We're looking to go to Canada for 3 weeks somewhere in july - august. We don't know yet where exactly we want to go, but at this moment I've heard the best things about West Canada.

So I was wondering if we have some Canadians or people who've already been there in our community who can give me some tips about all sort of things:

• Places to definitly (not) visit?
• Do we need to book all our nights or are there enough free rooms during the summer?
• Or is it maybe an idea to sleep in a tent (don't know if this is allowed and where you can stay, if it's warm enough during nights, ...)
• Good places to sleep?
• Other tips? (about renting a car, ...)
• ...

 

I already know that there's a free pass to visit all the national parks in 2017.

http://www.backcountrycanadatravel.com/camping-in-canada/

http://www.tour-guide-canada.com/camping-in-canada.html

http://www.camping-canada.com/campground_search_e.asp

 

take joe44 with.

All other worries will be peanuts.

 

I have the right car:

 

 

 

 

Edited May 3, 20179 yr by joe44

Well, it all depends on where you want to go.  Each region has their own attractions. 

Without knowing specifics, I can only give you some general tips.

 

 

 

Or is it maybe an idea to sleep in a tent (don't know if this is allowed and where you can stay, if it's warm enough during nights, ...)

There are plenty of parks that you can stay in with full service camp grounds.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/index

If you prefer to rough it, you can.  You can ask local tourist bureaus for more specific information.  The general rule of thumb is stay off private property and you'll be fine.  Will it be cold?  I'll put it to you this way, I live in Quebec and I turned the heat off last month.

 

 

 

Do we need to book all our nights or are there enough free rooms during the summer?

All depends on where you are going.  Banff..yes. Some out of the way place, probably not 

 

Renting a car?  Book in advance, and you must be 25 years of age or older.  In most provinces your foreign license is good for about 30 days.

 

 

 

Places to definitly (not) visit?

Stay the hell out of New Brunswick. Seriously,  don't even think about it.  I spent some time there, its awful.  You'll be stepping back in time and the place is hideously expensive.

If your planning on coming to Quebec.  Try to speak a little French, the Quebecois appreciate it if you try.  They'll laugh and switch to English, a lot of them speak it or at least understand it.

Driving in Quebec is an adventure. 

BC is beautiful, but really expensive.

Newfoundland, the same.

Thanks already for the info, I'll reply more this weekend.

 

What would you recommend to do in West Canada if you had the choice?

All depends on what you like:

 

Alberta:

https://www.travelalberta.com/ca/

 

BC:

https://www.hellobc.com/default.aspx?CC=CA

 

Manitoba:

https://www.travelmanitoba.com/

 

Saskatchewan:

http://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/

 

One thing I've always recommend is if you go outside the cities, into the smaller towns.  Ask around, you might find out about local festivals or attractions that are no advertised.

 

Don't forget we are also celebrating our 150th.

 

http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468854891549

Edited May 4, 20179 yr by HackSlash

I went to eastern Canada last October. I went to Quebec City, which was beautiful in an old European village way; and Montreal, which was more metropolitan. I found the people to be lovely and their history to be fascinating. Don't rule out the east.

Vancouver Island is a really pretty place, sometimes might be refer to as Victoria Island. About as far west in Canada as you can get. A Ferry is the best way to access the island. The word Island shouldn't be used lightly, it's HUGE. Lots to do, hiking, camping, places to see. I would suggest trying to take or get a car over there. The island is spread out, and this would allow you to get more done if time is short. I will actually be there in July as well.

What we want to do is see the beautiful nature in some of the national parks (I heard Jaspers is really nice), definitly want to see whales (preferably in a small boat or kano/kajak) and then still want to visit some beatiful cities/towns.

Whistler is pretty fun at any time of year, I live in NW Washington so have crossed the border a few times over the years.

iSocialism is correct about the Island.  I drove for 3 hours one day and didn't get halfway up the inward side of that island!!!

 

Victoria is big ( and nice ) but once outside of it, it gets rustic FAST, forests and all.  Vancouver City is more modest, modern and upscale ( night life, et al.).

You should visit Buchart Gardens.  Touristy but great eye candy if you like flowers and plants. http://www.butchartgardens.com/

 

IF I did this right, this link should show you some highlights in the general Vancouver Island/BC area:

https://www.bing.com/maps?&ty=18&q=Vancouver%20Island&satid=id.sid%3ac87fec52-8ab3-2696-19de-d73eeafdd3ae&vdpid=4859684741575606273&mb=50.876831~-128.432922~48.308632~-123.264236&ppois=49.6452484130859_-125.731132507324_Vancouver%20Island_~&cp=49.645248~-125.731133&v=2&sV=1

 

I've never been to Banff, but everybody seems to want to go there or has been there who goes to Canada from Seattle.  Hot Springs, lots of nature, accomodations should you wish, camping if you don't.  Check it out.  Not too far from British Columbia.

https://www.bing.com/maps?&ty=18&q=Banff%20National%20Park&satid=id.sid%3a38339e05-feee-78cc-6132-6e49ffae5cd5&vdpid=2805&mb=52.2714~-117.315811~50.706059~-115.169449&ppois=51.4887313842773_-116.242630004883_Banff%20National%20Park_~&cp=51.488731~-116.24263&v=2&sV=1

Have Fun! 

What we want to do is see the beautiful nature in some of the national parks (I heard Jaspers is really nice), definitly want to see whales (preferably in a small boat or kano/kajak) and then still want to visit some beatiful cities/towns.

If that is what you want. 

Of course all the western provinces have their charm. 

If you want natural beauty, BC is my personal choice. 

I've been to BC several times, and it is without a doubt a wonderful place.  To be honest, I'm thinking about BC for my next posting. (That is if I can convince my GD Career Mangler).

Lots to see and do, with a certain charm.

Book in advance, BC is a popular tourist destination.

 

Why wouldn't you want to see whales in a small boat?

I've done it.  Nothing to fear.  It is an experience that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.  To be next to a creature that is so powerful it could end your very existence, but is so gentle that it chooses not to.  Its magical.

iSocialism is correct about the Island.  I drove for 3 hours one day and didn't get halfway up the inward side of that island!!!

 

Victoria is big ( and nice ) but once outside of it, it gets rustic FAST, forests and all.  Vancouver City is more modest, modern and upscale ( night life, et al.).

You should visit Buchart Gardens.  Touristy but great eye candy if you like flowers and plants. http://www.butchartgardens.com/

 

IF I did this right, this link should show you some highlights in the general Vancouver Island/BC area:

https://www.bing.com/maps?&ty=18&q=Vancouver%20Island&satid=id.sid%3ac87fec52-8ab3-2696-19de-d73eeafdd3ae&vdpid=4859684741575606273&mb=50.876831~-128.432922~48.308632~-123.264236&ppois=49.6452484130859_-125.731132507324_Vancouver%20Island_~&cp=49.645248~-125.731133&v=2&sV=1

 

I've never been to Banff, but everybody seems to want to go there or has been there who goes to Canada from Seattle.  Hot Springs, lots of nature, accomodations should you wish, camping if you don't.  Check it out.  Not too far from British Columbia.

https://www.bing.com/maps?&ty=18&q=Banff%20National%20Park&satid=id.sid%3a38339e05-feee-78cc-6132-6e49ffae5cd5&vdpid=2805&mb=52.2714~-117.315811~50.706059~-115.169449&ppois=51.4887313842773_-116.242630004883_Banff%20National%20Park_~&cp=51.488731~-116.24263&v=2&sV=1

Have Fun! 

What are the links supposed to do? I just see a map.

 

What we want to do is see the beautiful nature in some of the national parks (I heard Jaspers is really nice), definitly want to see whales (preferably in a small boat or kano/kajak) and then still want to visit some beatiful cities/towns.

If that is what you want. 

Of course all the western provinces have their charm. 

If you want natural beauty, BC is my personal choice. 

I've been to BC several times, and it is without a doubt a wonderful place.  To be honest, I'm thinking about BC for my next posting. (That is if I can convince my GD Career Mangler).

Lots to see and do, with a certain charm.

Book in advance, BC is a popular tourist destination.

 

Why wouldn't you want to see whales in a small boat?

I've done it.  Nothing to fear.  It is an experience that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.  To be next to a creature that is so powerful it could end your very existence, but is so gentle that it chooses not to.  Its magical.

 

And is BC also a good place to see whales? What are the good spots?

Sorry man, I don't know where a good place would be.  I live in Quebec, so my local knowledge of BC is limited.

I can ask my Aunt, she live there.

 

You can check Tourism BC https://www.hellobc.com/default.aspx?CC=CA

 

The best would be to talk with a travel agent.

Most western coast town will have some type of whale watching package/deal. I never gone so that's about as much as I can tell you. Almost every place up in the BC area and by the coast has an opportunity. I've seen multiple links and business that provide a tour of some sort for whale watching. If you for sure want to watch some whales. You would be best off coming down to the states and looking at some Americans.

 

 

And is BC also a good place to see whales? What are the good spots?

 

I spoke with my Aunt and a couple of buddies in Esquimalt.  Pretty much the same thing iSocialism said. 

If you go to the website I gave you.  There are 90 different businesses offering whale watching tours.

You can trust that site, its the provincial government's Tourism Department.

 

iSocialism is correct about the Island.  I drove for 3 hours one day and didn't get halfway up the inward side of that island!!!

 

Victoria is big ( and nice ) but once outside of it, it gets rustic FAST, forests and all.  Vancouver City is more modest, modern and upscale ( night life, et al.).

You should visit Buchart Gardens.  Touristy but great eye candy if you like flowers and plants. http://www.butchartgardens.com/

 

IF I did this right, this link should show you some highlights in the general Vancouver Island/BC area:

https://www.bing.com/maps?&ty=18&q=Vancouver%20Island&satid=id.sid%3ac87fec52-8ab3-2696-19de-d73eeafdd3ae&vdpid=4859684741575606273&mb=50.876831~-128.432922~48.308632~-123.264236&ppois=49.6452484130859_-125.731132507324_Vancouver%20Island_~&cp=49.645248~-125.731133&v=2&sV=1

 

I've never been to Banff, but everybody seems to want to go there or has been there who goes to Canada from Seattle.  Hot Springs, lots of nature, accomodations should you wish, camping if you don't.  Check it out.  Not too far from British Columbia.

https://www.bing.com/maps?&ty=18&q=Banff%20National%20Park&satid=id.sid%3a38339e05-feee-78cc-6132-6e49ffae5cd5&vdpid=2805&mb=52.2714~-117.315811~50.706059~-115.169449&ppois=51.4887313842773_-116.242630004883_Banff%20National%20Park_~&cp=51.488731~-116.24263&v=2&sV=1

Have Fun! 

What are the links supposed to do? I just see a map.

 

When I pull up those maps there is a window on the left with a listing of places to go on the map.  Sites, restaurants, attractions, museums, etc.  That's for Banff.  For Victoria and Vancouver Island there are many purple spots on the map once you click on attractions.  Each is hot spot/link that you can run your mouse over to get an overview of what it is and click on it if you want more information..... at least that is what my browser allows me.  I had hoped it would be useful to you. 

What browser do you use?

What browser do you use?

Mozilla Firefox

Apparantly West-Canada (especially Banff, Jaspers and Lake Louise) is fully booked. We've found 1 last organisation who still have 1 camper left, but that's pretty expensive...

 

So now we might change our plans and go to the East instead.

Cool.

 

I've been all over Eastern Canada.  I'm from Newfoundland and live in Quebec.

What specific province(s) are you looking at?

Nothing specific yet, but probably a trip that will include the Niagra Falls and the St. Lawrance river. We'll have to inform us more about the rest (which should happen this weekend). I'll keep you posted.

So we've worked out a general plan for the East now, we're still open for suggestions of course.

 

 

Day 1 - Flight to Toronto (stay the night here)

 

Day 2 - Niagra-on-the-Lake (Niagra Falls)

 

Day 3 - Parry Sound

 

Day 4 - Algonquin Provincial Park

 

Day 5 - Algonquin Provincial Park (kano/excursion, ...)

 

Day 6 - Algonquin Provincial Park (walk/excursion, ...)

 

Day 7 - Ottawa (Byward Market, ...)

 

Day 8 - Montreal (Parc Oméga, Basilique Notre-Dame at Place d’Armes, ...)

 

Day 9 - La Mauricie National Park 

 

Day 10 - La Mauricie National Park (walk/swim/kano?, ...)

 

Day 11 - Domaine du Bostonnais (kano/walk/fish/...)

 

Day 12 - Saguenay (Cap au Leste / fjord / Beluga Interpretation Centre, ...)

 

Day 13 - Tadoussac (whale excursion in small boat/kano, ...)

 

Day 14 - Tadoussac 

(2 nights in Tadoussac or in Saguenay?)

 

Day 15 - Les Escoumins - Essipit / Condo Nakatam (appartement with view on the river)

-----------

Day 16 - Rimouski (boat over St-Lawrence river)

 

Day 17 - Parc de la Gaspésie (walk - Chic-Choc en McGerrigle Mountains, ...)

 

Day 18 - Percé (kolony jan-van-genten, ...)

-----------(1)

Day 19 - Riviere-du-Loup (Parc des Chutes, Parc de la Croix, ...)

-----------(2)

Day 20 - Quebec City

 

Day 21 - Flight back

 

 

We're not sure yet if we want to do the part between the -----------, as this will be a lot of extra km's and we're not sure if the things that we'll see there are worth this... If we don't do this part, then we also don't know yet if we want to go back to Quebec City after Escoumins - Essipit or still will take the boat to Riviere-du-Loup and then go back to Quebec City. We'll also have some more room to spend more time at other places.

Sorry, sort of forgot about this.

 

Sounds like a good plan.  Lots to do in Montreal.  I live about 45 minutes outside of the city.

 

Here's the official website: https://www.quebecoriginal.com/en-ca

 

I would STRONGLY suggest learning a little French before you arrive.

Montreal is a fairly bilingual, other areas not so much. 

If you try to speak French first, the Quebecois appreciate it and will generally switch to English or get someone who speaks it.  

Sometimes, they can be down right rude if you speak to them in English first.

 

Gas is expensive as hell.  Try not to fill up on the weekends, every Friday the gas prices increase by $0.05 to $0.10 a liter.  Yesterday it was $1.08 a liter.

 

If you were coming in August the International Balloon Festival is here in Saint Jean-sur-Richelieu. https://www.ballooncanada.com/

 

That's pretty sweet.  I watch it from my back deck.

delete

Edited October 8, 20179 yr by DeathMerchant
Spam. Needs deletion.