Jasper’s West Coast Adventure
A family trip full of challenges, good food, and memories worth keeping.
A West Coast Adventure: From Vancouver to Seattle
Last week’s Dad Diary was a special edition, looking back at old posts while Jasper and the family were off on another big adventure over Labor Day weekend. So where did we end up this time? Back in Canada.
Last year, we explored Toronto. This year, it was Vancouver’s turn — but not without a few travel hiccups along the way. Our trip started with a flight into Toronto on Air Canada, which went smoothly enough. What we didn’t expect was the lengthy ordeal at the Canadian border.
Because my in-laws are from India (and travel on U.S. green cards), I knew there could be some extra steps. I had already filled out the paperwork and scheduled nearly a two-hour layover, thinking that would be plenty of time. It wasn’t. A simple photo mismatch turned into a two-step escalation, with hours of waiting and eventually a missed connection. The system even flagged my father-in-law because he’d once returned to India. Just a chaotic experience all around.
Thankfully, we were able to catch another flight to Vancouver, arriving only two hours later than planned. Of course, those two hours happened to overlap with Jasper’s bedtime, so he wasn’t thrilled — but a good dinner of Indian food and sleep helped everyone reset.
First Impressions of Vancouver
Vancouver is a city of contrasts. On one hand, the parks are beautiful, but downtown felt shockingly dirty. Seeing people openly using drugs in the streets was hard, and it left us unsettled. The cost of living there is sky-high, and you could feel the strain everywhere.
But the trip wasn’t without highlights. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park was absolutely breathtaking — towering bridges, lush forest views, and fresh mountain air. While not the most stroller-friendly spot, I can’t wait to return once Jasper is walking.
We kept our tradition alive with “Dosa Friday,” though not without a minor detour. My partner twisted her ankle earlier that day at one of Vancouver’s many parks, so my father-in-law and I had to play medic before we could enjoy dinner. Still, nothing some good food couldn’t fix.
Friends, Food, and Surrey
Saturday took us out of the city and into Surrey, where we visited old friends. It was refreshing to see more of the countryside and enjoy the warmth of an Indian household — complete with delicious tea and snacks. Later, we tried a vegan restaurant called Meet. I had their vegan ranch chicken sandwich with fries and homemade orange soda, and honestly? One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had, vegan or not. Vancouver’s food scene impressed us at every turn.
Sunday we visited a Sikh temple in Surrey, which was… different. Normally, you go barefoot in both the sanctuary and the dining area, but here, shoes were allowed in the langar hall where food was served. Eating at tables in shoes felt strange and made the whole experience less comfortable for my partner and her family. Still, Jasper enjoyed the nearby park, and my in-laws met new friends, so it wasn’t a loss.
Crossing Into the U.S.
To close out the trip, we took the train to Seattle. It wasn’t the fastest route, but it was scenic and relaxing — an experience I’d absolutely repeat. If we do this trip again, I’d likely stay in Surrey, where the vibe was calmer, and just make day trips into Vancouver.
Back across the border, immigration was much smoother. Our driver Ian picked us up in Seattle and took us to a town near Tacoma, where we spent time with extended family. Monday was all about visiting their businesses, sharing food at their restaurant, and exploring the neighborhood. It was so welcoming that I could honestly see raising Jasper there one day.
On Tuesday, we flew back to Ohio without issue. My dad picked us up at the airport, and by Wednesday, it was back to work. The time away was exactly what we needed. I returned feeling recharged, got some great feedback at work, and found myself already dreaming of the next trip back to Seattle — and maybe another drive down to Tacoma.
Looking Back
This trip was equal parts challenge and joy — a reminder that travel with family rarely goes exactly as planned, but the memories are always worth it. Jasper may not remember every detail of Vancouver, Surrey, or Seattle, but the laughter, food, and time with loved ones are what make these journeys special. That’s what The Dad Diary is really about — capturing the small wins, the unexpected moments, and the family adventures that shape our story together.
📸 Want to see photos from our trip? I’ve shared more moments over on my Buy Me a Coffee page — check them out here.