Former Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams recently travelled to Canada – and found a destination far more real – and more connected – than expected. From coastal paths to mountain peaks, here are 10 things that stood out.
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- Former CommBank Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams travels to British Columbia and discovers a destination where mountains, ocean and rainforest sit just minutes apart.
- This travel guide covers everything from Indigenous-led experiences to Whistler’s Peak 2 Peak gondola, with things to do in Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler across every budget.
- Williams found Canada as welcoming for families as it is for adventurers, with authentic food, year-round markets and relaxing natural landscapes that make it one of the most surprising destinations she’s visited.
1. How close everything is
Vancouver, Canada doesn’t sprawl – it connects nature and urban life effortlessly and easily. You can visit the ocean, forest and mountains within minutes.
“You can move through completely different worlds without really going anywhere,” says Williams. “It makes the whole trip feel effortless.”
2. Stanley Park is a rainforest in the city
Stanley Park – a 400-hectare coastal rainforest right on the edge of Downtown – is one of the easiest ways to step into nature. You can explore it on your own for free or go deeper with an Indigenous-led experience like Talaysay Tours. “It feels like being one with nature but also being welcomed into someone else’s home,” says Williams.
3. Authentic Indigenous experiences are everywhere
In Whistler, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre brings the relationship between land and culture into focus inside a striking timber-and-glass building designed to open out to the surrounding mountains.
“It’s really interesting seeing the similarities and differences between Australian First Nations and Canadian Indigenous cultures,” says Williams. “Everything – the forests, the animals, the water – shapes how people live and celebrate.”
4. Beaches are dotted all over
“I didn’t even know Vancouver had beaches,” admits Williams. At Kitsilano Beach, it’s all sun, volleyball and people settling in for the day, with a huge backdrop of mountains rising straight behind it.
Closer to Downtown, English Bay draws swimmers and sunset crowds. And it’s dotted with captivating public art along the shoreline.
5. Granville Island offers an easy way to meet locals
Just south of Downtown, Granville Island has a sprawling market packed with independent vendors, food stalls and makers – all locals. You can wander, snack and talk to the people behind what you’re eating. Everyone is happy and ready to share a tip about where to go next.
“It’s like a farmers’ market that runs all year,” says Williams.a
6. The Sea-to-Sky Highway has the most spectacular scenery
The route from Vancouver to Whistler isn’t just a drive – it’s part of the experience. “It’s such a beautiful route that you could almost lose your way just looking around,” says Williams. Ocean on one side, mountains on the other – and the views don’t stop for the entire 120 kilometres.
7. The sheer scale of the mountains
Some experiences remind you why you travel, like Whistler’s Peak 2 Peak gondola, which climbs steadily above the forest before carrying you between peaks, high above the valley floor.
“It takes about 25 minutes just to get to the top, which gives you an idea of how big everything is,” says Williams. “You go from one mountain to the other, seeing the drop below you and then the next peak rising up.”
8. Great food doesn’t need to be complicated (or expensive)
At Salmon n’ Bannock, simplicity is the point. The menu is built on traditional Indigenous ingredients – wild salmon, game meats and local produce – prepared in ways that let each element speak for itself.
Bannock, a pan-fried bread shaped by generations of adaptation, is used as a base, whether for sandwiches or served warm alongside dishes.
“The fresh salmon served ceviche-style is the best I’ve eaten in a very long time,” says Williams.
9. The Seawall that connects the city
The Vancouver Seawall stretches 28 kilometres and is completely free to walk or cycle with a rented bike. It loops past beaches, neighbourhoods and Stanley Park, offering a constantly changing view of the city and sculptures, including the playful A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures and the stone Inukshuk
“You get a bit of everything: the city, neighbourhoods, trees and waterfront,” says Williams.
10. You don’t need a “family version” of the trip
Travelling with a baby usually means doing a different version of the trip. Here, it doesn’t.
Williams found her son folded into the rhythm of the day – at markets, in restaurants, out in nature – without needing to plan around him.
“Everyone just wanted to make sure we had a really good experience,” she says. “It wasn’t because we were tourists; it was just genuine.”
With direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver, British Columbia - Canada is closer – and easier – than you might expect.
Visit canadanaturally.com.au for more Canada travel inspiration. To book, search Travel Booking in the CommBank app.