A British man bicycled his way from Vancouver, British Columbia to Newfoundland, ending his journey with some camping along the old path of the railway underneath Castle Hill before he caught the ferry in Argentia, ending his trip.
As far as dreams go, his desire to bike across the second largest country in the world was a big one, but so satisfying once completed.
Lloyd Gray is one of a number of people who have attempted and succeeded that particular feat. Gray is from London, England. He flew into Vancouver in April. Since then, he has embarked on a cycling journey across the country, and what a journey it’s been. He said he cycled through the Rocky Mountains, stopping at some noteworthy spots, such as Jasper and Banff. The Rockies represent many of the highest places in the country (although the highest point is located at Mount Logan in the Yukon Territory).
But, as Gray explained, ironically, he wasn’t expecting the constant climbs. It was worth the effort, though, to experience the gifts that a change in elevation can bring, he said. To revel in the snow in the Alberta mountain-tops, two hours after the baking heat of the British Columbia valley below was a treat not readily fund in his home country.
Gray said he also enjoyed veering off the main path, from Saskatoon to Moose Jaw and Manitoba to Ontario. When in Ontario, he was able to enjoy a bit of respite and peaceful canoeing at Quetico Provincial Park, just to the northwest of Lake Superior. After visiting all the large cities in Ontario and Quebec, he caught the boat across the St. Lawrence Seaway to Rivière-du-Loup. Gray enjoyed the opportunity to see Prince Edward Island, which he followed up with a ferry to Nova Scotia where he cycled along the Cabot Trail. Then, he caught the ferry to Newfoundland and Labrador. Although he didn’t stray far off the Trans-Canada Highway, he eventually made it to St. John’s. Once there, Gray had a chance to celebrate the journey from west to east and visit Cape Spear. Afterwards, he cycled around the Irish Loop. What brought him to this neck of the woods was a scheduled departure on the ferry at Argentia.
When visitors such as Gray come to Newfoundland and Labrador, Placentia has an unrivalled opportunity. Visitors bring rich tales of other parts of the country and the world. In turn, we are given a chance to share our own part of that world.
During his travels, Gray explained how he was mentally noting the places where he would like to visit on his return to Canada. Indeed, places such as Vancouver Island and Gros Morne National Park were on that list. But when Gray returns, it is hoped his journey to the province will also include the Cape Shore loop. As he remarked about his overall trip to Canada, it, too, would be well worth the effort.
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