Were motoring through Canada -- need tips.

Fatfreek

End of July, early August -- we're coming, the four of us. Wife Judy and brother-in-law and sister-in-law and I are squeezing into our Buick and heading north. We're thinking of starting our east to west trek at Nova Scotia and make it to British Columbia after some two weeks. We're not actually punching a clock here so that number is arbitrary.

That's the part of our trip where we have more questions than answers. We've never been there and I suspect that some of you Canadian neighbors may have some suggestions on what routes to take, what places we don't want to miss, some pittfalls we want to avoid, perhaps even some special events that are going on and their whereabouts.

To get to Nova Scotia we'll probably wind our way through New Bedford, Mass. (my home state) and up through Maine.

From Vancouver, B.C. we'll proceed back into the states where I have family in Tacoma, Judy's family in Vancouver, Wa, and more friends close to Portland. We'll then proceed southward, then eastward through Arizona, etc.

Fats

sammielee24

You'll be gone more than 2 weeks me thinks! I'm from Canada and been across it and it's a big honkin country to drive across. What do you want to see and do? That time of year will be fantastic up there that time of year - wish I were you! I always enjoy touristy things cos I like to be touristy when I'm away - have you been to Niagara Falls yet? That is always nice. The lake Superior route is phenomenal and the scenery out of this world! Quebec City is a must do if you like history. Niagara Falls has a good casino if the mood strikes you. I'm not sure if you're into history but Georgian Bay is gorgeous and has St Marie Among the Hurons, as well as Martyrs Shrine...also a relaxing boat cruise along the 30,000 islands. Wasaga Beach is white sand for miles. Sudbury has the nickel mines which you can tour at various times - at least I think you can still do that. Of course along the way out west you have Calgary - I think the stampede will be over but there's the West Edmonton Mal in Edmonton which is a huge complex kind of like the mall of America. You have Vancouver, Victoria - I like the Cranbrook area too...there's lots to do and see....sammieswife.

ringo5

That sounds like a great road trip, but you 'll need more than two weeks if you actually want to take in the sights. Since my ol' stompin grounds are in Nova Scotia, I'd recommend the Cabot Trail in the northern part, but that's a full day in itself. Also a drive through the Gaspe' in Quebec is a pretty anytime, and as mentioned Quebec City and Montreal are beautiful cities with alot of history to take in, if that's your thing.

I've driven across from east to west too, and that was the best road trip I've ever taken, but that took only 4 days because we drove pretty much non-stop. We also went through the States from Michigan to Washington because we heard the prairies in Canada were a snorefest!

I have a book called Reader's Digest "Backroads and Getaway Places of Canada", and it has highlights lots of places I still like to get to.

I'm sure you'll have a great time, especially if you allow yourself some extra time if see some area you want to explore, that's sometimes the most fun.

ringo5

sosad

Two weeks is not enough!!!!! don't skip the Prairies - if you just hit the Trans Canada and fly through the province of Saskatchewan you will see Awesome beauty but only a quick glimpse of the southern edge- you'll miss Lake Diefenbaker (Huge mad made lake named after one of our incredible Prime Ministers)...if you ar bird watchers you have to check out the Quill lakes - it is the largest salt water body in NA - the birds are incredible- the north is full of little lakes, golf courses EVERYWHERE and small towns that dot the area with Museums and coffee shops that will make you smile. Saskatoon is a beautiful university town with a river walk system that will leave you breathless....

remember our speeds are posted in Kilometers NOT miles (100kmph vs 60 mph) is the highway standard.

Go through Montreal in Quebec (Old Montreal if you want a glimpse of Europe)....there is so much- the Forts in Winnipeg, Kaninaskis County which is West of Calgry but BEFORE Banff - go to jasper instead of Banff actually- visist lake Louise and have lunch at the Hotel on the Lake or better yet go for a hike and have tea- check out Radium Hotsprings or even Fairmount HOtSprings- go to Vancouver island- the Ferry ride alone will be worth the effort

my husband grew up in the Maritimes and it took their family seven days to make it as far as Moose jaw, SK - which would leave you about 20 hours more driving to hit the West Coast....

i'd love to hear about your trip - this a a beautiful country

Simon

The Rockies are fantastic - the road between Banff and Jasper is a great drive and there are lots of things to see along the route. You could easily fill a week or more with that stretch alone.

kwintestal

I've driven from coast-to-coast. One way it takes 80+ hours of driving. Are you planning on doing anything, or just driving?

You can spend two very busy weeks in Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick and Quebec alone and not have enough time.

Watch for the Busker festival in Halifax, Aug. 9-18 in Halifax. Great entertainment and usually Halifax at its best. www.buskers.ca

Kwin

orbison11

i live in BC, any specific questions, just shoot

so much to recommend,,try to get to whistler and do the 'sea to sky' drive up, they are improving the highway for the 1010 olympics here

orbi

OUTLAW

..Tips..Drink Canadian beer..LOL!!...OUTLAW

AK - Jeff

I must chime in with Simon re: Bamff and Jasper. On the way, don't miss Ste. St. Marie [Ontario] - the locks between Superior and Huron are great. And talk about a peaceful town at sun-up. I can't imagine a better way to bring up the sun than sitting peacefully in one of the fine coffee shops there? Going north along Superior is a fabulous drive.

If there is no timeclock to punch - you would not be unhappy with a month or more. I join the 'envy team'.

Jeff

Crumpet

Definitely go to Niagara Falls and on the maid on the mist - its a tear jerking moment - well it was for me - I sobbed my heart out, it was so beautiful.

Then the Niagara village up the road is sweet - stay at The George Arms where you can get your room and the boat trip down the Devil's Rapids thrown in - that is such a buzz.

Algonquin National Park - get yourself a canoe and paddle your way into the deep interior looking out for bears and moose and humming birds and loons. Everything seems to close at 8.30 though - Canadians dont seem to like late nights so make sure you get yoru evening meal ordered or face the wrath of the chef and waiting staff!

Were motoring through Canada -- need tips.

i live in BC, any specific questions, just shoot

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