Cross Canada Trip in August 2016

[Rocketman53]

Originally Posted by mkguitar

Just swipe the card through or insert card into the reader...instant on. no sign, no pin etc. and fill the tank- no preset limits

We had occasional issues with our chipped American cards at gas pumps on our recent trip to Canada. Sometimes the readers would recognize them, and sometimes not. Swipe readers were no problem. Having to prepay for gas is an inconvenience.

Had trouble with ATMs inside Costco, too. Never did work for us there.

[Rocketman53]

Originally Posted by Mike

I don't camp in provincial parks or commercial campgrounds much in Canada...they are pricey compared to US Nat Park Services locations and BLM, or USFS facilities. The US$/C$ difference might make them more economical to a US traveller.

We found that many Canadian communities offered campgrounds in local town parks or operated by the chamber of commerce. These were invariably inexpensive (often CDN$20, or less) and well-maintained.

[Mike]

There are 3 well serviced campgrounds near me that are run by St Clair Township, but I know of none that go for $20/night. Not in east, south, or southwestern Ontario, at least. Maybe northern Ontario has some.

These 3 average $38/night.
Campgrounds | St. Clair Township Community Services

Even our Walmarts charge more than $20/night.

[Rocketman53]

Originally Posted by Mike

There are 3 well serviced campgrounds near me that are run by St Clair Township, but I know of none that go for $20/night. Not in east, south, or southwestern Ontario, at least. Even our Walmarts charge more than $20/night.

We found these inexpensive little places along the St. Lawrence and in the Maritimes. Prices were for "parking", no services or extras. I got the sense that they were operated as "tourist stop magnets" for the town. (One was a rod and gun club operation.) They were all pleasant stops, and far cry from Jellystone or KOA. Maybe because it was coming to the end of the season... Maybe my only having a "minivan"... I dunno. As they say, your mileage may vary.

BTW: Our local Walmart no longer allows overnighters. Folks bollixed the deal by making a perpetual mess of the parking lot, and shopping center management shut it down. The signs went up just before Thanksgiving.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Rocketman53

We found these inexpensive little places along the St. Lawrence and in the Maritimes. Prices were for "parking", no services or extras. I got the sense that they were operated as "tourist stop magnets" for the town. (One was a rod and gun club operation.) They were all pleasant stops, and far cry from Jellystone or KOA. Maybe because it was coming to the end of the season... Maybe my only having a "minivan"... I dunno. As they say, your mileage may vary.

BTW: Our local Walmart no longer allows overnighters. Folks bollixed the deal by making a perpetual mess of the parking lot, and shopping center management shut it down. The signs went up just before Thanksgiving.

I see. That makes more sense. I did see some less pricey, no services places mentioned online out that way, when we first researched our trips to the Maritimes. We usually just boondock when possible, because we tend to tour more than stop and smell the roses. That's changing, though.
Along RTE 132 along the St. Lawrence, and around the Gaspe peninsula, they used to allow overnight stops at their pretty little roadside rest areas. Last time we were out that way, they had posted most of them "no overnight parking". I would guess for the same reasons as your Walmart policy changed. It's a shame, but it's also understandable, for the reasons you cite. We're still pretty wide open that way here, if you're ever in the area. A Walmart at the eastern edge of town, and a Casino on the riverfront, provide overnight access for boon dockers. For now, anyways. The Casino will even provide 15A electrical hookup, if you're bold enough to ask.

[Rocketman53]

Originally Posted by Mike

Along RTE 132 along the St. Lawrence, and around the Gaspe peninsula, they used to allow overnight stops at their pretty little roadside rest areas. Last time we were out that way, they had posted most of them "no overnight parking".

I was surprised at the number not posted. I presumed, perhaps wrongly, that the prohibitions were pretty much universal. Dear wife does not particularly like parking lot camping, especially along highways with no one else around. She likes a campfire around which to relax, and a clear sky above. Usually, she's okay with Walmarts and highway rest areas or truck stops. Never done any stops at casinos.

Originally Posted by Mike

I would guess for the same reasons as your Walmart policy changed. It's a shame, but it's also understandable, for the reasons you cite. We're still pretty wide open that way here, if you're ever in the area. A Walmart at the eastern edge of town, and a Casino on the riverfront, provide overnight access for boon dockers. For now, anyways. The Casino will even provide 15A electrical hookup, if you're bold enough to ask.

Next summer we're headed west, we think, looping across USA to Yellowstone and back east via Canada. Some logistical considerations yet to solve.

[vanawhite]

I'd recommend over shooting Montreal a little and hitting Quebec City. I thought it was a beautiful, fun city. The food was great (French obviously) and the city is great to just walk around and explore.

[soohma]

Got my route a little more down. Here's where I'm headed.

Merritt, BC
Banff (2 days)
Waterton National Park
Redcliff
Regina
Manitou (mineral springs)

Haven't gotten the rest done yet.


I'm headed to Montreal as my end destination, then return hopefully by another route.


Any suggestions for interesting things to do/see/stay would be appreciated.

[BBQ]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywqpnDKaWQY

[soohma]

While this is interesting, I don't see how it relates to the trip I'm proposing to take. And using a drone while driving does seem a bit chancy.

[Chuck711]

I just returned from a trip from North Carolina to Quebec City visiting Montreal and Ottawa.
Quebec City was great. Ottawa interesting.

Could have just omitted Montreal. Wasn't impressed............

Stayed at these campgrounds:

Ottawa Wesley Clover Parks Campground 411 Corkstown Rd Phone: (613) 828-6632 Secluded

Montreal South KOA 130 Montée Monette, St Philippe de Laprairie +1 450-659-8626

CAMPING DE LA JOIE 640, Georges-Muir street, Quebec 418 849-2264 or 1-877 849-2264
Great Local for visiting Quebec City

After that went to Maine and really enjoyed it. Bar Harbor,Camden, Belfast was good also.
Next to Mystic Conn. Fabulous !

[MsNomer]

Banff is tourist country. A few miles up the road, Jasper is a small town in Heaven.

[soohma]

Thanks so much, especially for the campgrounds. Was the one in Montreal anywhere near the city? I'm meeting my son there and couldn't find any campgrounds that were not several miles away.

[soohma]

That's very helpful. Not too fond of tourist places. Maybe I'll overshoot Banff and go to heaven.

[MsNomer]

In Jasper across the street from the Visitor's Center is (or at least was in 2012) a nondescript small hamburger joint. That has to be one of the best I've ever eaten, particularly with sweet potato fries.

[soohma]

Well, I don't eat beef, but I love sweet potato fries. Thanks.

[soohma]

I'm assuming the same rules/laws apply in Canada as in the US regarding taking dogs into stores? In other words, it's a no-no? I want to see some of the cities, but hate the thought of leaving him in the RV while I explore.

Anyone had experience with this?

Also, anyone have any suggestions for camping near Montreal, Winnipeg or Toronto? Is there public transportation that can get you into the city so you don't have to drive the RV into the city?

[BBQ]

Originally Posted by soohma

I'm assuming the same rules/laws apply in Canada as in the US regarding taking dogs into stores? In other words, it's a no-no? I want to see some of the cities, but hate the thought of leaving him in the RV while I explore.

Anyone had experience with this?

Also, anyone have any suggestions for camping near Montreal, Winnipeg or Toronto? Is there public transportation that can get you into the city so you don't have to drive the RV into the city?

For Toronto,
you can drive a class B anywhere.
However, Toronto is a busy city; driving and parking downtown is a challenge.

I would park the class B at one of the subway stops.
Buy a day pass and explore everywhere on public transit.
https://www.ttc.ca/Fares_and_passes/...Pass/index.jsp

[soohma]

That's very helpful. Thank you.

[Davydd]

The drive between Banff and Jasper is a must for the ice fields, Lake Louise and all. Take it all in. Both Banff and Jasper have plenty of eating establishments. Lake Louise, not so much.