Canadians: I have a question

[Aristocat]

So my girlfriend and I are thinking about our next move after our internship in FL (begins Fall of 14' ends Summer of 15').

Forgive me in advance as this is going to be a broad and blind statement and I know we should go where the jobs are but we have itchy feet. That being said, she's been to both Montreal and Quebec. She prefers Montreal and I'm fine with going anywhere.

We're both huge into hiking, biking, swimming and the beach/mountains in general. I'm an Economics Major and she's an Environmental Science Major. So going back to the broad base of this, where are good spots in Canada for the above?

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[rlord1974]

Before we explore this too far, how will you get a work visa?

 

[Aristocat]

Before we explore this too far, how will you get a work visa?

That's the thing, I'm looking for basic information and to see if this is even a good jump for us. That's why I was saying sorry in advance

 

[Anonymous]

You can live in Montreal and be 30 minutes away from many places that offer possible outdoor activites

You'll have to learn french though
I give private lessons

 

[Aristocat]

You can live in Montreal and be 30 minutes away from many places that offer possible outdoor activites

You'll have to learn french though
I give private lessons

Funny you bring that up. She's in French 4 currently and can speak it pretty well. Her best friend is from Quebec (Provience-if that makes a difference).

Myself on the other hand

 

[iggs]

Montreal is great for most of what you're looking for but you'll have to learn French ... Quebecois to be precise.

Vancouver may be better suited for your wish list.

Of course, if you're into crack, hookers and booze, then Toronto is the best!

 

[Anonymous]

French is easy, just watch the news in French and make some francophone friends

But it's not necessary, you can limit yourself to a certain Montreal territory and speak English only

 

[rlord1974]

You'll have to learn french kissing though. I give private lessons.

FIXED

 

[Aristocat]

French is easy, just watch the news in French and make some francophone friends

But it's not necessary, you can limit yourself to a certain Montreal territory and speak English only

I took 2 years of French in college but not enough to where I feel confident. I am interested in learning the language though.

We're just looking for a change of pace.

 

[rlord1974]

Of course, if you're into crack, hookers and booze, then Toronto is the best!

 

[rlord1974]

In all seriousness......

In Ontario, there are some great places to hike (e.g., Algonquin Park and MANY other provincial parks), there are some decent beaches (e.g., Sandbanks Provincial Park, Wasaga, etc.) and plenty of cool places to explore by bicycle. There are no mountains though, unless you go far north and, frankly, it's FAR and even then they don't compare to British Columbia, western Alberta and eastern Quebec.

 

[Anonymous]

You'll have to learn french kissing though. I give private lessons.

FIXED

That too, but only to hot girls...






And guys that pay enough money

 

[rlord1974]

 

[Mailman1971]

You'll have to learn french kissing though. I give private lessons.

FIXED

That too, but only to hot girls...






And guys that pay enough money

 

[Jdguitar]

As Canadians get older they tend to migrate down towards Florida for the winter. If you like the cold, c'mon up! I've been to the Carolinas and Florida enough to know that I would be happy down there. Trade houses? lol

 

[Anonymous]

As Canadians get older they tend to migrate down towards Florida for the winter. If you like the cold, c'mon up! I've been to the Carolinas and Florida enough to know that I would be happy down there. Trade houses? lol

Well working / being active is not the same as retiring / chilling out
Some environments are better for one activity, and vice versa

 

[Aristocat]

As Canadians get older they tend to migrate down towards Florida for the winter. If you like the cold, c'mon up! I've been to the Carolinas and Florida enough to know that I would be happy down there. Trade houses? lol

Haha. Not in FL yet my man. Going there this Summer.

I love winter. We both grew up in the MA/NH area. I've heard that Canadian winters are colder and worse though.

I'm game.

 

[Meathead]

Of course, if you're into crack, hookers and booze, then Toronto is the best!

 

[Meathead]

As Canadians get older they tend to migrate down towards Florida for the winter. If you like the cold, c'mon up! I've been to the Carolinas and Florida enough to know that I would be happy down there. Trade houses? lol

Well working / being active is not the same as retiring / chilling out
Some environments are better for one activity, and vice versa

I love the seasons in Canada. I used to wish that I lived somewhere warmer year round like Arizona, New Mexico or Texas.
But now I realize I like the change in weather. It's nice to mix things up. The change in temperature equals a change in fun outdoor activities.

 

[bulletproof_funk]

You could give Ottawa/Gatineau a look. A government and tech town primarily, bike paths and lanes that span the city, a few man-made beaches in the city, lots of outdoors and parks, a pretty clean city, a good comfortable size at about 1M ppl and doesn't take more than 30-40 min. to get across town outside of rush hour, 2 universities and 2 colleges, and about a 2 hour drive from Montreal so your gf doesn't feel too homesick/bored. Not much in the way of mountains but there are the Gatineau Hills with a couple smaller ski resorts. There's cross-country skiing "trails" pretty much anywhere there's a park, and there's a good amount of open land within the city between the 'burbs. There's also the Rideau Canal that's 4-7 km outdoor "skating rink" from Jan-Mar. for some winter novelty. Winters average -10C but I've seen it go as low as -30C overnight for a few days some years back. How am I doing for promoting tourism?