Why Canada? I suppose South Africans don’t really consider Canada as a realistic travel destination, as its so far away and expensive to get to. But then, LA is up there on SA’s travel bucket list and that’s just as far as Canada.

Perhaps because not too many SA people seem to holiday in Canada, there is not much knowledge of what that part of the world has to offer. Hence the puzzled expressions and “Why on Earth would you go to Canada?” questions. For the rest of the world, Canada is one of the top places to travel to – both for its natural splendour – secluded lakes and forests, mountains and glaciers – and for its cosmopolitan and beautiful cities.

For us, the lure of Canada can be summed up in 4 words. 1 – Mark. 2 – Rockies. 3 – Fishing. 4 – Future.

1. Ralph grew up being incredibly close to his brother, with only 18 months between them. Since Mark moved to Canada over 10 years back, contact between them has been extremely scant. Skype just doesn’t do it for us, the time difference is huge, and life is just too darn busy. So, the time is ripe for a reunion and catch up of note. Mark lives in Vancouver with his lovely wife, Lena.

2. The Rocky Mountains have been on our bucket list since we first saw and heard of them as children. Majestic snow-capped peaks, aquamarine glacial lakes, towering forests of trees, bears, elk and National Geographic scenery. It seriously looks like one of the most magical places on Earth. And nature definitely does it for us.

3. Canada is overflowing with some of the world’s best fly-fishing waters. Everywhere you look there are lakes, rivers and creeks, bursting with all types of trout and salmon as well as a host of other incredible sport fish. So naturally Canada is up there on the boys’ angling wish list.

4. And what about the future? Ralph grew up for a while in Canada, and he and the boys have Canadian citizenship. They are approaching the end of their school careers and the start of the next phase of their lives. Canada might be a good option to consider for studying after school, and for giving them a kick start in their chosen careers. We are worried about limiting our kids’ opportunities by confining them to SA, where job prospects for white males are extremely limited and the currency is almost worthless. OK, so a holiday is not going to show what it’s like to live in another place, but travelling to the other end of the Earth will open their minds as to how big and diverse the world is, and broaden our thinking in terms of both living in South Africa, and opportunities in Canada.

So, with 4 very good reasons to visit Canada, we have taken the plunge and booked 5 tickets to Vancouver, for 5 weeks in British Columbia and Alberta, during June / July 2016. It is going to take lots of planning, lots of research and although we are trying to do it on a shoestring, probably lots of money.

We hope you enjoy the ride with us, and ask that if you have any thoughts or advice, please share it with us in the comments section below.

Yours in travel