Driving in Canada

[notyoueither]

In the wrong weather there are a lot of accidents and vehicles in ditches.

In places the highway can be smooth and good, and then be hundreds of meters of glass like ice. Vehicles spin out going straight and slow.

Numbers of fatalities increase a bit.

I have a lot of experience driving in winter, but when the weather gets bad I do not go out on highways.

It's also the worst possible time to see anything interesting.

Now, I have heard that there are resorts in BC and the mountains that have specials on accomodations due to the Olympics. A fllght into Vancouver and a little noodling around in the Rockies, away from the tourist traps for the Games could be a lot of fun.

Or fly into Montreal, look around, and then take a train up to Quebec for the Winter Carnival.

Newfoundland has some amazing winter scenery. You can watch the iceburgs float by and go on boat rides to see the whales. Don't know how long you'd want to stay there though.

[Cort Haus]

Most of hte country just got paralysed by snow.

Ssshhh! Don't tell everybody. It's bad enough as it is without Russia and Canada pointing and laughing.

[Krill]

Now, I have heard that there are resorts in BC and the mountains that have specials on accomodations due to the Olympics. A fllght into Vancouver and a little noodling around in the Rockies, away from the tourist traps for the Games could be a lot of fun.

That was exactly what I was thinking about doing. I'm not really looking for crowds or attractions, only reason I was considering Calgary and Edmonton was that it could be worth seeing the cities for a few days.

I was also considering spending about 3 weeks around there. I could do more but I think that could just mean that it starts to drag, and any less and I think I may end up feeling rushed.

[Krill]

Ssshhh! Don't tell everybody. It's bad enough as it is without Russia and Canada pointing and laughing.

Come to Stoke, city of perpetual grey

[notyoueither]

Well, there's some decent bus service for the triangle Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton. You can get around with laptop power outlets and wifi from what I've heard.

There's certainly enough to see, even in winter, if you cast a wide enough net.

[Cort Haus]

I thought you were in Durham, Krill. Or maybe you're back at the folks for the holiday.

When it's grey, don't look at the sky. Look at the buildings. I did a few gigs in Stoke many years ago. Lots of good chimneys.

[notyoueither]

Ssshhh! Don't tell everybody. It's bad enough as it is without Russia and Canada pointing and laughing.

We have Vancouver for that.

*snicker

[Krill]

I was in Durham until earlier this month. I'll probably only be going back to pick up my stuff and occasionally visit/burn into the ground. Now I'm back at the folks for a bit.

I'll probably be back tomorrow, but I'm definitely thinking about it all...

[bc1871]

[Flubber]

In places the highway can be smooth and good, and then be hundreds of meters of glass like ice. Vehicles spin out going straight and slow.

I have a lot of experience driving in winter, but when the weather gets bad I do not go out on highways.
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NYE is right in that care is required but the main roads in Southern Alberta are often clear and dry.

It's also the worst possible time to see anything interesting.
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Depends if he likes snow and snow-capped mountains. Seriously though, its an awesome time to ski, toboggan, snowmobile etc and all the museum, science centre type stuff is still there plus plays, nightlife, NHL games etc etc

Now, I have heard that there are resorts in BC and the mountains that have specials on accomodations due to the Olympics. A fllght into Vancouver and a little noodling around in the Rockies, away from the tourist traps for the Games could be a lot of fun.
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Actually Whistler before and after the Olympic is where the best ski deals are being offered (not cheaper than the tiny hills--its still Whistler after all-- but pretty good) Its actually a known phenomenon--The regular serious skiers avoid the Olympic hill during the Olympic year due to all the tourists and disruption for the games and go elsewhere. So Olympic hills typically have a "down" year for actual skier visits during the Olympics itself and a bump in the years that follow (the exposure brings skiers from around the world and even more locals

Newfoundland has some amazing winter scenery. You can watch the iceburgs float by and go on boat rides to see the whales. Don't know how long you'd want to stay there though.

NYE don't be a tour guide for NL. The best time to see icebergs is in June and July. In January-Februiary you might see pack ice but thats about it (it has to do with when they start calving off and the float time required-- Icebergs can show up at any time depending on when they ran aground and for how long before floating free again but they are most commom in May and June) And I have a tough time recommending trying either whale or bird cruises in the winter. Oh and NL roads in winter?? Alberta roads (at least those in Southern Alberta) are a picnic by comparison

I love the scenery in NL but trust me everyone-- go in summer- you will see the icebergs, whales and birds and all that scenery

[Asher]

IMHO, the mountains are best experienced in the winter. Winter wonderland.

Build a firepit outside and enjoy the warmth...sip a coffee or hot chocolate inside a chateau or teahouse. It's just so serene and beautiful, and far less busy than summer.

[Krill]

Thanks guys, you're definitely a great help putting together an itinery

[Flubber]

Thanks guys, you're definitely a great help putting together an itinery

You want us to plan for you??? At least give us the month you are available and some idea of your interests. How else will we know if the Saskatoon Deer Sausage Festival is for you ??

[Dinner]

Most of hte country just got paralysed by snow.

I hear it was so bad they even brought a 19th century steam train out of a museum to run a few routes because the modern electric trains had stopped working.

[Dinner]

IMHO, the mountains are best experienced in the winter. Winter wonderland.

Build a firepit outside and enjoy the warmth...sip a coffee or hot chocolate inside a chateau or teahouse. It's just so serene and beautiful, and far less busy than summer.

They're less busy because anyone stupid enough to go out then is freezing his balls off.