Any Ideas of where to go for TS near Montreal or Ottowa?

[paul&fiona Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close paul&fiona]

G'day Everyone,

we are from Melbourne, Australia. We've been in Timeshare for about 9 years but we have only been overseas once, Hawaii and a cruise around the islands through RCI. We use Timeshare all the time in Australia and we're familiar with the basics over here. We are virtually clueless how it operates in Canada and we have no idea about resorts in the Quebec area which is our target destination.

Our children 8 (nearly 9) and 11 have taken up ice-hockey in a big way and they are by far the best players in Australia however that's not really saying much because hardly anyone over here plays this fantastic sport. We are seriously thinking of applying to 'Harrington College of Canada' in Oka, Quebec and we have been in contact with the college. The enrolments gentleman suggested that we come over to Canada, as soon as possible, and have our children evaluated to see if our 11 year old would be accepted as a student in August, 2011 and they would possibly assess our 8 year old. We would have to spend about 2 weeks in Canada for this to be possible. Our 11 y/o would spend a week staying at the College (not sure yet about the 8 y/o) but in any case we, the 'open cheque book' parents would need to stay as close as possible to the college. Whilst we are there, we would also be looking at the possibility of moving to Canada permanently. We are both nurses and from what we understand, gaining employment is possible. We can't imagine sending our children off to another country and not being close by. We hope to be coming to Montreal in about October/November this year. We have asked today, the Australian administrators of Timeshare to e-mail us with some information about the resorts in Canada and we should here from them in a day or so.

We would appreciate any information at all, e.g. what is the closest Timeshare resort to Oka, Quebec? Is it possible to get 2 weeks at resorts? We have more than 2 weeks of Timeshare saved up. Of course we can always stay in a motel if we have to even if it's for a few days or more. Is it possible to stay one week at one resort and then another week at another and still be within a reasonable distance from Oka?

We don't really know much about ice-hockey except that by Australian standards, our children are exceptionally talented. So anyone that could give us some tips e.g. the best places to buy equipment that are near some of the possible resorts we hope to be staying in. Would it be possible to see a hockey game whilst we are there? Obviously, we would love to see an NHL game but any division would do. Are there any other ice-hockey DVDs besides "The Mighty Ducks", "Miracle" and "Mystery Alaska" which we could purchase either on-line or whilst we are over there? We have seen these movies about 100 times each!! There virtually is nothing ice-hockey related information etc. here in Australia.

Bye for now,

We are sure this won't be the last time we visit/post on the forum.

Paul and Fiona.

[bankr63 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bankr63]

G'day Everyone,

we are from Melbourne, Australia. We've been in Timeshare for about 9 years but we have only been overseas once, Hawaii and a cruise around the islands through RCI. We use Timeshare all the time in Australia and we're familiar with the basics over here. We are virtually clueless how it operates in Canada and we have no idea about resorts in the Quebec area which is our target destination.

I don't think there is a lot of difference in operation between Aus and Canada. There are some subtle differences in RCI program, but you should be able to select and trade from there.

Our children 8 (nearly 9) and 11 have taken up ice-hockey in a big way and they are by far the best players in Australia however that's not really saying much because hardly anyone over here plays this fantastic sport. We are seriously thinking of applying to 'Harrington College of Canada' in Oka, Quebec and we have been in contact with the college. The enrolments gentleman suggested that we come over to Canada, as soon as possible, and have our children evaluated to see if our 11 year old would be accepted as a student in August, 2011 and they would possibly assess our 8 year old. We would have to spend about 2 weeks in Canada for this to be possible.

Wow, that's a big step! Harrington is a good school with a great hockey program, but you will need to do some research on Cost of Living here to see if you can afford it. Two nursing salaries probably will make it difficult to sustain two kids in private school and a keep a standard of living; unless you are independently wealthy as well...

I would also question the value of mixing hockey and education. A large percentage of Canadian kids (boys and girls) participate in some very competitive hockey. But the hockey programs are NOT based out of the school programs. Some high schools (grade 9+) have hockey teams, very few elementary schools do. Most hockey is sponsored by the provincial hockey associations, and is played by community teams. So to get the best competition and play experience your sons would quite possibly do better in amateur hockey outside of school. There are lots of additional skills programs offered outside of school as well to help them hone the basics. Then you just need to pick an area to settle with a decent hockey program (that would be just about anywhere with a population of 1000+ people)

Our 11 y/o would spend a week staying at the College (not sure yet about the 8 y/o) but in any case we, the 'open cheque book' parents would need to stay as close as possible to the college.

There aren't a lot of options in the area for timeshare; our seasons in Canada make it a less desirable option as many areas are only operational a bit more than half the year. Closest timeshare (on RCI - assume you are trading) is the Hyatt in downtown Montreal. Large highrise, close to everything, about 30-45 minutes to Oka in Urban traffic. North of Oka you could consider resorts at Mont St. Saveur (2 on RCI) or Mt. Tremblant (4 options, Club Intrawest is swank). Both are big ski resorts, but you would be early season, so they may have availability. Also a good chance to try your hand at some of our other great outdoor sports – I ski Tremblant every year for a weekend getaway, it is a great hill and a great resort! That would be about a 1 hour drive to Oka.

Whilst we are there, we would also be looking at the possibility of moving to Canada permanently. We are both nurses and from what we understand, gaining employment is possible. We can't imagine sending our children off to another country and not being close by. We hope to be coming to Montreal in about October/November this year.

I would seek some immigration help here on arrival. We do have need for nurses in Canada, and your skills would probably be easily transferrable with some minor requalification, but there are delays in the process, so spend some time learning what to expect so you are not surprised.

Also, consider carefully where you should settle. Oka is in the province of Quebec which has very strong language laws to protect the French language. English is fairly common, but is not universally spoken in many areas outside of Montreal. Hudson/Oka area does still have a fairly good English speaking population. One warning, if one of your kids is not accepted into the private school, they may find themselves forced to attend a French language school. Quebec has some fairly strict laws about what language immigrants must be educated in if in the public system. I would also consider other options in the English speaking part of the country where you may find it easier to integrate your family. If you like the private school route, perhaps consider Lakefield College (Lakefield, ON). I understand they have a very good sports program, and it was good enough for Prince Andrew.

We would appreciate any information at all, e.g. what is the closest Timeshare resort to Oka, Quebec? Is it possible to get 2 weeks at resorts? We have more than 2 weeks of Timeshare saved up. Of course we can always stay in a motel if we have to even if it's for a few days or more. Is it possible to stay one week at one resort and then another week at another and still be within a reasonable distance from Oka?

Suggestions above, otherwise yes most resorts should allow multi-week stays (can vary by resort). Certainly no problem if you are willing to change to a second location.

We don't really know much about ice-hockey except that by Australian standards, our children are exceptionally talented. So anyone that could give us some tips e.g. the best places to buy equipment that are near some of the possible resorts we hope to be staying in.

As long as you are here anywhere from September to around February, there are about a million sports stores where you can get gear. Later in the season is better as the sales get started. I would suggest visiting a better skate store if possible (major cities). Getting properly fitted for a really good pair of skates is worth the cost and effort.

Would it be possible to see a hockey game whilst we are there? Obviously, we would love to see an NHL game but any division would do. Are there any other ice-hockey DVDs besides "The Mighty Ducks", "Miracle" and "Mystery Alaska" which we could purchase either on-line or whilst we are over there? We have seen these movies about 100 times each!! There virtually is nothing ice-hockey related information etc. here in Australia.

No problem seeing a game, except perhaps in Toronto (generally sold out, but then they always lose). Tickets are obtainable for Montreal Canadians or Ottawa Senators games. Check my location to see which team I think is better (Go Sens Go!). Our Junior hockey is even more accessible, cheaper, and sometimes a lot more entertaining. Teams are located in most small to major cities. Pretty sure that you have listed all of the major Hollywood flicks. There are instructional videos available, but you can order those through the internet as easily from there as searching stores for them here.

I wish you luck on your quest. I must say that I am touched that you are willing to move halfway across the globe in support of your child’s dream. Just take some time to understand what you are getting into before you make that jump!

M Ross

[freckleface69 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close freckleface69]

Harrington College of Canada

At Harrington College we make sure elite hockey players get the opportunity to pursue and develop their hockey skills in an environment that values both academic excellence and sound personal development.

Harrington College, Canada’s leading school for elite hockey players, embodies a passion for excellence and levels of commitment that produce unparalleled results on and off the ice. At Harrington, students from Peewee to Junior are offered the very best support for bringing their hockey skills and their academic results to the next level. Harrington’s “win-win” formula provides young people with the best opportunities available to become professionals inside or outside of hockey and to become responsible and contributing members of their community. Who We Are

Harrington College is a Canadian school with a unique hockey, academic and learning program. It provides goal-oriented, elite hockey players from around the world with the opportunity to develop their hockey skills at an unparalleled level. At the same time it provides them with an outstanding academic education and promotes sound personal development in an environment tailored to meet individual learning styles and dedicated to providing relevance within the framework of their unique interests.