← Back to topic list
1. Do a TT search! At least five posters a week ask what to do in Toronto, whether to go visit Niagara Falls on their way around the world, and whether it's possible to work under the table/overstay a tourist visa. The road is well travelled. Find those threads, add a reply (which brings the topic to the top, restarting the conversation), and then see #2. Ask one question at a time.
2. Be specific. You might include: How much do you have to spend? ("reasonable" doesn't cut it) budget or up-scale - remember the Canadian dollar is the currency used in Canada, so that's what people will assume when they reply ;)
3. Please use the right branch. This branch is intended for travel questions about Canada. If you're asking questions about the US then try "Americas - United States of America" :)
Finally: If you haven't filled in your profile on the TT, make sure your post mentions anything about you that would be helpful to know. An 18 year old Brit on his first trip abroad usually wants different advice from a Italian family with an infant or a couple in their 50s from Saskatchewan.
Now back to Lan's original post:
Airlines (full fare): AirCanada, FirstAir (YT/NT/NU), AirLabrador (NL), AirNorth (YT)
Airlines (lower cost): WestJet, AC Tango, Canjet, JetsGo
Remember: Always book tickets on credit card, so you can get a refund if the carrier fails.
Train: VIArail have a number of travel passes, the most common being the CanRailPass, there's also a pass available which includes most Amtrak routes in the US!
*Long distance buses:Orleans Express (PQ), Greyhound (Canada) (National)
Ferries: NFL/BAY (NS/NB/PEI/Maine), Marine Atlantic (NL/NS), BC Ferries (BC)
National Parks: Parks Canada
Canadian Governmental Departments: Customs, Immigration
Finally: Remember to carry photographic film as hand luggage - there are powerful CT scanners in the hold luggage path that will destroy your film... Ask staff if you're unsure!
Please feel free to add any other useful advice you might have inside this thread!
Note: Commercial advertising is prohibited on the Thorn Tree as per our Terms of Use. If you come across any tour operators advertising or spamming their business on Thorn Tree (or by private message) then above each post on Thorn Tree you will see a row of icons. If you click on the yellow triangle with the ! you can report a post to the moderators. Please include a brief note advising why you think the post needs looking at and the moderation team will review it. You can also use the report button to request the deletion of accidental multiple postings.
Thanks!
All links to #100 updated as of October 2011
Edited by: Zabba
Edited by: katija
Most web browsers have the ability to search within a page - in Internet Explorer go to the Edit menu and select Find (on This Page), then type in a keyword you're looking for. The process is similar for most other browsers :)
Canada general info:
Lonely Planet online World Guide to Canada
More airlines:
Air Transat charter, mainly trans-Atlantic (thanks eurotrash)
Canadian North (thanks Ben)
Other northern airlines include: Air Tindi, Ken Borek Air, North Wright Airways (thanks Lan)
Backpacker buses:
Moose Network (thanks Rascal
Salty Bear NS/PEI/NB (thanks rlynch)
Fuel prices:
Gas/Petrol prices online (thanks Lan)
Accomodation:
B&B: Bed & Breakfast Canada (thanks TriGirl)
Hostels:
LonelyPlanet hostel booking site (thanks Admin_help ;)
Hostelling International (HI) (thanks trinity17)
Canadian Ski Hostels (thanks rlynch)
Finding businesses or people:
Canada411.com (thanks Graendal)
YellowPages.ca (thanks OZinOH)
Trekking and the great outdoors:
Find travel/hiking partners
West Coast Trail information:
Official site
Trail shuttle bus
Western Canadian Online Outdoors News (thanks westcanbob)
Edited by: Zabba
Official tourism site: http://www.travelalberta.com (links to weather, things to do, etc)
Officially inspected accomodation: http://www.explorealberta.com (thanks Lan)
Hiking trail conditions/bear warnings in Alberta parks:
Banff, Jasper
Renting camping equipment in Calgary:
UofC Outdoor Centre
Mountain Equipment Co-op (thanks mickih)
Edited by: Zabba
BC Travel (thanks gregfromvictoria)
Vancouver:
Lonely Planet online World Guide to Vancouver (thanks Admin_help;)
Tourism Vancouver, City of Vancouver (thanks gregfromvictoria)
Victoria:
Tourism Victoria
Vancouver Island from Mainland British Columbia - rayne_koest writes:
By Air: You can fly from Vancouver to wherever you want to go on the island. If you are short on time, and can afford it, flying (especially on harbour to harbour flights) can save you alot of time. Vancouver-Victoria, harbour to harbour is 35 min each way, compared to minimum 3.5 hrs if you take the bus.
* conventional flights (Air Canada, Horizon Air, and several other airlines) from YVR
* seaplane flights from Vancouver Harbour (see Harbour Air or West Coast Air)
* helicopter flilghts (see Helijet).
* By Sea:* If you are taking the ferry there are two main ways from Vancouver, The Horseshoe-Duke Pt Ferry will put you near Naniamo (mid-south Island) , and the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay Ferry will put you near Victoria (southernmost tip). BC Ferries. In addition there are sailings to Duke Pt from Tsawwassen. If you have driven up the coast to Powell River there is also a ferry connecting Powell River to Comox (mid island). It's a gorgeous ride, especially the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay section, and very relaxing.
* With your car: These ferries are large and are used for vehicles (of all sizes). If you are planning on exploring the island and have a vehicle with you then it is advisable to take it. For perspective, the island is larger than Ireland. You can reserve a space in a advance of the sailing to ensure that you get on, this is advisable for summer long weekends. Otherwise you may end up waiting in line. 2 sailing waits are common on long weekends
* On the bus: Pacific Coach Lines runs busses on every sailing, connecting downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria It costs about $55 for a rtn ticket and takes about 3 and half hours each way.
* Walk-on passenger: Both Vancouver-area ferry terminals (Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen) are serviced by Vancouver city buses (Translink). Bus fare will be $4 or less, and walk-on ferry passesngers pay between $8 and $10, depending on ferry and time.
m_reider adds: Be prepared for long ferry waits on weekends and holidays! It might be a good idea to make a reservation. There are also several ferries to Washington including the Victoria Clipper which takes you right to downtown seattle, but only carries foot passengers and not vehicles.
mickih adds: There are public transit services the Swartz Bay ferry terminal in Victoria ($2.50 to downtown on rte 70) but not the airport.
Edited by: Zabba
Official Tourism www.travelmanitoba.com (thanks Lan)
Polar bears: (Lan wrote) Best place to see them is Churchill, Manitoba. When the bears are viewable depends on the weather that year, they start to congregate on the shores of the Hudson Bay before it freezes (October/November usually). Tours on the tundra buggies need to be booked in advance (book them first), they are expensive and there are only two operators: International Wildlife Adventures (formerly Tundra Buggy Tours) and Great White Bear tours. There are two ways to get there, either by air (Calm Air), or by train (VIArail) - the train takes 36hrs/2nights from Winnipeg - there is no road to Churchill! There are also no hostels in Churchill, so the cheapest accomodation is B&B - book accomodation in advance during bear season. Film is best bought before you arrive, since the choice is very limited and prices are high!
Edited by: Zabba
Graendal writes: Unfortunately I have no idea of the layout and touristic appeal of Labrador, having never been there. In the meantime, here are some links about the island portion of the province to get you started.
Province wide links: Provincial government tourism site, Provincial Parks, T'Railways - Unique linear park across the island, made of an old railbed (Cyclists!), Birdwatching
Northern peninsula: L'Anse aux Meadows (Vikings)
West Coast: Gros Morne, Another Gros Morne site, Marble Mountain Skiing - One of the runs is nicknamed Oh My J*sus (OMJ), Corner Brook
Central: Grand Falls-Windsor (great sport fishing in summer!), Twillingate - major iceberg spot, Regional tours of interest, Gander - central region airport
Avalon Peninsula: St. John's - Capital of the province, Cape Spear, Whale watching
Other: News
Have fun!!
Edited by: Zabba
Toronto:
Lonely Planet online World Guide to Toronto (thanks Admin_help;)
Toronto.com, Now - Entertainment Weekly, Airport Information, Toronto Transit (thanks canuckgirl)
Provincial Government Tourism Site
Newfoundandland's not the only island that has a great trail across the province
Confederation Trail (thanks Mona)
Parks in Quebec: Parks (thanks TriGirl)
Montréal:
Lonely Planet online World Guide to Montreal (thanks Admin_help;)
Quebec City:
Lonely Planet online World Guide to Quebec City (thanks Admin_help;)
Magdalena Islands:
Official Iles de la Madeleine site, Official tourism site (thanks TriGirl)
http://www.travelcanada.ca
More official tourism sites:
Manitoba: http://www.travelmanitoba.com/
New Brunswick: http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/
Nunavut: http://www.nunavuttourism.com/
Ontario: http://www.ontariotravel.net/
Quebec: http://www.bonjourquebec.com/
Saskatchewan: http://www.sasktourism.com/
Yukon: http://www.touryukon.com/
Edited by: Zabba
RCMP: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/index_e.htm
Diplomatic Missions: http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/canada2.htm
Financial Institutes: http://www.fin.gc.ca/LINKS/BANKSE.html
Radio Stations: http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/page?page=provs
Newspapers: http://www.broadcast-live.com/newspapers/canadian.html
Canada Post: http://www.canadapost.ca/segment-e.asp
Transit Systems: http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~wyatt/alltime/
Post Secondary Education: http://www.aucc.ca/can_uni/our_universities/index_e.html
Edited by: Zabba
← Back to topic list
Canada Branch FAQ
This thread is intended to contain information useful to people travelling to Canada - please feel free to add anything relevant to it! Before we start though, here's some advice from the TT team:1. Do a TT search! At least five posters a week ask what to do in Toronto, whether to go visit Niagara Falls on their way around the world, and whether it's possible to work under the table/overstay a tourist visa. The road is well travelled. Find those threads, add a reply (which brings the topic to the top, restarting the conversation), and then see #2. Ask one question at a time.
2. Be specific. You might include: How much do you have to spend? ("reasonable" doesn't cut it) budget or up-scale - remember the Canadian dollar is the currency used in Canada, so that's what people will assume when they reply ;)
3. Please use the right branch. This branch is intended for travel questions about Canada. If you're asking questions about the US then try "Americas - United States of America" :)
Finally: If you haven't filled in your profile on the TT, make sure your post mentions anything about you that would be helpful to know. An 18 year old Brit on his first trip abroad usually wants different advice from a Italian family with an infant or a couple in their 50s from Saskatchewan.
Now back to Lan's original post:
Airlines (full fare): AirCanada, FirstAir (YT/NT/NU), AirLabrador (NL), AirNorth (YT)
Airlines (lower cost): WestJet, AC Tango, Canjet, JetsGo
Remember: Always book tickets on credit card, so you can get a refund if the carrier fails.
Train: VIArail have a number of travel passes, the most common being the CanRailPass, there's also a pass available which includes most Amtrak routes in the US!
*Long distance buses:Orleans Express (PQ), Greyhound (Canada) (National)
Ferries: NFL/BAY (NS/NB/PEI/Maine), Marine Atlantic (NL/NS), BC Ferries (BC)
National Parks: Parks Canada
Canadian Governmental Departments: Customs, Immigration
Finally: Remember to carry photographic film as hand luggage - there are powerful CT scanners in the hold luggage path that will destroy your film... Ask staff if you're unsure!
Please feel free to add any other useful advice you might have inside this thread!
Note: Commercial advertising is prohibited on the Thorn Tree as per our Terms of Use. If you come across any tour operators advertising or spamming their business on Thorn Tree (or by private message) then above each post on Thorn Tree you will see a row of icons. If you click on the yellow triangle with the ! you can report a post to the moderators. Please include a brief note advising why you think the post needs looking at and the moderation team will review it. You can also use the report button to request the deletion of accidental multiple postings.
Thanks!
All links to #100 updated as of October 2011
Edited by: Zabba
Edited by: katija
1
A tip for finding information:Most web browsers have the ability to search within a page - in Internet Explorer go to the Edit menu and select Find (on This Page), then type in a keyword you're looking for. The process is similar for most other browsers :)
Canada general info:
Lonely Planet online World Guide to Canada
More airlines:
Air Transat charter, mainly trans-Atlantic (thanks eurotrash)
Canadian North (thanks Ben)
Other northern airlines include: Air Tindi, Ken Borek Air, North Wright Airways (thanks Lan)
Backpacker buses:
Moose Network (thanks Rascal
Salty Bear NS/PEI/NB (thanks rlynch)
Fuel prices:
Gas/Petrol prices online (thanks Lan)
Accomodation:
B&B: Bed & Breakfast Canada (thanks TriGirl)
Hostels:
LonelyPlanet hostel booking site (thanks Admin_help ;)
Hostelling International (HI) (thanks trinity17)
Canadian Ski Hostels (thanks rlynch)
Finding businesses or people:
Canada411.com (thanks Graendal)
YellowPages.ca (thanks OZinOH)
Trekking and the great outdoors:
Find travel/hiking partners
West Coast Trail information:
Official site
Trail shuttle bus
Western Canadian Online Outdoors News (thanks westcanbob)
Edited by: Zabba
2
Alberta:Official tourism site: http://www.travelalberta.com (links to weather, things to do, etc)
Officially inspected accomodation: http://www.explorealberta.com (thanks Lan)
Hiking trail conditions/bear warnings in Alberta parks:
Banff, Jasper
Renting camping equipment in Calgary:
UofC Outdoor Centre
Mountain Equipment Co-op (thanks mickih)
Edited by: Zabba
3
British Columbia:BC Travel (thanks gregfromvictoria)
Vancouver:
Lonely Planet online World Guide to Vancouver (thanks Admin_help;)
Tourism Vancouver, City of Vancouver (thanks gregfromvictoria)
Victoria:
Tourism Victoria
Vancouver Island from Mainland British Columbia - rayne_koest writes:
By Air: You can fly from Vancouver to wherever you want to go on the island. If you are short on time, and can afford it, flying (especially on harbour to harbour flights) can save you alot of time. Vancouver-Victoria, harbour to harbour is 35 min each way, compared to minimum 3.5 hrs if you take the bus.
* conventional flights (Air Canada, Horizon Air, and several other airlines) from YVR
* seaplane flights from Vancouver Harbour (see Harbour Air or West Coast Air)
* helicopter flilghts (see Helijet).
* By Sea:* If you are taking the ferry there are two main ways from Vancouver, The Horseshoe-Duke Pt Ferry will put you near Naniamo (mid-south Island) , and the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay Ferry will put you near Victoria (southernmost tip). BC Ferries. In addition there are sailings to Duke Pt from Tsawwassen. If you have driven up the coast to Powell River there is also a ferry connecting Powell River to Comox (mid island). It's a gorgeous ride, especially the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay section, and very relaxing.
* With your car: These ferries are large and are used for vehicles (of all sizes). If you are planning on exploring the island and have a vehicle with you then it is advisable to take it. For perspective, the island is larger than Ireland. You can reserve a space in a advance of the sailing to ensure that you get on, this is advisable for summer long weekends. Otherwise you may end up waiting in line. 2 sailing waits are common on long weekends
* On the bus: Pacific Coach Lines runs busses on every sailing, connecting downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria It costs about $55 for a rtn ticket and takes about 3 and half hours each way.
* Walk-on passenger: Both Vancouver-area ferry terminals (Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen) are serviced by Vancouver city buses (Translink). Bus fare will be $4 or less, and walk-on ferry passesngers pay between $8 and $10, depending on ferry and time.
m_reider adds: Be prepared for long ferry waits on weekends and holidays! It might be a good idea to make a reservation. There are also several ferries to Washington including the Victoria Clipper which takes you right to downtown seattle, but only carries foot passengers and not vehicles.
mickih adds: There are public transit services the Swartz Bay ferry terminal in Victoria ($2.50 to downtown on rte 70) but not the airport.
Edited by: Zabba
4
Manitoba:Official Tourism www.travelmanitoba.com (thanks Lan)
Polar bears: (Lan wrote) Best place to see them is Churchill, Manitoba. When the bears are viewable depends on the weather that year, they start to congregate on the shores of the Hudson Bay before it freezes (October/November usually). Tours on the tundra buggies need to be booked in advance (book them first), they are expensive and there are only two operators: International Wildlife Adventures (formerly Tundra Buggy Tours) and Great White Bear tours. There are two ways to get there, either by air (Calm Air), or by train (VIArail) - the train takes 36hrs/2nights from Winnipeg - there is no road to Churchill! There are also no hostels in Churchill, so the cheapest accomodation is B&B - book accomodation in advance during bear season. Film is best bought before you arrive, since the choice is very limited and prices are high!
Edited by: Zabba
6
Newfoundland and LabradorGraendal writes: Unfortunately I have no idea of the layout and touristic appeal of Labrador, having never been there. In the meantime, here are some links about the island portion of the province to get you started.
Province wide links: Provincial government tourism site, Provincial Parks, T'Railways - Unique linear park across the island, made of an old railbed (Cyclists!), Birdwatching
Northern peninsula: L'Anse aux Meadows (Vikings)
West Coast: Gros Morne, Another Gros Morne site, Marble Mountain Skiing - One of the runs is nicknamed Oh My J*sus (OMJ), Corner Brook
Central: Grand Falls-Windsor (great sport fishing in summer!), Twillingate - major iceberg spot, Regional tours of interest, Gander - central region airport
Avalon Peninsula: St. John's - Capital of the province, Cape Spear, Whale watching
Other: News
Have fun!!
Edited by: Zabba
9
OntarioToronto:
Lonely Planet online World Guide to Toronto (thanks Admin_help;)
Toronto.com, Now - Entertainment Weekly, Airport Information, Toronto Transit (thanks canuckgirl)
10
Prince Edward IslandProvincial Government Tourism Site
Newfoundandland's not the only island that has a great trail across the province
Confederation Trail (thanks Mona)
11
QuebecParks in Quebec: Parks (thanks TriGirl)
Montréal:
Lonely Planet online World Guide to Montreal (thanks Admin_help;)
Quebec City:
Lonely Planet online World Guide to Quebec City (thanks Admin_help;)
Magdalena Islands:
Official Iles de la Madeleine site, Official tourism site (thanks TriGirl)
12
Tourism Canada:http://www.travelcanada.ca
More official tourism sites:
Manitoba: http://www.travelmanitoba.com/
New Brunswick: http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/
Nunavut: http://www.nunavuttourism.com/
Ontario: http://www.ontariotravel.net/
Quebec: http://www.bonjourquebec.com/
Saskatchewan: http://www.sasktourism.com/
Yukon: http://www.touryukon.com/
Edited by: Zabba
14
Governments: http://cgii.gc.ca/index-e.htmlRCMP: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/index_e.htm
Diplomatic Missions: http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/canada2.htm
Financial Institutes: http://www.fin.gc.ca/LINKS/BANKSE.html
Radio Stations: http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/page?page=provs
Newspapers: http://www.broadcast-live.com/newspapers/canadian.html
Canada Post: http://www.canadapost.ca/segment-e.asp
Transit Systems: http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~wyatt/alltime/
Post Secondary Education: http://www.aucc.ca/can_uni/our_universities/index_e.html
Edited by: Zabba
