
r/TravelCanada

We've lived everywhere. Now we're moving to Calgary with a baby
My husband and I have spent most of our relationship moving around. We met in Thailand, lived in Europe, then the States, then Dubai. Somewhere along the way, our life became “let’s try living here next.”
It was exciting when it was just the two of us.
But after ten years of marriage, we’re expecting our first baby. Suddenly, everything has changed. We’re not just asking, “Is this place fun?” Now it’s, “Can we actually raise a child here long-term?”
My husband does crypto trading from home, and I am a fitness coach as well as a blogger. We can literally work from anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. That is when we decided to research some stable and safe places
And somehow, we kept circling back to Calgary
Neither of us has ever even been to Canada. Which feels slightly insane. But the more we researched, the more Calgary checked our boxes. Space, nature, cleaner environment, slower pace, family oriented neighborhoods. Being close to the mountains sounds amazing after years of living in hot, busy cities
We found a Calgary realtor who specializes in helping people relocate and match homes based on lifestyle, not just square footage. That’s helpful because we have no idea which areas fit us best yet
We’re not rushing into buying immediately. The plan is to rent for 2-3 months first, get a feel for the city, survive our first Canadian winter, and then start looking for a house once we know what neighborhoods actually feel right
For people who actually live in Calgary, what should we realistically expect? What surprised you most? And please be honest about the winters. Every Canadian I’ve spoken to gives me the same “you’ll get used to it” speech, and I do not fully trust that answer yet
staying in Vancouver - areas with no car?
after a bit of advise please - staying in Vancouver for 5 days in September, the downtown Hilton is over 2.3k which is hellalot! There is a cheaper one further north but with no car is this going to be prohibitive?
alternatively can anyone recommended a alternative please?
Montréal trip
Hello! This is my first time traveling to Montreal with my 11 year old son. What are some really cool don’t miss out places we should check out?
We are spending 3 days there.
Thanks! Any food spots too :)
Who’s going downtown for Canada Day?
These are my plans for now:
- 12 PM watch the show at LeBreton Flats with the Snowbirds flyover and speech by Mark Carney.
- Check out the military bands, RCMP horses, and 360° camera on Parliament Hill.
- 2:30 PM NAC Orchestra free concert
- 4 PM watch the final Snowbirds aerial show for many years, probably from Kìwekì Point.
- 7 PM the free 80s Retro Concert on York Street featuring Men Without Hats.
- 9 PM catch the second half of the LeBreton concert with Barenaked Ladies which I plan to watch on the big screen in front of the Supreme Court.
- 10 PM watch the fireworks from in front of Library & Archives on Wellington
Here’s a more complete list I posted a couple weeks ago.
I (19 yo from Germany) want to spontaneously make a vacation in Ottawa this Summer and need your help. Pretty please 🙏
Hello ya‘ll!
So, due to some unforeseen, possibly romance related, pull factors and the sudden realisation I have very little planned for this summer before starting college, I would really love to make a vacation to Ottawa in Canada (ca 18 days probably as I want to have three weekends there). I also always wanted to either visit Canada or Iceland and this is a great occasion. But I have some problems and I very much hope ya‘ll might be able to help me a bit.
Work and Finance
As staying in your beautiful country can be quite expansive, even in the cheaper hostels, I contemplated a bit on staying longer and taking up a small summer job or applying for one of those WorkAway programs where you help out on a farm for some time in exchange for staying there. But as I understand it, one needs a work permit/visa for that and I heard those take too long to get for something this spontaneous. Are there ways to earn money (legally) where you don‘t need one or are there ways to get one in time? Would you recommend WorkAway/Work and Travel programs for this?Food and Transportation
I would also be interested in how to somewhat affordably get food/transport in Ottawa for my stay. I‘d prefer not having to get food at a restaurant or take out each day, but I don‘t know how to get (and cook) affordable food if I have to stay at a hostel. Is it worth renting a bike (or buying a used one) for the stay and how good and expensive is public transit?Miscellaneous and Recommendations
Lastly I would like to know what else I should be mindful of, that a young guy like me might not think of and whether you have any recommendations regarding things to do and see in the area. I am very interested in history and would love to experience some Canadian culture while I‘m there. Any ideas would be much appreciated :)
Thank you for reading this and I‘d be very glad for answers, thoughts and advice!
Best regards from Germany :)
Nova Scotia help with planning : Cape Breton or Halifax?
Hi !
Planning a roadtrip, and I am in Halifax around noon on the 11th, and was planning on leaving early on the 13th to drive up to Cape Breton. In Cape Breton I am spending 2 nights there, where the last day is just dedicated for driving back. Should I instead spend 3 nights in Cape Breton? Or should I keep 2 nights in Halifax?
Also if you have any Must-do's in Cape Breton or Halifax let me know!
Tidal surfing the Bay of Fundy is a must if you are in Nova Scotia.
This is an absolute must do, one of the funniest things I’ve ever experienced!
https://youtu.be/1U8Ba7OAJoc?si=NiIkgl9ica\_qPeTl
September/October 🇨🇦
Hi there!
I’m in the middle of booking a trip to Canada from Australia in September/October this year - starting in Vancouver, doing The Rockies then heading over to the US (NYC/NJ) and back up to Toronto before flying back home.
While I would consider myself a seasoned traveller, especially solo, it has been quite a while! I’m just looking to hear some traveller stories about these Canadian locations as to be completely honest, I don’t actually know that much about Canada! Have always felt very drawn to it though and I cannot wait.
Any experiences or places in these locations that I cannot miss when I’m over there? Anything to watch out for?
I have a lot of research to do but would love to get some insight to peoples Canadian experiences!
Thanks ✌️🇨🇦
Indecisive
So I've been wanting to travel more provinces but im so indecisive where to go! I've been to B.C twice so I'm looking for something new. I'm planning to travel mid-august, end-august. What would you suggest??
Happy Canada Day!
What are some of your favourite places to travel to anywhere in Canada?
Red numbers written on customs receipt
Hi I’m currently visiting Toronto from the US as a US Citizen. Going through customs the officer asked me a few basic questions (what am I here for, how long, have I been here before, where am I staying, how long have I known this person, etc.) but then she marked my receipt with a red sharpie with the number 88.
When I handed my receipt over to the officer at the exit, he collected it and put it on his desk rather than with the rest of the non marked receipts in his hands. I exited like normal
Does anyone know what the reason could be or if it’ll mean something on the way back? What is the reason they marked my receipt and separated it? I had nothing to declare and I’m staying for a week.
Looking for a weekend getaway for 2 within 2 hrs from Toronto
For myself and a friend (not a couple) looking for beautiful scenery, cute within walking distance shops, maybe a small village vibe, accommodation for 2 (not a whole cottage or a whole house) we’re open to a bed and breakfast, or motel, or other types of stays. Any ideas based on all this would be greatly appreciated!!!
Banff: June 19/20
Unforgettable trip. The lakes in Banff are just spectacular right now.
Trip to Toronto/Montreal.
I'm travelling to Canada in September for 23 days. I Will be landing at Toronto Pearson and renting a car. We will be staying in Toronto for the first three days.
I will then be driving over to Montreal and spending some time there before coming back again to Toronto and spending time there before flying out again from Toronto Pearson.
Would love some suggestions on planning this trip, such as best places to visit and best areas to be based for accommodation.
Also how long would you recommend to stay in each area. For example, 10 days in Toronto, 10 days in Montreal or maybe different?
Would greatly appreciate any help.
Exploring Atlantic Canada
Hello!
I want to visit Atlantic Canada this summer as I am a student on a budget with nothing planned for the entirety of July. I am from Quebec close to Ottawa and will be making this a road trip.
Tell me your must-do’s ! I have lots of time to explore. I only know so far that I’ll go to Newfoundland for the Gros Morne Park, that’s the extent of it lol.
Shoot me with all your tourist spot but also the hidden gems ;)
Lastly, what’s your best route to take to reach Atlantic Canada? Do folks go through Maine or remain on the south shore of the St Lawrence through Quebec City and such?
Thanks everyone!
IEC Work Permit Traffic History
Hello! Seeking some advice about applying for an IEC Work Permit in Canada as an Australian.
Back when I was 18 I made a huge mistake and got a DUI. I was driving the day after drinking and got into a minor accident where no one was injured. The court decided it wouldn’t be on my criminal record and I participated in the QLD Traffic Offenders program and had an interlock in my car for 12 months. The Judge decided this because I was so young, it was an isolated incident, and my current and future positive contributions to society outweighed the mistake.
3 and a half years later I have moved on, got my life together, and am applying for the IEC Work Permit Visa to work a ski season next year. The process so far has been smooth sailing, but now they are requesting a copy of my traffic history (which is something they only ask of people from VIC and QLD). When I initially applied they asked if I had ever been convicted of a crime, which I said “No” bc the DUI wasn’t put on my criminal record. I have no criminal record or any other reason for the Visa to be declined. I am not going to rent a car, get an international drivers permit, or drive while in Canada.
My question is, should I just share my traffic history and trust that they will see the court’s decision and it will be fine because they will also see the federal police check which came back clear? Should I share the traffic history, along with a letter explaining the situation and the court’s decision? Or am I cooked and should give up hope bc my Visa application is going to be declined?
Any advice, similar situations, or tips are greatly appreciated!
Ou allez pour un weekend
Bonjour bonsoir, moi et mon copain aimerai faire un petit roadtrip d’un weekend quelque part au Québec on part de près de Montréal on aimerai idéalement faire moins de 6h de route mais on est flexible! On aime bien manger, les petites croisières, des endroits historiques.. on resterai à l’hôtel donc si vous avez aussi des suggestions d’endroit charmant unique on est pas mal ouvert à l’aventure! Avez vous des suggestions pour nous? Merciii!