Oh Canada!

[boxofdelights]

Mungo and I are going to Canada, to visit U of T and McGill, from October 16-22. We're going to fly to Toronto and take the train from Toronto to Montreal and back. I haven't booked hotels in either place yet. Do you have any advice? Price is the second most important consideration, after being able to get to and from the respective campuses. And the airports and train stations.

Would any of you like to see us while we're there?

Comments

[hobbitbabe]

Oh, what fun! It is not completely impossible that I will be in that part of the country for a few overlapping days. I'll definitely let you know if I am.

Montreal airport has a good city bus that goes into the city, making a few stops at key metro stations and hotels. It's called route 747, and the fare you pay for that bus is good for any rides for the next 24h. And the train station is connected to a metro station and is centrally located. So that part's easy.

My favourite cheap place to stay in Toronto is a summer-only option. So I don't really have accommodation advice in either city off the top of my head. When I arrive at Toronto airport without either an expense account or my very helpful brother meeting me, I always take the Toronto Airport Express bus http://www.torontoairportexpress.com/ which is reasonably convenient but not as extravagant as a taxi. At U of T, is Mungo interested in programs at the main / downtown / St George campus? In recent years there are more programs located at U of T Scarborough or U of T Mississauga, but I don't think that someone who wants the downtown experience would enjoy those campuses in the same way as the "real" U of T or as McGill.

Train advice: Sign up for VIA Preference, both of you. One trip and the joining bonus might not give you enough points to do something with, but if he ends up living in either city for a few years you'll probably go again. And unlike airline bonus schemes, free is really free with VIA rewards travel. Pay attention to whether your train has checked bag service, and what the limits are on how much you can carry with you in the car. (It varies from train to train, some of them being particularly stringent). You can get the cheapest tickets by him being able to prove he is under 26, and by either booking early or checking out "Express Deals" for last minute sales. (Sometimes you can also get a good deal on first class, which includes a good meal and drinks.)

[boxofdelights]

I would love to see you. And thanks for the info!

I don't know how expensive it's going to be to use my phone in Canada, but my number is 970-232-4101 and I know I'll be able to text.

[em_h]

If you don't mind very basic but clean accommodation, there is an inexpensive hotel right near my house, where my father always stays -- not too far from U of T, though not right by campus. They're at alexandrahotel.com if you want to check them out.

There's a nice B&B a bit north of campus, the Admiral St George. A little more expensive, but not bad, www.saintgeorgebb.com

Planet Traveler, 324 College St, alleged to be a "cheap and eco-friendly hostel", new, across from my church, can't speak of it personally, theplanettraveler.com

I would like to see you, if it's possible!

In the summer, the various student residences rent rooms cheaply, but there is probably nothing available during term.

[boxofdelights]

I would like to see you too, if you're not too busy! Thanks for the info. That hotel looks just right.

[em_h]

Also, for what it's worth -- the train station is right on the subway, and easy to get to/from anywhere, pretty much. The airport is further out, but there is a city bus that will take you to the beginning of the subway line.