First time canada, where to fly to, what to see. | Squat the Planet

First time canada, where to fly to, what to see.

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etpyh

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I am thinking about flying to canada around sept. since the flights are dirt cheap at the moment (260€ return). I could fly to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montréal or Toronto.
Because I have never been there -and didn't think I would go there any time soon- I don't know too much about these cities.
Is there one you would especially recommend? I would be there for 2-3 weeks. I don't want to spend too much time in cities, but am more interested in visiting national parks, go hiking etc. If there is a city that has an outstanding alternative music scene or something I am interested too though.
I know there are tons of informations on the internet, but I would still be interested in your opinions.
What would you do in 2-3 weeks in canada?
 

wizehop

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Well if you want the best of both worlds Vancouver is probably safest. You got a big city with lots of culture, and then the mountains are rite on your doorstep.
 
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outlawloose

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Yerr, Vancouver.
Montreal, Toronto, hell even Calgary have a stronger arts and culture scene to the dismal opportunities in Vancouver, but there's still cool shit to be found here. If youre looking for the grungey/hip/punk stuff stay around East Van. But then of course you've got all of BC at your doorstep. Massive rainforested park in the downtown, mountains 30mins from the city, and then the entire province is full of insane natural wonders. Definitely recommend getting off the beaten track to explore BCs many hidden treasures! Weather is way better too.
Hm, never thought I'd be rooting for the city I hate so much :/ Ha
 
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Dmac

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I have been to Calgary, during the Calgary stampede, I had a good time, but remember booze being way more expensive than the states. I went on to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper And would go back there again and again if I could. got to walk on a glacier and everything!
 

wizehop

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bring tinkler and dont fly signs make cool freinds from selling your shit,,put tinkler in your food then carry it over,,better to sell weed then fly signs

I mean the 4g's to buy a pound....never heard of a price like that in my life. What kind of weed do you smoke...space weed?
 

kerouac

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the west is the best, in my opinion! vancouver in many ways is the crown jewel of the country...in some ways it's also the national problem-child. but it's naturally beautiful and there are great wilderness hikes within an hours drive of the city. from there you could tour out to tofino on vancouver island, check out the beaches and old growth forests, maybe hit up some of the gulf islands. if you are able to rent a vehicle there is nothing better than a camping trip through british columbia - the variety of landscapes and opportunities for amazing free camping and sightseeing can't be beat. get a good map and explore. alberta has some amazing spots too, the badlands at dinosaur park & writing-on-stone park are incredible places with good campgrounds and lots to see. the icefields parkway is a stunning drive and won't be too crowded in september.
eastern canada and the maritimes is worth seeing too, but is just a tier below the west as far as scenery and opportunity for adventure. but i do find that the people are friendlier on the east coast and like to show travellers a good time. montreal & quebec city are cool but as someone from europe you probably won't find them to be anything too special.

long story short: go west! if i were you i'd book the ticket for vancouver. hell maybe even rent a car and drive to dawson city in the yukon and go camping along the way - that's what i'd do this summer if i had 2 weeks and the money to do it.

hope this helps.
 

DIEXVX

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Hijacking thread, hope its ok! Flying in to NYC tomorrow and plan to make my way north to see Montreal and Toronto. Just wondering how it works at the border, what papers are requiered and such for Europeans? I could probably find out just by googling but I wanna her from people who have crossed it by foot from the Niagara area for example...
 

WanderLost Radical

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If you have enough money, I'd take a multi-destination flight. Fly into Halifax, check out the bay of Fundy, then go to Montreal (by bus or by thumb). Im pretty sure Montreal's your best spot for alternative scenes. And we got pretty cheap beer :p (24-packs for 26CAD. Might not be cheap by german standards and stuff, but for North Am, its cheap!). Then fly to Vancouver or Alberta for landscapes and wilderness. All the best national parks are in the west IMO
 
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