Adventure in Canada

TIMES FILE PHOTO

By Sydney Ririe
Westwind Weekly News

Oh Canada! Last week, we celebrated Canada Day on July 1st. This year’s celebration probably felt a little different than others in our memories. There were fewer rodeo’s, fireworks and parades, and more masks, social distancing and hand sanitizer. It feels harder to celebrate and have fun when we can’t gather together as much as we would like. Celebration really is about time spent together, with family and friends. I hope that despite the new standards for safety, we can still remember that and enjoy our time together!

My family decided to commemorate Canada Day by taking off to Waterton for some hikes and spectacular mountain views. It was a much-needed break from spending most of our time inside our house or on our property. Trekking through nature, surrounded by beautiful trees and wildflowers, and shadowed by gorgeous mountains makes my spirit soar.

When I can’t actually get outside to find adventures, books can be a great way to explore the world around you. I’ve gone on some of my greatest exploits with the crew of the Endurance as they struggle to survive over a year stranded on ice. I’ve crossed Russia with Major Joseph Makatozi as he escapes the clutches of the Soviets. I have even considered the possibility of prehistoric existence with Professor Challenger as we dive deep into the Amazon jungle.

This week, my reading suggestions are all adventure books all based in the great nation of Canada. Hopefully these books can feed your imagination, and help tide you over until you can get started on your own adventures!

Child:

Carson Crosses Canada. Linda Bailey & Kass Reich

Annie Magruder lives in British Columbia with her dog Carson. She decides to visit her sister Elsie-but she lives all the way across Canada in Newfoundland! Annie packs her car full with baloney sandwiches, and sets off on a great adventure. She and Carson will discover the beauty of each province as the travel across the country, including the big, open skies of Saskatchewan, and the delicious lobster rolls of Prince Edward Island, until they finally arrive at Elsie’s.

Young Adult:

Call of the Wild. Jack London

This classic adventure novel is set in Yukon, Canada during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1890. London tells the story of Buck, a cherished family dog stolen from his home and sold to be a sled dog. Buck must learn to survive in the harsh wilderness, cruel masters and his fellow sled dogs. From Buck’s perspective, we learn about the way of life during this time and the conditions that claimed so many lives during the Gold Rush.

Adult:

Beyond the Trees: A Journey Alone Across Canada’s Arctic. Adam Shoalts.

In the spring of 2017, Adam Shoalts embarked on an unprecedented journey. Beginning in the Yukon territory, Shoalts set out to cross Northern Canada on a solo trip few would dare undertake. With almost no contact to the outside world, Shoalts must cross 4,000km before the warm days of summer give way to the ice of winter. A captivating tale of modern-day adventure and peril from one of the greatest Canadian explorers today.

Get More Westwind Weekly →