7 things I think every Canadian should do before moving abroad, as someone who has regrets

Seeing more of Canada

Growing up in Ottawa, I visited many of the classic stops nearby, like Kingston, Toronto, Prince Edward County, and Montreal — plus a few towns just a short drive away from home.

But no matter how much I explored, I always felt curious about what was beyond my own backyard.

When I decided to move to Japan, it was for a mix of reasons: the rising cost of living, a desire to see the world, and feeling more than ready to leave my hometown.

Living abroad is amazing, but it's also highlighted how much of Canada I still want to see.

There are so many places on my bucket list that I'm not sure when I'll get the chance to visit: the Rockies, Quebec City, Prince Edward Island, and the gorgeous small towns I've always wanted to explore.

Back in Ottawa, there were moments when I could've just hopped in the car for a day trip or checked out a completely new city, but I didn't make (or sometimes even have) the time.

Now, scrolling through travel guides and online posts about parts of Canada I've never seen, I can't help but think I should've explored just a little bit more before leaving.

Decluttering before I left

I sold or donated most of the big stuff before my move abroad — furniture, plants, shoes, and anything that wouldn't fit in my suitcases and boxes. Still, I kept a lot of clothes, books, appliances, and random things that I probably shouldn't have.

Now that I'm living in Japan and planning to travel even more after this year, that extra stuff just feels like a weight.

I’m currently living out of a suitcase and a carry-on, so I've definitely embraced a more minimalist lifestyle here, but the things I brought along take up space that I’d rather use for my next journey (or next shopping trip).

Getting rid of more before I left would have made everything easier: less to pack, less to think about, and less waiting for me when I eventually come back to Canada.

Going on more hikes

I love a good hike. As a kid, I went hiking in Gatineau Park with my mom all the time, and as an adult, I've always enjoyed being out in nature.

Before leaving Ottawa, I kept meaning to go. Summer came, and I thought I'd make the time. Then fall rolled around, and I wanted to see the leaves change.

But somehow, with everything else going on, I barely went at all. Maybe twice.

Trying the local restaurants

Trust me, I made the rounds to many of my favourite Ottawa restaurants, but sadly, I didn't get to them all.

One that really stings is BAMM’s Snack Shack. I used to live five minutes away, walked past it all the time, and just never stopped in. Now it's closing for good, and by the time I get back to the city, I’ll never get to try it.

A few other spots on my bucket list never made it onto my plate, so I’ll have to dream about them until I get back. And for the places I already know and love but didn't get around to, the wait feels even harder.

Going on a few road trips

I've gone on plenty of road trips from Ottawa as an adult: Parc Omega in Montebello, Prince Edward County, and Perth, just to name a few. That said, I should've taken one or two more before leaving.

A girls’ trip to Montreal, a weekend at Sandbanks, or driving to explore some small Ontario towns would've made leaving home feel more complete.

I've always loved the little road trip moments — stopping for ice cream, checking out local shops, and taking in new scenery without a strict plan.

Those mini adventures, whether spontaneous or planned, are the ones I think about now and wish I'd done while I was still at home.

Checking out more festivals

Ottawa summers are packed with events and fun things to do. I went to the Tulip Festival, Bluesfest, and even watched Escapade from a distance last year, but there were plenty of other great festivals that I didn't get to: GreekFest, the Asian Night Market, and lots of local pop-ups.

Life gets busy, and preparing to move across the world didn't exactly help. But looking back, I wish I’d experienced a little bit more of summer in Ottawa one last time.

And missing some of the upcoming Bluesfest artists this year? Don't even get me started. I'm still salty that a lineup I would've loved to see happens the one time I move away.