Question for Ojibear & other Canadians

[RA1]

Am I imagining things or do Canadians flood into the US for Canadian holidays? Do US citizens flood into Canada for US holidays?

Many years ago I was returning from Europe and stopped in Bangor, ME to clear US customs, refuel and spend the night. It was cold and I had already had a very long day flying from Iceland to Goose Bay and then Bangor. In the dozens of times I had been to BGR I had never had a problem getting a room but this night every place I called was full. Reason stated: Canadian Thanksgiving.

I was too tired to go on to Portland or anywhere else. The weather was really crummy with fog. Actually I was the first and last plane to get into BGR in two days. I happened upon the DL stationmaster who was hoping one of their flights would get in because I did. No such luck. I asked where the DL crew spent the night. HI was the answer. So, I called the HI and asked about a room. No rooms. Do you have rooms for a DL crew coming in tonight? Yes. They won't be in. How do you know? Let me have you talk to the DL stationmaster and ask him if it is OK for me to have one of those rooms. OK, OK, OK.

The next morning I met the crew that was supposed to take the DL flight out from the preceding night. They had been stranded for 2 going on 3 days. They were out of clothes, ideas and patience. However, they did get to leave that morning and so did I.

Periodically I have run into Canadians visiting the US and they are completely welcome as far as I am concerned. It is just sometimes I am not familiar with their holidays and so am surprised to find a large number of them.

Best regards,

RA1

[Ojibear]

The vast majority of Canadians live within a 100 miles of the U.S. border. Cross-border shopping is a national pastime as American prices are cheaper on many items (because of economies of scale I think). On US holidays many Americans come north. Somewhat less now that are currencies are nearly at par. Many LGBT Americans come north for Pride celebrations in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. In 2014 Toronto is hosting World Pride but I hear that hotel rooms are going fast.

Christmas and Easter are the same. We have Family Day in February (2nd Monday) in Ontario. Victoria Day in May (a remnant of Canada's colonial past), Canada Day is July 1. The first week in August is just known as a Civic holiday. First Monday in September is Labour Day. October (second Monday) is Thanksgiving. November 11 is Remembrance Day (our Veteran's Day). Some provinces have their own holidays; Saint Jean Baptiste Day in Quebec on June 24.

[RA1]

Thanks for your reply. I shall endeavor to keep in mind both the US and Canadian holidays during my travels henceforth.

Best regards,

RA1