Canada (East coast)

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Cupid-stunt

Original Poster:

3,051 posts

69 months

Friday 3rd January
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Having watched 80 Days around the World (where they actually spent the time in Canada) I have an inkling to go there.
Good positive response from the wife as he has a cousin and cute nephew in Montreal that she wants to see.

So, July 25, approx 3 weeks.
We have a 15yr and 12yr old to bring with us.

At the moment we are throwing in ideas / plans / places of interest and will then be trying to see what out of the list we want to do collectively.
Thought this would be a good place to get some suggestions from experiences the PH massive has had to add to the power of Google.

Considering the area, the time of year and the people, any places that you would put on a 'must do' list if you were to be going?

Cupid-stunt

Original Poster:

3,051 posts

69 months

Thursday 30th January
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anyone?

InitialDave

13,009 posts

132 months

Thursday 30th January
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Quebec city is well worth a visit, when I stayed in Montreal, I took the train across for a few days and it was one of the highlights of my trip. If you go, make sure you visit Montmorency falls too.


h0b0

8,619 posts

209 months

Thursday 30th January
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What are you looking for in your holiday? City excursions or some sort of adventure?

As an example, I drive to Montreal from just outside NYC. You could easily do both. There’s a Grand Tour episode racing from NYC to Niagara Falls in a Ford GT. You could make it a three stop trip.

For Montreal, I stay in the old town. There’s decent food to be found. You may not be aware that Quebec is French speaking and has some influence on the culture. Also, Montreal is cold in the Winter. No surprise there. But, as a result they have a series of shopping Malls following their underground system. Even though the interconnected mall system is very large, it’s possible to not know it exists. Most entrances are not at all obvious.

Ok, Quebec City is meant to be great. I haven’t been. Mont Tremblant is a ski resort. It’s not amazing but my kids enjoyed going there in the Summer.

abzmike

10,133 posts

119 months

Thursday 30th January
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Been to Ontario a couple of times - a two week trip many years ago that was Toronto (including Niagra), Montreal, Ottawa and up into the lakes and hills beyond - wonderful part of the world, loads of activities and solitude if you want it.
More recently a Toronto trip and it was bigger and louder, but just as enjoyable. I’ve seen it described as New York run by the Swiss - about right. I think a tour from there right over to the coast, Halifax and Newfoundland would be great.

Cupid-stunt

Original Poster:

3,051 posts

69 months

Thursday 30th January
quotequote all
Thanks for the info.

Going in summer and Mont Treblant was somewhere that I saw and looked interesting.
I am keen to do something outdoorsy. I think things like that are memorable and it's about making memories.

Definitely want to go to Quebec and have a look around the French quarter.

The train journey sounds like a great idea - it means I can take a break from driving!

Montmorency Falls look good - one that I wouldn't have looked at so shall put that onto the list.


Percy Cushion

1,263 posts

233 months

Thursday 30th January
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Make sure you go to the Mont Royal Observatory for the most amazing views over the city.

Also, check out St Savieur and the surrounding areas, it's about halfway between Montreal and Mt Tremblant.

I think there is also a comedy festival on in Montreal in the summer.

GravelBen

16,065 posts

243 months

Monday 3rd February
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A few years out of date now perhaps, but I had a month in eastern Canada in 2018 - a week based at Niagara-on-the-lake for a family wedding, then flew from Toronto to Newfoundland for a couple of weeks road trip touristing around the island, then a couple of days in Quebec Old City and a token afternoon in Vancouver between flights on my way back to NZ.

Niagara-on-the-lake is a lovely place with some interesting things to see, but to be fair I probably wouldn't have stayed as long without the family connection there, or least would have looked for some more wild places in that area.

Niagara Falls itself is impressive and worth seeing, but the city beside it is very much a tacky 'neon lights and casinos' vibe.

Newfoundland was brilliant for someone like me who wants to get away from big crowds, enjoy the scenery and open spaces, go for hikes etc - I loved it and would happily go back again. I looked at the camper option, but it was far cheaper to rent a normal car and stay at AirBnB's etc. I was there in shoulder season (September) rather than peak summer tourist season, so didn't even have to book ahead much - I had a vague itinerary planned of places to see, but was generally only deciding specifics and booking accommodation about 2 days ahead. Gros Morne National Park, Twilingate area and Bonavista peninsula were highlights.

Quebec City, very interesting historic buildings etc in the old city and nice to visit but a couple of days was enough for me in the city - if I was staying in Quebec longer I would have rented a car there as well and travelled away from the city. Gaspe peninsula looks like it would be nice.

A bunch of photos from that trip here if its of interest: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmti6L8r

Cupid-stunt

Original Poster:

3,051 posts

69 months

Monday 3rd February
quotequote all
GravelBen said:
A few years out of date now perhaps, but I had a month in eastern Canada in 2018

A bunch of photos from that trip here if its of interest: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmti6L8r
some great photos there.
Were you investigating squirrels?

GravelBen

16,065 posts

243 months

Monday 3rd February
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We don't have squirrels in NZ so they were a novelty for me! laugh

The Canadians were amused by me taking photos of squirrels too, I guess its like me laughing at tourists taking photos of sheep here... hehe

Edited by GravelBen on Monday 3rd February 09:00

fttm

4,015 posts

148 months

Monday 3rd February
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Echo comments from Ben regarding Niagara and Niagara on the Lake . it's about 5 hours from Montreal so to take in Toronto(CNTower) as well your looking at a minimum 3 days . Ottawa is my favorite city ,again a short trip from Montreal . East Coast is beautiful , we're going to Newfoundland in August for the Canadian Summer Games , but also Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have their charm also with Celtic influences .