It’d be an understatement to say that Carolyne and I love food. I think one of the few instances that we were actually early, waiting in the lobby impatiently, was when there was a good dinner date organized for us.

Sheryl Crow must have known something about the drives in Canada when she wrote her famous tune–"Everyday is a Winding Road"–now a karaoke staple. Winding or not, one thing is for sure. These next five Canadian drives will take your breath away. Fill up with gas, pack a picnic, get some good tunes and forget the GPS. Getting lost is the best part.

If there was one thing Carolyne and I both agreed on (I think), it was about our choices for our favourite hotels, B&Bs and boutique hotels across Canada. We both enjoyed having a giant comfortable bed, a great bathroom with awesome bath products, and loved it when there was a dose of character involved.

You can go by the size of the line up outside, but wouldn’t it be easier just to take my word instead? I’ve travelled the country this summer and ate– a lot. I’ve scoped out those awesome lunch spots that we all wish we would’ve known about at the time we were hungry enough to eat enough for two. 

Canada is a not only a big place, but it’s also a fun place. I know this first hand. This summer, we participated (however clumsily at times) in some of the most out-of-the-ordinary, inexpensive and truly Canadiana-type of experiences that one could find.

We heard a little birdy tweet something very sweet about a contest that Canada is a Big Place is organizing on Twitter. Canada is a Big Place will be announcing all the details on August 19th.

Writing my final blog post about this magnificent journey across Canada that we’ve shared together should be the easy part. But somehow, I can’t seem to get it together.  I start and then I stop, but my thoughts are running all over the place.

Admittedly, I’m a bit worried about forgetting. Something.  A person. A place. A feeling.

We met Vancouver-based writer Kevin Chong in Dawson City during the music festival.  He’s brilliant.  Already an established author, the young journalist is currently working on a non-fiction book about the Hastings Racecourse and the colorful characters that come with life in the stables.

I’m back in Vancouver and lodging at the uber-chic Opus Hotel in Yaletown.  Things have changed in the last seven and a half weeks since I’ve been gone.