There are many techniques for getting to know Canada. For Duncan and Vivian Morris the decision was to cycle. To Ottawa and back, they took in Canada’s vast landscape and quaint cultures, only to learn what they already knew: Canada is a wonderful place.
“On a bike you really experience the people,” said Duncan. “It’s a whole different experience of seeing Canada.”
Through the windows of a car, driving across Canada can seem little more than like watching a movie, he said, but on a bike there’s a moment exchanged between you and the place you are in and the people you see.
Cycling 1,200 kilometres each, Vivian and Duncan experienced many of those moments. They called it “Cycling across Canada… sort of.”
Vivian would cycle 50 kilometres, followed by Duncan cycling 50 kilometres then they would drive 300 kilometres in their Volkswagen Eurovan to the next camp spot, usually municipal campgrounds run by the Lions Club.
The theme was “reduce” (for their two accompanying miniature dachshunds instead of the previous huskies), “reuse” (for the pre-owned Eurovan) and “recycle” (for taking turns cycling).
Unlike some other cyclists, the couple preferred to ride light and fast, without a pile of gear hanging off their road bikes while also avoiding the Trans-Canada Highway. Instead, 90 per cent of the time, they took back roads through farmland to avoid traffic and narrow shoulders, sometimes seeing less than 50 cars pass by in one day.
As a born American Vivian enjoyed seeing the rural Prairies with its expansive fields of canola, the grain elevators and windmills.
“In B.C. we have mountains, so you never see that big expansive sky,” she said. “You feel like you could drive off the edge of the world.”
On the 15-day journey to Ontario Vivian and Duncan took a southern route along the U.S. border, even dipping into Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan and then returned on a northern route. They cycled through Sioux St. Marie, Manitoulin Island, Algonquin park and into Ottawa, where they stayed for a week until making the 13-day trip home. They came back along northern prairie farm roads, Dinosaur provincial park, the “Cowboy Trail” (Highway 22) and Glacier National Park.
“Going across the country, you begin to realize how big Canada is,” said Duncan. “You see farmers and communities that are working together and it makes you realize that you are a part of a wonderful place.”
“I feel proud to be a Canadian, it’s such a beautiful country,” said Vivian.
The journey started with the desire to see Canada while also keeping active, something they crave as marathon runners. The monthlong journey, from July 12 to Aug. 12, ended with them crossing the successful venture off their bucket list, but they’re already looking to cross off another.
“There is no better time to do something like that than the present,” said Duncan.