Weather

The weather in Canada varies according to the region. That’s true for the summer, as well and of course, for August. The month is hot and usually humid. Actually it’s one of the wettest months in the country. Pack light summer clothing and don’t forget the umbrella. Just in case.

Some sample temperatures:

Edmonton avg high 22C / avg low 8C
Vancouver avg high 22C / avg low 13C
Toronto avg high 25C / avg low 14C
Quebec City avg high 23C / avg low 13C
Montreal avg high 24C / avg low 15C
Ottawa avg high 25C / avg low 14C

>>read more about Weather in Canada

Flights and accommodation in Canada in August

Just like July, August is also part o the peak travel season in Canada, which means that everyone wants to visit the country pretty much at the same time. Aside from the crowds, more tourists also mean high prices. So book the flight to Canada and the hotel in advance. Consider staying in a hostel or even try camping , especially if you plan to explore the outdoors.

What to do

Summer is the time to enjoy the festivals. Several theatre and arts festivals take place in Stratford (Ontario), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Banff (Alberta) and Saskatoon (Saskatchewan).

Regardless of which city you plan to visit, there are museums and historical sights to visit which appeal to everyone. For example, Halifax is home to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21, to name just some of the most important museums.

Farmer markets are at their best during summer and August doesn’t make an exception. Therefore, no matter which city you visit, plan to spend half of a weekend’s morning search for local goodies. Pack a picnic basket and head to the beach or to a quite place in the mountains.

Summer is definitely the time to plan any outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, walking, swimming, or fishing in various interesting locations within the country. Also, if you visit Toronto, put Niagara Falls on the must-visit list as well.

Read more about :
>>What to do in Canada
>>Vancouver in Summer
>>Vancouver in August
>>Things to do in Halifax
>>Things to do in Vancouver
>>Things to do in Toronto

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Weather

Summers are warm but wet in Canada. Depending on the province you are visit, you might just end up during the wettest time of the year . However, don’t worry. It’s also a pleasant time which allows for sunbathing and outdoor activities.

Some sample temperatures:

Edmonton avg high 22C / avg low 9.5C
Vancouver avg high 22C / avg low 13C
Toronto avg high 26C / avg low 15C
Quebec City avg high 24C / avg low 14C
Montreal avg high 26C / avg low 16C

>>read more about Weather in Canada

Flights and accommodation in Canada in July

Summer also means more tourists. Aside from the important sites being crowded, more tourists also mean high prices. So book your flight and hotel in advance. Consider staying in a hostel or even camping , especially if you plan to explore the outdoors.

What to do

Canada Day is the national day of Canada and is observed on July 1. It celebrates the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act (now called the Constitution Act, 1867). The act united the British colonies into a single country , called Canada (at that time, part of the British Empire). Outdoor public events take place all over the county, such as parades, carnivals, festivals, air and maritime shows and free concerts.

A variety of festivals are in full swing during July. The Festival of Fire, Beaches International Jazz Festival and the Caribbean Carnival Festival take place in Toronto.

Regardless of which city(ies) you plan to visit, you can find museums and historical sights to visit. Halifax is home to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21, to name just some of the most important museums in the city.

Farmer markets are at their best during summer, so no matter which city you visit, plan to spend half of a weekend’s morning search for local goodies.

Summer is definitely the time to plan outdoor activities. You can hike, bike, walk, swim, or try your luck at fishing in various interesting locations within the country. Also, if you visit Toronto, put Niagara Falls on the must-visit list as well.

Read more about :
>>What to do in Canada
>>Vancouver in Summer
>>Things to do in Halifax
>>3 Days in Vancouver
>>Things to do in Vancouver
>>Things to do in Toronto

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Weather

The warm weather requires summer clothing but make sure to pack a jacket for the evenings. Tornadoes do occur especially in places such as Southern Ontario, Alberta, southeastern Québec during this month.

Some sample temperatures:

Calgary avg high 20C / avg low 7C
Vancouver avg high 19C / avg low 11C
Toronto avg high 22C / avg low 12C
Quebec City avg high 21C / avg low 11C
Montreal avg high 22C / avg low 13C

>>read more about Weather in Canada

Flights and accommodation in June

Since June represents the shoulder travel season, the prices for both flights and accommodation are not at their highest. It is possible to find bargains but don’t relay on them. The warm weather attracts quite a lot of tourists so book everything in advance.

What to do

The warm weather is ideal for spending time in the outdoor. You can even enjoy camping this time of the year. Pack your walking shoes and enjoy the trails. Walk, bike or hike in the superb areas.

June is the month when you can enjoy at least some festivals while visiting Canada. The Orangeville Blues & Jazz Fest , the Blue Bridge Festival (poetry, songs, chamber music), Ottawa International Children’s Festival , the 50th Annual Welland Rose Festival , Magnetic North Theatre Festival (contemporary Canadian theatre) , World’s Longest Street Festival on the World’s Longest Street , Toronto Tango Festival , Westfest (music, art), Luminato (arts), Canada Dance Festival , Ottawa Fringe Festival and Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival are just some of the festivals you can enjoy.

If you prefer to stay in Toronto, don’t miss the views from the CN Tower and take a day trip to Niagara Falls. Or you can relax on the beaches on Toronto Islands while looking at the Toronto skyline.

Read more about:
>> Getting from Toronto to Niagara Falls
>>Vancouver in June
>>What to do in Canada
>>Things to do in Halifax
>>3 Days in Vancouver
>>Things to do in Vancouver
>>Things to do in Toronto

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See the city from the CN Tower

The CN Tower stands 553 m high and is basically a radio antenna. And yes, a tourist attraction. The basic ticket takes you to the 346 m Look Out Level with indoor and outdoor observation decks. And then there’s the glass floor (be careful if you are afraid of heights). A café and a restaurant complete the tourist attractions. Or you can go 30 more storeys up, to the Sky Pod at 447 m. In high winds you can literally feel the building sway.

The ticket for the Lookout and the glass floor costs CAD $23.99 for an adult , while the total tower experience (Lookout, glass floor, sky pod, movie, motion theatre ride) costs CAD $35.99 for all ages.

Visit the Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a must-visit place for anyone visiting Toronto. Located 137 km from the city, the Falls can be reached by train, bus or car. The cheapest option is the bus and you can easily do this as a day trip from Toronto. You can see the Falls from the top or behind. But regardless of what you plan to do, you’ll be amazed by the forces of nature.

>>read more about Getting from Toronto to Niagara Falls

Bike the Martin Goodman Trail

The trail runs along or near the shore of Lake Ontario. It runs from Humber River to Beaches Park. Some sights along the way include: Humber Bay Park, High Park, Harbourfront Centre, Distillery Historic District, Kew Beach and Balmy Beach.

The path connects with other parks and trails. One of the most interesting is Don River trail. Martin Goodman trail is only part of the Waterfront Trail, which extends for 900 km , from Niagara -on-the-Lake to the Quebec border.

Shopping is your cardio

Toronto is a shopping city , so head to the exclusive shopping district Yorkville. If you don’t have the money celebrities do, then head to the Toronto Eaton Centre, where you can find excellent bargains. Oh and there’s Yorkdale, the first Mall in North America. Worth your time and some money spent. For those on a limited budget, the Kensington market is the best choice.

See the world bite by bite

Toronto is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the world so you can find here a Chinatown , Little Italy, Little India, Koreatown and a Greektown. But that’s not all! Great eats from Poland or Portugal are also easy to find. Therefore, enjoy a world tour in your plate.

Local beer anyone?

You don’t need to spend a lot on imported beers. No, sir! Toronto is home to microbreweries so if you want to relax after a day of sightseeing, try something local. But coffee and tea lovers are just as happy as there is a retro coffee house where beans are roasted on the premises (at Balzac Coffee Roastery).

It’s time to party!

Toronto is home to one of the best party scenes in the world so no matter what your clubbing style is, you’ll find something to suit your taste and mood.

Relax on the Toronto Islands

Located a short and inexpensive ferry ride from the city, the Toronto Islands are an excellent choice if you plan to relax. Walk, bike or have a picnic while looking at the Toronto Skyline.

Photo credits : Niagara Falls , Martin Goodman Trail , CN Tower , Kensington market , Chinatown , Beer , Club , Toronto Islands

All British nationals traveling and living in Canada are encouraged to register with the Foreign Office’s LOCATE service. British citizens don’t need to register the marriage and birth certificates because Canadian certificates are acceptable for most purposes.

Should you lose the passport, make sure to let the Consulate know, although they won’t be able to issue a new one. However, they can guide you and inform on what you should do.

If a British national dies while in Canada, the death must be registered by the local Canadian authorities and not the Consulate. However, they can offer basic information about the local police system and legal system if there is evidence of suspicious circumstances. Should you want help with sending a body for burial or cremation in the UK, the Consulate can help with offering the information needed for this procedure.

If a British citizen is arrested in Canada, the Consulate can inform the family and friends only if they have permission from the person involved. Thy will also contact the person involved within 24 hours of being arrested. They can help with general information, list of lawyers and send messages between the prisoners and their families, but cannot get the person out of prison or pay any costs incurred.

Should rape or sexual assault occurs the British national can help with contacting the family or friends, and giving information about local hospitals. If your child is abducted or under the threat of abduction, the Consulate can help with providing information about local lawyers and verify with the immigration services to try to locate the child.

Emergency contact

Please call 416 593 1290 when you need assistance from the British General Consulate in Toronto.

British General Consulate in Toronto

Address:
British Consulate-General
777 Bay Street, Suite 2800
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2G2

Website
Tel.: 416 593 1290
Fax: 416 593 1229
E-mail: britcon.toronto@fco.gov.uk

The office hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. the office is available by appointment only. The office is closed during lunch hour (12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

Here is an interactive map pointing to the British General Consulate in Toronto:

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Banff is within the Banff National Park, right in the Alberta Rockies. If you love the mountains and the activities linked to it, then you’ll love this area. Make sure to include hikes during summery and skiing during winter. And to relax after the work outs, you can spend some time at the hot springs.

Quick summary

The cheapest option to travel between to Banff is by bus. The single adult fare is CAD $115.40* and the travel time is from 13 ½ h (shortest).

A fastest way to travel is by plane to Calgary and then by shuttle to Banff. The flight time is 1h 20 min and the single fares start at CAD $134. Airport transfer starts at CAD $50.

Flights from Vancouver (airport code: YVR) to Banff

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the most important airport serving Vancouver and is located about 12 km from downtown. The second busiest airport in Canada is hub for Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz and Air Transat.

The closest large airport to Banff is Calgary International Airport (YYC). It is Canada’s fourth busiest airport and hub for WestJet, Air Canada and Canada Express.

Direct flights between Vancouver and Calgary are operated by: Air Canada, Air Canada Express and WestJet. The flight time is 1h 20 min.

If you plan to fly in late December 2011, expect to pay single fares from CAD $227 on Air Canada. In mid-March 2012, the single fares start at CAD $202.

On Air Canada Express, single tango fares start at CAD $154 if you plan to fly in late December and CAD $134 for flights in mid-March 2012.

To get from Calgary Airport to Banff, you need to take a shuttle. There are quite a lot of companies running such services. One of them is Banff Airporter which offers 13 departures per day from Calgary Airport. The travel time is 2 h and the single adult fare is CAD $57.50. Brewster Shuttle also offers such a service and the single adult fare is CAD $49.95.

Read more about:
>>Airfare to Vancouver
>>Airfare to Calgary

Trains from Vancouver to Banff

The Rocky Mountaineer connects Vancouver to Banff. The journey takes 2 days and the service is available in three levels (classes). The cheapest is the Redleaf Service and the single fare is CAD $859 in April and May 2012 and CAD $1,069 from June to October 2012.

Alternatively, you can take the Vancouver to Edmonton train operated by VIA Rail Canada and then hop on a bus operated by Greyhound Canada for the last leg of the trip.

1. Vancouver to Edmonton by train
   The train leaves Vancouver daily at 8:30 p.m. and the journey time is 1h 1h 30 min. The single adult fare is CAD $134.96. The train leaves Edmonton daily at 7:37 a.m.

   >>read more about Train Travel in Canada

2. Edmonton to Banff by bus
   Although this is not a direct route (one transfer), the travel time on the express bus is about 6 h. There are four departures per day from Edmonton and the web only adult single fare is CAD $59.31.

   >>read more about Bus Travel in Canada

Buses from Vancouver to Banff

Greyhound Canada operates direct buses between Vancouver and Banff. There are four departures per day from Vancouver, the first being at 12:30 a.m. and the last at 6:15 p.m. The travel time is between 13 ½ h and 15 ½ h. The web only adult single fare is CAD $115.40.

There are also four buses per day departing from Banff, the first being at 1:10 a.m. and the last at 8:35 p.m. Same fares apply.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Canada

Driving from Vancouver to Banff

You can rent a car and drive the 847 km between Vancouver and Banff. The shortest route is via Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1 E and takes almost 11 h. Do plan to make a stop along the way.

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Note:* at the time the article was published

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