Holiday in Canada
Discussion
Depends what they want.
British Columbia is beautiful, but touristy and crowded.
The Maritimes are also beautiful, but not as crowded, friendlier people (IMHO), not as 'big city' as Toronto/Vancouver/Montreal.
If they want to get away - from EVERYTHING, you really can't beat Northern Saskatchewan/Manitoba/Alberta/Ontario. The first two are, in my opinion, nicer. I'm sure they could find a fly-in cabin up there that wouldn't have a single person within at least a hundred miles. A guide, canoe, fishing rods, camp gear and it would be something that they wouldn't find anywhere else.
Canada is a big place... while Vancouver is nice, there is a lot more to Canada than just rain and crowded malls.
If you've/he's got specific ideas/questions, feel free.
Gary
British Columbia is beautiful, but touristy and crowded.
The Maritimes are also beautiful, but not as crowded, friendlier people (IMHO), not as 'big city' as Toronto/Vancouver/Montreal.
If they want to get away - from EVERYTHING, you really can't beat Northern Saskatchewan/Manitoba/Alberta/Ontario. The first two are, in my opinion, nicer. I'm sure they could find a fly-in cabin up there that wouldn't have a single person within at least a hundred miles. A guide, canoe, fishing rods, camp gear and it would be something that they wouldn't find anywhere else.
Canada is a big place... while Vancouver is nice, there is a lot more to Canada than just rain and crowded malls.
If you've/he's got specific ideas/questions, feel free.
Gary
Plotloss said:
Week 1 Vancouver BC
Week 2 Whistler BC
Calgary will be worth a look but its not as nice as Vancouver IMHO.
Calgary isn't worth a look, unless you want to fly in to there, but it's all flat and dull round there.
We did Banff, then to Vancouver via Jasper, which is very nice.
agent006 said:
Week 1 Vancouver BC
Week 2 Whistler BC
Calgary will be worth a look but its not as nice as Vancouver IMHO.
Calgary isn't worth a look, unless you want to fly in to there, but it's all flat and dull round there.
We did Banff, then to Vancouver via Jasper, which is very nice.
That's funny, I'd take Calgary over Vancouver any day of the week. Smaller city, easier to get around, not nearly as crowded, Rockies are less than an hour away, cowgirls
, flat and dull?? I suppose some people could think that. I love it. It's all about what they want to do/see. Gary
gary_tholl said:
Canada is a big place... while Vancouver is nice, there is a lot more to Canada than just rain and crowded malls.
Was in Toronto on the Wednesdays either side of Christmas, and the Eaton Centre was deserted by UK standards.
I want to get back and explore more, ive only been to Ontario area so far cos thats where my family are.
Regards
Iain
chassis 33 said:
Was in Toronto on the Wednesdays either side of Christmas, and the Eaton Centre was deserted by UK standards.
I want to get back and explore more, ive only been to Ontario area so far cos thats where my family are.
Regards
Iain
And I can almost guarantee I would have that vein on my forehead nearing exploding in that same place at that time. Crowds just do my head in. To explain why:
England 132588 square KM pop 49 million
Saskatchewan 651036 square KM pop slightly over 1 million
Gary
Vancouver Island is great too...
We took a float plane to Victoria and stayed in the hotel grand pacific. Cannot recommend it enough...
The Island is actually very large, but looks tiny next to the mainland !!
We spent a few days in Victoria then some time exploring the island, then flew back to Vancouver, spent a few days there, then travelled down to Whitstler and toured the mainland...
Fantastic country, and I'd move there tomorrow given the chance
We took a float plane to Victoria and stayed in the hotel grand pacific. Cannot recommend it enough...
The Island is actually very large, but looks tiny next to the mainland !!
We spent a few days in Victoria then some time exploring the island, then flew back to Vancouver, spent a few days there, then travelled down to Whitstler and toured the mainland...
Fantastic country, and I'd move there tomorrow given the chance
We went last year and did the Vancouver to Calgary route. Loved Vancouver, and Wells Gray Porvincial Park - a bit off the beaten tourist route with the chalet style accommodation - lots of walks, riding, fishing, sailing in the park. Also went to the wine region - stayed in Kelowna, on the edge of the lake - again, beautiful, and some fab vineyards too!
You can't beat the Jasper - Banff - Calgary road and scenery. Also, one not to miss for awesome sights is the icefield - touristy but amazing.
You can't beat the Jasper - Banff - Calgary road and scenery. Also, one not to miss for awesome sights is the icefield - touristy but amazing.
To quote from above:
"Week 1 Vancouver BC"
Then
"You can't beat the Jasper - Banff - Calgary road and scenery. Also, one not to miss for awesome sights is the icefield - touristy but amazing."
Calgary will be worth a look but its not as nice as Vancouver IMHO.[/quote]
Did this last summer
Boat trip to Victoria on Vancouver island is very good.
Driving through the Rockies to Calgary was superb.
Will
>> Edited by will_t on Wednesday 9th February 20:59
"Week 1 Vancouver BC"
Then
"You can't beat the Jasper - Banff - Calgary road and scenery. Also, one not to miss for awesome sights is the icefield - touristy but amazing."
Calgary will be worth a look but its not as nice as Vancouver IMHO.[/quote]
Did this last summer
Boat trip to Victoria on Vancouver island is very good.
Driving through the Rockies to Calgary was superb.
Will
>> Edited by will_t on Wednesday 9th February 20:59
Hello, well I am Canadian and I have lived in the Maritimes for 16 years and then out in Alberta (Calgary) and Banff area for 16 years, often visiting the Vancouver area.
If you plan on going to the Atlantic Coast, then I would highly recommend the Cabot Trail through Cape Breton, it goes over Sugar Loaf mountain and through Glace Bay. You will get a lovely sense of the maritime life. There is also Peggy’s Cove and Lunenberg about 2 hours drive from Halifax which is a very pretty village, there is a restaurant on the main road in Lunenburgh which has the best Clam Chowder money can buy.
Calgary is a fantastic city if you know where to go, and where to shop. For shopping there is the down town area or about 10 blocks west you will come to the Mount Royal area where all the art galleries are, as well as specialty shops. There is also the Princess Park down town which is a fantastic green space and cycle route through the town. Granted you’d only want to stop here on your way into the mountains, but it is a great place to visit. On the corner of 8th street and Stephen Avenue Mall there is a little pub called Ceilies and further down (2 blocks) on 8th Street and 10th Avenue there is Cowboys in case you want to get your fill of two stepping and well endowed barmaids. I’d highly recommend Caesars Palace for the best Alberta beef there is.
Banff is nice but very very touristy. If in Banff on a Sunday you must go to the Banff Springs Hotel for the Brunch, even if it is just to see what they are serving. The Springs is also well known as a Ghost haunt and ghosts are still seen to this day. Ask about the girl in the restaurant, or the Bell man. You could stay in Kananaskis, which is a lodge not far from Nakiska, and drive into Banff or Canmore to visit. It is only about a 30 minute drive to Banff from here. You will certainly be surrounded by mountains there with lots of mountain biking and hiking trails. Last I remember you could rent a mountain bike at the local sports shop. If you are an active mountain biker then the Powder face would be for you, if not then there are still lots of bike paths for you to take..some up to 25 km long. If you golf, the best golf course and most beautiful in Canada is Silver Tip in Canmore. It is about $150 to play a round but you will be driving off the sides of mountains and the scenery is some of the best in the area.
Lake Louise is also a must see stop, but if you do go, you must hike up to the tea room..which is really an expensive place to buy a sandwich, so ask the hotel to pack you a lunch. It can be tough going at times, but is only classified as an easy route. You will get incredible views of the glacier. Or if a bit more fit..climb Fairview mountain which is the one to the left of the hotel. You will go all the way to the top, and peer over the edge onto the lake and then behind onto Paradise Lake. But be warned, this is a hike to the experienced..and very steep.
Where ever you go in the National Park the towns will be busy, but I do guarantee you that when out hiking, you will only see a few people, and that will just be in passing.
If you venture as far west as Vancouver Island then you must try Uqulet (you-cue-let) and Long Beach. The there alone will give you a sense of the enormity of the country!
I could go on and on, and being a Canadian through and through, down to driving a ford pick-up..if you have any questions feel free to ask!!
MRS VARIO-ROB
If you plan on going to the Atlantic Coast, then I would highly recommend the Cabot Trail through Cape Breton, it goes over Sugar Loaf mountain and through Glace Bay. You will get a lovely sense of the maritime life. There is also Peggy’s Cove and Lunenberg about 2 hours drive from Halifax which is a very pretty village, there is a restaurant on the main road in Lunenburgh which has the best Clam Chowder money can buy.
Calgary is a fantastic city if you know where to go, and where to shop. For shopping there is the down town area or about 10 blocks west you will come to the Mount Royal area where all the art galleries are, as well as specialty shops. There is also the Princess Park down town which is a fantastic green space and cycle route through the town. Granted you’d only want to stop here on your way into the mountains, but it is a great place to visit. On the corner of 8th street and Stephen Avenue Mall there is a little pub called Ceilies and further down (2 blocks) on 8th Street and 10th Avenue there is Cowboys in case you want to get your fill of two stepping and well endowed barmaids. I’d highly recommend Caesars Palace for the best Alberta beef there is.
Banff is nice but very very touristy. If in Banff on a Sunday you must go to the Banff Springs Hotel for the Brunch, even if it is just to see what they are serving. The Springs is also well known as a Ghost haunt and ghosts are still seen to this day. Ask about the girl in the restaurant, or the Bell man. You could stay in Kananaskis, which is a lodge not far from Nakiska, and drive into Banff or Canmore to visit. It is only about a 30 minute drive to Banff from here. You will certainly be surrounded by mountains there with lots of mountain biking and hiking trails. Last I remember you could rent a mountain bike at the local sports shop. If you are an active mountain biker then the Powder face would be for you, if not then there are still lots of bike paths for you to take..some up to 25 km long. If you golf, the best golf course and most beautiful in Canada is Silver Tip in Canmore. It is about $150 to play a round but you will be driving off the sides of mountains and the scenery is some of the best in the area.
Lake Louise is also a must see stop, but if you do go, you must hike up to the tea room..which is really an expensive place to buy a sandwich, so ask the hotel to pack you a lunch. It can be tough going at times, but is only classified as an easy route. You will get incredible views of the glacier. Or if a bit more fit..climb Fairview mountain which is the one to the left of the hotel. You will go all the way to the top, and peer over the edge onto the lake and then behind onto Paradise Lake. But be warned, this is a hike to the experienced..and very steep.
Where ever you go in the National Park the towns will be busy, but I do guarantee you that when out hiking, you will only see a few people, and that will just be in passing.
If you venture as far west as Vancouver Island then you must try Uqulet (you-cue-let) and Long Beach. The there alone will give you a sense of the enormity of the country!
I could go on and on, and being a Canadian through and through, down to driving a ford pick-up..if you have any questions feel free to ask!!
MRS VARIO-ROB
g cold in the winter though. Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff