DESTINATION: CANADA

DESTINATION: CANADA

WHEN’S GOOD TO GO 

GENERAL WEATHER CONDITIONS: Canada has the 4 seasons of spring, summer, autumn, winter but the degree to which the seasons are felt differs across the vast country. The population centres are mainly in the south along the US border are the 4 seasons are quite distinct with summer temperatures possibly rising to 35 °C and beyond and winter temperatures falling to -25°C. 

January is Canada’s coldest month during winter. Spring comes around in about the third week of March but could see some snowfall. By the third week of June summer arrives and temperatures rise through July and August. High humidity in coastal areas. Autumn starts in about the third week of September and the nights get chilly and the mild weather lasts till about early December.

Two thirds of northern Canada has weather like in Scandinavia – very cold winters and short cool summers. Southern Canada has hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The central southern interior has continental climate – very cold winters and hot summers. Except for the western coastal regions, Canada has average winter temperatures below freezing with continuous snowfall.

SPRING (February to May)

Canada's west coast in February sees the arrival of tulips and temperatures on average

Are above freezing. 

SUMMER (June to August)

Generally hot and humid from June to August with summer coming earlier and staying later in central and eastern Canada

AUTUMN (September to November)

Autumn is a wonderful time to see spectacular fall foliage in Canada.

WINTER (December to February)

The height of winter is freezing cold in most places except for the British Columbia Coast.

WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE

Niagara Falls, Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains, Toronto (CN Tower, City Hall etc), Old Québec (Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Fontaine de Tourny, Plains of Abraham etc), Ottawa (Parliament Hill, Peace Tower etc)Montreal (Notre Dame Basicila, St Lawrence River, St Joseph’s Oratory of Mt Royal etc)

WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT

Montreal smoked meat, BeaverTails, Bloody Caesar, pate chinois, 

WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY

Apart from consumer goods you can find cheaper in Canada than in your own country, here are some of what international tourists like to buy: maple syrup and maple syrup candies, smoked British Columbia salmon, Inukshuk symbols, ice wine, ice cider, butter tarts, the “toonie”coin, Nanaimo chocolate bars, Hudson’s Bay point blankets, aboriginal art

WHAT’S GOOD TO DO

Hiking, paddling, mountain biking and cycling, photography, and climbing

WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)

•Plan your itinerary well – Canada is the second-largest country in the world after Russia at 9.98 square km. And it takes time to get from place to place.

•Know what to wear – and keep a constant check on the weather which can change from region to region and throughout the day.

•Major cities have good public transport options. For example, in Vancouver take the skytrain; in Toronto, subway, bus and streetcar. You can also rent a car or take Uber or taxis. 

•In Canada, emergency number is: 911. For non-emergencies, visitors can call 311 in some areas, such as Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Halifax, and Winnipeg.

•Manitoba has the world’s largest concentration of snakes. Beware also of bears in national parks. And general animal awareness is required while driving. 

•Tipping is expected in the hospitality, tourism, and services industries. The standard is 15–20%. 

•Read up on local laws for legal drinking age, speed limits. Each territory has its own traffic and safety laws. Seat belts are compulsory.

DESTINATION: ICELAND

WHEN’S GOOD TO GO 

Iceland has a cold, windy, cloudy climate for most of the year. The climate is classified as subarctic in its southern coast and tundra in the highlands in the interior. Iceland’s weather is mostly influenced by the wind. The warming effects of the Gulf Stream provides a temperate climate year round with 4 seasons. But Icelandic weather is very volatile however. The Gulf Stream brings mild Atlantic air in contact with colder Arctic air, resulting in frequent and abrupt weather shifts where you may experience four seasons in one day.

WINTER (November to March)

Winters are actually quite mild. Average January temperature in Reykjavik (-0.5°C) is no different from New York City or Hamburg. Extremely short daylight but perfect for sighting of Northern Lights. Horseback riding, outdoor swimming and snow adventure activities continue in winter.

AUTUMN (September to October)

Autumn is start of Northern Lights season even though daylight hours are still normal. Cooler temperatures. Moss on ancient lava give nature a splash of autumn colour. Cultural scene activates with film, art, music festivals including the famous Iceland Airwaves.

SUMMER (June to August)

Clearer blue skies, more vibrancy in cities as summer takes over spring in June. Meadows are green and sheep and horses roam. The midnight Sun gives 24 hours of daylight and it is peak tourist season.

SPRING (April to May)

Spring comes in April with green grass and flowers sprouting and releasing their fresh fragrance. Fishing, whale watching and golf season begin and migratory birds make their way back. On mountain slopes snow melts.

WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE

Harpa Conocert and Parliament, Hallgrimskirkja church, downtown harbor district (Reykjavik) Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot Spring Area (Golden Circle)

WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT

Famous hot dog bun in Bæjarins BeztuPylsur, Arctic Char, Salmon, Icelandic lobster, Skyr (Icelandic yogurt) and Icelandic Gull beer

WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY

Icelandic wool sweater, volcanic ash, Salmon omega fish oils and even a can of Iceland’s air! 

WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)

•Iceland Krona is the official currency for Iceland

•Alcoholic beverages and tobacco are exclusively sold in state-run stores called Vinbudin (The Wine Store)

•bathe in a natural hot spring

•try camping in summer

•Tipping is not required, but appreciated.

DESTINATION: (EUROPEAN) RUSSIA

WHEN’S GOOD TO GO 

(European) Russia has warm to hot summers and cold winters. The far north has arctic and subarctic climates with a long freezing winter (around -30°C with heavy snowfall) and a short cold summer (around 10°C) The winter is mostly dry, snow covers the ground from end october to mid march in some years.

Summers gets warmer towards the south:
- the western region has Baltic climate with freezing winters, but more temperate. Rain is frequent with possible thunderstorms in the afternoon.
- the Pontic-Caspian steppe region has arid continental climate, with cold winters, hot summers and low rainfall;
- the coast bordering the Black Sea has Mediterranean climate, with mild and rainy winters and warm and sunny summers.

WINTER (December to February)

Winter is the cold. All trees have lost their leaves and only conifers remain green.

AUTUMN (September to November)

Trees are covered with golden foliage in yellow, gold and red.

SUMMER (June to August)

Pleasant warmer weather. Time to enjoy juicy berries.

SPRING (March to May)

A time of melting snow, flowing streams and blooming willows.

WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE

Red Square, Moscow Vodka Museum, Sergiev Posad, Moscow Circus, Kremlin (Moscow) Peter and Paul Fortress, The State Hermitage Museum, Peterhof palace, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (St Petersburg)

WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT

Borsch Soup, Bliny, Sour Cream, Rye Bread, Herring, Pickles, Beef Stroganoff, Caviar

WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY

Tretyakov Gallery Photo Album, Samovar, Artisan Jewelry: Finifty and Amber, Palekh and Fedoskino Lacquer Boxes, Caviar, Zhostovo Trays, Matryoshka (Russian nested doll)

WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)

•Avoid sensitive political discussions

•Go to Soviet theatres – they’re great

•Smiling for no good reason in public is sometimes seen as a form of insanity by the locals

•Don’t put your hands in your pockets in church

•Use the metro systems. The stations are beautiful and you can get almost anywhere using the network. When descending the metro escalators keep to the right to let the people in a hurry through.

• Bring your own food on overnight trains.

DESTINATION: SCANDINAVIA

WHEN’S GOOD TO GO 

GENERAL WEATHER CONDITIONS: Scandinavia's countries have different climates that vary quite a bit. Coastal regions like Denmark, southern Sweden and western parts of Norway have a milder, marine climate. The central part of Scandinavia from Oslo to Stockholm has a more humid continental climate. Farther north such as in Finland you have subarctic climate. The mountainous regions of Norway and Sweden have an alpine tundra climate. On average Sweden has the warmest summers (max 23 °C).

Denmark

WINTER (December to February)

Temperature range: -2 to 4°C.

Very cold because of the high humidity and westerly winds.

AUTUMN (September to November)

Temperature range: 3 to 17 °C. November nights can be freezing.

SUMMER (June to August)

Temperature range: 11 to 20 °C. Quite rainy and evenings can be very cool.

SPRING (March to May)

Temperature range:  3 to 16 °C. Some snow & frost in March but sunshine increases in April and flowers bloom in May.

Finland

WINTER (December to February)

Temperature range: -9 to 0 °C. Snowy, cold and wet. 

AUTUMN (September to November)

Temperature range: -1 to 15 °C. Autumn turns golden with bright colors in the forests

Berries and mushrooms appear.

SUMMER (June to August)

Temperature range: 9 to 20 °C. Warm, plenty of sun and the famous white nights. Best time to travel to Finland.

SPRING (March to May)

Temperature range: -6 to 13 °C. Clear days with mild winds but melt water freezes in the cold nights and form ice on the roads.

Sweden

WINTER (December to mid March)

Temperature range: -5 to 1 °C. Central regions get very cold.

AUTUMN (September to November)

Temperature range: 1 to 15 °C. Windy, rainy and wet.

SUMMER (June to August)

Temperature range: 11 to 20 °C. Summers are short and usually cool. 

SPRING (March to May)

Temperature range: -3 to 16 °C. Daylight hours increase but some snow on the ground

Norway

WINTER (December to February)

Temperature range: -7 to 0 °C. Winter snowfall, cold and icy winds. Short days, long nights.

AUTUMN (September to November)

Temperature range: -1 to 16 °C.  Forests turn into various shades of gold, purple and orange.

SUMMER (June to August)

Temperature range: 10 to 20 °C.  Fishing season for mackerel and herring.

SPRING (March to May)

Temperature range: -4 to 16 °C. Blooms and blossoms begin immediately as the snow melts.

WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE

Christiansborg Palace, Amalienborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, Ny Carlsberg Glypotek, Nyhavn harbor, Tivoli amusement park, “Little Mermaid” statue, Odense -Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown (Denmark)  Senate Square, White Cathedral and Sederholm House, Santa Claus Village, Temppeliaukio church (Finland) Stockholm’s medieval Cathedral, City Hall, Nobel Museum, ABBA the Museum (Sweden) Geiranger Fjord & Village, Artic Cathedral, Narvik Northern Lights, Vigeland Park, Viking Ship Museum, Flam Railway Line (Norway)

WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT

Smorrebrod (sandwich with cold cuts), Aebleflæsk (cured or salted pork belly) (Denmark), Swedish meatballs, Raggmunk (potato pancake), Jansson’s Temptation (creamy potato and anchovy casserole) (Sweden), Reindeer meat, Karjalanpiirakka (rice pies) Kalakukko (fish pie) Korvapuusti (cinnamon buns) Lihapullat (Finnish meatballs) (Finland), Farikal(mutton & cabbage stew), Kumla (potato dumplings), Whale steak, Lutefisk (gelatinous fish) (Norway)

WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY

Royal Copenhagen delicate blue and white porcelain products, Vikings Jewelry, Scandinavian interior design items, Freetown Christiania souvenirs, Danish Elf: Nisse, Lakrids, Hans Christian Andersen items, butter cookies (Denmark). Santa Post Office stamps and souvenirs, Traditional Wall Hangings (Takana and Marimekko), Iittala Glass, Sauna Bucket & Ladle, Puukko, Kalevala Jewelry, Fazer Candies, Kuksa Drinking Cup, Lapp Hat (Finland). Norwegian traditional costumes (bunads), Linje Aquavit, Norwegian sweaters, Liquorice chocolates, Ostehøvel, Viking drinking bowls, Omega oil (Norway). Lovikkavantar (Lovikka Mittens), Cloudberry Jam, Wooden Butter knives, Salt Liquorice, Polkagris, Absolut Vodka, Delecarlian horse (Sweden).

WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)

•Denmark uses Danish Krone 

•Norway uses Norwegian Krone.

•Sweden uses Swedish Krona.

•Finland uses Euro

•Best sights of the midnight sun are in the northern fjords of Norway like Nordkapp between late May and late July. The Northern Lights are best seen on the Arctic Circle in very clear and dark winter nights.

•Dressing for Arctic winter weather where temperatures can go down to  -20°C: (i) a base layer, (ii) a mid layer, (iii) an outer layer, (iv) head gears like fur hats & balaclava, (v) hands gloves, (vi) footwear that can keep your feet warm, (vii)additional items like hand or feet warmers. Wool is preferred. Footwear should be moon boots, insulated hiking boots, or long length boots with inner liner. Lapland will pose a challenge for the physically disabled, getting on and off the sledges or snowmobiles.

•Don’t expect everyone to know English. But because names can be difficult to pronounce, show names and ask the locals for directions.

•Swedes love their personal space

•Beware of slippery pavements. And if driving, watch out for elks crossing the road.

•Shops generally open from 10am to 5pm. In Sweden the alcohol market is almost entirely run by state-owned liquor stores that will close by 6pm.