Ep 1. Canada: Ocean to Ocean

Departures is a Canadian travel documentary television series that follows the adventures of Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach as they travel to various cities, countries, and regions around the world. The first season of the show kicks off with an episode titled "Canada: Ocean to Ocean," which sees the duo embarking on a road trip across Canada from coast to coast.

The episode starts with Scott and Justin packing their bags and setting off from Vancouver in their trusty SUV. Their mission is to travel from the Pacific to the Atlantic across the breadth of Canada, covering nearly 8,000 kilometers in just over a month. They plan to capture the essence of Canada, from its breathtaking natural beauty to its diverse culture and people.

Their first stop is in Hope, British Columbia, where they visit the Othello Tunnels, a series of tunnels and bridges that were once part of a railway route. The tunnels were carved through solid granite, and the duo marvels at the engineering feat that went into creating them. Next, they make their way to Banff National Park, one of Canada's most picturesque destinations. Here, they explore the park's stunning natural landscapes, including its iconic alpine lakes and snow-capped mountains.

The next leg of their journey takes them through the Prairies, where they experience Canada's vast open spaces and meet some of the locals who call these parts home. They visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy in Regina, Saskatchewan, where they learn about the history of the Mounties and the rigorous training that new recruits undergo.

As they continue eastward, Scott and Justin make a stop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they explore the city's rich Indigenous culture. They visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which showcases the ongoing struggles for human rights and freedoms that Canada has faced throughout its history. They also taste some delicious bannock, a traditional Indigenous bread.

Further east, Scott and Justin make a pit stop in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where they venture out onto Lake Superior to catch some fresh fish for dinner. They also take a dip in the clear, icy waters and marvel at the sheer size of the lake. From there, they continue on to Toronto, where they take in the city's iconic skyline and vibrant multicultural community. They visit the CN Tower, one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world, and try their hand at making some classic Toronto delicacies, like peameal bacon and poutine.

Their final destination is New Brunswick, where they take part in some classic East Coast activities, like shucking oysters and picking wild blueberries. They also visit the world-famous Hopewell Rocks, where they witness some of the highest tides in the world.

Throughout their journey, Scott and Justin showcase Canada's vast natural landscapes, diverse cultures, and unique history. They highlight the pride Canadians feel in their country and its many contributions to the world. "Canada: Ocean to Ocean" is a fitting start to the first season of Departures, setting the tone for a series that celebrates the beauty and complexity of our world through travel, exploration, and adventure.