Visiting Canada

Swiiter · Post by **Swiiter** » December 15, 2003, 2:57 pm

I have a family reunion in Montpelier, VT this summer and am starting to plan the vacation. I was thinking that since I will be so close to Canada and my gf has never been I would maybe take a few days and drive up from VT.

Does anyone have any advice on where would be a cool place to visit? I've been to Quebec when I was young, but that is all. Like I said I'm going to be driving so I don't want it to be too far from VT. I know Ottowa, Montral and Quebec are relatively close, but I don't know anything about those cities. Any advice would be appreciated.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » December 15, 2003, 3:03 pm

i've heard Montreal is a really neat city

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » December 15, 2003, 3:12 pm

Motreal is a blast, and you will be closest to there... definately go there.

noel · Post by **noel** » December 15, 2003, 3:29 pm

Alberta would be quite the drive for you, but Banff is well worth a visit, and the Banff Springs Hotel is excellent.

http://www.fairmont.com/FA/en/CDA/Home/ ... 00,00.html

Jugata · Post by **Jugata** » December 15, 2003, 4:15 pm

Newfoundland......come drink with us!

Skogen · Post by **Skogen** » December 15, 2003, 4:37 pm

I highly recommend the lobby of the Gander airport in Newfoundland.

Swiiter · Post by **Swiiter** » December 15, 2003, 4:50 pm

Thank's a bunch for the advice. Montreal looks relatively close and looks pretty interesting. I think we'll probably just visit there for a couple of days. A couple of more questions.

1) If I rent a car in Burlington, VT, it's not a problem to take it over the border is it?

2) To cross the border you don't have to have a passport do you? I have one, but all my gf has is a Texas driver's license. Also, is a Texas driver's license valid in Canada?

2) Any advice on things to do, where to stay in Montreal?

THX!

Neziroth · Post by **Neziroth** » December 15, 2003, 4:56 pm

Last summer we took a road trip up to canada, completely unplanned.

We ended up in a city outside of ottawa called Kanata. It was a mid-sized city, about 40 min from quebec. I remember there was a section that everybody called "the market", it was about 4 city blocks, filled with clubs, restaurants, bars, stip joints, etc etc. It was PACKED and it was a good time.

There's a cheap comfort in about 30 minutes from that place, you have to do some big city driving to get there of course but it's not all that bad.

All in all a good time. I have nothing to compare it too however so I may be way of compared to the rest of canada.

You don't need a passport but you do need to bring a Birth Certificate. Your driver's liscence should be fine there. You'll need that to cross the border also, as will everyone in your vehicle. If not a drivers liscence then some form of photo ID.

Be prepared to get a hard time coming home. We had our trunk searched, we were questioned over and over, and these guys mean business. Just go with it and hide teh booze!!

oh btw the girls there were HOT!

Dregor Thule · Post by **Dregor Thule** » December 15, 2003, 5:00 pm

1) No idea, probably have to ask some rental companies.

2) That's a little foggy atm. Used to be you didn't, but since 9/11 things have been changing. I'd imagine for just driving across, no, passport not needed, but you might want to research that one as well.

3) Have some poutine and say "Hein?" a lot!

Hayley · Post by **Hayley** » December 15, 2003, 5:04 pm

Swiiter wrote:Thank's a bunch for the advice. Montreal looks relatively close and looks pretty interesting. I think we'll probably just visit there for a couple of days. A couple of more questions.

1) If I rent a car in Burlington, VT, it's not a problem to take it over the border is it?

2) To cross the border you don't have to have a passport do you? I have one, but all my gf has is a Texas driver's license. Also, is a Texas driver's license valid in Canada?

2) Any advice on things to do, where to stay in Montreal?

THX!

My parents live in Burlington so I go up and visit quite often. Every time that I go, I ski at Stowe so definitely check that out if you can. The whole town is really nice.
I've also driven up to Montreal a few times (I believe it was about 2 hours from Burlington). You can take the rental car across the border no problem. Also, you don't have to have a passport. My TX driver's license worked fine. I never got to spend the night there so I'm not real familiar with what to do. We just ended up roaming around the downtown area and going shopping. The cathedrals were very nice to look at. Hope someone with you knows some of the French language!

Post by **Sylvus** » December 15, 2003, 5:13 pm

Bring your birth certificate or your passport as well as your driver's license. I live not far from Windsor, Ontario and go there on occasion. In the wake of 9/11, they got really strict about not accepting only a driver's license anymore. It may have loosened up since then, but better safe than sorry.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » December 15, 2003, 5:20 pm

I went to Canada over the summer.

The guy who was driving the car ran the border because he "didn't notice the stop sign." They set off the border-running siren and we all had to go in for background checks.

Even still, we all got across just fine. And at least one of us didn't have a passport.

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Legenae · Post by **Legenae** » December 15, 2003, 7:58 pm

Swiiter wrote:Thank's a bunch for the advice. Montreal looks relatively close and looks pretty interesting. I think we'll probably just visit there for a couple of days. A couple of more questions.

1) If I rent a car in Burlington, VT, it's not a problem to take it over the border is it?

2) To cross the border you don't have to have a passport do you? I have one, but all my gf has is a Texas driver's license. Also, is a Texas driver's license valid in Canada?

2) Any advice on things to do, where to stay in Montreal?

THX!

1) Not sure.

2) My fiance had no problem crossing the border without a passport (edit - he had his birth certificate)... and he drove around quite fine with his Alaska driver's license.

3) Can't help you there. Never been father east than Ottawa.

Wulfran · Post by **Wulfran** » December 15, 2003, 8:08 pm

1) Depends on the car rental outfit... using Hertz or National, etc should be fine... may want to check with them before you rent though.

2) Its a little tighter since 9-11 but passport is not officially needed. Generally speaking it's easier for Americans to get into Canada then vice versa.

3) No idea, just don't ask for a Molson Canadian (they don't like that word in some parts of Quebec and there is far better beer to drink...Alexander Kieth's or Sleeman's in better establishments).

Durew · Post by **Durew** » December 15, 2003, 8:20 pm

If you, or anyone else, hasnt seen the rocky mountains in Alberta/BC; your missing out. I live in Alberta, and the mountains/resorts/ski hills/tourist attractions are phenomenal here

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » December 15, 2003, 10:29 pm

If you rent a car to take into Canada, just have the car company provide you with a Canadian ID Card. If you have car insurance now, call them and see if they can issue you one. Just understand that it will have to be mailed to you since there is a particular form it has to be on, and SOME border agents are asses about not accepting faxed copies.

Animalor · Post by **Animalor** » December 16, 2003, 12:22 am

Neziroth wrote:Last summer we took a road trip up to canada, completely unplanned.

We ended up in a city outside of ottawa called Kanata. It was a mid-sized city, about 40 min from quebec. I remember there was a section that everybody called "the market", it was about 4 city blocks, filled with clubs, restaurants, bars, stip joints, etc etc. It was PACKED and it was a good time.

There's a cheap comfort in about 30 minutes from that place, you have to do some big city driving to get there of course but it's not all that bad.

All in all a good time. I have nothing to compare it too however so I may be way of compared to the rest of canada.

You don't need a passport but you do need to bring a Birth Certificate. Your driver's liscence should be fine there. You'll need that to cross the border also, as will everyone in your vehicle. If not a drivers liscence then some form of photo ID.

Be prepared to get a hard time coming home. We had our trunk searched, we were questioned over and over, and these guys mean business. Just go with it and hide teh booze!!

oh btw the girls there were HOT!

A correction -

The market is in Ottawa (right across the river from Gatineau, which is in the prov. of Quebec.). I work in the market area and there is definetly a good time to be had.

As for going to Montreal, I hope you're not afraid of Snow cause they have a shitload of it there right now. you have been warned =)