IACE Canada

[BreakSilence]

I got selected to go to Canada for IACE.  Can anyone give me a heads up on what to expect?

[Eclipse]

Canadians?

[BreakSilence]

Hahaha, I guess so.  In retrospect, I should've been much, much more specific.  Anyone what know the Canadian CAP equivalent is like?  Usually how many of the Canadian squadrons do IACE people visit?  Is there anything special about the Canadian CAP that would be of some help?  Does anyone know what the Canadian CAP is called?  Anyone have any prior experience with IACE that could offer some general tips?

[JayT]

Hahaha, I guess so.  In retrospect, I should've been much, much more specific.  Anyone what know the Canadian CAP equivalent is like?  Usually how many of the Canadian squadrons do IACE people visit?  Is there anything special about the Canadian CAP that would be of some help?  Does anyone know what the Canadian CAP is called?  Anyone have any prior experience with IACE that could offer some general tips?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Canadian_Air_Cadets

[jimmydeanno]

"Canada" is pretty broad to list what to expect.  It will greatly vary depending on which portion you end up going to.  If you end up in Montreal/Quebec, don't worry about not being able to talk to people.  Although they like speaking in French, everyone speaks American as well.  Just be careful what currency you're buying things with.  Some retailers mark things in American Dollars, some in Canadian Dollars.  Also, make sure that if you go to a restaurant, check the bill before you tip - if the bill says something along the lines of "servis non compris" the tip isn't included.  Many restaurants will include the tip, write that its included in French and hope you don't speak French so you double-tip.

If you get sent to Toronto/Ontario, they don't speak French as their primary language, so you'll be OK there.  Toronto is a very westernized city, so it will be just like visiting an American City. The same should apply in the Vancouver area.

A few rules.

1. If someone tells you that American beer is horrible, it is polite to agree - because frankly, most of it is.
2. Do not, under any circumstance, insult the game of hockey or any Canadian hockey team.  Because frankly, they're really good at it.

[sardak]

In reference to the Canadian CAP: "The Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, or CASARA, is a Canada-wide volunteer aviation association dedicated to the promotion of Aviation Safety, and to the provision of air search support services to the National Search and Rescue Program."  http://www.casara.ca/

CASARA has no affiliation with the Air Cadet program. It functions more like the senior member flying side of CAP.

Mike

[capmaj]

Sam,

PM me. I have been an IACE Escort there recently and can fill you in. It's a GREAT trip! A lot of folks who don't know what they are talking about may kid you about "only going to Canada", but the Canadians do a great job.  They really spare no expense.

Give me a shout if you want.

Aloha

[cappilot]

I was chosen as an escort this year to Canada.  The trip will start in Ottawa and end in Montreal with a side trip to Niagara Falls.  It is essentially the same trip that I did back in '02 when I was also an escort.

The RAC does an outstanding job organising the exchange and plans everything out in fine detail.  You will get the opportunity to meet cadets from all across the world who share the love of aviation. It will be an excellent experience.

David Austin Lt Col CAP
IACE 2002 Canada, 2005 Japan, and now 2010 Canada

[vmstan]

We had two cadets from Canada come visit our squadron last year. I was there visiting myself (this was before I joined) so I didn't really get a chance to talk to them but they gave a presentation about their program to our cadets. Check out their site at http://www.cadets.ca/ -- their rank structure is a lot different, and they also have different units for Sea and Army cadets, but they all fall under the same umbrella inside their MoD. They also put a big focus on glider flying for cadets.

The cadets that visited with us spoke French as their first language, so if you end up in Quebec take this into consideration. Other than that, visiting Canada in general isn't that much different than visiting a different state in the US. All the people I've met in/from there have been very nice.

[BreakSilence]

Thanks for the advice.  Recommend cash or card?  I got visa...

[jimmydeanno]

Thanks for the advice.  Recommend cash or card?  I got visa...

I would be careful about currency conversion charges from your credit card company or bank.  Some banks/card companies charge upwards of $5.00 per transaction to provide this "service."

EDIT:  Additionally, I would confirm what rates and charges would apply with your cell phone.  Those international calls can add up if you don't make sure what you're going to be charged (text messages can cost money, even if you have an unlimited plan, etc)

[raivo]

All that's coming to my mind are South Park jokes... 

[SarDragon]

I have almost always gotten a better deal on currency exchange using cash. Also, look at rates in your US departure city vs what you'll pay in country. You might actually get a better deal.

YMMV.

[capmaj]

In direct reply to your credit card question, you will find that Visa is more widely accepted in the area/s of Canada in which you will travel  Primarily the French-speaking areas).

Just make sure that, if it is a new card and you don't use it in the States prior to leaving for IACE, that you call customer service and advise them of the fact that first-time usage will be in Canada. The 2008 trip saw someone have their new card placed under security lock from the company due to the attempted use 'overseas' on the first usage.