Horseshoe Bay (in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

As we drove down to Horseshoe Bay (in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), I could immediately see that I’d previously been there. The view and ferry terminal were unforgettable.

Growing up, I spent summers in interior BC. We always drove to the same destination and back.

It took nearly two days to reach our summer destination—without air conditioning to cool our sticky bodies. Dust from the rough gravel roads coated our auto, inside and out.

However, one summer, we hopped on a few BC ferry boats instead. They took us a good distance toward our usual destination.

I still remember my dad reluctantly accepting the shortcut of the ferry. It was an expense we couldn’t easily afford. It defeated the whole point of driving off into the wild.

So Horseshoe Bay is imprinted in my mind. I think it’s beautiful. It’s gifted me a nature’s air conditioning and dust-free air.

Most recently, I meandered through the quiet of this small village. An enormous seal swam under me, through the marina’s clear water. There were hills to hike and Indigenous art to browse.

As well, the mountain views across the bay take one’s eyes toward Átl'ḵa7tsem (Howe Sound)…

“An integral part of the homeland of the people of the Skwxwú7mesh Uxwumixw (Squamish Nation), the region has served to provide the essentials of life for the Squamish and other Coast and Interior Salish people for the past 10,000 years or more. The marine and terrestrial resources of the Sound and its surrounding forest-clad mountains continue to be a valuable source of social and ecological goods and services for all who live in its sphere.”