Question about Canada / USA...
 

1st Off... I'm not making this post to be a cunt, or stir up shit etc... Its 100% genuine...

I am UK born - I spent over 10 years in the USA... NEVER BEEN TO CANADA...

Now... (Controversial bit?)

Some people have described Canada as America, but not quite 'as good'... Basically the same kinda layout in citys, the same type of stores, the same kinda food etc etc... But just not 'Quite America...'

I'm considering paying a visit to Canada... My question is...

AS A VISITOR TO CANADA FROM THE UK... HOW SIMILAR IS CANADA TO THE USA? AND WHAT PART OF CANADA SHOULD I VISIT AS A TOURIST???

Serious post - Please dont flame :)

Can't speak for Canada but in the US it's against the law to poo in public.

.

Why do you think I got fucking DEPORTED? I mean... Like you think I DONT KNOW THAT??? :mad:

West coast living FTW!

I'd suggest Vancouver, it's a great place to visit or live, year round. :thumbsup

If you're visiting Canada, go to one of the cities that differ from US cities..
Visit the East Coast or the Mountains..
Or hit Quebec...

Toronto/Vancouver = USA

Great info. Thanks... I actually wanna base myself in a city that IS similar to USA... Then go off on an adventure...

I LOVE the USA... But I really WAS deported... So I wanna FEEL that I'm back 'home' but that I can go 'elsewhere' if I like... Hence 'Canada'

I lived for a while outside of Montreal when I was a kid. Seemed to me that Canada was just like the US, but some people spoke French. People were nicer, and everything was a lot cleaner.

Thats kinda what I was alluding too... Thanks :thumbsup

Canada is more like the UK than the US. But a lot bigger, less crime, and a lot nicer than the UK!

There is lots of us brits over here aswell, you will be suprised.

EDIT: It's probably more like the UK mixed with the US and a bit of France thrown in.

That sounds REALLY attractive! Perhaps after my visit I may move there :thumbsup

So, with YOUR info in mind... Where is the best place to holiday/vacation?

There really aren't that many big cities in Canada, and they're far away from each other. Our crime rate is much lower, standard of living is higher for the average person, and everything is much more expensive. Year by year Canada looks more like the US, because of corporate takeovers and US chains moving up here. Everything is very cookie cutter, especially in the suburbs.

If you want nature, I'd recommend somewhere near the mountains in the west of the country (calgary or somewhere in BC). If you like city life, Toronto or Montreal. Our country is obscenely massive, so much so that many Canadians will never understand what Canada is all about because they never left the city to find out. We have great hiking, boating, scenery, etc. Then again so does the USA.

Vancouver, Montreal are two must-see cities in Canuckistan. The east coast Maritimes have a certain charm, but it might be a little too much like home if you live near the water.

If you want denser population, better roads/highway system, just more of everything, then go to the States. If you don't mind a smaller feel but want maybe some more outdoorsy experiences, try Canada. *shrug* Why not try both?

Depends what you want, I've only been to 5 provinces so far. Haven't been out west or west of Ontario.

Niagara Falls / Toronto / Ontario in general is probably where there is the best amount of stuff to do. Toronto is a great city to visit! CN Tower is pretty impressive, the Roger's Center is a great stadium to see. Then you have the Eaton Center which is a huge shopping centre which goes under the city. The Falls (about an hour away) are amazing! (just got back from a trip there myself, will get some pics up soon)

Montreal and Quebec city in Quebec are both nice, mostly french but they pretty often know english. Quebec city has some really nice old buildings etc. Montreal has great nightlife (most cities over here seem to though)

P.E.I. (Prince Edward Island) Is like a giant Golf resort / vacation zone. I don't like it much myself pretty boring area really. Unless you want to play golf, not much shopping or anything else to see. The bridge from New Brunswick to P.E.I. is pretty impressive though.

Nova Scotia (New Scotland) Really is like Scotland lots of scenery and it always seems to be raining. I've only been to Halifax really which is pretty big city, it is a navy port so you can see some good boats down there. There is also a Maritime History Museum there aswell with some cool stuff and also some history of the Halifax Explosion (A large boat exploded and pretty much wiped the city off the map) There is also good night life down there, and the Alexander Keiths brewery which is pretty good.

I'm in New Brunswick which is real nice, Moncton (near me) Is the biggest city. Not a bad city but not the most exciting either. There is a big car show next week for all the old muscle cars/rods etc which is always good. Good nightlife again. Other than that, just the general kind of things around here. Mall, bars, clubs, good restaraunts (very rare to have a bad meal here!) There is a few other things to see, pretty good zoo at magnetic hill (also a big concert site)

I personally would say souther Ontario for the most stuff to do, but that is just from my experience.

A friend of mine from England has visited Saskatoon and Vancouver and he said Saskatoon was great, and the Island of Vanouver was nice but he didn't enjoy it as much.

Hope that helps :thumbsup

I forgot to mention the west coast islands. If you have a few extra days, definitely check out islands like Saltspring and the Sunshine Coast (which isn't an island, but requires a ferry to reach.)

And if you're looking for liberal, this might be a difference from the States: http://www.vancouversun.com/Cannabis...116/story.html

More expensive? You mean more expensive than the US?

It is cheaper in Canada than the UK. The only thing that is more expensive is beer I think. Maybe some food items. It is mostly cheaper here for me.

Trust me, the Maritimes is nothing like living anywhere in the UK.
Maybe Nova Scotia / Scotland are pretty similar. But it's still cheaper and nicer in general.

New Brunswick, P.E.I, and Nova Scotia, Have roughly the same land area as the UK but with only 4 million people living here. Not the 70 Million the UK has.

difference is canada has more polite people, less crime, its cleaner, other than that, its pretty much the same.

Almost forgot, A friend of a friend lives in Alberta, near Calgary I think, and they love it there aswell.

Anyway, simply put I think wherever you go you will love it (pretty much)

Toronto is like states just less crime and everything is a lot more expensive....

You know, for an asshole, you come up with some amazingly funny shit!

I tip my hat to you!

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/l...u95/HatTip.jpg

I would do month-long road trips to the states back when I was a roving writer/journalist and drummed up some checklists about the differences between the two places.

One big difference was when I crossed the bridge back to Canada in Detroit the night the Pistons won their championship, and the city was pretty much in chaos, you could hear gunshots, and some maniac ploughed his car into a crowd, and I saw this sign, with a handgun in a circle and a bar through it - and there was this weird moment of relief... because since we'd been down there, it seemed everyone had guns. I saw guns behind convenience store counters, a frustrated cab driver whip out a pistol cause he was pissed at another driver, even met hippies who carried... and this level of tension had developed without even knowing...

Also, when we hit Montreal again, and stopped at the first light, there was this chick who crossed in front of the car. And I realized I hadn't seen anyone like her in weeks. Montreal women may or may not be more beautiful than other cities (I personally think so), but they definitely are the most stylish, independant, individualistic and self-expressive that I've encountered in my travels.

Seems like from Toronto to San Diego to Clearwater, most women, if they were fashionistic at all, were dressed like the covers of fashion magazines, there was a "style" they adopted or followed - and different areas had different trends. But Montreal women are foxes, and dress as they see fit, in combinations and creations that are mostly their own - no two alike, hardly any templates... it was another moment of... relief.

Americans though are super friendly and helpful and completely out to get you to like them which is great. Canadians can be more reserved and less gregarious, but they are damned polite - more so west of the province of Quebec.

Stupidly, some Montreal and Quebec city service industry people are pig-headedly unilingual and won't serve you in English - which is dumb because they're in tourist hubs and it's in their interest to offer good service. Still, they're more the exception than the rule.

The food and bar scene in Montreal though rocks - anything and everything you want, usually any time you want. We have our own Smoked Meat, Pizza and Bagel styles, Poutine and hot dogs, a thriving micro-brewery scene - and that's not including the international stuff, from Ethiopian to Lebanese to authentic Sushi... it doesn't stop. I think Montreal has more restaurants per capita than any other place on earth.

Although everywhere the cookie-cutter stamp of chains and franchises is sorta sucking out the character superficially, overall Montreal just feels different - from the food to the sex to the more or less absolute liberal and accepting attitude.

i've heard the same about the west Coast - Banff in particular, and also it seems Vancouver generally sounds a lot like San Francisco.

The maritimes is all small town, even the biggest cities - and you have to like cold water beaches. The coastal towns are beautiful and raw, though, and would appeal to anyone who comes from some of the bleaker new England rock coasts. The food is amazing, the English unique but you have to be careful about the towns or tours you take - some are heavily industrial, completely not directed at visitors. I remember one coal-mining town that was literally covered in grey soot almost everywhere... but I honestly haven't been there long enough to be a good judge...

Man what a rant.. and i haven't even talked about Ottawa or Toronto... maybe if you're curious enough :P

:D

Most of this is almost spot on. Except for the Maritimes, Moncton and Halifax ain't really towns, they are cities and they are what I would say is "Just the right size" And there is still plenty to do.

Cold water beaches? fuck no! Go to Parlee Beach in Shediac it is the warmest water north of (probably) Carolina, The way the beach is situated on the Northumberlund Straight makes the water extremely warm (in the summer of course) Some of the P.E.I beaches are warm aswell. Most of the rest of east coast does suffer from the Atlantic ocean making them cold though.

And the French thing, not being served in English, etc. I think is more Montreal than the rest of the province. Quebec City especially they are really nice with the English.
They like it when you aknowledge the language with even a small thing such as saying Merci or a Bonjour.

I think being Liberal spreads across the country aswell, the people in the Maritimes are pretty loose and easy going. They are polite and easy to talk to.

The area where I live everyone waves to you when you are driving down the road (even if you don't know them)

Anyway, I love living here. I'm sure you would enjoy a visit wherever you went :thumbsup

You're right of course, I did disclaimer my maritime comments - but even so they feel small (or just right as you say) - just not as... metropolitan?

Anyhow, I feel any city I can walk the length of in a few hours isn't "big" - which isn't bad, just to say it isn't "BIG". :P

Good to know! I figured there had to be warm currents making some of these (greener) coastal areas swimmable, but as I said my experience is unfortunately limited... sigh.

Fuck yeah, and full of giant fish heads at low tide (in the morning anyhow lol). Also, jelly fish. Blegh. Prefer eating fish than swimming with their dead relatives :P Afternoons are great if you dig the chill though.

Oh, yah and great hot dog and lobster scene off Sydney NS...

I've experienced it in both, with a higher level of french snobbery from Quebec city University chicks than bar tenders. But I'm french too so I'm limited here. The best waiters and such are those who coax the Americans to try a little French heheh.

Just be careful who you're honest about your love of poo with - but that goes for anywhere...

I will, I will :)

i've spent about 6 months of the past two years in canada from halifax to vancouver and lots of points in between. i've also been to the UK. canada is a nice hybrid between the UK and the US, leaning more towards the UK side. i've found there's theres a childlike innocence to many of the regular people i've run into (not industry people). it's a breath of fresh air. you'll love it.

p.s. count how many pontiac sunfire cars you see in EVERY province :)

I think Halifax is probably more Metro than Moncton. But for some reason they like to say "Metro Moncton" when referring to the city. But it isn't really what I would call Metro.

It isn't big, there is nothing tall here at all. But it is spread out quite a lot.

The beach at Shediac is real nice, there is a few smaller along that stretch of coast with nice warm water aswell, then after that it gets cold again pretty much.

They also have a big lobster festival there which is combined with a motorcycle show (not really my scene but is really popular)

I really didn't experience the french problem in Quebec City last week. Seemed a lot easier than Montreal to speak with people. But maybe I was lucky :) I've lost my French pretty much, used to be really good but not using it didn't help.

Here in NB it there is some Acadiens who try to hard to be French.

Then you have the Chiac language which is very odd!

Saskatoon is the worst city in Canada, with the country's highest crime rate.

I moved to Toronto from Europe and really like it here. I find most parts of Canada is the UK mixed in with the US. A lot of people claim Toronto is the same as the states but I don't find that to be true at all. Its cleaner, people are friendlier, less stressed out than in major cities in the states.

Montreal is very nice but I personally like Toronto better. Montreal is definitely more European and a nice laid back place with some very nice neighborhoods.

Overall, as a person who grew up in Europe I find Canada to be a very nice country to be in. Canadians are very friendly in general no matter where you go and I'd never live in the US over Canada even though things are more expensive here.

Well, of course Americans are going to say that. Canadians will say the opposite.

Anyway, I think there's actually a huge difference between the two countries. Canadians are generally more easy going and relaxed. After all, we're the big friendly country. Canadians are also more down to earth.

Got to agree with both of you :thumbsup

If the US got you deported you'll be denied entry by the Canadians too, they share databases.

Canada has nicer people, cleaner air, better beer, better food, hotter chicks.

America has Sarah Palin.

Goodnight.

Canada is basically the same as the US except it is colder and people speak Canadian instead of proper English.

Ditto on that. The coasts are great. Vancouver is very cool and very Asian. People are nicer, place is cleaner and I feel safer up there...
if you want to hang out with Moose we made some cool Moose friends in Nova Scotia...that is a very cool place to chill in the summertime...

Um...

:1orglaugh Total bullshit!

honestly, they are very much the same - people project differences between the US and Canada based on very small things. go to Google Maps and plug in any town/city in the US and do a street view then do the same for any town/city in Canada - small towns/cities/suburbs look pretty much identical. only an American or Canadian flag somewhere will tell you that you're in one country or the other. major cities differ but that the same as right inside the US, Toronto is closer to New York City than Miami, Dallas or LA are.

both countries are big geographically and things cultural(foods, accents, fashion, leisure, culture/arts etc) differ from region to region. Vancouver is a lot more similar to Seattle than it is to Toronto. the vast majority of Canadians live in big urban centers close to a major American city.

Americans are much friendlier and outgoing. I think any Canadian will tell you there is a big difference when you cross the border that way and it gets more pronounced as you travel further south - southern hospitality isn't a myth.

Genuine thanks for ALL the replies in this thread... I guess I am gonna print it out to keep, and do some serious research.

I will probably take a trip within the next 6 months or so, therefore I have some serious research (and geography) to do :)

Final question... Which place is the most like the UK combined with USA ? That will be my start point if you will, for my research...

Thanks again.

been to montreal, had a blast, nice country cant say anything bad really..

I just came back from a 4 week roadtrip in canada. Loved it!

this is the street I used to live on in thunder bay ontario. if this appeals to you.... :Oh crap

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5...07sizedrq8.jpg

I think the USA is the best place for ya ;-)

BC is absolutely gorgeous. Go to Fairmont Hot Springs and soak in the pool and play a few rounds of golf. Definitely drive around BC --go up to Banff and down to the Idaho Panhandle.

If you like paying for other people's health care, you will love the Canadian tax system.

Canada has **********. I am sure there are some redeeming qualities as well.

Least like UK/US: Quebec, New Brunswick, Labrador, NWT, Yukon and Nanavut

Nova Scotia is like Scotland mostly. Cape Breton is kinda like Scotland mixed with Ireland, Still a lot of Gaelic communities up there.

Newfoundland is like Ireland/Scotland/Northern England

The border provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. All have UK and US elements.

Yukon, NWT, Nanavut are pretty much bare from what I have seen. Not been there myself so take that with a grain of salt.

Overall I would say Ontario, BC, Manitoba and Alberta are the most UK/US like.

I think Ontario and BC being the most similar.

Clue is in the provincial flag pretty much :winkwink:

http://bolditalic.com/quotulatiousne...cial_Flags.jpg

Hotlinkage: http://bolditalic.com/quotulatiousne...cial_Flags.jpg

Nice one man. Makes sense. Cheers!

I been looking at package holidays. All roads seem to point to Toronto... ???

Good 'starting point' for my 1st visit?

http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/broc...ouches.aspx#hd

Ya we like looking out for one another. A quality you'll never understand. You voting palin?? Gonna guess ya you will. Retard

the truth

Toronto is definately a great place to visit in my eyes.
All kinds of cultures, plenty to see and do and real good people.

POI: CN Tower, Eaton Centre (shopping), Roger's Centre (the stadium) You can also take a nice boat ride out to the Islands from the Front near the CN tower and Rogers centre. That goes round all the islands (past a nude beach :winkwink: )
Niagara Falls if you have a car or get a bus/train not very far away.

Then you have what I like to call "The Littles" With Little China/China Town, Little Jamaica (Kingston I think, can't remember the name) Little Poland, Etc. Really cool areas of the city just to spend time and see different stuff.

Nightlife is great in Toronto lots of different bars and places to eat.

And last but not least! If you want to see where the village people came from visit church street :1orglaugh Big gay community there. Quite interesting to take a walk down that street.

Oh and before I forget. Check out Canadian Affair (not a dating site!) They seem to have the best deals from UK to Canada.

http://media.offbeatmama.com/wp-cont...derchoking.jpg


I find your lack of knowledge about Canada disturbing.