Geology Student Going to Canada: Where to go?

Question

I'm a geology student that will be traveling all over Canada by Rail this summer. Where Should I go? I'm planning on Spending a few days in Toronto and Montreal on my way out to Halifax with a day or so in Truro. From Halifax I'll go where is easily accessible by bus. Then on my return I plan to spend another day or so in Toronto and stopping in Jasper before heading back to Vancouver. Can anyone recommend sights, hostels, activities to do in any of the names cities or locations??

Answer 1

What are your areas of interest in geology--glaciology, stratigraphy, paleontology, vulcanism, or something else? Where you should go depends on that. The north, huge area, is the world's chief examplar of continental glaciology. The Rockies are great for stratigraphy and paleontology. BC has some excellent areas to look at vulcanology--for example Garibaldi Prov. Park just north of Vancouver enroute to Whistler is an easy place to go to see a volcanic cone and landscape as well as mountain glaciers in action. Or go to northern Alberta to see (hideous) oil sands mining near Ft. McMurray. That is but a tiny sample from a long list of sites in Canada with immense geological interest. The cross country train trip from Toronto via Jasper to Vancouver allows views of the Canadian Shield, the prairies, the Rockies, and the Coastal Mountains and provides a good, if incomplete, overview of Canadian geology. Get a good book on Canadian geology/geomorphology and use it to plan your trip!

Answer 2

I would definitely recommend going to Banff, Alberta. I think its just a bit south of Jasper and it's absolutely beautiful!! We went there almost 5 years ago but I still remember it. We stayed at a good hostel, and although I can't remember the name there was a restaurant attached to it called Cougar Pete's, so I'm sure if you searched that you could find it. It had great rates and a huge stone fire place.

          Oh and I'm from Ottawa and I would also suggest you come here. It's a biggish city but not as huge and crazy as Toronto and Montreal. There's also a lot of activities and festivals here all the time, try the Ottawa kiosk website if you would like more information.

          Other places in Canada I would recommend are Quebec city (because of its beautiful European style) and Nova Scotia, specifically Peggy's Cove (cove with a big light house)  because its really fun to climb all the rocks and since you're a geology student you may like that.

          Anyways I hope this helped, have a great trip!

Answer 3

If you are a geology student you should try to go to Drumheuller Alberta.  

Alberta - especially around Calgary  would be a great place to visit.  Do not expect to to find a place in a Youth Hostel, they are full in the summer.

Answer 4

The Canadian Rockies are awesome - a thrust belt, Drumheller  is a must in Western Canada - Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology and Dinosaur Provincial Park.

I'm a retired geologist starting a geo-eco-tour biz in Drumheller - if you are coming this way email me. Free tours for students.