Come late June, The Wife, 1 yr old daughter and I will be in Blaine for a wedding. No plane, driving unfortunately.

I have never been to Canada but I want to get the most out of it as possible. Im looking for things to do and places to stay that are awesome.

For instance, I would love to rent a small cabin on a lake or river with nice hiking opportunities somewhere with huge mountains and beautiful glacial lakes.

Can I rent a plane somewhere in Canada pretty easily? Issues with that? I assume some sighseeing from a plane would be quite breathtaking.

Is the 4th of July week in Canada busy like it is here in the US?

Im not looking to drive terribly far, within a few hours or so from the border.

So any Canadian peeps on here or anyone that been there for that matter have any great ideas for a Canada newbie?

Thanks.

Head up the Fraser Canyon to the Okanagan Region. There's places that rent cabins on lakes that have good trout fishing in the Okanagan Region...and you can drive through the Fraser canyon to get there...an awsome drive. The Okanagan region is about 4 hours from Blaine but it's worth the extra couple of hours. The scenery is great so the road trip will go quick! There are Guest Ranches throughout the region and they generally have very nice cabins and some have their own lakes with wild trout in them. The areas around the towns of Princeton or Merrit would probably suite what you are after.

July 1 long weekend will be busy so book ahead and drive carefully.

Check out the BC Govt tourism website. It's pretty good and you can focus in on various areas of the province...like the Okanagan. There's links to accomodations and attractions. BC has a big tourism industry and they know how to market it on-line...lots of good resources available with a quick Google search.

As for airplanes...Try Langley Flying School in Langley BC. Langely is about 1/2 hour (maybe a bit less) from the Douglas Border Crossing at Blaine. They have a good web site...gawd bless Google

Have a great trip

Check out Whistler...rent a mtn bike and have fun. Or a drive up 101 to Powell River. It's near where we like to sail, and the views are spectacular.

This song says it all:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR1lzpfQXsw

A fun way to spend the day is to head up to Horseshoe Bay on the north end of Vancouver, and hop on the BC Ferry system. For a few bucks you spend the day wandering on the water, seeing some cool little towns. And, if you want to have a brew or three, there's a motel and several pubs right at the terminal.

Gump

If I were to pick an island to go to of the Gulf Islands, it would be Salt Spring Island. The major town, well, really the only town, is Ganges. We've been there several times by boat.

If you're not interested in the islands, then a drive up 101 to Lund (aka the beginning/end of 101) is worth it.

The Fraser canyon is a gorgeous drive.

For sure, BC is a beautiful area, and very tourist-friendly. Our Independence Day is close to Canada's Canada Day, which is celebrated on July 1st (Monday this year), so it is a busy few days almost everywhere. Also, a lot of businesses, banks, etc. are likely to be closed that weekend.

Cary

You won't be able to rent and fly a Canadian registered plane without a Canadian pilot's license or Canadian on board as PIC. You can do some research to see if anyone that does rent planes in that area might work with you on a sightseeing basis. A lot of beautiful territory to be seen in Canada from the air.

Steve

You won't be able to rent and fly a Canadian registered plane without a Canadian pilot's license or Canadian on board as PIC.

Just curious- is that a long standing rule? Or recent, like since 9/11?

Good question Littlecub, I don't know the answer to that one, will have to defer it to someone else. I suppose it could have been reciprocal at one time, but not now.

Steve

Around 2006 or so I stopped by the Abbotsford office for Transport Canada, presented them with my pilots cert and medical and they gave me a Canadian one. Good for day vfr. I was thinking about renting a plane on wheels at the 100 Mile House Flying Club at the time. The Canadians have interesting requirements for plane checkouts. Being a CFI isn't always necessary. Commercial pilots can give various endorsements, different but I guess it works. Good luck.

Pretty sure its always been like that guys. Just like a candian pilot cant be PIC of a US registered plane.
David

I think Ford was passing them some pesos under the table. I got my Canadian license in 2009, had to do an abbreviated written test and needed a Canadian medical, even though I was current US. It was pretty simple. I did not bother with the instrument rating, as it was going to be a lot more difficult to transfer and I really would not use it in Canada anyway, since I'm on floats. I called COPA earlier today to find out their take on this and to find out when the rules changed, but the person I needed to talk to was out, if I get a chance I will try them again.

Steve

It will take you some time to get a Canadian Licence. The Department can hardly keep up to the demand for 'domestic" licences. Don't plan on a licence for your holiday...

This is not "opinion"...I work for the outfit that issues the licences and we're way behind on our service levels. My aircraft registration took 30 days instead of the published service levels of 3 days...because one person in Ottawa took their vacation! The folks in Licencing are in the same boat as the folks in Aircraft Registration...because they are one in the same person in our office now...just so the "boss" can keep her fiefdom of "assistants".

We were promised no reduction in "front line services" but I have seen a reduction in front line services due to retirements with no replacements...the "back line" office has doubled in size in a year...There is now a bell to ring at the front desk if you need service...how is that not a reduction in service??

I'm embarassed to work for the outfit...the truth eludes the managment

John, you need to get the hell out'a Winterpeg & quit "flocking around" with those turkeys!
See ya next week. Neighbors are warned.

Maybe my extraordinary skills were considered! NC, you were lucky not to be in the gray bar hotel!!