Hello everyone, at the risk of sounding stupid I have some questions I am hoping someone can help me with. We are leaving for Camping Alouette in St-Mathieu-de-Beloeil next Sat the 30th.
I have read that the campground is in an industrial park so is it worth it to take our bikes, there are 6 of us?
I have read and reread about food and still confused. Are there any definites that cannot be brought in regarding food. We plan on buying lots there but still want to bring some of our own. We have to save somewhere to offset the price of diesel.
Are there a lot of bugs, do I have to worry about mosquitos?
What is the weather going to be like. I am assuming that it would be a lot like NH or ME weather, warm during the day and cool at night.
Question to anyone traveling from our direction. Where is the best to cross the border. We had planned on going up through Burlington. I have Mapquested and Triptiked it and have gotten two different routes.
Lastly any suggestions on must sees while there. We have 4 kids from 14 to almost 3. Sorry so long and thank you in advance for any advice.
Karen
Parents of 4 and a Berner.
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2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax. Stolen
2007 Chevy Silverado 3500HD Duramax.
Welcome to the forum. I guess you haven't heard that Canada recently passed legislation about bugs and no longer allows them and all weather must be cleared by the ministry of de-climate. Sorry for the poor attempt at humor but you'll find the same things there as at home. Try and relax and enjoy the trip / Skip
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My primary suggestion is to just relax and enjoy. If you take a backroad, enjoy the sights and experience. As long as you keep heading in the right general direction, you'll be okay.
We're all confused about which food can and cannot be taken across the border. And sometimes what can't be taken by one person can be taken by another. It's funny that you say you wish to bring your own food to save $$. That's the exact same reason I want to take our own food when we travel south. I've noted some things cost more in the US and some things cost more in Canada. And those things tend to offset each other. However, it is nice to take some of your favorite brands because what you have there, we might not have here. And same brands might use different recipes for US vs. Canada. Go figure.
And if you figure out a way to predict the weather, let us all know. Sometimes we're warmer here than in southern US, especially this past year. And sometimes we colder. In May we had some days with 90 Degree plus temps, but today we're hovering around 70. And it rained last night.
Buy the food in Canada. DW and I have been spending most of our vacations in Canada for 30 years now. You are just as well off going to any major grocery store in Canada as in the US. You just have to know your metric conversions so you know how much your purchasing. If you don't, you can ask. Most Canadians understand US English.
And, even though the Canadians finally got their act together and strengthened their currency (meaning it's not the really large bargain it was some years ago), you still get a better deal purchasing in Canada.
It's the 'adult refreshments' that you need to bring in --- you need to rob a bank while on vacation to afford liquor. 99% of the country has no people in it --- why aren't there more private stills?
The Canadians are usually too polite to say it, but they really don't understand why Americans think Canada is like going to some 3rd world country --- I've heard comments from US citizens, when traveling in Canada, so many times. I don't get it. There is nothing to stress over --- it's like going to any place in the US (except for the much better scenery which is why we go so often).
I still don't know if Tim Horton is superior to Dunkin' Donuts --- probably is.
Yeah, they're downright skinny up north too --- maybe that's why Americans think it's a third world country.
Weather is tricky --- mountains create different and less predictable weather patterns (just like the US) and of course, oceans affect weather. You should have no trouble searching websites for the area you are interested in (either specific towns or at least, the province) to find general weather averages (temps, rainfall, etc.). Many sites will have email where you can ask specific questions. Just be aware they like the letter 'u' --- every time there is an 'o' in a word, they add 'u'. Just humour them.....
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25 years tent camping, 4000+ miles of hiking, lots of biking
If you don't try the cuisine in the place you're visiting, why travel. & you're going to Montreal. Mama mia, you're going to try to beat that cuisine.
Now, let's say your in Montreal at 11:45 a.m. on a Sunday. Stop at almost any restaurant and eat. Don't stint, eat! You're beating the after church crowd to their Sunday dinner. Now, I left Montreal in 1972, but I doubt if that's changed.
& there are local markets with local food, which isn't irradiated or chemicialized or loaded with 5 tons of salt per serving. & it tastes better too. Buy local. IMO the food is so much nicer.
& shop the stores. The products won't be the same, but shopping is fun isn't it? & people in the stores are proud of where they live. If you say 'we so enjoyed doing xxx,' I'd bet the store staff would suggest other similar things you'd like too.
As for where you cross, most of the time the smaller places have shorter waiting times, plus the charm of less traffic and being closer to the scenery, driving slower and more relaxed - not stressing out over being passed by the speed queens and kings.
If you have to take a little detour so what. That's what maps are for (well maybe GPS). You're on holidays, aren't you. Over planning can spoil a trip. Leave room for spur of the moment changes.
Yes, & there is a reason why my signature quotes: "& I, I took the road less travelled by". Frost.
It is worth mentioning too that you are going to the Province of Quebec where French is FIRST. So all the signs will be french and some people will NOT speak English to you...note: I said "some".
This I know for sure because I was born there and I don't speak french
Remember everyone's birth certificate for the border crossing.
Yes alcohol is more expensive in Canada, but our beer is stronger too.
Food wise your best bet is to leave fresh food at home, no meat, fruit or vegies. Milk and cheese are usually Ok to bring across the border at least in BC. You will find lots of food stores to shop at.
Check out the wunderground.com to see the forecast.
We officially use the metric system, but most also understand the Imperial system. Temps will be given in Celcius which you double and add 30 to to get an approximate 'F temp. 500 grams is close to one pound 1kg is 2.2 pounds etc.
Just crossed back home (Manitoba) from visiting y'all down south (ND and S) last week. Had no problems bringing any food back home (although your border people took some oranges from me going down). Fresh fruit and veggies can someimes be a problem, but it seems to depend on who is at the crossing. Your Safeway Club card should work in Canada, mine works in the States. Price of food is about the same on both sides of the border, except yours is in $US. A tin of cat food cost me about 54 cents in both countries.
Some alcoholic drinks are more expensive, but we found the Crown Royal rye was similarly priced on both sides of the border.
Gas and diesel are more expensive. Yes there may be mosquitoes, but there is also OFF!
I hope you enjoy your trip, I think you will find that on the whole, we are a friendly lot.
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