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hudsonespie · 4 years ago

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A Future Option for Cruising Canada’s St. Lawrence River

Short-distance and multi-day long-distance river cruises have steadily gained popularity amongst tourists, including along Canada’s St. Lawrence River and Seaway. Cruise vessels call at ports of Montreal and Quebec City. It is possible that perhaps as early as the summer of 2021 or 2022, cruise vessels that sail along the Seaway may also be able to offer passengers the option of visit Canada’s Capital, the City of Ottawa courtesy of a former Seaway freight port that could be re-activated to berth cruise ships.

Introduction

At the present time and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has closed its ports to cruise ships sailing from overseas ports of origin. Should the pandemic end within the next year, it is likely that by 2021 or 2022 Canada would re-open its ports to cruise ships sailing from overseas origins. By that time, the quayside at the former Port of Cornwall located southeast of Ottawa along the St. Lawrence Seaway could become available berth cruise vessels to allow tourists to visit Ottawa courtesy of motor coach transportation.

Cruise ships tie up at the Ports of Montreal and Quebec City where historic areas and major tourist attractions are located within close proximity to both ports, with tour bus and chartered motor coach service being available from dockside. While Canada’s Capital City of Ottawa is a major summer time tourist attraction, navigation dimensions along the Ottawa River between Montreal and Ottawa and also along the Rideau Canal between Ottawa and Lake Ontario restrict access to mini-size cruise vessels such as the length and height adjustable “Kawartha Voyageur” and the “Canadian Empress”.

The Ottawa Option

Due to road traffic congestion conditions caused by traffic density and annual summer road construction at Montreal along with the distance between Montreal and Ottawa, transporting cruise vessel tourists by motor coach between the 2-cities would be impractical. The closure of a Seaway-max capable commercial freight port located southeast of Ottawa along the St. Lawrence River offers a possible option. Railway lines that connected to the Port of Cornwall were removed several years ago and jurisdiction over the port has been transferred to municipal authorities where officials reject re-activating the port for commercial freight traffic.

The Ottawa – Cornwall road distance is half that of the Ottawa – Montreal distance and during peak travel periods, local traffic flows smoothly and quickly in the small City of Cornwall. Marinas at Kingston and Brockville can only berth “ships” of 100-feet and 60-feet length respectively. The 185-feet length “Grande Caribe” and “Grande Mariner” sail from New York City through the Hudson River and Erie Canal to Lake Ontario and St Lawrence Seaway to Montreal and Quebec City. The historic “Upper Canada Village” that depicts 19th century living in the region is located within 25-minutes of Cornwall.

Port of Cornwall

Initial contact with officials at City of Cornwall indicate that they are willing to consider having tourist cruise vessels make brief stops at their port and are interested in discussions with the cruise industry. A motor coach operator that is a member of the local chamber of commerce has also responded positively to providing same-day return motor coach transportation service between Port of Cornwall and Ottawa, with the option of tour guides being able to provide a sightseeing tour around Ottawa and visits to historic Ottawa area tourist attractions.

The Port of Cornwall is able to berth cruise ships of up to 720-feet in length by 80-feet beam and 26-feet sailing draft, while the City of Cornwall marina has been able to berth the mini cruise ship called the “Canadian Empress”. About the maximum size of vessel that could sail the Ottawa River between Montreal and Ottawa would be 150-feet length by 8-feet draft and 35-feet beam, excluding “Grande Caribe” and “Grand Mariner”. There is scope to re-activate the Port of Cornwall to berth cruise ships and space to park motor coaches to transport cruise ship passengers.

Future Options

Since the transfer of the former Port of Cornwall to municipal authorities, officials have been exploring future possibilities for the port area. Many years ago, a private company operated a grain transshipment terminal for Seaway-max size of ships in the northeastern region of Lake Ontario, at City of Kingston. Changes in bulk grain transport resulted in the closure of the terminal, with condominiums being built in the former terminal area. While berthing a large cruise vessel at that former terminal might still be possible, transferring passengers between ship and motor coach transport would be problematic.

While a developer proposed to build condominium housing close to the Port of Cornwall, unlike Kingston the proposal left open the possibility for commercial vehicle service to and from dockside. The proposal leaves open the possibility for tourist cruise vessels to tie up at Cornwall dockside where passengers could transfer between ship and motor coaches to visit tourist attractions at City of Ottawa and the historic Upper Canada Village. There is an option for 3-municipalities of City of Ottawa, City of Cornwall and Mohawk Council future Port of Cornwall options and present options to cruise ship operators.

Conclusions

Tourists who travel by cruise vessel and by motor coach are often interested in visiting historic sites and tourist attractions. In Eastern Canada, the main cities such as Quebec City, Montreal and Ottawa are main summer time tourist destinations that offer the combination of historic sites and tourist attractions. Both Montreal and Quebec City offer port areas where large tourist cruise ships that sail from Europe and the USA can berth, with easy passenger transfer between ship and motor coach to carry tourists to visit local historic sites and major tourist attractions.

While many large cruise vessels that sail into the St. Lawrence River also sail upstream of Montreal, the option of being able to berth at the old Port of Cornwall would allow for easy transfer to motor coach transportation to and from Canada’s Capital City of Ottawa and its numerous historic attractions. Municipal officials and cruise ship operators have the option of exploring the option of cruise ship tourists visiting Ottawa courtesy of a conveniently located port capable of berthing large ocean going cruise ships, with easy and convenient transfer to motor coach transportation.

from Storage Containers https://maritime-executive.com/article/a-future-option-for-cruising-canada-s-st-lawrence-river via http://www.rssmix.com/

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mitchbeck · 5 years ago

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CANTLON: HOCKEY NEWS AND NOTES VOLUME 4 PART 2

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The news from the AHL, amid a global pandemic, is stunned sadness on this Easter weekend. Early Saturday morning came the grim, devastating news that 25-year-old, Colby Cave, a forward for the Bakersfield Condors, passed away in Sunnyside Hospital in Toronto. He died as a result of complications from a brain bleed due to a colloid cyst (tumor). The developed tumor put pressure on his brain and requiring it to be removed surgically on Tuesday. After being admitted on Monday to a hospital in Barrie, Ontario, following his being found unresponsive in bed that morning, he was taken by airlift to Toronto. The family released a statement, first announcing the terrible news. Cave was five years into his pro career. He was acquired from the Boston Bruins by the Edmonton Oilers on January 15 of last year. In his all too brief life, Cave was diligent and a hard-worker. He made it to the NHL despite not being drafted, making his NHL debut with Boston on December 21, 2017, against the Winnipeg Jets. He played 44 games this year in Bakersfield with 11 goals and 12 assists and in 11 games with Edmonton, where he posted one goal with four penalty minutes. A majority of his AHL career came in Providence. In 239 games with the P-Bruins tallied 43 goals and 72 assists for 115 points and was a solid performer against the Wolf Pack. He had a standout junior career in the WHL for five seasons, all with the Swift Current Broncos in 285 games, where he garnered 95 goals and 202 points. He was voted team MVP and was a team captain. He would play just 34 NHL games with two goals and four assists. AHL President/CEO Dave Andrews released a statement following the shocking announcement. “Colby Cave was beloved as a teammate and friend, as a husband and son. The entire American Hockey League extends our deepest condolences to Colby's wife, Emily, and his entire family, as well as to those whose lives he touched in the Oilers and Bruins organizations and throughout hockey.” Likewise, Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, similarly released a warm, heartfelt letter of condolences. “The National Hockey League family mourns the heartbreaking passing of Colby Cave, whose life and hockey career, though too short, were inspiringly emblematic of the best of our game. Undrafted but undaunted, Colby was relentless in the pursuit of his hockey dream with both the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins organizations. An earnest and hardworking player, he was admired by his teammates and coaches. More important, he was a warm and generous person who was well-liked by all those fortunate enough to know him. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Emily, their families and Colby’s countless friends throughout the hockey world.” AHL SEASON The season is still in suspension mode, but news from the Quebec Provincial government, where they banned all outdoor public events, including sporting events, concerts, and festivals, and all large public gatherings until August 31, made it pretty clear that the cancelation of the regular and post-season for the NHL and AHL would be announced likely around May 1. HOCKEY TRANSACTIONS Former Sacred Heart University Pioneer (AHA), Connor Doherty, of the Worcester Railers HC won the ECHL Community Services Award. The Worcester head coach is former Wolf Pack assistant coach, David Cunniff, the son of late New England and Hartford Whaler player and coach, John Cunniff. The ECHL also announced their All-Star teams. One of the two First-team defensemen is Logan Roe (Kent Prep) of the Florida Everblades. He was a high school teammate of Boo Nieves and finished the year with Manitoba. On the second team, now an ECHL vet, and ex-Sound Tiger goalie, Parker Milner (Avon Old Farms). There is some hockey business going-on. The first junior draft, held last Saturday - the OHL Priority Draft - and there were a few unusual names that selected. In the first round, the third overall pick was Max Namestnikov, the youngest son of former Wolf Pack, Evgeni "John" Namestnikov, by the Sarnia Sting. He played last year for the Detroit Honeybaked U-15 team, and he is a commit to Michigan State (Big 10) in 2023-24. David Goyette of the Selects Academy at South Kent Prep U-15 team went in the first round 11th overall to the Sudbury Wolves. Connor Toms, son of former Wolf Pack Jeff Toms was a 3rd pick and 44th overall, but he didn't have to go far, Toms was selected by his hometown Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He played last year for Sault Ste. Marie Bantam AAA (NOBHL) for his father, who was the team's head coach. Two spots later. Landon Sim, son of ex-Sound Tiger Jon, was selected from Weeks (NSMMHL) by the London Knights. Vinny Borgesi, from the Selects Academy program at South Kent Prep U-15, was taken by Guelph in the 9th round 170th overall. He recently made a commitment to Northeastern (HE) for 2023-23 and has signed a USHL tender contract with Tri-City for the fall start of the season. Andrew DellaDonna from the Selects Academy at South Kent Prep U-15 went in the 10th round 186th overall by the Hamilton Bulldogs. He is an Ohio State Buckeyes (Big 10) commit for 2022-23. The announcement of the WHL All-Star teams was released. The Eastern conference goalie was Prince Albert Raiders goalie Max Paddock, the nephew of former Wolf Pack coach, John Paddock. Ironically, the elder Paddock, the VP /Director of Hockey Ops with the Regina Pats, traded his nephew back on January 7 to the Raiders. In one of the defensive spots is a New York Rangers draft pick, and a possible member of the Wolf Pack 2020-21 roster, Matt Robertson of the Edmonton Oil Kings. The second-round pick from last summer in 60 games had 13 goals, 34 assists, and 47 points. His WHL career totals al with Edmonton is 186 games 27 goals, 78 assists for 105 points for 6'4 205 lb. Rearguard. Upfront Mark Kastelic, son of former Whaler Ed Kastelic had a strong final junior year in 68 games had a team-high 38 goals and 68 points and was a plus 30 for the Calgary Hitmen. The Ottawa Senators draft pick career numbers were 321 major junior games with 126 goals, 109 assists and 235 points signed a three-year two-way entry-level deal with the Senators on Thursday. AHL EURO SIGNINGS Three AHL players are going to Europe so far as the AHL season, which is still in suspended status, but just one player has confirmed their pending departure. Nikolai Golobdin has said he is leaving Utica for CSKA Moscow (Russia-KHL). In contrast, Charles Hudon in Laval, rumored to be talking to several teams in Switzerland's top league, the NLA, and Cory Conacher, the ex-Sound Tiger, is being paired with HC Lausanne of the NLA. HOBEY BAKER AWARD Mike Perunovich of the University Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (NCHC) was named the 2020 Hobey Baker Award winner becoming the sixth person from the school to capture the coveted top individual award in college hockey. The junior defenseman from Hibbing, MN beat out North Dakota forward Jordan Kawaguchi and Maine goalie Jeremy Swayman for the award in a weirdly timed late-night announced on ESPN. "I'm extremely honored and humbled," Perunovich said in a public statement. "Five other Bulldogs have won this prestigious award, so it is just a privilege to join them." The other five were Tom Kurvers (1984), Bill Watson (1985), Chris Marinucci (1994), ex-Sound Tiger Junior Lessard (2004), and Jack Connolly (2012) as Bulldogs' Hobey Baker winners. Perunovich was second in the nation with 34 assists and had six goals in 34 games, becoming the first defenseman to lead the NCAA in scoring. Perunovich, a second-round draft choice in 2018, signed an NHL entry-level deal last month with the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. The award was an anti-climatic event. In it would have been awarded at the NCAA Frozen Four slated to be in Detroit this weekend, where Perunovich and his Bulldogs teammates hoped to play for a three-peat national title. The undrafted Kawaguchi had 15 goals and 30 assists in 33 games. He's returning to North Dakota (NCHC) for his senior season. Swayman was 18-11-5 with a 2.07 goals-against average, and .939 save percentage for the University Maine Black Bears (HE), and he, like Perunovich, signed an NHL entry-level deal last month his with the Boston Bruins. The award, named in honor of Baker, the former Princeton hockey and football star, was World War I fighter pilot. He was killed in a plane crash in France after scheduled to return home. COLLEGE PRO SIGNINGS The UCONN Huskies Wyatt Newpower who had a strong senior season making the Hockey East Second Team All-Star with 25 points and was a plus 23 signed a one-year AHL deal with the Cleveland Monsters top farm team for the Columbus Blue Jackets. -Cam Crotty departs BU and signs with Arizona (NHL). -Goalie Tom Aubrun (Chamonix, France) from Norwich University (VT) Division II/III Player of the year signs a two year, two way deal with AHL Rockford Ice Hogs. -A few more European collegian signings Jesper Mattila graduates Boston College (HE) and joins teammate and fellow Finnish countrymen Aapeli Rasanen, who leaves school a year early, to sign separate deals with KalPa Kuopio (Finland-FEL). Jake Grade of Division III St. Anselm (NE-10), making it five collegians to sign in Europe inking a deal with HC Cholet (France Division-2). That makes 74 Division I players have signed prop contracts, and 84 college players in total have signed AHL and ECHL deals. The breakdown by conference Hockey East-18, Big 10-17, NCHC-14, WCHA-11, ECACHL-8, AHA-6, and NCAA Independent Division HAS just one. From Division II/III-10 and signing in Europe five. -Eight more grad school transfers happened this past week; three were goalies. First, Robbie Beydoun departs Michigan Tech Huskies (WCHA) for the University Wisconsin Badgers (Big 10). The other is Anton Martinson travels 3,000 miles from the University Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks (WCHA) to Providence College Friars (HE) and Henry Johnson heads from Bemidji St (WCHA) to Mercyhurst (AHA). The forwards were Jared Cockrell heads from Colgate (ECACHL), Seamus Donohue Michigan Tech (WCHA) heads to St. Cloud St. (WCHA), Carson Gicewicz goes from St. Lawrence University (ECACHL) to UMASS-Amherst Minutemen (HE). The latest two are Jordan Timmons of the UCONN Huskies (HE) and Charlie Combs of Bemidji State (WCHA) heads to Michigan State (Big 10). He is the younger brother by nine years of former Wolf Pack and Sound Tiger, Jack Combs. Grad transfers are permitted if a student/player either completes his undergraduate degree in under four years after being redshirted due to injury. In either case, one year of NCAA eligibility remains, and a student/player can transfer without the usual one year wait required when a student/player transfers among schools during a regular four-year undergraduate schedule. There is just one regular transfer so far as Jack Olmstead leaves Michigan (Big 10) to Miami (OH) (NCHC) and can skate for them in 2021-22 after sitting out a year. There are presently ten grad school transfers. NHL DRAFT The final NHL Central Scouting Bureau (CSB) draft list is out, and some exciting names are on the list. At number four is defenseman Jake Sanderson, eldest son of former Whaler Geoff Sanderson. He played for the USA U-18 Team and the US National Development Team (USHL) this year and is a North Dakota (NCHC) commit for 2021-22. He is a dual citizen, so he is eligible for either the US and Canada WJC Team. Ridley Greig, son of ex-Whaler Mark, is the14th ranked player who played this season with Brandon (WHL). Defenseman Jack Finley, son of ex-Wolf Pack and Ranger Jeff Finley, currently the Director of Scouting for Winnipeg. The younger Finley skated for Spokane (WHL) was marked at the 38th spot. In the 70th spot is Ethan Cardwell form the Barrie Colts (OHL) nephew former New Haven Knight, Matt Cardwell. Senna Peters from the Selects Academy U-16 program played this year with Halifax (QMJHL) posting 33 points in 57 games, and a minus 43 is slotted 101st. -Ryan McGuire (New Canaan), son of the NHL announcer on NBCSN and former Hartford Whalers coach Pierre McGuire, is listed as the 105th best prospect in the CSB final rankings The younger McGuire is a Colgate University Red Raiders (ECACHL) commit for 2021-22. He's going to play for the Penticton Panthers (BCHL) next season. He played the last two years for Belmont Hill (MAPREP). McGuire was select him last year in the 12th round 216th overall by the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL). Previously, he went in the 8th round 115th overall by the USHL Madison Capitols, and he did get in four games last season with the Capitols with no points after his prep school season ended, He attended Blaineville training camp last fall; however, he didn't play in any games to preserve his college eligibility. -Sophomore UCONN defenseman Jacob Flynn is 122nd. Incoming UCONN freshmen Nick Capone (East Haven/Salisbury Prep) played with Tri-City Storm (USHL) this season is 126th. Paul Dore, son of current Ranger scout Daniel Dore, a former NHL'er is slotted at 182nd. He played at Kimball Union Academy (NYPREP) and is scheduled to perform with Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) in the fall and has no current college commit. The last one on the list is Zakary Karpa, son of ex-Wolf Pack and Sound Tiger, David Karpa. The younger Karpa plays for USA National U-18 Team, and USNDTP (USHL) finished at 194th in the rankings. He is a Princeton Tigers (ECACHL) commit in the fall. Among 31 top-rated North American goalies in the 10th spot in Czech Republic native Nick Malik, the youngest son of ex-Whaler, Ranger, and Beast of New Haven defenseman Marek Malik, who played half the season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL). Before heading to Canada, he played for his father at Fydek-Mistek (Czech Republic Division-2), where he is the assistant coach, then HC Ocelari Trinec (Czech Elite League-CEL) and the Czech Republic WJC Team. Then among the European goaltenders, there is Oliver Tarnstrom, son of ex-Sound Tiger, Dick Tarnstrom. He played mostly for the AIK program in Sweden playing with their Super Elite, J-18, and Allsvenskan teams. He played internationally for the Swedish U-18 team. In total, Central Scouting has 217 North American players rated, 31 goalies plus 50 European players, and 10 Euro goalies. The Central Scouting Senior Director is former Beast of New Haven GM, David Gregory. This summer's NHL Draft event scheduled for June 26-27 in Montreal sadly, has been canceled and will be held remotely at place and date to be determined. HOCKEY SIGNINGS After playing with Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL), Ryan Doolin (Westminster Prep), heads to Sacred Heart University Pioneers (AHA) in the fall. UCONN landed two commits from the CT prep school ranks both forwards. Gavin Puskar, from the Hotchkiss Bearcats (Lakeville, CT), who had 18 goals and 36 points in 26 games, will be at Storrs for the upcoming season. Hotchkiss lost in the opening round of the NEPSAC Open division playoffs 7-2 to eventual champion, Salisbury Prep. Mark D' Agostino (North Branford) from the Gunnery Highlanders (Washington, CT) posting 23 goals and 55 points in 35 games for NEPSAC Small Division champion, a 5-3 win over Pomfret. D' Agostino will be on campus for the 2021-22 season but will spend next season with the Langley Rivermen (BCHL). -One other prep school NCAA commit for 2021-22 is Kennedy O' Connor (Springfield, MA) of Loomis Chaffe school (Windsor, CT) will play 2020-21 for the Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL) before heading to the Mullins Center to skate for the UMASS-Amherst Minutemen (HE) in 2021-22. He was drafted last year by both the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) and Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL). -Former Sound Tiger Rob Collins is the head coach of Canadian Jr. B Elmira Sugar Kings (GOJHL). -Remember Rangers one time goaltender of the future Dan Blackburn who played four games for the Wolf Pack in his brief pro career that was cut short by injury is a scout for the London Nationals (GOJHL). -Some moves in Europe Brent Raedeke, nephew of former New Haven Nighthawk Mark, goes from Adler Mannheim (Germany-DEL) to Cologne (Germany-DEL) for 2020-21. -By the end of the month, most likely former Wolf Pack Oscar Lindberg will sign a one-year extension deal with EV Zug (Switzerland-LNA), according to a Swiss hockey website. Read the full article

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mikemortgage · 6 years ago

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Package delivery firms get ready to fill gap as Greyhound leaves Western Canada

CALGARY — Package delivery firms say they are prepared to fill the gap when Greyhound Canada closes most of its Western Canada operations this fall.

The company says its Greyhound Package Express service will no longer be available in most parts of B.C., northern Ontario and all of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba after it ends passenger service at the end of October.

“It might create some opportunities for us on our small package delivery side of things,” said Dennis Steele, owner of Steele’s Transfer in Calgary.

Transport companies like his compete with Greyhound’s lower prices by offering services tailored to customer needs, he said.

Steele said his company, started by his parents in 1957, has about 30 drivers who mainly serve the Edmonton-Calgary corridor, but it offers a wider range of delivery points through interline and third-party carriers.

David Butler, Greyhound’s regional vice-president for Eastern Canada, said the areas being closed accounted for about 1.15 million of the 1.2 million packages Greyhound delivers each year, adding about two-thirds of the shipments were made under contract by commercial customers.

Greyhound’s freight service cost less than most, but its schedule was also usually less convenient as it depended on the passenger bus schedule, Butler said.

“It’s a very competitive marketplace and there’s a lot of options for the customers from the package business to look at,” he said.

Greyhound said it was ending passenger service after years of adjusting schedules and prices because ridership had fallen by nearly 41 per cent across the country since 2010. Butler said the package service is down 35 per cent in the same period.

A spokeswoman for Purolator wouldn’t comment directly on Greyhound’s service, but said the closing won’t affect its business plans.

“We don’t expect this news will affect Purolator going forward. In fact, we have been growing and expanding our services and capabilities,” Courtney Reistetter wrote in an email.

James Anderson, a spokesman for FedEx Canada, wouldn’t comment on the Greyhound service, but said his firm is well able to handle delivery demand with a total of 38 hubs or facilities throughout Western Canada.

Margaret Becker, who operates a “hotshot” delivery business at Fort St. John in northeastern B.C., said the oil and gas sector uses Greyhound as an equipment parts delivery service and to transport workers to towns near their drilling sites.

“Someone else will take it over,” she said, adding demand is low now because depressed natural gas prices have stalled local activity in the sector.

The loss of Greyhound’s package service in Western Canada stirred up memories for Calgarian Gary Blaney, 50, who recalled dozens of packages delivered over the years by Greyhound to his far-flung family members.

“For as long as I can remember, my family has used Greyhound to send boxes of presents at Christmas time,” he said. “It was the most affordable way and the most reliable way.”

He said his family’s flow of packages sent by Greyhound peaked when he was growing up in a small town in Saskatchewan when it was the best way to connect with relatives in Ontario, Alberta and B.C.

But that traffic has almost entirely stopped since he moved to Calgary more than a decade ago.

“That’s the world we live in. Lots of other ways to send stuff these days.”

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reversemortgagepros · 7 years ago

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Canada Travel Tips

Canada is by size, the largest country in North America, second in the world overall (behind only Russia). So what better way for our clients to spend their reverse mortgages Canada money than travelling all around this great country? So we thought we’d outline some Canada travel tips.

Eminent worldwide for its immense, untouched scene, its mix of societies and multifaceted history, Canada is one of the world’s wealthiest nations and a noteworthy vacationer destination. Canada is land of vast distances and rich natural beauty. Economically and technologically, and in numerous different ways Canada nearly takes after its neighbour toward the south, the United States, although there are significant differences between the two countries.

Tourism in Canada is one of the most prominent industries – for a very good reason, given the natural beauty of the country.

More the latest up to date information on Canada, make sure and check out the official travel Canada website.

Climate:

Trying to distil the climate of Canada into an easy-to-understand statement is impossible, given the vast area and diverse geography within the country. Overall, in most places, winters are harsh compared to much of the world, on par with northern Eurasia. The most populated region, southern Ontario, has a less severe climate, similar to the bordering regions of the midwestern and northeastern United States. Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, is just south of the Arctic Circle and remains very cold except for the months of July and August, when the July average maximum is only 12°C (54°F). On the other hand, the coastlines of British Columbia are very mild for their latitude, remaining above freezing for most of winter, yet they are not far away from some of the largest mountain glaciers found on the continent. Summers in the most populated parts of Canada are generally short and hot. Summer temperatures over 35°C (95°F) are not unusual in Southern Ontario, the southern Prairies and the southern Interior of B.C.

Canadian Regions:

Atlantic Provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island)

Quebec

Ontario

Prairies (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan)

British Columbia

The North (Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon)

Language Spoken

English and French are the only two official languages in Canada. All communications and services provided from the federal government are available in both languages. Most Canadians are functionally monolingual, although some parts of the country have both English and French speakers. Over a quarter of Canadians are bilingual or multilingual. Many people in Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City are at least conversationally bilingual.

English is the dominant language in all provinces except Québec, where French is dominant and actively promoted as the main language. However, there are numerous francophone communities scattered around the country.

Canadian Cuisine

As noted at Canada travel, Canadian cuisine varies from region to region. Some specialties include maple syrup, Nanaimo bars (chocolate-topped no-bake squares with custard or vanilla butter filling and crumb base), butter tarts (tarts made with butter, sugar, and eggs), beaver tails (fried dough topped with icing sugar), fiddleheads (curled heads of young ferns), peameal bacon (a type of back bacon made from lean boneless pork loin, trimmed fine, wet cured, and rolled in cornmeal; eaten at breakfast with eggs or for lunch as a sandwich), and Halifax donairs (sliced beef meatloaf wrapped in pitas and garnished with onions, tomatoes, and a sweet condensed milk sauce).

Drinks

The drinking age in Canada varies from province to province. In Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec the age is 18, while in the rest of the provinces and territories it is 19. A peculiarity of many Canadian provinces is that liquor and beer can only be sold in licensed stores and this usually excludes supermarkets, corner stores, etc. In Ontario alcoholic beverages can only be sold in licensed restaurants and bars and “Liquor Control Board” (LCBO) stores that are run by the Province; although you can also buy wine in some supermarkets in a special area called the “Wine Rack”.Canadians are known for their love of beer, although wine and hard alcohol or spirits are also popular.

Like neighboring United States, some places in Canada are dry communities. Similarly, just like in the dry counties in the U.S., means that the sale of alcohol is either prohibited or restricted.

Hotels & Motels

Accommodations in Canada vary substantially in price depending on time and place. In most cities and many tourist areas, expect to pay upwards of $100 or more for a good hotel room. If inquiring always ask if taxes are included, because some offer it with taxes included, some not.

Hotels play an integral part of Canadian history, with some of the country’s most well known landmarks being hotels.

In rural areas, motels (short for “motor hotel”) are small, simple hotels where you might pay as little as $40-60 for a night’s accommodation (especially in the off season.) In many areas, a B&B (bed and breakfast) is a nice option. These are normally people’s homes with suites for guests. The price – anywhere from $45 a night to $140 a night – usually includes a breakfast of some kind in the morning.

Travelling

Wikitravel has the best guide to travelling across Canada – here is a quick summary:

By Car: Canada has a land border with only one country – the United States. See the “from the United States” subsection for more information on what to do when leaving the US.

You might also enter the country by road from the United States through one of many border crossing points. Obviously, the same rules will apply here, but if your case is not straightforward, expect to be delayed, as the officials here (especially in more rural areas) see fewer non-U.S. travelers than at the airports. Also expect delays during holiday periods, as border crossings can become clogged with traffic.

By Bus: Greyhound Canada serves many destinations in Canada, with connecting service to regional lines and U.S. Greyhound coaches. Be sure to inquire about discounts and travel packages that allow for frequent stops as you travel across Canada. Many routes connect major Canadian and American cities including Montreal – New York City and other big cities of Canada.

By Train: Travelling Via Rail is Canada’s national passenger rail service. Amtrak provides connecting rail service to Toronto from New York via Niagara Falls, Montreal from New York and Vancouver from Seattle via Bellingham. The train is an inexpensive way to get into Canada, with tickets starting from as low as US$43 return to Vancouver. There is also thruway service between Seattle and Vancouver.

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ontarionewsnorth · 7 years ago

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Launch of New Citizens’ Rail Passenger Advocacy Campaign

@AllAboardNO LaunchOfNew Citizens’ #RailPassenger AdvocacyCampaign #NEO @ONtransport @OntNorthland @NorthernPolicy @Unifor_RailLine @Twp_Dub @VisitChapleau @HornepayneEDC @NeOntario @TSBCanada @Transport_gc @unifor103

Press release from: All Aboard Northern Ontario New group escalates push to revive Northlander and improve other Northern Ontario passenger trains and feeder buses NORTH BAY, ON – All Aboard Northern Ontario, a new grassroots advocacy group, today launched its campaign for the restoration of the Northlander passenger train and improvements to other rail and intercity bus services across…

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mikemortgage · 6 years ago

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Package delivery firms get ready to fill gap as Greyhound leaves Western Canada

CALGARY — Package delivery firms say they are prepared to fill the gap when Greyhound Canada closes most of its Western Canada operations this fall.

“It might create some opportunities for us on our small package delivery side of things,” said Dennis Steele, owner of Steele’s Transfer in Calgary.

Transport companies like his compete with Greyhound’s lower prices by offering services tailored to customer needs, he said.

Greyhound’s freight service cost less than most, but its schedule was also usually less convenient as it depended on the passenger bus schedule, Butler said.

“It’s a very competitive marketplace and there’s a lot of options for the customers from the package business to look at,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Purolator Canada wouldn’t comment directly on Greyhound’s service, but said the closing won’t affect its business plans.

“We don’t expect this news will affect Purolator going forward. In fact, we have been growing and expanding our services and capabilities,” Courtney Reistetter wrote in an email.

“Someone else will take it over,” she said, adding demand is low now because depressed natural gas prices have stalled local activity in the sector.

“For as long as I can remember, my family has used Greyhound to send boxes of presents at Christmas time,” he said. “It was the most affordable way and the most reliable way.”

He said his family’s flow of packages sent by Greyhound peaked when he was growing up in a small town in Saskatchewan when it was the best way to connect with relatives in Ontario, Alberta and B.C.

But that traffic has almost entirely stopped since he moved to Calgary more than a decade ago.

“That’s the world we live in. Lots of other ways to send stuff these days.”

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