Thank You, Canada!

View from the Salmon River Country Inn in Head of Jeddore, NS

Our last night of the ride was spent at the Salmon River Country Inn in the village of Head of Jeddore, NS. It was the perfect place to enjoy our final evening before our last ride into Halifax. The inn had amazing views, and the seafood served at the restaurant was exceptional.

We woke up to dense fog and low visibility, so we waited until late morning to set off. The ride into Halifax took only a few hours. It felt strange to transition from the wilds of Cape Breton and Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore to the much more populated areas of Dartmouth and Halifax. As we approached Halifax, the traffic, noise, and sight of large buildings and malls overwhelmed the senses. I realized how, for the past six weeks, we had mostly cycled through remote wilderness areas and small towns. The backroads we traveled, the limited connectivity, and the wild landscapes made me feel at ease, content, and happy—strangely similar to how I felt as a young boy during family road trips in the United States.

The MacDonald Bridge we rode our bikes over to cross into Halifax.

We arrived in Halifax, proud of our accomplishment of riding nearly 1,500 miles from Montreal to Halifax via the Cabot Trail. However, completing a long tour like this, along with the Patagonia tour and our ride across the United States, is not what brings the greatest satisfaction. It’s the simplicity of life, the processes we go through, and the surprises and lessons we experience each day that make bicycle touring so rewarding.

Statue in Halifax celebrating the Emigrant

Plaque on the Emigrant statue

What I have taken away most from this journey is a deep appreciation and love for Canada. Diversity is celebrated and respected. Immigration, while challenging, is woven into the fabric of society. Good health, universal healthcare, and education are prioritized. Parks and recreation are highly valued, and a general sense of safety and freedom permeates throughout society. There is an authentic culture of kindness, respect, and unity around a love for the country. It’s not utopia—like all countries, it has its own set of problems and challenges—but this six-week ride has left me with a strong sense of gratitude and respect for our northern neighbor and its people, as well as a desire to see and learn more about this great country, especially at the pace of a bike.

View of a dock at Halifax Harbor