Then & Now – My First Trip to Canada vs My Recent One 2025
I still remember the excitement of my very first trip to Canada. It was a mix of curiosity, nervousness, and wide-eyed wonder. Landing in Toronto, everything felt so big, so clean, and so organized. I had never seen such expansive roads or experienced such cold weather. My first impression? Canada was quiet, polite, and incredibly beautiful. The customs process took a while, and I was slightly confused by the transport system, but everyone I met was helpful. I was constantly comparing everything to home — the food, the people, the weather — everything felt new.
Back then, my itinerary was pretty basic. I stuck to the common tourist spots — the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, and a few shopping malls. I didn’t explore beyond what was popular on travel blogs. I was hesitant to talk to locals and mostly relied on Google Maps and TripAdvisor. My suitcase was packed with things I didn’t end up needing. I didn’t know how to layer properly for winter, and I ended up shivering more than sightseeing.
Now – A Much More Confident Explorer(My First Trip to Canada vs My Recent One)
Fast forward to my most recent visit, and it felt like a completely different experience. The nervous traveler was gone. This time, I knew how to move through Canadian airports with ease. I had the ArriveCAN app downloaded, I knew which terminal to head to, and I breezed through customs like a pro. My confidence was at its peak, and instead of following maps blindly, I was making spontaneous decisions.
This trip was less about touristy spots and more about local experiences. I visited small towns in Quebec, explored farmers’ markets in Vancouver, and even tried ice fishing for the first time. I also connected with a few Canadian friends I made online and stayed at local Airbnb spots instead of hotels. The difference was night and day — this time, I felt like I belonged.
Then – Struggles with Food and Weather(My First Trip to Canada vs My Recent One)
During my first trip, food was a real challenge. I wasn’t familiar with Canadian cuisine and often ended up eating burgers or pizza because I didn’t know what to try. I remember trying poutine and not liking it at all — probably because I ordered it from a fast-food place at the airport. The cold weather was also something I underestimated. I didn’t dress in layers and made rookie mistakes like wearing cotton socks and forgetting gloves.
Now – Embracing New Tastes and the Canadian Climate(My First Trip to Canada vs My Recent One)
This time around, I was fully prepared. I packed thermals, proper boots, and even tried snowshoeing in Banff. I discovered cozy cafés, ate delicious butter tarts, and revisited poutine — but from a local diner, and it was amazing! I explored multicultural areas where I got to try Lebanese, Vietnamese, and authentic Indigenous Canadian food. I even cooked a few meals with locals who were kind enough to welcome me into their homes.
Then – A Lonely Journey(My First Trip to Canada vs My Recent One)
My first trip felt lonely at times. I didn’t know anyone, and the long winter evenings felt isolating. I mostly stayed indoors after dark and didn’t engage in any group activities. I was too shy to join local tours or meetups.(My First Trip to Canada vs My Recent One)
Now – Building Real Connections(My First Trip to Canada vs My Recent One)
This recent trip was filled with human connections. I joined group hikes, attended local art shows, and even volunteered at a community center in Toronto. I met travelers from all over the world and exchanged stories, tips, and smiles. The trip became more than just sightseeing — it became a cultural exchange.(My First Trip to Canada vs My Recent One)
Final Thoughts: Then & Now(My First Trip to Canada vs My Recent One)
Looking back, I realize how much travel has helped me grow. My first trip to Canada was all about ticking off famous spots, but my recent one was about experiencing the country. From struggling to navigate a new culture to embracing it fully, the difference between “Then & Now” is not just in the destination — it’s in how I’ve changed as a traveler.
If you’re planning your first or next trip to Canada, I encourage you to go beyond the guidebooks. Explore with open eyes and an open heart — because no matter how many times you visit, Canada will always have something new to offer.(My First Trip to Canada vs My Recent One)
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