Late October, Ontario & Quebec - Trans Canada

[markopolo]

If you know of any campgrounds along the Trans Canada Highway in Ontario and Quebec that are open in late October please let me know.

If you know of any truck stops that are RV friendly where I could pull in and get some sleep along the same route I'd much appreciate it if you let me know.

[renrut]

I think all rest stops in Quebec allows you to sleep there for 6 hours. At least they use to.

Are you planning on traveling the actual Trans Canada, Hwy 17 or cut through the USA and drive Southern Ontario along Hwy 401? If you went along the 401, you would be welcome come here and stay in my driveway.

[markopolo]

That's very nice of you to offer. Thank you.

I ran the route through Streets & Trips. Looks like 17 & 417 and 20 in Quebec. Lots of campgrounds don't stay open past Thanksgiving. Some close in September

I downloaded some POI's from http://www.poifriend.com they should help.

[renrut]

When my family and I moved from Nova Scotia to Winnipeg, we stayed in Walmart parking lots. We got paid $50 per night if we didn't stay at a commercial place. I needed the extra money considering I was pulling a 5000lb trailer behind my RV.

I was checking Provincial Parks but the camping all closes between Sept and Oct. I was excited for a bit since some say they close in March. Unfortunately, the Park closes in March but the camping closes earlier. I've tried to find a website dedicated to off season camping but have had no luck.

[markopolo]

Were there other over-nighters in the Walmart parking lots?

[renrut]

Yes, but that was back in 2002. When we moved from Winnipeg to here back in 2007, we stayed at campgrounds. They had power so we could have the air conditioner running. It was a lot warmer then. Campgrounds also had playgrounds for the kids. Back in 02, our kids were very young and the McDonalds play grounds were enough to make them happy. They're a little older and need more to entertain them.

From what I have seen on the Net, Walmart, Cosco and maybe other companies allow overnight "parking". It might be worth looking in to. Since almost every campground will be closed, I can't see a problem. It would be nice to find at least a few campgrounds to have a shower and laundry facility.

[VernM]

Sarnia has a nice big Walmart with parking space. It's just off Modeland Road at 402, if you go that way.

[Mike]

I don't think you'll have any problems in Quebec. I'm certain it's the "RV Boondocking" capital of Canada.
I think the word "boondock" is actually from the French for "frugalle".
As far as Ontario, I'm really not sure. You can probably stay at any of the highway gas station/restaurants
(Esso, etc.) places right on the highways. To tell you honestly I'm not sure, but I think they'd rather have
you rest and drive, than try to drive tired. Most of the Walmarts in this province aren't always near the major
highways, so they can be a little harder to find. There's also Rona/Home Depot/Real Canadian Superstores, etc....
We also have a smattering of truck stops (5th Wheel, Husky, T/A, Flying J) or two along the 401 that don't mind
an overnighter.
If you're coming via the Niagara Region, you're welcome here too.
PM me for details.

[markopolo]

I've managed to find a couple of campgrounds that are open and I'll add the Flying J and Walmart POI's to my GPS. I might have Husky also.

I'd be comfortable as long as a few other over-nighters were there.

[Mike]

OK, where and when do you want us to meet you??? We'll spend the evening in a Walmart ANYTIME!!!
They're as RV friendly as you can get. And most have a built in McD's for breakfast!
Need a parking lot crowd? Call us at "1-800-Boondockers R US ".