Newfoundland in March . . to go or not to go that is the question : )
Jan 9th, 2012, 01:52 PM
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Newfoundland in March . . to go or not to go that is the question : )
Hi Folks,
I'm currently living in Calgary (I'm from Ireland) and I'm bringing my mother and an aunt of mine on a trip across Canada in March. At the moment the plan is that Newfoundland would be our last stop on the trip and we'd have 5 or so days there. I was just wondering if someone could let me know if newfoundland is worth visiting in March, what the driving conditions would be like etc, We all really want to go there but people have been telling me it's a waste of time going in March. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance : )
I'm currently living in Calgary (I'm from Ireland) and I'm bringing my mother and an aunt of mine on a trip across Canada in March. At the moment the plan is that Newfoundland would be our last stop on the trip and we'd have 5 or so days there. I was just wondering if someone could let me know if newfoundland is worth visiting in March, what the driving conditions would be like etc, We all really want to go there but people have been telling me it's a waste of time going in March. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance : )
Jan 9th, 2012, 03:56 PM
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Well, you could go skiing at Marble Mountain...take a skidoo tour...cross-country skiing...
If those things aren't on your wish list, I'd hesitate to recommend NL in March. However, I am not clear about the plan for this cross-country trip. To be honest, there is nowhere in Canada, other than southern BC, that I would suggest for a road trip in March. Driving conditions are going to be very doubtful everywhere--possible snowstorms, possible icy roads...
I love NL--it's my home province--but it's darn cold and wet in March.
I vividly remember the Irish dentist and would-be immigrant who arrived in Labrador in a February blizzard, wearing a leather coat and leather gloves (her idea of winter clothing), and left (when the weather cleared) a week later. Is there no other time you can travel? Your mother and aunt are unlikely to have adequate clothing for March in Calgary. However, if March is the only option, I'd show them a bit a southern Alberta, then see about a flight to one other part of Canada--maybe Montreal/Quebec for the culture contrast, or Vancouver to thaw them out!
Sorry to sound such a Debbie Downer, but March and November are really lacking in visual appeal here. No reliable expectation of impressive piles of snow--but probably cold, freezing sleet,etc. According to Env Canada, the avg high for March in Calgary is 4C, and for St. John's, Nl, it is 1C. Both places would be expected to still have snow-covered ground.
Most people come to NL because they are interested in the history/ culture, or want to experience the scenery and natural beauty. IMO, only one of these is a good idea in March.
If those things aren't on your wish list, I'd hesitate to recommend NL in March. However, I am not clear about the plan for this cross-country trip. To be honest, there is nowhere in Canada, other than southern BC, that I would suggest for a road trip in March. Driving conditions are going to be very doubtful everywhere--possible snowstorms, possible icy roads...
I love NL--it's my home province--but it's darn cold and wet in March.
I vividly remember the Irish dentist and would-be immigrant who arrived in Labrador in a February blizzard, wearing a leather coat and leather gloves (her idea of winter clothing), and left (when the weather cleared) a week later. Is there no other time you can travel? Your mother and aunt are unlikely to have adequate clothing for March in Calgary. However, if March is the only option, I'd show them a bit a southern Alberta, then see about a flight to one other part of Canada--maybe Montreal/Quebec for the culture contrast, or Vancouver to thaw them out!
Sorry to sound such a Debbie Downer, but March and November are really lacking in visual appeal here. No reliable expectation of impressive piles of snow--but probably cold, freezing sleet,etc. According to Env Canada, the avg high for March in Calgary is 4C, and for St. John's, Nl, it is 1C. Both places would be expected to still have snow-covered ground.
Most people come to NL because they are interested in the history/ culture, or want to experience the scenery and natural beauty. IMO, only one of these is a good idea in March.
Jan 9th, 2012, 05:07 PM
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Agree w/ nfld.
Just out of curiosity, why March?
If possible, could you re-schedule to July or August?
Even May, June, July, August, Sept, Oct for most of Canada.
But July, Aug or Sept-very early Oct for Nfld & other parts of Atlantic canada...NS, NB, PEI
March is one of the worst months.
Just out of curiosity, why March?
If possible, could you re-schedule to July or August?
Even May, June, July, August, Sept, Oct for most of Canada.
But July, Aug or Sept-very early Oct for Nfld & other parts of Atlantic canada...NS, NB, PEI
March is one of the worst months.
Jan 10th, 2012, 05:25 AM
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Hi nfld and Oceanbreeze,
Thanks for replying to my thread : )
Unfortunately March is the only month they can come and visit. My Aunt worked as a nurse in nfl some 30 odd years ago which was why we wanted to go back there plus I'm considering moving to NFL for a bit because I've heard such great things about the people and the scenery.
However, It looks like I'm going to have to change my plans for the trip and like suggested maybe after Toronto , go to Montreal/Quebec instead of NS and NFL.
Once again your advice is much appreciated.
Jess
Thanks for replying to my thread : )
Unfortunately March is the only month they can come and visit. My Aunt worked as a nurse in nfl some 30 odd years ago which was why we wanted to go back there plus I'm considering moving to NFL for a bit because I've heard such great things about the people and the scenery.
However, It looks like I'm going to have to change my plans for the trip and like suggested maybe after Toronto , go to Montreal/Quebec instead of NS and NFL.
Once again your advice is much appreciated.
Jess
Jan 10th, 2012, 06:55 AM
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Hi, Nomad,
Well, then it will be March & you will make the most of it!
Are you planning on driving across Canada or a combo of flying/driving? You can get some pretty good Westjet airfares Calgary/Toronto in March. Even Halifax if that interests you. Once you get to Toronto, you can drive from there or take the train to Montreal, Halifax, etc. Or, fly to Halifax & work your way back by train.
Ocean
Well, then it will be March & you will make the most of it!
Are you planning on driving across Canada or a combo of flying/driving? You can get some pretty good Westjet airfares Calgary/Toronto in March. Even Halifax if that interests you. Once you get to Toronto, you can drive from there or take the train to Montreal, Halifax, etc. Or, fly to Halifax & work your way back by train.
Ocean
Jan 10th, 2012, 07:27 AM
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Hi Ocean,
Thanks for taking the time to respond, the train is a great idea. Think we might fly to Halifax and get the train back to Toronto and stop at Montreal and Quebec etc. Also thanks for the warning about the March Break : ).
Have a great day
Jess
Thanks for taking the time to respond, the train is a great idea. Think we might fly to Halifax and get the train back to Toronto and stop at Montreal and Quebec etc. Also thanks for the warning about the March Break : ).
Have a great day
Jess
Jan 11th, 2012, 02:04 AM
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if the weather doesn't scare you for travelling across Canada in March why let it keep you from Nfld?..it's March and it's winter if you know and are prepeared I can't see the weather being that much different anywhere east of the rockies...expect snow and cold.
