canada

We were in Vancouver in November for our honeymoon, exchange rate is always slightly better against the Canadian dollar than the US Dollar so you get a bit more for your money. If you go out for food then it is always a decent price (we were averaging $25-$40 (£20-£30 at that time) depending on where we were buying food) and buying clothes too works out cheaper. We went out with one big sports bag and 1 piece of hand luggage. We came back with another sports bag and a weekend bag that we bought out there (and in Seattle).

As for what to do, where abouts in Canada do you want to go, it's a big place?

Jo

Thinking of the west coast - vancouver and rocky mountains (banff probably).

I've been to Canada twice. First time was part of a skiing group (although I don't ski). We went to Whistler and there was lots to do and I believe lots to do in the summer if you're an outdoorsy type. Worth visiting imo for the scenery anyway, could be a day trip from one of my favourite places there, Vancouver. We were there on our honeymoon in August 2006 and it was lovely. We did a trip over to Vancouver Island too which was fab, a relaxing ferry crossing there and a sea plane back, wish we'd spent a bit more time there actually. Banff is gorgeous and has a few things to see as is Lake Louise (although there's not that much to do there other than be stunned at the wonderful scenery and go for walks. We spent a few days in Calgary on the recommendation of a friend as well but weren't that impressed with it, except for a food festival which happened to be on when we were there, that was good fun.

During the honeymoon we did a 2 day trip on the Rocky Mountaineer train which was utterly amazing. Quite expensive though and there may be other options if you wanted to see more of the place. Actually their website has information on trips and things, not that you would necessarily want to do those but it might give you an idea of some things you might want to do.

I'm really envious of you going, I really hope to be able to go again someday and see a bit more of the country. I can't remember what we spent while we were out there but we didn't seem to find things really expensive at all, certainly as were used to London-type prices anyway!

We lived in Banff for about a year and loved it. On our days off we would get in the car and just drive. The scenery is amazing both summer and winter. And you can drive for miles and not see another soul, well, apart from moose and if you are lucky a bear.

Things to see in the Banff area, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper ( a good half day drive), Takawawa Falls, Angel Falls, Peyto Lake. Banff town is quite touristy but there are some great restaurants and bars there as well as golf courses and the cable car up Sulphur Mountain where the views are spectacular from the top. You can climb that mountain and get the cable car down if like!

Can't help with meal costs as it is a long time since I was there.

Thanks so much for all these replies so far, they're really helpful. I've been looking at photos online of places you've been suggesting and it looks gorgeous!

I was in Vancouver far too briefly last summer, when I went to a Canadian cousin's wedding - and I absolutely understand why it keeps topping quality-of-life surveys: it rivals Stockholm as the cleanest, nicest major city I've ever been to (and I've been to most of the big European ones).

Sounds like a great city, Mr JK! Becoming more and more convinced to go to canada after reading all the great reviews here! ?

We stayed in the Fairmont Waterfront and it was fab, we only had 4 days there (by the time we got there and with jet lag too) and there was plenty that we still would like to do. If i can get another big holiday before i have kids then it's 2 weeks out there I want (if not more, but i need a lotto win ?)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26299760@N02/sets/72157609074556905/

these are the photo's we managed to take and most of the harbour are the view we had from the hotel.

Jo

Mariko, we did that trip in Summer 07 - Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Vancouver & Victoria over 3 weeks. It was bloody brilliant. Feel free to email me if you want to talk specifics!?

What Mr JK says is right, Vancouver offers such a lovely quality of life.

Ashke - gorgeous photos! Lauraloo, I will def drop you a wee message when we have a better idea of where exactly we want to go, that'd be great. Mum and dad went a few years ago and we talked to them about it today. They thought that there wouldn't be that much to do for our age and we might get bored but it seems there'll be plenty to do. We're not really young by the way (28), just younger than them! ? Do you think you could do a week in vancouver and a week in banff as our 2 bases? Also, had a look at the temperatures for summer - do you think its sunbathing / sitting outdoors weather?

Well I was there at the ripe old age of 26 and I loved it!

A week in Vancouver is about right; for the other week I would suggest you spend one or two nights in Jasper, as the drive between the two is just magnificent (Icefields parkway).

Weather-wise I think we were a little unlucky as it wasn't quite sunbathing weather - maybe 18-20 degrees and a few cloudy/wet days - Vancouver is prone to rain though.

it does sound that you were unlucky....☹️

The Pacific North West in North America they say it's wet and that it rains all the time. It doesn't in the summer, if it does then it's usually at night (well that's what it was like in Seattle which is only 140 miles to the South when I went out with my family 12 years ago) We had one really wet day in the 4 we were there in November and a bit of rain on the morning we left which was only in the centre of town as it was clear at the airport...

I live in Vancouver and would be happy to answer any questions you have. What to do? it depends what you like to do. As others have said, the scenery is really beautiful, and it doesn't rain here as much as people expect. The weather on the West Coast is a lot like the UK. It can vary quite a bit. Into the interior and the Rockies, it gets colder at night but can be spectacularly sunny in the daytime and can be 25-30 degrees.

Feel free to email me through profile with questions.

Thanks, canadian liz. I'm just heading off to bed now, but it'd be great if I could drop you an email once we get flights booked! thank you!!

Hi - I live in Vancouver too. It's a beautiful place & if you can get out to the Rockies (fly to Calgary then drive to Banff / Lake Louise / the Icefields etc), they are stunning. You can drive from Vancouver but I think it's a good 10-12hr drive or so.

Vancouver is about 2hr drive from Whistler which is great to visit in Winter or Summer - the drive is very scenic too (look up Sea to Sky highway).

If you want more info, just email.