Skate Canada 2013 heads east to Saint John

[jeffisjeff]

I don't think it would be hard to get to Saint John from US if you looked at going into Bangor and renting a car from there. Only about an hour and a half or so drive from Bangor, I think?

No, it is 1.5-2 hours from Bangor to Calais and then another 1 hour or so to Saint John from Calais. So, about 3 hours total. And while there certainly are flights into Bangor, it is hardly a hub with lots of air traffic. So getting to Saint John from the US isn't going to be easy for anyone outside of driving distance.

[4rkidz]

Yes, be very careful with this when you're booking! Saint John (New Brunswick) does not have an s or 's.

4rkidz, you're a bad, bad Canadian!!

4rkids, when I clicked on your link, I got info about St. John's, Newfoundland.

i fixed it I know the difference really

Well, St. John's wouldn't have been bad either as Newfoundland is the last Canadian province I haven't been to yet (and I've been to St. John, NB already). Plus it's always funky to be in a half-houred time zone.

i would also love to go.. I haven't been there either..

[skategal]

I'm 7-8 drive hours from Bangor and tons of people I know drive to Bangor repeatedly to travel on cheaper air tickets to vacation in the USA.

So there must be some decent flights in and out of there...

[DaveRocks]

So getting to Saint John from the US isn't going to be easy for anyone outside of driving distance.

It's quite simple, really. Tons of US airports have direct flights to Toronto and Montreal. Then take a direct flight to Saint John. So, just one stop. There are other options, too.

[jeffisjeff]

I'm 7-8 drive hours from Bangor and tons of people I know drive to Bangor repeatedly to travel on cheaper air tickets to vacation in the USA.

So there must be some decent flights in and out of there...

Yes, I know people who do that as well. It is much cheaper to flight into/out of Bangor when going to the US. But the flights options aren't that great and a connection is almost always needed.

It's quite simple, really. Tons of US airports have direct flights to Toronto and Montreal. Then take a direct flight to Saint John. So, just one stop. There are other options, too.

And that is generally quite expensive. As I said in my previous post, getting there from the US will either be a pain or expensive, or perhaps both.

I don't mean to be a downer and you all don't have to believe me, but I have been traveling from the US to Saint John multiple times a year for well over a decade, so I will stand by my comments. But, at least it'll be October, which will be much more pleasant than the mid-winter trip we usually make.

[DaveRocks]

Getting to Saint John from the US will be a bit of a pain, I'd guess.

And that is generally quite expensive. As I said in my previous post, getting there from the US will either be a pain or expensive, or perhaps both.

I don't mean to be a downer and you all don't have to believe me, but I have been traveling from the US to Saint John multiple times a year for well over a decade, so I will stand by my comments. But, at least it'll be October, which will be much more pleasant than the mid-winter trip we usually make.

By the sound of your first post, it sounded like you were guessing.

I certainly believe you that you think it's a pain. Myself, I don't mind having a connection when flying somewhere. Also, it'll be much easier (and cheaper) for me to get to Saint John from where I am in the US than it will be for manhn, for instance, who lives in Canada.

In the end, every single skating event will be easy for some to get to, but hard for others.

[pat c]

Exactly. Flying south is faster and cheaper for me than flying east. Doesn't mean I won't do it, it depends on the skating location choices for the year.

I've found that for me, it's cheaper to fly south and I get better flight times than travelling east. Everyone has places that are easier to get to. The choice is do you want to go.

[manhn]

For myself, because of how much cheaper it is to fly from and to the US, I can't see my cheap self justifying a flight to some Canadian locale just for the sake of exploration (even though visiting every province and territory in Canada is on my bucket list). I have to go there for a specific destination, like a skating event or a wedding or a family reunion, etc. I don't have family in the Maritimes, so I suppose that it means I'll become more familiar with their arenas (and Java Moose) than anything else the lovely Maritimes has to offer. Oh well, I didn't like Anne of Green Gables all that much anyway (save for dreamy Gilbert Blythe)...

I have no idea how I will ever be able to justify a trip to Nunavut unless a skating event is held there.

[UMBS Go Blue]

I have no idea how I will ever be able to justify a trip to Nunavut unless a skating event is held there.

But the polar bears will miss you!

[manhn]

Bears are not my type...

[UMBS Go Blue]

Not even cuddly furry-white ones?

[pat c]

For myself, because of how much cheaper it is to fly from and to the US, I can't see my cheap self justifying a flight to some Canadian locale just for the sake of exploration (even though visiting every province and territory in Canada is on my bucket list). I have to go there for a specific destination, like a skating event or a wedding or a family reunion, etc. I don't have family in the Maritimes, so I suppose that it means I'll become more familiar with their arenas (and Java Moose) than anything else the lovely Maritimes has to offer. Oh well, I didn't like Anne of Green Gables all that much anyway (save for dreamy Gilbert Blythe)...

I have no idea how I will ever be able to justify a trip to Nunavut unless a skating event is held there.

NB is awesome in the fall. But being that it's a little later we might miss the colors, but you never know. Saint John market is one of my fav places to visit when I'm there. Within walking distance of the rink there is a lot of things to see.

And Nunavut. Well I'd go, but chances of them ever getting one is probably slim to none.

[DaveRocks]

Bears are not my type...

[Sally1214]

YES!!!!! I will SO be going to this!!

[skategal]

The fall couloirs are still out here in ns this week so if next year is the same or even just delayed a little, you will be in for a real treat!

[Lizziebeth]

I'm 7-8 drive hours from Bangor and tons of people I know drive to Bangor repeatedly to travel on cheaper air tickets to vacation in the USA.

So there must be some decent flights in and out of there...

My sis lives near Bangor and I fly there 2-3 times a year from MSP. There are quite a few flights daily and all of them have a connection or more. It is sometimes cheaper to fly to Bangor than Portland ME. Just be sure to buy tickets in advance - last minute is expensive. I use Delta - not much choice if you are flying out of Minneapolis

[stewie]

:I am only a five minute drive from Harbour Station....I am so, so happy that Skate Canada is coming to Saint John, New Brunswick.

[shutterbug]

Wonderful news! I’ve heard good things about Saint John. Looking forward to it.

[skategal]

:I am only a five minute drive from Harbour Station....I am so, so happy that Skate Canada is coming to Saint John, New Brunswick.

Lucky you!!! It's the best when it comes to your hometown.

[stewie]

Lucky you!!! It's the best when it comes to your hometown.

Yes it is! Anywhere in the Maritimes is pretty handy, really. Well, except for Newfoundland...lol. I mean for driving. lol But Saint John does have a great pedway system and hotels handy to Harbour Station. etc. etc.