Where in Canada?

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Imaka

I would recommend Newfoundland and Labrador. You can fly in to St. John's and rent a vehicle there, or fly to Halifax, Nova Scotia, rent your vehicle there, and also see Cape Breton island and have the experience of taking the overnight ferry to Newfoundland, which is a tremendous experience in itself. There will be live entertainment on the ferry, often C&W or similar, with a very local flavour. The scenery in both Cape Breton and Newfoundland is spectacular - you will not be disappointed.

If you travel in tourist season to those areas, you should make hotel reservations a day or so before you need them, but you will not need to book weeks in advance. Do plan ahead a little though, because in tourist season the more affordable places will get booked first of course. The are many unique B&B's everywhere, so that is also an option. The tourist chalets will help you find accommodations each day. Just stop at a tourist chalet early in the day.

Newfoundland (the province is actually Newfoundland and Labrador) is one of the most unique and friendly places in Canada. The island part is Newfoundland and the mainland part is Labrador.

Several languages are native to the province - English, French, Inuktitut, Innuamin. The cultural heritage is unique, and the people are very proud of it. You get to the island part of the province by air or by sea - there are ferries to get you from Nova Scotia, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Quebec, or Labrador to the island. You can drive into Labrador through quebec.

Newfoundlanders have travelled all over the world to work, but they always go back home. They have salt water in their blood, fog in their lungs, and love of their land in their hearts. They are among the proudest people on earth, but would give you their last penny if you needed it. You are always welcome in the home of a Newfoundlander, and strangers are regularly invited in for a meal or a cup of tea.

The Ode to Newfoundland is sung with feeling and pride after "Oh Canada" at all important events, cultural, political, social. The province actually has three flags - the Labrador flag which is white, blue and green with a four pointed spruce bud, the old Newfoundland flag which is known as "the pink, white, and green" and symbolizes the Irish heritage in the green, the English heritage in the pink (the Tudor rose), and peace between the two peoples in the white, and a new flag which was commissioned about twenty years ago.

Newfoundland has been a poor province for a very long time, but is coming into its own with offshore oil and mining. The current provincial government seems to have the province's best interests at heart, and does not give in to the federal government or to big corporations. The collapse of the cod fishery in the early 90's meant the end of a way of life in the province.

In the province people do much the same things as people do in the rest of the western world - they are very connected technologically, though there is not much competition in terms of Internet providers, telephone service, etc. They work, live, play much as the rest of the world. They tend to have some unique tastes in food - fish and brewis, wild game, local berries, are important - and the sea is part of the way of life. The land is rugged but beautiful. Ice bergs are common in the spring and whale watching is important to tourism.

Newfoundland and Labrador is a wonderful place, and the people are wonderful people. It is a place where you can be sure someone will help you if you need help, feed you if you are hungry, take you in if you need shelter. While cold sometimes in terms of weather, it is very warm in terms of the caring and kindness of its people. Newfoundland is special.

I hope this helps. Enjoy your vacation. You will find the local people, the food, the hospitality, the friendliness, etc. awesome in both Cape Breton and in Newfoundland particularly.

pinkpiglet126

Since you love th scenery you would love Calgary/Banff/Japer. The scenery there is some of the most spectacular in the world.

If you are coming in the summer, it wouldn't be as easy to find a motel/hotel without pre-booking though.

You could stay in Canmore (just outside Banff) and use it as your base - it's cheaper then Banff. Just avoid being here during the Stampede if you don't want to pay a fortune. Of course you may want to see the Stampede in Calgary if you love country music and dancing. :)

http://imagesoftheworld.org/rockies/

http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2005/06/04/AR2005060400869.html

http://www.canadianrockies.net/icepwy.html

http://www.canadianrockies.net/

http://calgarystampede.com/

Mathew H

If you like country music, mountains, rolling hills, the great plains, and lots of quaint history I would strongly advise Southern Alberta.

In particular near Waterton Lakes National Park. Excellent hiking, lots of history (just have to ask the locals where to see in Southern Alberta). Badlands are relatively close (with fossils, an hoo doos, and tee pee rings). And you're in cowboy country so you'd definitley get your share of country music and folk music. You're an hour drive from a ski hill in BC (Fernie) if you prefer skiing... or are right in the middle of excellent hiking country. The mountains are spectacular, and everything is pretty decent.

I would strongly recomment booking in advance. There's a famous hotel in Waterton called "The Prince of Wales Hotel"... I do hear it's rather pricy and not worth it. There are cabins that are owned by the national park you can rent out.. but I'm not sure how much they are. Your best bet for accomodation (if you are driving) is in Cardston, AB. They have pretty cheap hotels you can get, and it's really close.

If you so prefer, you'd end up flying to calgary. From there, rent your car, and I'd definitley recomment going on the "cowboy trail" through Priddis, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, a blood indian reservation, and Pincher Creek. If you're going in late July, don't miss the Pincher Creek's "Thunder in the Valley". It's the world's largest fireworks display and it is without a doubt one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen.

Hope this helps. I think what you're looking for is definitley a perfect match for what Southern Alberta has to offer. Have fun.

Infantrygrll

Canadian

I have lived in almost every province in Canada thanks to the Canadian Armed Forces posting me all over the place.

The most beautiful is by far British Columbia. Amazing prestine lakes, breath taking mountains, incredible ski resorts, the list just goes on n on.

The Okanagn Valley is amazing. Especially Kelowna. The summers are hot, always sunny, rolling orchards and valleys. Tons of fresh fruit markets, winerys, lakes to swim and boat in, and a very very clean city. Many, many tourists and residents your age living it up in the beautiful Okanagan Valley.

In the winter I reccommend visiting the Rocy Mountains of Alberta. OMG what a sight!!

Not far from Jasper is a hidden place called "Rocky Mountain Cabins." You need a 4x4 to drive in, or you can leave your car and the owner will come and get you. The most amazing log cabins, with a owner that cooks full fresh meals three times a day. A very romantic, private gettaway that is just breathtaking.

Ok rant over, hurry up and come to Canada. :)

Pagan

Banff Alberta,lake Loise are all spectacular,Vancouver is also beautiful,hope you enjoy my country

kingstonsean

The best time for a fly-drive holiday is in the summer, so pre-booking your accommodations is a must, or you may end up in a dumpy motel most nights.

As you know, the county is huge, with most provinces being larger than most European or African countries! In consideration of 3 to 4 week trip, I would suggest that you look at the country as three regions: 1) Maritimes, 2) Quebec and Ontario, 3) Western Canada.

Each of these areas has a its own attractions, but they all offer what you are looking for. Even Quebec has rodeos and country music, but not near as much as Alberta or Saskatchewan. Hank Snow was from Nova Scotia.

Maritimes: Start in Halifax, drive the Cabot Trail, visit Prince Edward Island, take a ferry to Newfoundland (stay there for 5 days), back to the mainland and off to New Brunswick (5 days) and then up to Gaspe (Quebec) 2 days, take a ferry to the Magdalen Islands (Iles de la Madeleine), then back to Nova Scota to see the Annapolis Valley and the Bay of Fundy.

Quebec and Ontario: Start in Montreal and head east to The Beauce and then the Gaspe, then back to Rimouski, take the ferry across to Forestville, then west to Tadoussac (whale watching) then drive north to Lac St. Jean, then north again to Chibougamou, south west to Val d'Or, then west to Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Take Hwy 11 west to Thunder Bay, then Hwy 17 east all the way back to Sudbury. From Sudbury you can head south to Georgina Bay (30,000 Islands) then further south to Niagara Falls and Toronto. Then its east to Kingston and Ottawa then finally back to Montreal.

Western Canada: Start in Vancouver, visit Vancouver island, then the BC interior, Alberta, Saskatchewan (Cypress Hills).

snowbarbie

It would depend where you were coming FROM.

If you are from Europe, then visit the part of Canada that is closest to the Atlantic - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island - they are lovely places with lots to see and do. Fly in to Halifax NS and tour the area.

If you are from the western USA then head up to Vancouver BC and maybe Alberta and the Canadian Rockies. Banff and Lake Louise are must see areas.

You are right, Canada is vast - it covers 6 out of the 24 world time zones - you couldn't possibly do all of Canada in one vacation - it would take you 6 months or more!

Wherever you decide to go, I hope you have a great trip.

Personally, I think where I live is the best place to visit - Southern Ontario!

I love it so much that I built a website to tell everyone about it.

Yes, you would be able to find affordable motels almost everywhere. When I am travelling I always try to find somewhere to stay for the night by 4 or 5 pm to make sure that I have somewhere.

sky pilot

you should get to Victoria on Vancouver Island.

V2K1

You're right...Canada is huuuge and you have to pick a region, especially if you're driving.

So, here's my tour 4 U, chosen because this is my turf:

When: September 8th to 30th. Why? Cool temperatures, no crowds (kids back in school), lots of accommodations available.

Start: Niagara Falls, Ontario.
--- See the Falls
--- Tour wine country

Next: Toronto
--- Casa Loma
--- Toronto Islands
--- CFL Football Game
--- CN Tower
--- Shows, galleries, museums

Next: Muskoka -- Bala -- Gravenhurst -- Parry Sound
--- Beeaautifulll lakes
--- Great fishing and boat tours
--- Loons, pine trees, everything Canadian

Next: Ottawa and surrounding area
--- National Capitol
--- Ottawa River
--- Taste of French Canada

Next: Drive back through the Thousand Islands and Prince Edward County
--- Wine country
--- Lovely homes, cool shops
--- Great views of Lake Ontario

Last: Drop in and visit me (email for directions)

You're unlikely to have to make ressies except in Muskoka where it's busy year-round.

And BTW we have 2 types of music here: Country and Western.

Hope to see you!

trini1313

Tough question! The west is absolutely beautiful with the mountains, forests, water....

Having driven out west from Ontario, I would suggest starting in Vancouver (will probably be the cheapest to fly into, as it is the most popular). There is lots to see and do there...maybe spend a week or two in that area. There are lots of tourists attractions, and lots of small 'hiking' day trips, which my husband and I did every Monday when we lived there, and we weren't in very good shape when we arrived ;) I would definitely suggest a day trip up the Sea to Sky highway to Whistler. And also, take a ferry across to Victoria for another day trip. In the Vancouver/Fraser Valley area you can find rain forests, fishing villages, canyons, falls, rapids, beaches, city to sea...

From there you can work your way east to Lake Louis & Banff (through Merritt & Revelstoke) You can then end your trip in Calgary. We didn't stay there, but I know there's lots to do, so spend about a week.

As for accommodations, I guess it would depend on where you want to stay. We had our trusty CAA guide, and stayed in ** & *** motels just outside of major cities for reasonable money and reservations made from the road. If you want to stay in the major cities, or resorts in the mountains, then I would definitely make reservations in advance, although on a road trip this can put a crimp in your plans if you decide to stay somewhere else an extra day!

Country music is prevalent throughout the west coast. When my girlfriends came to visit me, we took our first line dancing lessons and had a blast at the country bars ( I use the term 'bar' loosely, as there were people of ALL ages there!)

I haven't road tripped the east coast since I was a child, but it is very beautiful as well, and the Atlantic provinces are all very close. You could fly into Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal (depending on what each city has to offer you) and spend a week there ...and then spend the next 3 weeks touring the east coast.

Here is a link to some of the touring we did out west:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trini1313/collections/72157603696347178/

Enjoy your trip!

HepitonicFever

If you like quit places, beautiful beaches, history, The book Anne of Green Gables I would say Prince Edward Island because it has really nice people there the province is small but it is famous from the book Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery it's a beautiful place in the summer, so much to do even if its quite. There is always something fun going on in Charlottetown there is the Confederation Centre with plays and concerts, there are trails for biking, hiking, running, walking, there is concerts for traditional dances, there are places to go out and dance, always concerts for country music. there are a lot of hotels or motels that reasonably priced, in the summer there are more things to do.I live in Prince Edward Island and i LOVE it! Always something to do!!!! Hope this helps

irishsaint_2005

Screw western/Central Canada, BC is nice don't get me wrong, but Eastern Canada is the winner!! Newfoundland and Labrador, PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia is amazing any thing past Quebec is worth while seeing. But Newfoundland is the winner. So it will last 3-4 Weeks, so I would start in New Brunswick and Move East. A week per Prov. maybe enough to see a lot. NB >>> PEI >>> NS >>> Newfoundland (Save the best for last <(*-*)> ). Something like that.

nikitaaa â™¥

You should definitly have a quick look around Ottawa. Then move up to Montreal, then Tadoussac, Gaspe, which is all in Quebec, THESE PLACES ARE AMAZING! Another gorgeous place is Nova Scotia. I recommend Nova Scotia if you love scenery, they have the most gorgeous beaches. and you can even take a ferry from the us to get there, The Cat. It's a nice trip :)

Vancouver is a great place, it is just in canada north of washington

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