.
From this point, we overlooked the picturesque Pemberton Valley— a sight that made the arduous climb worth it. The valley stretched before us like an emerald blanket, kissed by the golden rays of the sun.
Hunger beckoned, and we headed into the heart of Pemberton. Unassuming from the outside, the local Mexican Cuisine we chose came alive with laughter. As we dived into hearty meals, we reflected on the raw beauty and wilderness that had underscored our journey, from rail tracks to airways, often challenging, yet uniquely rewarding.
This journey, filled with breathtaking landscapes, warm local encounters, and the adrenaline-packed adventures, marked an unforgettable passage through the essence of Canada's backcountry. It was a trip that underscored not just the joy of travelling, but also the unforgettable stories that it brings along.
