Into the depths of Canada with Mitsubishi

Into the depths of Canada isn’t just a story about a road trip or a dive. It’s about going beyond your comfort zone and finding something unexpected within yourself

WHEN YOU THINK of road trips through Canada, images of winding highways, towering forests, and wide-open skies probably come to mind. But for Alexia Krizia La Palerma, the destination wasn’t just another scenic overlook. It was beneath the ice of a remote quarry in Thetford Mines, Quebec. With her toddler son Leone and a car full of freediving equipment, Alexia set out on a journey that redefined what it means to explore both land and water.

Her vehicle of choice was the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. And over the course of this unforgettable trip, it proved to be more than a means of transportation. It became a crucial partner in an expedition that demanded courage, endurance, and adaptability.

From Montreal to the Quarry

Alexia’s journey began in Montreal. Packing for a solo parent road trip is one thing. Packing for a dive under a frozen lake takes it to another level. The Outlander PHEV handled the load with ease. With its spacious cargo area, Alexia fit everything from diving fins and thick wetsuits to Leone’s travel gear, food, and winter clothes. The plug-in hybrid system offered flexibility for long drives, allowing for both electric and fuel-powered travel depending on the terrain and conditions.

The drive to Thetford Mines was quiet and contemplative, cutting through snowy roads and rural towns. The Outlander’s Super All-Wheel Control gave her confidence in the slippery conditions, while Leone stayed secure and comfortable in the back seat.

A Pause in the Forest

Before reaching the dive site, Alexia and Leone made a stop at Centre de l’Hêtre, a forest retreat near Quebec City where they spent the night in a transparent bubble hotel. Nestled in the trees, the dome offered a tranquil space to rest and reset. This peaceful break was as essential as any other part of the trip, offering time to mentally prepare for the physically demanding experience ahead.

Traveling with a toddler doesn’t always leave room for moments of solitude, but in the stillness of the forest, Alexia found a rare kind of quiet that echoed what she would later experience beneath the ice.

Preparing to Enter the Ice

When they arrived at Flintkote Quarry, the setting felt both harsh and beautiful. Known among divers for its eerie, submerged structures and crystal-clear water, it’s one of the few accessible sites for ice diving Canada has to offer. With the help of a support team, Alexia used an ice saw and auger to carve a triangular hole in the thick surface. Below, a world of stillness and shadow waited.

She suited up in a 5mm wetsuit, strapped on her fins and mask, and took one final breath before slipping into the water. Underneath the ice, everything fell away. There was no noise, no stress, no time. Just the rhythm of her breathing and the sensation of moving through cold, open space.

A Moment That Changes Everything

Freediving beneath the ice is not just a test of physical ability. It’s an act of presence. For Alexia, each second underwater was a reminder of her strength and purpose. Resurfacing, she found Leone waiting for her on the snow. That image of mother emerging from the depths to be met by her child, captured the entire spirit of the trip.

She wasn’t just seeking adventure. She was teaching her son that it’s possible to chase your passion and still show up fully in your role as a parent.

The Right Vehicle Makes the Difference

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was key to making this journey happen. It tackled the road, weather, and weight of the gear with no issue. It kept her family safe and comfortable, even in remote stretches of the Canadian wilderness. Most importantly, it allowed Alexia to focus on what mattered. Being present, being prepared, and being brave.

A Deeper Kind of Exploration

Into the depths of Canada isn’t just a story about a road trip or a dive. It’s about going beyond your comfort zone and finding something unexpected within yourself. It’s about using the right tools, trusting your instincts, and choosing to bring your whole life, including your child, along for the ride.

Whether you’re exploring frozen lakes or forging a path of your own, this story is proof that the journey doesn’t end when you hit the road. Sometimes, it’s just beginning.