| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/12/2007 7:48:13 PM | I'm making plans to travel to Fergus in August for the Fergus Highland Festival and I'd like some information regarding the area. This is my very first time to visit Canada and I'm really looking forward to the trip.
Is it easier to drive from Detroit, passing through customs at the border, or fly into Toronto and deal with customs at the airport? Are there long lines at the border crossing from the US into/out of Canada?
**The reason I ask, is because I've lived in a Texas city that borders Mexico and driving across the border can cause a wait-time of upwards of an hour or more (due to heavy illegal drug trade) while cars are searched. Is Canada more efficient for their crossings?
What is the closest town to Fergus (how big is Fergus, by the way?) and what are some good (clean but not outrageously priced) hotels possibly with shuttle service to the game site?
How difficult is it for someone totally new to the area, to drive into/out of Toronto's airport?
What is the climate like during August? What kind of clothes should I bring?
I'm in Arizona and will be leaving 100+ degree temps (40+ Celcuis) but need to know if the nights get chilly (and to me, 70F/20C is chilly!).
Also, is there a Tim Horton's in Fergus? I keep hearing about this place and figured that "while in Canada...."
Looking forward to some travel info for this first timer to Canada, and maybe I'll meet some of you while I'm there!
- Thanks!!  | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/12/2007 7:56:31 PM | I know there are lots of awesome B&B's in the area as well as hotels nearby.
Will you be renting a car while you're here? If you're flying into Toronto make sure you have a passport so you can fly back out! The drive from detroit airport would probably be about 3 hours. You might consider going to the Port Huron/Sarnia border instead if you're flying into Detroit.
I'll mail you some accomodation links.
Heck, you can even hit Tim Horton's before you cross over the border, there's one in Port Huron just before you cross LOL
edit: Divine is right, it's usually pretty hot and humid, especially in August. Bring a sweatshirt or light jacket just in case something weird happens. God only knows what it will be like anymore considering the weather we had this winter! | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/12/2007 8:04:57 PM | Guelph is really close to Fergus.............20 min away .....................
lots of hotels here..................
I agree with mystery...................port huron/sarnia border is better..................approx 2 and a half hours from the border to fergus...............
oh as for weather.................
it is usually warm here...............bring shorts tanks, swim suit, jeans, sweater and light jacket, just in case....................the seasons have been changing so hard to say............I hear it is suppose to be hot this year but who knows.............
you wont or shouldnt (omg i hope not) need a winter coat lol................
hope this helps
edit................oh forgot about the Tim's..............I think there are at least 3 in fergus now.............Guelph omg has so many would take awhile to count ............lol
why in the world would you want to delete this thread.............. | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/12/2007 8:07:28 PM | it's hot and humid in southwestern Ontario in August. you're used to dry heat and this is anything but that!
the closest major town is Guelph.
and, not to worry, i'm pretty sure there's at least ONE Tim Horton's in the town. if not, there will be about a dozen in Guelph!
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/12/2007 8:24:52 PM | Having crossed the border in July for the past 3 years I don't think you will have to wait too long to cross over. It really depends on how much traffic there is, mid week might be less line up.
Yes Fergus does have at least on Tim Hortons in it, it is in the south end right on Hwy 6 which you will most likely be taking in to Fergus from Guelph. As far as weather goes it should be in the mid to high 70's F (could hit the 80's like last summer who knows how hot it can get these days) might drop into the high 60's at night you might find that cool since you come from a fairly warm climate. Also not too far from Fergus is the Elora Gorge, scenic gorge and quaint shopping, St Jacobs, mennonite country and tourist attraction. Toronto is not too far out, but not easy to drive in due to high traffic congestion. Not too familiar with the hotel situation around Fergus but Guelph is close enough you could get a hotel there and drive in.
If you want to come up this way in October you can come to Kitchener for Oktoberfest, the Great Bavarian Beer Fest. Shameless plug for my city (which I believe has the highest concentration of Tim Hortons in all Canada) more shameless plugs
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/12/2007 9:31:49 PM | Thanks so much to everyone for the hints. I'm thinking of grabbing a hotel in either Guelph or Kitchner as I know they are both close. I'll have at least 2 roommates and it would be cheaper to split a hotel room (2 double beds) than to book at a B&B, although I know they would be much nicer. How big are these towns - Guelph and Kitchner? I've heard about the Elora Gorge from a friend who has stayed at the Elora Mill Hotel (sp?) and she said it's really beautiful - and noisy! but I'd like to see it while we're there.
My plans are to either fly with friends into Detroit and drive to Fergus (enjoying the scenery and TREES! along the way) or fly non-stop into Toronto and rent a car there. Phoenix is the 5th largest City in the US now (about 1.3 million), so I'm used to congestion and traffic. And since Canadians & Americans drive on the "correct" side of the road, (lol) that wouldn't bother me too much as long as there are good road directions and not too much road construction.
With the mild temps I think I'll be wearing a light jacket EVERY night!  In July/August here, it rarely gets below 80 for the lowest temp of the night. What about mosquitos? Any up there?
I'm keeping track of all this so I'll be prepared to have a great time - and enjoy my very first Timmy Horton's too!
Anyone else attending the Fergus Highland Games? I think it would be fantastic to meet some of the posters from PoF while I'm there - guys or gals!  | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/12/2007 11:17:29 PM | Kitchener has a population of approx. 215 000 and Guelph is approx. 126 000. And yes, you can usually find mosquitoes pretty much anywhere in Ontario.
I missed Fergus this year, but you will enjoy it. It can be a very enjoyable and busy weekend, with events Friday, Saturday and Sunday. My step-son and I were the official poster boys a few years ago so I have kind of a soft spot for these games. | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/13/2007 10:34:58 AM | Driving from Detroit and going across the border in a car will probably be less of a hassle. Border crossing times are usually around 15 minutes on non-holidays.
Toronto's airport is probably one of the most passenger unfriendly airports in the world. You have to walk long distances, expect delays and rude service. You may get lucky and not have any of that but that isn't my experience. Driving out of the airport isn't too confusing. The signs are pretty clear where you need to be.
Another option is that there are 3 flights a day from Detroit to Kitchener's airport. You'd save money on a rental car so the price may balance out. Waterloo-Wellington Airport
(Kitchener) is really small, so getting in and out of there will be a breeze.
August is usually hot and humid. 80 degrees and sticky. The nights at the end of August can be cool, ~60 but usually they are not. You'd need to pack a light jacket at most.
I live in Kitchener and so does Dante. I'm sure one of us could help you out if you need more info. | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/13/2007 10:37:34 AM | I lived in Fergus for many years
If you want something clean you gotta stay in guleph or orangeville
if you dont care book the fergus motel NOW !!!
its all always booked by end of feb
hope this helps !
( ill see you there i love going home for the games ! ) POF EVENT anyone?
:) | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/13/2007 11:05:41 AM | OP: Toronto airport must be the most user unfriendly airport around. I live in Cambridge... about a 40 min drive to Fergus and I usually fly in & out of buffalo as it is so much easier and friendlier. Border crossing @ Lewiston/Queenston is usually a breeze... as long as its not a holiday weekend.
Chickie a POF event for these games sounds awesome. I keep meaning to go each year but then I don't want to go alone so I skip the games.
Sazy  | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/13/2007 11:08:17 AM | Yeah a pof event would rock
than i can meet all the guelph and area peeps i always keep missing
Hmm
Ill plan one closer to the event :) | |
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lovejr
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Joined: 12/16/2005
Msg: 12 | |
| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/13/2007 11:46:03 AM | The games are so much fun.....I did a party a couple years ago, turned my yard into tent city and we carpooled up.
The atmosphere in Fergus that weekend is amazing.....people everywhere, cars everywhere....people even rent out their lawns for parking.
I would suggest getting a hotel in Guelph but can tell you that alot of people have probably already booked.....so look into it now....Guelph is only 20 mins from Fergus, striaght up the highway. If you wait till the summer.....you won't find anything in Guelph.....the rooms here are the first to go.
Closest Hotels would be the The Holiday Inn Express and The Comfort Inn
Closest Motels are the Parkview Motel or the Super 8 Motel | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/13/2007 12:05:22 PM | I found you can save some money by booking on line instead of walking in.
You can drive north to Mount Forrest, every wed there is a menonite parade through town ok that was a joke. There are many horse and buggies near Fergus. Watch for them and please give them lots of room when you pass. | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/13/2007 5:35:44 PM | One of the POF peeps from Fergus is hoping to start a coffee night there so.... if it works you could check the Ontario threads before you leave and see if it is scheduled, one way to meet some foreign POFers.
A POF Fergus games event would be great too. If you want to see Menonites you will see plenty in St Jacobs and Elmira, have to watch for the horse and buggies on the shoulders of the road.
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/13/2007 6:19:49 PM | I go through Fergus on a regular basis at least once a month. There are 2 Tim Horton's there! One right downtown and the other on the south end of town on the main highway (Highway 6). There are many B & B's in Fergus, but you might find it easier to book a hotel room in the city of Guelph which is just about 20 minutes south of Fergus on the same highway.
If you drive over, crossing at Port Huron/Sarnia would probably a whole lot quicker than crossing over at Detroit/Windsor. There's less traffic at Port Huron. And from there it's a reasonably easy drive up Highway 401 to Guelph and further on into Fergus.
The weather here in August is usually hot & humid. It can be uncomfortable at times. So bring sunscreen, cool clothing for the day, maybe a windbreaker for nighttime and a hat. Enjoy your visit, you'll love it here! | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/13/2007 7:53:07 PM | This sounds so cool! I can't wait the six months til it happens. Looks like some of the posters actually participate in the Games as well...Men In Kilts (aka, MiKs)...gotta love em!!
Sounds like the Canadian people are just as friendly as I've heard. Thanks!! Some of the people I'm meeting up there are going to be camping at the Game site, so if anyone else is camping, maybe we'll find new friends.
Everyone has given me some great ideas and I was looking at booking at the Comfort Inn in Guelph, so thanks for that hint as well. I've accessed the Games website and they're offering packages for the weekend - I guess I'd better book the room pretty quick.
Okay, need to check my list:
sunscreen
bugspray
light jacket
warm socks (my feet get cold even in the summer)
hat (for the sun I'm assuming)
swimsuit (hotel has a pool & hot tub!)
hangover remedy...oops...did I say that out loud?  
I have one more question...the crossing at Port Huron...is there a big bridge over water? I'm a little...let's say, skittish...about tall bridges (and overpasses, cliff edges...you get the picture) Also, is it a scenic drive from PH to Fergus? Will I be able to see Lake Huron? I've never seen ANY of the Great Lakes and want to take lots of pics - maybe even stop at the beach to say "I've had my feet in the Great Lakes". Stupid, I know...but something to chalk up to my life experience.
What can I say...I'm from the desert and we get excited about a little rain!!  | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/13/2007 8:06:13 PM | The Bluewater Bridge actually consists of two bridges now (relatively new thing, as there only used to be one). One going in each direction, going over the St. Clair River. It's not too long to get to the other side if the traffic is good. Maybe ten minutes, tops. It's not too scary either, lots of boats and such to look at in the distance. I grew up right there in Sarnia and went to Port Huron, Michigan for gas and smokes all the time, when I lived there.
Just make sure to have some change ready to go across. | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/14/2007 7:23:10 AM |
Also, is it a scenic drive from PH to Fergus? Will I be able to see Lake Huron? I've never seen ANY of the Great Lakes and want to take lots of pics - maybe even stop at the beach to say "I've had my feet in the Great Lakes"
You will briefly see Lake Huron on your left as you are crossing the Bluewater Bridge, but other than that, there is no scenic route to see the lakes, on your way to Fergus. If you look at a map of Southwestern Ontario, you'll notice most of the major highways are away from the lakes.
If you a good at reading maps, you could take 21 Highway for a while from Sarnia along Lake Huron. The map is a deceiving as it doesn't hug the shore line, but there are plenty of towns along the way that you could drive into to see the lake, and there are a few spots along the way that have an open view. But from 21 Highway, going east to Fergus can be interesting if you aren't use to the drive. | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/14/2007 9:38:40 PM | ^^How do you mean "interesting?" Interesting as in "boring stretches of trees" or interesting with trees, fields, towns, etc.? You don't mean a crazy moose (plural is still moose, right?) on the loose do you?
Believe me, seeing trees that aren't planted from nursery stock with an irrigation system to keep them alive, and natural grass growing like it's meant to be, would be great.
The GL view isn't a must, just thought it would be neat since I'll be in the area. I'm more tickled that I'll actually be GOING to Canada for my very first time.  | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/14/2007 9:59:47 PM | OY! I know a ton of people have responded but I wanted to add my two cents
Fergus is BEAUTIFUL! I normally go to the highland games every year but this year Ill actually be IN Scotland...lol
Theres a Holiday Inn Express on Silvercreek Parkway in Guelph. Probably the best hotel in the area. The hotels in Fergus are small or B&B's and you'll pay through the nose because of the games. The hotel in Guelph is probably about 20min-30min drive to the games, and litterally you would take 2 roads to get there so you wont get lost. Guelph has all the ammenities you'll need, INCLUDING Tim Hortons...lol Theres also a bunch in Fergus.
The weather is a tricky one though... summer clothes mostly but bring a pair of jeans and a jacket.
If you stay in Guelph you have to eat Brekkie at Wimpy's Diner downtown. MMMMMMM... and theres a little Lebonese restaurant called Goodies across from the Holiday Inn that has unbelievable food.
I lived in Guelph most of my life if you couldnt tell by now LMAO
As for the border if you dont have a passport definatly drive. Its actually a nice drive from Detroit and the border isnt usually bad. Theres no crazy wild game running around on the highways so no worries there. Just remember to have change for the border.
And on a final note...
Get used to having heavy change in your pocket...lol... Loonies and Twonies  | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/15/2007 7:19:08 AM |
How do you mean "interesting?" Interesting as in "boring stretches of trees" or interesting with trees, fields, towns, etc.? You don't mean a crazy moose (plural is still moose, right?) on the loose do you?
You won't find moose on the loose in SW Ontario.
What I mean by interesting is that if you were to take that highway I mentioned above, there is no clean direct route to Fergus.
SW Ontario from the Michigan border until past the London area is rather flat and full of farmland. Then you get the gentle rolling hills between there and Kitchener/Guelph/Fergus. | |
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lovejr
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Joined: 12/16/2005
Msg: 22 | |
| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/15/2007 7:37:05 AM |
maybe I'll meet some of you while I'm there!
make sure to let us know when you will be coming, where you will be staying....all that stuff....it would be a pleasure to meet you. I am in Guelph, would be happy to help you out. | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/15/2007 11:24:06 AM | | Texan AZ - bring a few pairs of pants and sweatshirts or long sleeved shirts. My aunt is from AZ and each time she visits she finds humidity COLD like winter would be to us Canadians. Its a shock to your sytem if you're not used to humidity. Just a thought. | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/15/2007 3:20:26 PM | | Hey! I grew up in Fergus and am still a Fergusite at heart. Now that I've moved away I can tell you it's a very beautiful town. As for hotels, I'd follow the advice given here and go to Guelph, you'll find pretty much anything you're looking for there and the north end is only 15 minutes away if you stick to the speed limit which is unlikely on Hwy 6. You've got Elora just next door about 3 minutes away that is a little more cultural and also has the slots and the racetrack. If you want to dine at the Elora Mill I'd suggest making a reservation now as it is quite popular. It's beautiful, that's where I had my wedding reception. We are quite proud of the fact that the town is large enough now to have not one but two Timmies. You should have seen the happy dance we all did when McDonald's came to town, even if it was the smallest in Canada. | |
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| Hotels close to Fergus & August weather
Posted: 2/15/2007 5:04:00 PM | I think most of the people answered what to wear and what the weather is like in Aug here. So I'll skip to the whole border thing.
Crossing at Detroit/Windsor is easy, just have your ID ready. If decide to travel up to the Port Huron/Sarnia border crossing samething. The only major difference between the two is once you on the Canadian side of the border coming from Detroit there are more rest areas to pull into and have a break from driving. Unlike the states we don't tend to have a lot of areas you can pull into and just take a break from driving. Windsor to Guelph along the 401 there are 4 service/rest areas plus I think 4 truck stops. Sarnia to Guelph there is a 2 rest areas but those only come after driving into the London area, plus the truck stops. But from Sarnia to London its pretty much a straight shot without anywhere to really stop along side the highway.
If your planning on driving across, Dont waste your time traveling farther up Port Huron/Sarnia. Its actually a longer trip by 25mins.
And like some of the other posters said, don't fly into Toronto, you'll be better off landing in Detroit. Think its Toronto that has the highest fees for airlines in the world....and you just know that cost gets passed along to the customer. | |
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