Ottawa

With a population of around 800,000 citizens, Canada's capital is the fourth largest city in this country.
Parliament Hill, a scenic location at the banks of the Ottawa River, accomodates the national parliament buildings, including the Centre Block with its national symbol, the Peace Tower (above).



It's a pretty impressive feeling standing in front of the Peace Tower, being surrounded by monumental buildings.



There are several nice parks all over the city. Unfortunately, we just have one day to spend, but doing a more or less easy Half-Marathon helps us to max it out and see as much of the city as possible.

Oh, almost forgot to tell you about our Pontiac SunFire! In reality (if you give your's fancy full scope), it almost looks like a invaluable sports car.
Hmm...



But all our efforts trying to sell this guy didn't have the desired effect, unfortunately. - Let's just rent a Corvette next time.

Algonquin: Beaver Pond

Before leaving Algonquin Park, we do a 2 km hike through rugged Algonquin terrain to see two Beaver Ponds.
(Click on the picture above for a 360° panorama view of one of the ponds!)

The trail offers excellent opportunities to observe the role of the beaver in the Park enviroment.



This dam probably required several beaver-years to be built.



It's simply amazing what these animals are able to construct!

Algonquin: Encounter On Hwy. 60

Highway 60 runs through the south end of Algonquin Park. The views from there can't really be described as spectacular, but the drive through the forest is certainly interesting and extremely pleasant...



...especially, if you're lucky and see a moose. Although this is a young one, these guys are huge!

Algonquin: Ragged Falls

Mercilessly prosecuted by mosquito-hordes, we hike a short trail to thundering Ragged Falls. Spectacular! (Click on the photo above for a panorama view!)



It's impossible to talk being near the falls.

Hello and Goodbye

One week ago, our Canadian housemate Christian (above, taken at our goodbye-dinner at an excellent Indian restaurant with the illustrious name Maharadja Palace) moved out to go back to Montreál - he has finished his masters. Unfortunately, Laure, our good soul from France, left us about one month ago, too. - We all miss you two guys!

However, two new friendly housemates moved in by now: Rasmus and Babak. Welcome!
And you guys keep our house-sharing community pretty international:

• Babak (Iran)
• Ole (Germany)
• Peter (Canada)
• Rasmus (Sweden)
• Willem (Germany)
• Yuka (Japan) and
• me (Germany)

Heading Home

Enjoying the last evening in Victoria and on Vancouver Island.



The 1.5-hour ferry ride back to Vancouver leads us through fantastic sceneries...



...a nice goodbye!

Victoria (Vancouver Island)

Victoria, the 'Garden City' and provincial capital of BC, has less than 100,000 inhabitants.



This city still is cosmopolitan and thus seems to be a lot bigger in a friendly way. Being there feels rather British than Angloamerican.



Fan Tan Alley, the very heart of Canada’s oldest Chinatown.



A convenience store, a bit outside of downtown.



Now, isn't this a fancy house-decoration?



This is where the 'Trans Canadian Highway', Highway #1, starts.

Botanical Beach (Vancouver Island)

Botanical Beach is just a 5 km hike away from Port Renfrew, where we spent the night in a comfy motel - surprise! - owned by a German immigrant.



We arrive early in the morning, when the tide is low.



Botanical Beach is famous for its tide pools containing maritime life. Absolutely amazing!



Hard to keep hold of that in a photo...



Watching small crabs, fishes, sea anemones and other opalescent underwater flora, time flies: we almost fail returning to our motel in time for check-out.

Botanical Beach is one of the hidden highlights of Vancouver Island for sure!

Vancouver Island (April 27-29)

We take the early ferry leaving from Powell River and reach Comox, Vancouver Island - just 227 years after James Cook arrived on this island.



Heading south along the eastcoast, we pass charming little towns, such as Parksville, where we have a short break.

Since today I know three things for sure:

1. Pamela Anderson is Canadian (as if I ever doubted).
2. She grew up in a nice town called Ladysmith.
3. Ladysmith is also a nice place to have a break.

The timber industry is big on Vancouver Island. This is how they carry the wood from A to B.

May I introduce our unobtrusive companion (presented by our charming model, Ms. Suzuki)? By the way, this is the smallest rental car you can get here.

Later in the afternoon we arrive at Victoria, the capital of BC. No vacancy here, fortunately, as it turns out later, so we drive west on an adventurously winding road to the sleepy little town called Port Renfrew, the 'Jewel of the West Coast'.



On our way to Botanical Beach, Yuka discovers this funny tree.

The Sunshine Coast (April 26-27)

We leave Vancouver with a heavy heart. But soon we forget everything else, the stunning Sunshine Coast takes all our attention.

There are several friendly little towns on the way up north that invite for a break...



...and to enjoy the cool view!



Highway 101 runs just between the mountains and the sea. It is torn apart due to the cliffy scenery, connected again by spectacular ferry rides.



Time for a longer break! We hike through the rainforest of Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park to watch a natural wonder: 30 km/h fast rapids.



Having a break at the narrows.



We spend the night at the Old Courthouse Inn, a beautifully restored courthouse and police station in Powell River. The rooms are nicely decorated with antique furnishings. Fortunately, the nice hosts are still awake when we arrive late in the evening.



But what we actually should have asked: did we sleep in the judge's chambers or the constable's office?

Hidden Places (Vancouver)

China Town.



Subculture.



A machine where parents (or Yukas) put their children to dry. Extremely convenient!

Naturally Vancouver!

Nature and civilization don't necessarily have to be contradictory.



Metropolitan birds - also working hard to be good at business.



A traditional Chinese garden.



Yeah, you have them here to, these cute Canada goose. You thought, they're yummy? Shame on you!



Summer has already begun here.



I felt ready to take on anything this morning. I'm still unable to eradicate this guy in Stanley Park, however. Too bad. So a big hug has to do it.

Chillin' City

Hi folks, these are your two scouts checking out Vancouver's city life for you!



Not only is there a Starbucks on every second corner but also a variety of independent and cosy sidewalk cafes. We strongly recommend taking your time to relax here, have a cappucino and watch the people passing by.



Gastown (photo below) is the old city centre. Though it's just a 5 min walk from downtown with its modern skyscrapers, it provides a completely different atmosphere. Being there reminds me of the Schanzenviertel in Hamburg. A wonderful place to have another cappuchino.



Due to its proximity to Japan and Korea, a big number of inhabitants come from there. Thus, it's a great place to enjoy some Japanese/Korean food!



Downtown Vancouver is crowded with a countless number of independent restaurants of any shade. What you won't see here, however, is one of the big fast-food chains. Didn't miss 'em.