me and a friend are planning on travelling in Canada from April till Late June.... we plan to start in toronto where we have family to stay with and then gradually use the greyhound network to travel accross the whole of canada to vancouver and then upto Whistler.... I was just wondering if any of you experienced travellers have any advice on accomodation, travelling or simply placves not to be missed for me a first time traveller to use...
if you could help it would be very much appreciated :)
I:m from canada (Ontario), though I:m living in Japan now. I recommend camping along the way, if you want to save money on accomadation. There are tons of camping places along the way to the west... but only if you are keen on sleeping in the cold. It will be pretty chilly from April to June there (not ideal camping, unless you are into that - I am, and would do it to save the motel money. On your way up from Toronto to the west, stop and check out the scenery in the north. North bay area and further has awesome scenery and parks. Thunder Bay is also a place a highly recommend stopping for a day to check out the Lake and native history stuff. I:ve never been out west, but the praries will be dull. though calgary is fun (I hear) and full of nature also. Ottawa is also a beautiful city, but doesn:t compare to Montreal or Quebec City in terms of history and things to see. I:m sure if this is of any help. Have fun.
Don't miss Victoria (on Vancouver Island) - great place. I recommend taking the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island (it leaves from Tsawassen and lands at Swartz Bay, you then have to take a bus to Victoria). From Victoria (not Swartz Bay) take another ferry to Seattle. Both these ferry trips are worthwhile in themselves, and you get to see 3 nice places (Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle).
Posts: 78 | Location: Cape Town, South Africa | Registered: December 27, 2001
I am French Canadian who travelled quite a bit in every provinces.They all have something nice to offer. But make sure you go to Quebec city and Montreal Those cities are a lot of fun. Niagara-On-the-Lake is very pretty(wineries in the same area) and so is Kingston Ontario. Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise and all the way to Vancouver are amazing (lots of scenery, village and mountains). The youth hostel in Banff is affordable. In vancouver you can walk around the sea wall in Stanley park and visit the market at Granville Island. Two more stops, Whistler and Vancouver Island
Have fun plannig your trip.
Posts: 1 | Location: Vancouver,BC,Canada | Registered: January 29, 2002
Canada is a beautiful country, but you might be making the mistake many have made in the past by believing that Canada starts with Toronto. A visit to the Atlantic provinces will allow you to meet some of the friendliest, most sincere and brightest people in the country. A good time is guaranteed if you visit. I highly recommend my hometown of Halifax.
Have fun! Doug
Posts: 2 | Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada | Registered: February 04, 2002
I stumbed upon this really handy travel site, www.meeturplanet.com. haven`t had much of a chance to take a good look, but i did notice there were lots of members in canada who are interested in meeting up with other travels.
seems to be a great way to meet new people and hang out with the locals when you are in their country.
Can't agree more with Doug from Halifax. Go East! Montreal is a wonderful city, definately not to be missed. Perhaps Canada's best, and definately unique. Halifax is a great little city too, with a lively (and cheap) nightlife, lots to see, and the friendliest folk this side of the Atlantic. Throughout Quebec and the Atlantic provinces you'll see beautiful scenery, great towns, and you'll notice distinct differences from the rest of Canada. It's a whole different world.
I have just returned back from Montreal (second time) and I have to say that you have to make a detour and visit this wonderful city. I can highly recommend it for good nightlife, friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere. I stayed in the YHA there and would recommend it to anyone. Also like the others say make you way to Halifax, Nova Scotia if you have chance as it beautiful. I visited last year and had a lovely time walking round. If you are a member of the roughguides community visit my journals on Montreal and Halifax for more information-my guidename is :funkipickle.
Enjoy Canada, it is the most wonderful place!
Posts: 2 | Location: Cheshire, England | Registered: April 02, 2002
Sign up to get email notices of special sales at AirCanada. http://www.aircanada.com You will find some cheap tickets going on sale - maybe even cheaper then bus rides. This works for other discount airlines like Jetblue, Spirit, southwest, AirTran, ATA. The sales don't last long and thats why you need email notification.
it's Tadoussac (Saguenay whale-watching, fur trading spot/great hostel) and Kahnewake (mohawk community outside of mtl island) don't get confused with kahnestake- where they had the "Oka crisis"- golf course on native land, white people throwing rocks at natives at other native communities because they occupied a bridge. kahnewake is the touristy spot- katrin Takawitha...
I am only leaving this because the most "marginalised" people deserve our tourist dollars.....
The gatekeepers to the EAST. Bless the First Nations....
[This message was edited by samnite on August 29, 2002 at 11:20 PM.]
A really big hint is that if you are travelling in July/August then you do need to book at least 10 days in advance to make sure you have accomadation. I went there last year at the end of a round the world trip where I never really booked accomadation until I got to place and was in for a big shock. For the West coast the Moose bus is really great as they book ahead all of your accomadation for you. It is like a jump on jump off bus (so you will need to book any extra nights) but the groups are only about 15 people and you get to see places and stay places that you do not see on Greyhound!! I took 14 days to do the loop from Vancouver-Whistler-Kamloops-Valmouth-Jasper-Banff-Penticton-Vancouver. But you can do it 10!! THe west coast and Vancouver island are beutiful!!
