Canada or the USA ... Where Should I Take My Hols??

Question

This summer my girlfriend and I want to go to North America. It comes down to either the USA or Canada. Don't really want to do both.

We're trying to weigh the pros and cons: The USA gets all the attention in the world and has more glitz and glamour than anywhere else on Earth, but it also seems sort of tacky. Also, American travellers I've met in the UK haven't exactly been the best ambassadors for their country, if you know what I mean. However, I've also heard that Americans are more appealing in their own country.

As for Canada, people always say Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are great cities with lots of attractions and the countryside is legendary. It also has a 'Britishness' about it (pubs, the food, etc). Canadians I've met have always been fun, laid-back people who appreciate a 'drinking culture.' On the downside, Canada is also much more expensive than the U.S. and the French region of Quebec isn't always warm to English-speakers, I've heard.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Don't go visit the tourist traps in either country. It sounds like you want to see someplace new, and you want someplace quiet and earthy. That's not New York City or Las Vegas.

I recommend Seattle. The weather is OK, people like to party, and there's a music scene. Also, outside of Seattle are small mountain towns. There is a town in the Cascades, near Concrete, Bellingham, and Sedro-Woolley where rabbits run free. Hundreds of fat, lazy rabbits who come up to people with carrots. The wilderness there is also nice.

Then if you don't like it, you can still go to Vancouver.

I live in Austin, Texas. Austin is a down-to-earth, friendly city. Old hippies from San Francisco like to retire here. There is music and a bar scene. It's the home of Dell Computers, so there's money, but not ostentatiousness. There are many parks and art museums. You can also see the Texas Capitol, whose dome is 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol dome. After that, drive to San Antonio and "remember the Alamo". You can also "tube" the river in New Braunfels from there.

Good luck.

Skylor Williams

Answer 2

I am Canadian so I am biased, but the cost of vacationing in a large city in the USA a or in Canada will be about the same, Canada may even be cheaper as you pound is worth much more than our dollar and the american dollar is also worth more than our dollar. As to were you choose, well it depends on what you want to see/do. If you want the city life, well then do a city anywhere, be it Montreal/Toronto/Vancouver/New Yourk/Seattle any city in North AMerica. If you like the outdoors, then go to the Canadian Rockies, they beat any mountains in the U.S. or if you are into a road trip, do the east coast of Canada, perhaps with a bit of the U.S. east coast too. A great trip is to rent a care in Boston and then drive your way up the coast, into Canada (NovaScotia) spending time in Cape Breaton (the island part of Nova Scotia), alternatively, go to Vancouver, again rent a car and take a road trip up north, Northern B.C. is gorgeous, lots of places to hike, cool places to stop and chat with locals at the pub and very different than the UK, plus you will get to see the Northern Lights which is cool. Regardless, I hope you enjoy your trip

Answer 3

Ok, I'm Canadian living in New Brunswick (gorgeous by the way). Anyway, don't do Toronto, too much smog, rude / ignorant people, and although lots to do it will cost you lots. Montreal is great, and the people are mostly nice but don't forget Quebec City (old City, it's full of adventure, breathtaking views, etc.). Vancouver is great. But so is Alberta (breathtaking views). Of course, don't forget PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We have down home charm, smog is minimal, lots to do and see, and the area is breathtaking. I've lived here all my life and never plan on living anywhere else. Why would I? NB does have it all if you want it.

Best thing about Canada is that majority of the people are liked worldwide, we have just as much as America does, we have sites to see, and the people are about as nice as you can get them to be.

And dont worry about French in Quebec. As long as you stick to Montreal / Quebec City, majority of them speak English flawlessly and most are more than happy to serve you in your language. I work directly with a lot of Quebecers and I've NEVER felt my English was an impediment (btw, I don't speak French).

Canada is expensive in Toronto, Vancouver or any other BIG city. Stick to smaller areas, just outside the bit cities and you can have a vacation with little money.

Answer 4

I went to New York and Toronto a couple of years ago for my honeymoon, so answering this question is a no brainer....Canada is everything America claims to be and more. The people are some of the friendliest I have ever met, the scenery is spectacular and it is no more expensive than the USA.
In contrast New York is infested with ignorant morons who won't even do the jobs they are paid to do unless you tip them
I think really you have answered your own question judged on the people you have met. If you do decide to go to Toronto you should stay at the Fairmont Royal York, it is across the road from the train station so sight seeing will be made easy if you decide to travel to other places for the day, and the staff are second to none.

Answer 5

Andy, bro, I'm going to say this once as a proud, flag-waving American bred from a long lineage of military men. Go to Canada, specifically Vancouver. I spent Christmas there one year, and it was great.

America is great if you want to be seen as a zoo exhibit. Most Yanks are so brain-dead that when they hear an accent, you can actually hear their thoughts: "ooooh, I heard bout dem foriegners. Can I touch it 'ma?" Also, the US is depressingly generic. There's no mistaking the melting pot analogy.

I once heard a comedian describe Canadians as unarmed Americans. 'nuff said. I'm not bashing my country, just being honest. I love it here because I havent lived elsewhere. Honestly, where else but America could a woman dump hot coffee on herself, then sue the company that sold her the coffee?

So yeah......go to Canada. I like Vancouver, BC and Windsor, Ont. If you go to Windsor, you could always drive over the bridge to Detroit, Michigan, US and see why you went to Canada.

Answer 6

I would definitely recommend Canada is better than the USA. The people are generally more friendly and less rude, the scenery in Canada is spectacular especially in BC and Alberta and the cities of the USA have far more unpleasant features like crime, rats and fear. The climate in Canada is also much less oppressive and more healthy. Just one fault about Canada.You may come across too many loud mouthed Americans there, but you get them in US too.

Answer 7

If you're in Canada the first half of July, the Calgary Stampede is worth stopping at.

http://www.calgary-city-maps.com/Calgary-Stampede-breakfasts.html

Yahoo!!

Answer 8

Canada...no doubt...the immigration/customs in US is a nightmare to go through.

Answer 9

There is no wire border only cross the border officer.

Answer 10

i went to the u s a last week, Up Stairs in my Attic it was great