Should I pay Canada a Visit?

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Sawbuck

As a Canadian who has toured most of Canada and also gone to new Zealand, my advice would be to go to New Zealand first. Believe it or not, for such a small country, you need at least 3-4 weeks to see it all, and there is indeed a superb view around almost every bend of almost every road. Late summer in New Zealand (ie. February) is a great time as the weather is still summery enough for beach living, but the school summer holidays are over and roads and accommodations are not too crowded.

As for Canada, trying to drive all over Canada is a bit like trying to drive all over the USA. There are some incredibly beautiful parts but also some areas that are just so many miles of nothing-nothing-NOTHING-at all!

My advice is to pick one area, fly in, rent a car, and then drive around the region. The western mountains, between Vancouver and Calgary, are an obvious choice.

Less well known is the spectacular scenery around the north shore of Lake Superior. A circle tour of the lake can be easily done from Minneapolis.

The Laurentian Mountains and L'Estrie in Quebec are also beautiful areas, and easily reached not only from Montreal but also from the totally unique and historic Quebec City.

The Cabot Trail around the Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia is a must-see area. And for Newfoundland, you should reserve 10 days to 2 weeks just for that scenic and cultural wonder of the East Coast. I guarantee you it's like no other place in North America!

But these can all be shorter trips later on. For now, jump at the chance to go to New Zealand!

New Zealand due to distance...Canada will always be a few hours away....Vancouver being the closest major city to you.....

I finished college two years ago and I haven't been able to do any of my constant traveling because the time off you get from college is a lot compared to the pathetic time off u get from one's job.

I've hit at least every continent once except Australia and Antartica....just to give you an idea of what I have done....
Since graduating....I spent the first 2 months traveling in South America....and once I landed my job...I went to Egypt...Since starting my job....haven't left the country =(
My next spot is actually either United Emirates/India or New Zealand/Australia

Have fun while you can!

prov356girl

If you are going to visit Canada, probably skip Saskatchewan and Manitoba - if driving, duck down to the US for those parts. South of the border is much more picturesque than north at that point - it's hours of endless driving through prairie, not much to see. Take it from me - as a kid I lived in Sask and drove back to Ontario a kajillion times... always nicer going through the US. Not that Sask and MB aren't nice, just a few moments is enough on the Transcanada highway in those provinces.

Beautiful country though, we'd love to have you visit. East coast is gorgeous - Newfoundland, PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec... highly recommend.

aflumpire

If you go to NZ, then you may as well also add a few days (3-5) in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne in Australia, you may as well if you have traveled so far.

I have never been to NZ or Canada (I do live in Aus.) but the amount of GREAT things I hear about the 2 countries are so good.

Food in NZ is not much different to the US or Australia, I dont know about Canada, Maple syrup on pancakes for breakfast??

I know a lady from Australia who went to Canada for a holiday but she loved it so much that she married a guy there and never came back (to live)!!!!!

So from what I have herd from so many people, either is a great choice as I am in a simerler delemer myself, but we are planning for a White Christmas in canada in 2008 with our ex-aussie friend (the one I was talking about)

Great options, but if you love the road trip, do that as you can take your time, there is no airport security and a road trip does not have so many stuff ups as a trip half way around the world. And if you do choose Canada, an advantage is that if there is an emergency back at home, your less than a few hours away.

Take the road trip, see more of the US at the same time!

jane

Tough decision. I would go to New Zealand now because like you said it is harder to get time off as you get older. You can always use your vacation time later to see a little bit of Canada at a time since it is closer.

Go to Canada in summer while it's warm and beautiful. Go to New Zealand anytime as their climate is mild and they don't get winter. Unless you want to ski in Canada with all the great ski resorts. Just an idea.

ontheroadagainwithoutyou

They are both exquisite choices! I see your dilemma in choosing. The answer to your question is YES
and let me know if you'd like a kindred spirit to join you!

NOLA guy

Yes.

A.P.

As you get older, you should get more vacation time. You should go to Canada. British Columbia's beautiful, and I'm probably going to visit there over the summer when I go on vacation.

Just remember to get your passport now before you go on vacation!

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