American traveling to Canada: can I expect good deals when I go shopping for Xmas gifts?
Dec 2nd, 2002, 07:17 AM
#1
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American traveling to Canada: can I expect good deals when I go shopping for Xmas gifts?
I posted this same question to the Canada forum, but since this forum has so many more users, I was hoping to get some advice from other Americans about their experiences when traveling to Canada.
I'm heading to Ottawa this week and I was wondering whether electronics, winter jackets, and household items were noticably cheaper to purchase in Canada than in the US.
My hotel is certainly cheaper, but I have typically not found that other items are less expensive than the US. I've been to Canada dozens of times, although this is the first time that I'm specifically looking to save $$ on XMas presents.
Thanks!
I'm heading to Ottawa this week and I was wondering whether electronics, winter jackets, and household items were noticably cheaper to purchase in Canada than in the US.
My hotel is certainly cheaper, but I have typically not found that other items are less expensive than the US. I've been to Canada dozens of times, although this is the first time that I'm specifically looking to save $$ on XMas presents.
Thanks!
Dec 2nd, 2002, 07:31 AM
#3
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When I go to Canada, I charge all purchases and then my charge is converted to US$ which is higher in value. For example, if something is about $100 Canadian, the US$ is about $75.00 and that's what my final cost is.
I did not find any 'deals' at chain stores like the Gap because the prices were comparable plus there's a large Canadian sales tax. You may find deals on Canadian-made clothes.
Also save all your receipts, including hotel charges, as there is a VAT refund you can apply for if you spend over a certain amount of money. You will need to research this or check on the Canada Fodors board.
I did not find any 'deals' at chain stores like the Gap because the prices were comparable plus there's a large Canadian sales tax. You may find deals on Canadian-made clothes.
Also save all your receipts, including hotel charges, as there is a VAT refund you can apply for if you spend over a certain amount of money. You will need to research this or check on the Canada Fodors board.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 07:40 AM
#4
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Just returned from Montreal yesterday. Found no bargains. For example, $200 Mephistos in the US were $260 in Montreal. Even with the great exchange rate, the difference wasn't enough to warrant schlepping them back and standing on line at customs for the VAT stamp.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 08:19 AM
#6
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I go to Winnipeg at least once a year. In these experiences, the "good deals" are in food, lodging and entertainment (especially food).
As said by several previous posters, prices reflect the exchange rate. I'd be reluctant to give clothing/electronic/household gifts because they would be tougher to return.
However, European candy is delicious, the prices are decent -- and you could get some great gifts that way.
As said by several previous posters, prices reflect the exchange rate. I'd be reluctant to give clothing/electronic/household gifts because they would be tougher to return.
However, European candy is delicious, the prices are decent -- and you could get some great gifts that way.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 08:37 AM
#7
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I can't speak to the deals or lack of same in Ottawa but my parents often got some very good deals in Gananoque (off Rte 401 just west of the 1000 Islands Bridge) when they visited there in November. They purchased woolen goods and fine china and prices were marked down because it's the off season for that area.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 08:44 AM
#8
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I live in Ottawa , and perhaps can pass on a few shopping tips (btw , I spend a lot of time in the US ).
Antiques are cheaper here - if you know your stuff , go down Bank st to Ottawa South - that's where most of the Antique stores are .
Winter Sports Equipment is cheaper . Try Sports Experts in the Rideau Centre .
High end European merchandise is cheaper , but you have to know your prices - try the boutiques aroung the Byward Market in Downtown Ottawa.
I am not sure that hotel rates are any bargain here - it seems to me that I get better discounts in the US , although the rack rates are less here .
Food is a bargain compared to the US.
General department store merchandise is not a bargain compared to the US - esp when you compare outlet mall prices in the US . There are no outlet malls in Ottawa.
Electronics seems to be a bit cheaper here , but give it a pass because I have found that warranties are not valid in the US or viseversa
Hope this helps .
Pat
Antiques are cheaper here - if you know your stuff , go down Bank st to Ottawa South - that's where most of the Antique stores are .
Winter Sports Equipment is cheaper . Try Sports Experts in the Rideau Centre .
High end European merchandise is cheaper , but you have to know your prices - try the boutiques aroung the Byward Market in Downtown Ottawa.
I am not sure that hotel rates are any bargain here - it seems to me that I get better discounts in the US , although the rack rates are less here .
Food is a bargain compared to the US.
General department store merchandise is not a bargain compared to the US - esp when you compare outlet mall prices in the US . There are no outlet malls in Ottawa.
Electronics seems to be a bit cheaper here , but give it a pass because I have found that warranties are not valid in the US or viseversa
Hope this helps .
Pat
Dec 2nd, 2002, 08:50 AM
#9
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Go the Chelsea Smoke House in Quebec about 35 minutes very pretty drive from Ottawa for excellent prices in top quality smoked fish, shellfish and game. Makes wonderful gourmet Christmas presents.
Here's the website URL http://www.boucaneriechelsea.com/
Here's the website URL http://www.boucaneriechelsea.com/
Dec 2nd, 2002, 10:03 AM
#11
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The Chelsea Smoke House !!
A heck of a suggestion . I usually go in the place 4 or 5 times a year . They will smoke a fish for you - I caught a 26 inch Lake Trout up near Mt St Marie this summer , dropped it off at the smoke house and they smoked it for me - it's now waiting for Xmas .
I actually find their prices a bit expensive , and being the cheap bugger that I am , I usually grab a package of their "seconds" ie smoked salmon pieces that didn't cut well ( at a fraction of the price) ...they also sell French crusty bread to go along with the chunks.
Try a few restaurants near the smoke house - either Les Fougeres or L'Oree du Bois for supper , or L'Agaric for lunch.
Guaranteed they will make your trip.
Pat
A heck of a suggestion . I usually go in the place 4 or 5 times a year . They will smoke a fish for you - I caught a 26 inch Lake Trout up near Mt St Marie this summer , dropped it off at the smoke house and they smoked it for me - it's now waiting for Xmas .
I actually find their prices a bit expensive , and being the cheap bugger that I am , I usually grab a package of their "seconds" ie smoked salmon pieces that didn't cut well ( at a fraction of the price) ...they also sell French crusty bread to go along with the chunks.
Try a few restaurants near the smoke house - either Les Fougeres or L'Oree du Bois for supper , or L'Agaric for lunch.
Guaranteed they will make your trip.
Pat
Dec 2nd, 2002, 10:34 AM
#12
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Thank you all for your helpful responses.
The candy is something interesting: it's so unusual that US Chocolate is so sub-par compared to Canadian/Euro candy.
Something funny is that when I ask my friends and family what I should bring back from Canada the most typical request is for Cuban cigars.
The candy is something interesting: it's so unusual that US Chocolate is so sub-par compared to Canadian/Euro candy.
Something funny is that when I ask my friends and family what I should bring back from Canada the most typical request is for Cuban cigars.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 12:22 PM
#13
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I find the food in Canada to be quite expensive for what you get. I've never been impressed with the quality of food.
As for discounts, I've had great fortune in getting bargains on china and housewares, but things like shoes are just as expensive, if not more.
As for discounts, I've had great fortune in getting bargains on china and housewares, but things like shoes are just as expensive, if not more.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 01:05 PM
#14
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We love stopping at the "dollar" (or as we call them, 60some cent) stores. We've bought souvenir stuff for kids, and various household items, as we would at home in the US, but at a great discount. Of course, we're driving the car, we wouldn't waste energy schlepping junk around with us.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 01:08 PM
#15
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I have heard of people going into Canada for the express purpose of buying Cuban cigars and Cuban rum. But I wouldn't advise it. We were actually specifically asked if we had purchased cuban products when we re-entered the US. I believe it is still illegal to bring them into the US, but I know a lot of people do it.
Dec 3rd, 2002, 03:29 AM
#16
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I spend a lot of time in the US .
Restaurant food is on par or better , and a lot cheaper in Ottawa.
Ottawa has a whack load of excellent French restaurants . Try Henri Burgers for example. A full course dinner goes for a maximum $25 Cdn (ie $15 US ) . There is no way that you get a comparable meal , at a top restaurant , at that price , in the US.
Restaurant food is on par or better , and a lot cheaper in Ottawa.
Ottawa has a whack load of excellent French restaurants . Try Henri Burgers for example. A full course dinner goes for a maximum $25 Cdn (ie $15 US ) . There is no way that you get a comparable meal , at a top restaurant , at that price , in the US.
