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So I'm going to Canada!
silence1186
Character shields down!As a wingmanRegistered User regular
Character shields down!As a wingmanRegistered User regular
So my family will be going on vacation in the near future to Canada, and I'm wondering if anyone has any Canada tips for me?
Stupid stuff like, do I need a power converter for the outlets? Will my cell phone work, or do I need to stop by my carrier and get a temporary international deal? Is it a bad idea to charge things and let the credit card company do the currency conversion? Etc.
Anything else that might be in my blind spot.
Stupid stuff like, do I need a power converter for the outlets? Will my cell phone work, or do I need to stop by my carrier and get a temporary international deal? Is it a bad idea to charge things and let the credit card company do the currency conversion? Etc.
Anything else that might be in my blind spot.
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and where are you coming from? that'll answer the other questions.
You'd better get some kind of international plan for you cell phone if you plan on using voice or data, as the roaming charges are expensive.
Unless you really want to pay with cash for everything, just get a couple hundred dollars worth of Canadian currency for the small stuff and alert your credit card provider(s) about your trip to help avoid your card(s) being flagged. Depending on your spending, it may happen anyways, so be prepared to make a call to the number on the card back. Depending on where you are going in Canada, some places are also willing to accept USD.
We've been to Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec City. QC was probably our favorite, with Toronto a close second.
All were fine with English as long as you knew how to say 'yes/no,' 'hello,' 'please,' 'thank you' in French.
Yeah, we're the second largest country in the world. Where you're going will make a big difference for recommendations.
I'd alert your credit card company and not worry about cash unless you want to see our cool plastic bills - most of us just use debit cards now anyway.
Assuming you're coming from the US, there's no need for power converters or anything like that. You won't notice much difference in the day to day. French is only an issue if you go to Quebec and even then, not really a problem in the big cities. This whole "second language" thing means we all take it until high school and then most of us promptly forget everything.
In the land of stupid things, if you're driving, remember not to bring a firearm. We don't have a second amendment here. You would be amazed how many people forget about that and get turned around at the border!
I literally cannot remember the last time I carried bills in my wallet. Certainly not within the last two or three years. Everything goes on one electronic payment for or another. Most grocery/drug stores/gas stations can take tap payments, including Apple Pay if that's at all relevant.
The exceptions would potentially be if you're going to a farmers market or buying fish/produce roadside, in which case it's 50/50 on whether or not they'll take debit.
For most cards, you will be charged a foreign transaction fee of 2-3% while paying. Some don't, but the generally advertise this specifically or are themed around travel. I would still just recommend using the card for convenience. Also notify your card that you will be in Canada and from what dates to what dates. This is important so your card doesn't get canceled because it was 'stolen'.
For most cell carriers, you'll probably need to add some sort of international plan, but investigate if you really need it on your plan first. T-Mobile for example has international travel included with its basic plans last time I looked
If you're going to be traveling in a foreign country where there is the possibility your credit card processor will get aggressive and cancel your card it is a good idea to have some cash on you, just in case.
flying in or driving?
If your from the US then you don't need any adapters for power, we use the same exact things.
As for cell coverage, just contact your provider and they should have a package that covers voice/text/data. Or as soon as you cross the border your phone will probably get a text with package info/prices.
How long are you in Calgary for? and will you have access to a car? There's some cool places you can see if your willing to drive a few hours.
Flying in then renting a car.
The Zoo in Calgary is amazing.
Devonian gardens are nice
If you enjoy History the Military Museum, Gasoline Alley Museum and Glenbow Museum are good.
If your a Beer fan go take a tour of the Big Rock Brewery.
Peters' Drive-in is pretty much a landmark in the city, worth it for the shakes.
Tubby Dog if you want to feel real gross and real great at the same time after eating a monstrous hotdog.
Jelly Modern doughnuts are amazing and you can get sandwiches made on em.
No, I am not making this up.
Also they're made of moose. But that's it really.
like 100% definitely go to Banff
Also you don't need French at all in that part of Canada
Why is this weird?
Drumheller is within drivingrange - a good day trip would be going to the Tyrell museum.
Theres some amazing hiking in Canmore as well.
Ever seen a mall with a submarine that has no lake or ocean nearby? Lol
There were four subs, unfortunately all were removed in 2012
Jasper is also a pretty nice place to go if you like hiking or white water rafting, but much further away than banff.
All of this advice will a,so depend om when you're planning on going. In the winter Edmonton and I think Calgary don't get much snow, but it can still get pretty cold depending on where you're from.
Ack did they at least replace them with something cool? I loved that sub ride thru the mall, it made no sense and I loved that.
They had bumper boats for a bit, but now it's just aquatic life, with I think three sea lions.
Yup! Not worth the three hour drive from Calgary.
For just the mall? not worth it.
But there are other fun things to do in the city, and a lot of great festivals depending on exactly when he's coming.
Plus you can do the Calgary->Banff->Jasper->Edmonton route and get a bunch of awesome mountain views out of it if you dont mind taking a longer route.
It's a pretty baller indoor waterpark.
As for things to do, seconding everything; Heritage Park is pretty good if you like old buildings that have been restored / the past; the zoo is pretty good, walking by the river / East Village can be nice, the Military Museum is fine if you like army memorabilia / big weapons. Eat at Tubby Dog if you want hot dogs; if you want high-end local cuisine, eat at the River Cafe. Eat Vietnamese food somewhere, if that's not a thing where you're coming from.
Drumheller is a few hours drive, but the dinosaurs are about as good as dinosaurs get; stop at Horseshoe Canyon on the way and see the badlands/hoodoos while you're there.
Hiking/etc is definitely the way to go if you can manage it -- are you looking to do that sort of thing, and if so, how much effort do you want to put in?
Go eat at the Palomino Smokehouse in Calgary. They have very good BBQ.
Yeah, doing the Banff -> Jasper -> Edmonton -> Calgary route would be worthwhile, especially if you like outdoorsy sort of stuff
Well Palomino can have good BBQ, the pulled pork is almost always good, the ribs.. i've had great dry rub ribs there and I have had ones where they taste like they were reheated in the fryer. I've never had good brisket at the Palomino.
Big T's BBQ is a better bet.
Agree'd , Gutbuster for the win.