To Canada for spring 2014!

[j.r-ahde]

Hello Magpie!

Thank you for the advice. Originating from a railroad town I have always had an interest in travelling by train!

All hte best
Jukka

[The Good Michael]

Hello Magpie!

Thank you for the advice. Originating from a railroad town I have always had an interest in travelling by train!

All hte best
Jukka

You could also cross into America and take the Empire Builder train across Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and into Washington and then drive up to Vancouver. the ride through Montana and west would be nice. I've only been as far as Glacier National Park however. It's going to be pretty cold..let's say down to -35 C that time of year through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and in Montana, ND, and MN. It usually won't be that cold, but it can be. Remember too that with snow cover, it will be about 2000 kilometers of sameness from western Ontario to much of BC until you get to the mountains.

Mike

[j.r-ahde]

Hello you all!

Magpie; to get my timetable and budget in tact I have to ask; how long time did the train trip take and how much did it cost?

Good Michael; thank you, have to think about it. What it comes to coldness and snow, I am from Finland!

All the best
Jukka

[Magpie]

Hello you all!

Magpie; to get my timetable and budget in tact I have to ask; how long time did the train trip take and how much did it cost?

Good Michael; thank you, have to think about it. What it comes to coldness and snow, I am from Finland!

All the best
Jukka

Hi Jukka. I checked it out with Via Rail. It seems to be about 3 1/2 days from Toronto to Vancouver, assuming you don't stop along the way. Price for a single person cabin, meals included, is about $1,350 before any discounts that might be available. A berth would be cheaper, if you want to give up some of the luxury. Check out the VIA site for discounts--you can save up to a third depending on when and how you book.

http://www.viarail.ca/

[j.r-ahde]

Hello Magpie!

Thanks, cleared a lot my plans.

Then, thinking about accomodation and food; I have made a request sometime ago about hostels to the hostelworld, but no reply yet. Checking some in Toronto and they seem reasonable. How much does a meal cost?

OK, simple things, but I'm trying to think as much beforehand as possible.

All the best
Jukka

[Magpie]

Hello Magpie!

Thanks, cleared a lot my plans.

Then, thinking about accomodation and food; I have made a request sometime ago about hostels to the hostelworld, but no reply yet. Checking some in Toronto and they seem reasonable. How much does a meal cost?

OK, simple things, but I'm trying to think as much beforehand as possible.

All the best
Jukka

If you like Korean food, there's a stretch of Bloor St in Toronto (called Koreatown), there's a bunch of Korean restaurants. The prices vary greatly, so check the menus outside and compare before choosing--what might cost you $30 in one restaurant might cost you $8 two doors down. The one I went to last time I was there was call "Happy BBQ" or somesuch--it's cafeteria style service but the food was fantastic at a really good price.

There's a similar situation in the Garment district (Queen and Spadina) with Vietnamese restaurants.

If you are looking at fast-food options, Harvey's does the BEST fast-food poutine there is, and their burgers are great (even their veggie burger is great). Timmy's does pretty good sandwiches and soup at a reasonable price, and Mr. Sub is slightly cheaper than Subways.

[j.r-ahde]

Hello Magpie!

One step forward again, thank you a lot!

All the best
Jukka

[j.r-ahde]

Hello you all!

I guess I have to ask first from the Torontoans: "Is it safe to come to your city, despite your mayor?"

OK, the trip will take place between February the 10th and March the 17th 2014.

So, any additional suggestions about hockeyvilles, transport options, culture etc. are still most welcome from the Canucks. And of course from the Americans. And the Europeans having visited Canada. And...

All the best
Jukka

[Ben]

I'm in Canada at the moment and absolutely loving it. I'm currently in Halifax, but I had a great time in Ottawa last week, and I'm off to Montreal on Tuesday. Halifax is a fantastic for the maritime history enthusiast.

[j.r-ahde]

Hello you all!

I was just listening "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel. Making me wonder, where I could find the best winter-clothing stores in Toronto next February...

Thanks for everyone about the info!

All the best
Jukka

[Steadmund Brand]

Hello again...

Best winter clothing stores eh.. well you would probably want to come down to Buffalo NY for that then (that seems to be what most Canadians do ..) actually the truth is a lot of Canadians do indeed come down into the states to shop for clothes, cost is better and far less tax.

Steadmund Brand

P.S plus we have Tim Hortons coffee on this side of the border as well

[j.r-ahde]

Hello Steadmund Brand!

Yes, seems a bit pricy.

Maybe our Canadian friends can show some sites with reasonable prices!

All the best
Jukka

[Dead Dollie]

Bonjour!

You may not see me on the forums much (I'm more of a lurker and am content to follow other's conversations) but I am from Montreal, QC

You should be fine speaking English in Montreal itself. Outside of it is another story, though unless you happen to come across a hardline separatist most French-speakers will appreciate the effort and do their best to help.

If you plan to stop here, you might catch a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre, or check the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League website for their schedule which also shows out of town games, so you might be able to plan ahead for other cities too.

http://theqmjhl.ca/schedule/list

Of course, we are also home to McGill University, should you like to take a moment to walk in Tumblety's footsteps

Enjoy your trip!

Regards,

Melissa

[j.r-ahde]

Hello Melissa!

Merci beaucoup!

Thank you for the schedule, have to check it out. I remember hearing years ago, that Cite de Quebec is the North-American food city to see - or should I say feel. C'est vrai?

All right, thank you once again!

All the best
Jukka

[j.r-ahde]

Hello you all!

Only a month to go. Preparations for the trip are almost done. Not feeling nervous!

Since the weather in North-America seems to be a bit cold, once again; any tips for winter clothing stores with reasonable prices are still most welcome. Besides, I have to have my laundry washed for a reasonable price too.

Melissa and the French-speaking Canadian members are most welcome to pm me, still insecure with my French. But willing to make friends in French Canada and visit there...

All the best
Jukka