RVing Canada

RVers Looking for Excitement--Visit WildPlay Element Parks in Nanaimo

2009-05-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

Need a little more adrenaline to run through your veins? The last "almost got us" truck driver not enough to keep your blood flowing? How about a stint of bungy jumping, tree climbing, or zip-line riding over a river gorge? WildPlay Element Parks want to drag you kicking a screaming into a pucker-string tightening adventure in Nanaimo, B.C.

The "tree course" takes you above ground on swinging bridges, zip lines, and various obstacles. The course has several levels, rated for children, young people, and adults running up four levels from that requiring minimal skill (and to a minimal height above ground), to that taking you way up high, and requiring a lot of skill.

Perhaps climbing trees and running down wobbly bridges isn't your cup o' tea. How about 150' drop with rubber bands tied to your ankles, singly or with a friend? WildPlay's bungy jump dumps you over the Nanaimo River. Think we'll pass on this offer. You could always belt up in a seat-like harness and "sit" your way through the drop on the park's King Swing. Or perhaps the least green-skin producing is the big zip line run over the width, and one long length, of the river canyon below.

Is it exciting? Sure looks like it. Is it safe? Well---you'll have to determine that one for yourself, and before you'll be allowed to do any of the park's challenges, you'll be asked to sign off on a waiver that releases everybody and their brother involved is something out-of-place does happen. Check out the website at www.wildplayparks.com.

photo courtesy wildplayparks.com

Canada RV Dealers Not Feeling the Pain Like American Counterparts

2009-04-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

While dealerships are closing doors around the US, Canadian RV dealers say things aren't so bad up north. Some say that sales this year are around a par with last, in fact. Still, they want help from the government to smooth the sales ways.

Published reports on RV sales out east in Saskatchewan show over a 45% increase in sales in December/January of this year, compared to a year prior. From across the 'Great White North' RV show promoters are happily reporting in with glowing reports of great crowds which no man is practically able to number. What seems to be driving the boom?

Those practical Canucks are seeing the cost-effectiveness of RVing as opposed to hotel-vacationing. Canwest Publishing reports the story from one RV show where Rob Butler, his wife, and four children were trolling about, eyeballing pop-up rigs. Butler told Canwest, he couldn't stomach continuing to spend thousands on hotels and flights for an annual vacation in this economy."My family is so big, we're looking at other vacation options."

Butler has plenty of company, as the sales of everything from pop-ups to luxury motorhomes seem to be continuing. But that doesn't mean Canadian RV dealers aren't looking for help. If Johnny Canuck is the Canadian equivalent of Uncle Sam, Johnny had better think about getting his phone number de-listed. The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association has gone public, saying the federal government needs to step up to the plate and help RV dealers get more access to credit to help customers secure financing for RV purchases. In a story published in today's The Canadian Press, dealer association president Michael Corte called on the crown for help. "Canada must take a bold step in addressing this credit as it relates to the RV industry,

Zoo Critter Stows Away on Motorhome

2009-04-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

What's a foot and a half tall, is blue and gold, makes lots of noise--and evidently likes RVing? That would be Chuva, the macaw parrot, recently of the Vancouver, BC zoo. Zoo officials were alarmed, when a week-ago this Monday, Chuva couldn't be found. Since her wings had been clipped, officials were convinced that she hadn't literally flown the coop, but the the clipped parrot could have been kipped.

Big news in the papers. Tips flooded in. 'Psst--your bird is being held in Aldergrove,' came one "tip." A tip that didn't pan out. Three days later though, a call came in that was the relief zoo officials were looking for. It seems a family who'd been visiting the zoo with their motorhome had heard strange noises emanating from beneath their rig. Sure enough, Chuva had stowed away in the motorhome undercarriage, making a short trip to a nearby suburb. Chuva was 'a wee bit peckish'--er--hungry, but none the worse for wear.

Perhaps it's just as well Chuva hasn't learned English. We might not want to hear her commentary on bouncing Bounders. At least not from the basement.

photo: langely advance

Yukon Motorhome Rental Offer Could be Scam

2009-03-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

A web site that promises great deals--including motorhome rentals--for Yukon visitors is being investigated by Canadian RCMP officials as a possible fraud operation. Operators of yukonvacation.com are said to be advertising all sorts of come-ons for travel packages without the consent of the legitimate companies who--without their consent--are listed on the website.

According to a story on cbcnews.ca, the outfit has outraged dozens of legitimate tourism outfits who say they've never heard of the internet company, nor made any agreements to work with them. What's worrisome about the site is that a "reservation form" fill-out on the site asks for personal information, including credit card numbers. However, elsewhere on the site a disclaimer indicates the form is "not a reservation confirmation or a reservation document."

The site's web page advertising motorhome rentals has the 'look and feel' of a legitimate RV rental firm's site. The company here is "Whitehorse Motorhome/Camper Rental" complete with quoted rates and photos. However, a search of operators in the area doesn't raise any firm by that name.

While the RCMP has managed to track down a post office box address in Washington state associated with the firm, but no direct contact has yet been made.

Canadian Cat Kato Creates Chaos With RVing Couple

2009-03-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

Imagine the life of Dick and Diane Forde of Kamloops, B.C. The Forde's adult son has been seriously ill, and after he began a recovery, he finally convinced his parents who had been caring for him to take a break. So the Fordes loaded up their rig and headed south to Palm Springs for some of that coveted winter sunshine.

On the return home, they needed some hitch repair done to their coach, so they availed themselves of a shop in Yucca Valley, not too far north of Palm Springs. It was after the couple had crossed into Canada when 'the light came on.' Their furry friend Kato, a Himalayan cat, was missing in action. Visions of a coyote with a big grin and bits of white Himalyan fur around his chops were just too much for the Fordes to bear.

But Kato, it seems, had other plans. Sometime during the stopover in Yucca Valley, Kato had evidently decided to do a little exploring and wound up snoozing in one of the shop employee's cars. When Dick and Diane thought about their route, they called the shop, and sure enough, found that Kato had taken up temporary residence as a muffler shop mascot.

It wasn't long after the call that the Fordes were crossing the international border again, headed back to Yucca Valley. Shop owner Dave Totten told the High Desert Star newspaper, “My wife [Odetta] is a total animal lover. She wasn’t going to let anything happen to that cat or any animal.”

Scammers Target Canadian RV Sellers

2009-02-16T08:14:00.000-08:00

Trying to sell your RV? Watch out for the latest scam that may even look--well, sorta legitimate.

It works this way: You list your RV for sale and shortly thereafter, you hear from someone who calls himself Nathan Seer. Nathan says he has a customer already lined up for your rig, in fact, you'll soon have a cashier's check for more than the amount of your asking price. What's that extra amount? That's for expenses like shipping that may come up after the sale.

You know the rest: Simply send Seer the excess above your asking price, and, hey presto! You've sold your RV. What makes the deal seem legit is the logo on the check: It's the logo of RV Care Network, a truly legitimate business group that networks the sale of RVs across Canada. But the logo on the check is bogus--just as the check itself is bogus. The seller cashes the check, sends Seer his "expenses" amount, and a few days down the line, the bank calls back, "Sorry the cashier's check is no good--pay up."

So far at least two Canadians have "bit" on the scam, and are "out" an average of over $9,000.

If you're selling your rig and you get an offer like this, call your local police, advises the now newspaper.

photo: d70focus on flickr.com

Latest Border Blunder? US Bars Loonies Entry to Country

2008-10-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

US Customs officials may have prevented thousands of loonies traveling with RVers from entering the US this week.

No, the G-men aren't worried about an influx of mental patients, the loonies in question were Canadian dollars, commonly dubbed "loonies" for the image of the bird that appears on the coin. In actuality, two Canadian couples, each in a motorhome, attempted to make the crossing into the US en route to Mexico. For whatever reason, US officials inquired about how much cash the RVers were carrying, and reports indicate the failed to 'fess up to carrying more than $10,000 in currency.

While it's not illegal to carry that amount of money in or out of the US, federal law requires it be declared. In this case, more than $10,000 in Canadian, US, and Mexican funds were found stashed throughout the motorhomes. According to the Port Huron Times Herald, the RVers new they were obligated to report the cash, yet did not. They were allowed to continue on with a convoy of other RVers, after the cash was put under arrest. For "humanitarian reasons," the border guards allowed an undisclosed amount of cash to continue on with the travelers. As for the rest, the owners will be able to reclaim it--after they jump through hoops, including proving where the money came from.

Arizona RVer dodges 3-year jail bullet over Canadian firearms violation

2008-10-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

A U.S. citizen should be grateful he has poor health--it kept him out of a potential three year "visit" to a Canadian prison after he tried to enter the country with a cache of undeclared weapons.

Collie Roe, a 66 year-old self-described firearms instructor from Arizona, thought he'd take a shortcut from Michigan to a New York gun show by cutting across Canada. At the border he declared he was carrying four weapons to a gun show. Customs officials must have smelled a rat, because they searched Roe's RV and towed vehicle. In reality, Roe was toting a total of 16 firearms, a loaded handgun in his pocket, and several more--including 9 mm and .45 caliber handguns--all loaded--in the immediate vicinity of his driver seat.

According to the Times Herald of Port Huron, Roe could have spent the mandatory three-year sentence in jail for his convictions on weapons possession, illegal importation, and customs evasions charges. In light of his poor health, a Canadian court rolled his convictions into what in the US is considered a misdemeanor status. Nevertheless, Roe spent three months in jail, had to pay $5,000 to get his RV and toad released, and his weapons will soon be scrap metal.

Canadians urged to buy RVs at home, not in USA

2008-09-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

(Sept. 15, 2008) -- With the rise of the Canadian dollar over the past year, some Canadians have been quick to assume that buying all goods in the United States will save them money. However, when buying an RV, it can in fact be more expensive and troublesome to buy from a dealer located across the border.

According to Canadian RV dealers, the strength of the Canadian dollar over many months has enabled them to have more buying power when purchasing from manufacturers. This means that Canadian RV dealers are often able to offer the same prices as U.S. dealers can.

"It's a myth that everything is cheaper in the U.S.," said Go RVing Canada Spokesperson Catherine Fortin LeFaivre. "And in fact, when considering all of the hassle and the costs associated with bringing a vehicle across the border, most Canadians are better off purchasing their RV at their local Canadian RV dealership."

Factors to consider that might make an RV cross border shopping experience more expensive and troublesome than previously assumed include:

--Numerous brokerage and duty fees associated with importing a vehicle into Canada.
--Travel costs (hotel, gas, food) associated with traveling a longer distance to shop and buy the unit.
--The cost of the difference of the exchange rate (if the Canadian dollar is not exactly at par).
--Lengthy vehicle importation paperwork required by Canada Border Agency and Transport Canada.
--Temporary licensing requirement to bring the vehicle home.
--Costs and work of converting an RV to comply with numerous Canadian standards (which differ from U.S. standards) within a limited time period.
--Extra service costs for warranty repairs.
--The unavailability of financing at some U.S. dealership due to Canadian residency/ citizenship.
--Insurance and registration complications.

"It's important to be able to maintain a relationship with your local RV dealer so that he or she can offer you advice and assistance about your RV for many years to come," said Fortin LeFaivre. "When buying from a U.S. dealer, it makes it very difficult and costly for the customer to just pop in and ask for help."

Before assuming that cross border will save a Canadian consumer money, Go RVing Canada recommends checking with local Canadian RV dealers to see if a similar price to that of the U.S. dealer can be offered and to examine the advantages of local service. "Buying from a Canadian RV dealer can often times save you time, hassle, and money," said Fortin LeFaivre.

An arrest in your past? Canada may turn you away at the border

2008-09-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

U.S. citizens and other with a conviction for drunk driving or another offense -- even one in the distant past and considered minor in the USA -- may be turned away at the Canadian border when trying to enter the country. Members of inadmissible classes include those who have been convicted of offenses including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc., or of indictable criminal offenses (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) are considered members of an inadmissible class.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offense in Canada, which makes anyone with a conviction ineligible to enter the country.

Those who have received traffic violations including parking/speeding tickets, etc., and other minor violations (i.e. littering, etc.) most likely will not be prohibited from entering Canada. Similarly, those with juvenile convictions (those committed while under age 18) most likely will not be prohibited from entering Canada unless they could have been tried as an adult for their offenses.

In recent years, with more sophisticated sharing of computer records, would-be visitors with criminal have been turned away with greater frequency. Americans who wish to visit Canada can apply for what is termed a "Minister's Approval of Rehabilitation," which may give them permission to enter.

Canadians May Think Fuel Prices Loony, But Not Putting It in Garage Yet

2008-04-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

A survey of Canadian drivers indicates that while high road fuel prices are taking a sting, it hasn't caused them to leave the car--or the RV--parked in the garage. It does mean that many are changing their plan of attack, which could have an effect on visitors this summer.

The survey is part of an overall look at Canadians attitudes toward oil prices published in Oilweek Magazine. The survey done by hoteliers, indicated that the number of Canadians who planned a domestic trip was down from 78% last year to 70% now. Financial reasons and higher gas prices topped the list for the lower rate of travel.

While the survey was for all drivers, Oilweek rousted out opinions of Canuck RVers. Like their 'Lower 48' counterparts, many are still planning on using the RV, but may adjust their plans to account for the higher fuel prices. Fred Wright of Toronto recently traded up to a new fifth-wheel trailer, a towable RV, as he and his wife Suzanne like to visit various parks around Ontario.

"I only get about seven miles per gallon (about 34 litres per 100 kilometres) when I'm pulling the trailer, so we've decided after this summer we'll put it at a seasonal park and only take it out once a year," he said.

If a large number of Canadians take this stance, it may be a great time for Americans (who have the fuel money to burn) to check out some of the attractions up north, eh? With fewer rigs in those park treasures, the farther you'll be able to see.

Photo: Alberta Highway 16 by laszlo-photo on flickr.com

B.C. Gets Off The Dime on RV Park Declines--But Is It In Time?

2008-04-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last December we reported that there were serious concerns about the decline in the number of RV parks throughout the province. Over a three year period nearly 10% of available RV park "spaces" had vanished, largely due to increasing land values and the resultant sellout by park owners.

Now a group of government and industry folk concerned about the future of BC's tourism have sent the provincial Tourism, Sport, and Arts Minister a wish list of recommendations to try and turn-around what could be a one-way downhill trip to declining tourist revenues.

Among the recommendations was making more provincial land available for RV use and allowing local governments to decide whether or not to allow boondocking. The group also recommended upgrading RV sites in popular campgrounds to better accommodate the needs of newer RVs. Perhaps stating the obvious, the reported noted,"The baby boomer generation's move towards retirement and desire to travel is the major force affecting the RV market and as a result, demands for quality, comfort and services at RV parks will increase."

The work group report recommends their suggestions be implemented within three years. But with the Summer Olympic Games slated for Vancouver in 2010, and all 217 spaces at the only RV park in nearby Burnaby reserved out, three years might be a bit late.

Photo: wildernesscommittee.org

Stong Loonies Make For Reduced Prices on Canuck RVs

2008-03-26T15:58:00.001-07:00

The strong Canadian dollar has led to a new strategy for RV sales in the land of the maple leaf: Sell 'em cheaper to keep the loonies on the north side of the border. With that thinking, Canadian buyers are finding their toonies go a long way.

"We've adjusted our pricing to accommodate that strong dollar," said Dennis Elkow with Carefree Coach and RV. "A lot of shoppers have been going to the States hoping that they're going to get a cheaper price, so we have to counteract that."

"We have an array of coaches in diesel from $140,000 all the way up to $850,000. What was priced at, say, $300,000 four years ago, probably you can get for about $210,000 now."

Dealers at an RV show in Edmonton, Alberta were crowing about ammenities. While luxury used to be found only for folks rolling in the dough, now even us regular folk can get some of the nicer things in life. How about a flat screen television--not just in the living room--but one that attaches outside the rig. Imagine that, breathing in all that fresh air while keeping up with the latest antics of television starz.

Check out the whole story here.

Photo: SqueakyMarmot on flickr.com

Canada Bound? Passport Card Less Expensive Than Passport

2008-02-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

The US government announces they've finally made less expensive "Passport Cards" available to the American public. Check out the full story on our sister blog, RVing Mexico.

Homeland Security Locks Horns With Congress: Get Ready for Tighter Border Crossings

2008-01-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

Last month the US Congress passed legislation that was thought to put off tighter identification requirements for folks crossing the US borders by land. Now the Department of Homeland Security has fired a shot back at Congress: Expect tighter identification requirements by the end of the month when making land crossings.

In a terse statement, apparently aimed at congressional leaders, Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff said it was, "Time to grow up and recognize that if we're serious about this threat [that of terrorist activity], we've got to take reasonable, measured, but nevertheless determined steps to getting better security." It didn't take long to get a response from Congress.

Noting that Chertoff's department was forced to temporarily suspend a similar requirement for air travelers last summer when the rule caused a massive U.S. passport backlog, Representative Thomas M. Reynolds (R-N.Y.) said that Chertoff, "frankly has as much credibility on telling people to grow up as Geoffrey the giraffe." Geoffrey is the advertising mascot of America's largest toy retailer, Toys R Us.

What's the bottom line? At this stage of the "chess game" between Homeland Security and Congress, it looks as though Congress is on the losing end. Chertoff says travelers entering the US will need to do more than just declare their citizenship verbally, they'll need to prove it. If they don't have a passport, an "enhanced driver license," or border pass card, then a photo identification plus proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) will be required.

It would appear similar documentation will be required to enter the US from Mexico.

For more information, visit The Washington Post.

Despite Controversy, Nova Scotia Gets Plaudits

2007-12-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

Since we published a post regarding a certain amount of "RV unfriendliness" in Nova Scotia, we've heard plenty from our readers. It's nice to know folks read us. Most recently Chuck Woodbury brought you up to speed on possible changes in provincial law that would begin to allow RVs to park in places other than designated campgrounds. We're hopeful that positive action will be taken to more fully open up this beautiful end of the world to RVers.

Not too long ago an American travel columnist published a post regarding little-known and affordable spots throughout the planet. One of them commented on: Cape Breton Island away up in Nova Scotia. A quick search of the island's amenities will find one of the Crown's jewels, Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Over the coast and highlands of this national treasure runs the Cabot trail, "a major, scenic highway, man..." as some would say. Just the photos have got this writer salivating. So don't write of NS quite yet. Maybe a word to the wise men of Nova Scotia tourism might do a trick.

Nova Scotia may lift ban of Wal-mart RV parking

2007-12-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

It's now illegal in Nova Scotia to stay overnight in an RV in any place not designed a licensed campground which includes shopping malls and Wal-Marts. But that may change as the province considers doing away with the restriction. The Tourist Accommodation Act currently prohibits people from using, maintaining, operating or managing a campground for the use of any overnight parking of RVs unless they have a license. According to the Halifax Chronicle Herald, it appears the provincial government has concluded that licensing all tourism operators in the province isn't worth the political headache it causes. Besides restricting camping to official campgrounds, the present law forbids a resident from renting out the family cottage for extra income. The bill repealing the act isn't expected to be discussed in the legislature until spring.

BC RV Parks Decline in Number

2007-12-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Rising land values in British Columbia are proving too tasty to pass up. According to a story in the Vancouver Sun, RV park owners are selling out at a fast clip, reducing the number of RV parks and RV sites at an equally fast pace.

Chris Bower, general manager of Nk'Mip Campground and RV Park, Osoyoos and president of the B.C. Lodging and Campgrounds Association [BCLCA], who said in an interview with the Sun in November, that 74 parks representing 4,687 campsites have closed or changed use in the past three years. "We've lost 10 per cent," said Bower.

"As an example, in Osoyoos we used to have 1,200 campsites. Now we've got 640. And this is all over B.C., especially in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan."

The campground association official said he's a bit frightened by the whole thing. He says he already sees that RVers are finding 'room at the inn,' a problem. "Our RV park numbers are way up," Bower said of his campground in Osoyoos. "But that's not good for the long term. You need enough competition within the industry to make it viable.

"A lot of this is because of the value of the land. They [campsite owners] have an opportunity to make $1 million to $2 million up front, rather than work for 10 to 15 years for it."

Provincial officials are stirred up about the problem, too. Already the minister of tourism has formed a joint investigative committee from both the government and business sector. For those who love traveling BC, let's hope the committee works faster than some in the lower 48. For the full story, visit the Vancouver Sun article.

Tracking Down Provincial Park Information

2007-10-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

By some accounts, some of the most beautiful RVing can be found in Canada's provincial parks. Sad to say, it's not always easy to track down information about these Maple Leaf Gems. Herewith we present (or "herewith we pweesent, Mr. Wabbit), a short guide to provincial parks via the internet.

Alberta: Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation, and Culture. http://tprc.alberta.ca/parks/default.aspx

British Columbia: B.C. Parks. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

Manitoba: Manitoba Conservation. http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/

Newfoundland: Environment and Conservation. http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks/parks/

Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Provincial Parks. http://parks.gov.ns.ca/

Prince Edward Island: Prince Edward Island--The Gentle Island. http://www.gov.pe.ca/visitorsguide/index.php3?number=1010978

Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Parks. http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/saskparks/ParkInfo/

Photo: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Alberta, courtesy kipguenther on flickr.com

Planning Next Season's Canada Travel? Careful of Nova Scotia

2007-10-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

“... For your safety, comfort and enjoyment we encourage you to use our fine assortment of campgrounds. We ask you not to camp or park your camping vehicle overnight in any area that is not designated as a campground (e.g. parking lots, shopping malls and beach areas). It is illegal to camp indiscriminately.” -- Official Nova Scotia Tourism Guide

Are you an 'indiscriminate camper?' In the eyes of provincial law you are, if you park anywhere but in a licensed campground. Boondock? 'Camp Walmart'? Stay in a "roadside rest area"? All these are no-nos and can get you a fine. It's a fine kettle of fish that not all RVers, particularly those from the 'lower 48' are aware of. In the eyes of many Canadian RVers, it's a "black eye" to their country and reputation for hospitality.

So if it's your intent to visit this maritime province, best to put aside a few extra dollars for staying on in one of the "fine assortment of campgrounds," that the tourism folks, and park owners, would love you to stay in.

To search for campgrounds, visit this official site.

Fall Color In Alberta's Rockies Beckons

2007-10-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

While summer is definitely over, for RVers, the travel season goes on. Labor Day marks the end of the huge tourist season up north, and cool evenings march in, for those with recreational vehicles, a chilly night is nothing.

Now is a spectacular time for spectacular scenes through the Canadian Rockies. The aspens have gone to scintillating yellow, and the larch are adding to the beauty. If you like leaf peeping, this is the time to grab the binoculars and the camera. Add to that, wildlife watching is still a major draw. As the snow begins to flurry in the high hilltops, the critters are getting ready for winter. Elk are in the rut and the bears are getting the last of the season's berries prior to retirement.

An RV driving tour may be just the thing to see the countryside. The Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper is spectacular--two mountain passes, waterfalls, iridescent lakes, and ancient glaciers. It's a 140 mile run full of viewpoints with fanciful names like Peyto Lake, Parker's Ridge, and Bow Lake. There's wildlife all along the route, and grizzlies are not uncommon along the shoulder of the road at Bow Summit.

We talked with Alberta tourism officials this morning. What can you expect from the weather? The days are running in the 50s and 60s, and the outlook for the next two weeks is great--only a couple of questionable days in the picture, other than that, smooth sailing.

Start your plans at Travel Alberta, but don't let the grass grow under your feet. When winter sets in, it's all over for a few months.

Photos courtesy Travel Alberta

RVer's Motorhome Impounded Over Canada Gun Violation

2007-10-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

The moral of the story may be: Don't lie to the customs folk.

James Yarbro, a church elder from Alabama should have known better than to "fib" about packing a pistol when he and his wife pulled off the ferry in Nova Scotia. The 67 year old had already one chance to come clean: When rolling his motorhome onto the ferry he had to fill out a form that declared he was not carrying a firearm. He checked the box that indicated he wasn't. His last chance was when he spoke to Canadian officials who directly asked if he was carrying a weapon. Nope.

Not quite: Customs officials who inspected Yarbro's motorhome found a .357 magnum in the overhead compartment not far from the driver's seat. That's a no-no north of the Lower 48. Yarbro found out it isn't nice to fib to the officers. Mr. Yarbro's motorhome was impounded by the Maple Leaf officials; Yarbro himself had to appear in the Queen's court to explain his behavior.

After pleading guilty to failing to report his weapon, Yarbro paid a $500 fine. That was far from the end of the matter: He was nicked an additional $500 for failing to safely store the weapon; and to get his motorhome back, Yarbro had to pony up an additional $1,000. It's not clear whether Yarbro ever got his big pistol back. Reporters met the Yarbros at the ferry dock as they headed back to Maine. It might be understandable that when queried about his exploits, Yarbro commented: "I just really don’t want to talk to you anymore," he said. "I want to get home and I don’t want to talk to anybody up here about anything else."

Before carrying a weapon to Canada, visit the official website on these matters.

The Eastern Part of Canada Offers Some Equally Beautiful Drives

2007-07-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

A trip to Eastern Canada offers more picturesque ‘Gems’ for RVers. As my last post to this Blog, I’ll highlight the awesome beauty we found on a recent trip to the Maritimes (Canada’s Eastern Provinces). These scenic wonders take on such a unique laid-back down-home flavour. Whale Watching is a popular sport throughout the Maritimes. This picture was taken on our tour.

We had put off a trip to Newfoundland for several years because we felt the ferry costs were too high. However, when we realized the price was similar to the cost of gas or fuel we would have used if we drove non-stop for the time that we were on the ferry (short or long route), our tour of the ‘Rock’ was on. To see the complex wonders of our Newfoundland trip, take a look at our numerous pictures (more ‘pics’ of all eastern Canada are on page 6. ‘Best if viewed as a slideshow’.)

The ‘Doers and Dreamers Visitors Guide of Nova Scotia’ features 11 self-touring drives throughout the province. Besides visiting impressive Halifax there are numerous spectacular ‘driving trails’ in this unique province that snake along the coast. Stops at attractions and one-of-a-kind treasures such as those along the Cabot Trail, or Peggy’s Cove, or Grand Pré - home of the Acadians, or Fort Louisburg (a UNESCO site) are just a few of the hundreds that are waiting. Scenes like these boats at low tide add interest to your exploration by vehicle.

Prince Edward Island is a the quaint long narrow island that is loaded with bike trails, abundant golf courses, awesome provincial parks and red clay everywhere. All roads criss-cross the island from magnificent beaches to sites to see. PEI is the birthplace of Canada and it overflows with easy to understand history presentations such as a creative 'sound and light show' in Charlottetown that explains how ‘Confederation’ began. Of course the Island is home to Anne of Green Gables folklore.

TIP: You only pay to leave the island and travelling by the longest bridge costs less than the ferry. Many RVers take the ferry over and the bridge back.

New Brunswick gets the name of the ‘picture province’ honestly. Their abundance of all new four-lane roads makes travel a dream. Northern terrain offers mountainous scenery and the rolling farmlands in the south are almost hypnotic. Laid back riverfront campgrounds and interesting villages, many in walking distances from where you set up camp, are only a few of the highlights. New Brunswick is also home to Kingsbrea Perennial Garden and the awesome 48-60 foot Bay of Fundy tides.

Quebec’s 400 year old history and European flavour exude from every corner of this province. One of the most impressive routes we have driven anywhere is along Highway 132 en route to the Gaspé. The azure blue St Lawrence on one side and picture perfect houses that proudly show off their incredible gardens on the other is a feast for the senses. In both the villages and the cities, distinctive French style architecture, narrow streets, old world charm and awesome scenery abound. This is a place every RVer should visit at least once – being able to speak French is not a must – someone nearby can usually help English-speaking visitors in all situations. Don't forget to visit a local bake shop for spectacular treats for the eyes as well as taste buds.

In a word, wherever you go in Canada, spectacular sites will be waiting around every bend. But expect to find a lot of unpopulated scenic space between the communities. It is advisable to tour a small section, or a province or two at a time. This country is simply too vast to see it coast to coast in one trip. Wherever you go, with a little planning your RV getaway will become one of your most memorable. Travel safe and please stop by RV Living.net for a visit. It has been great chatting with you over the past months. Peggi.

Scenic Drives In The Western Part Of Canada

2007-07-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

August is just around the corner and since most RVers have their trips to the north already planned, this post will be one of the last two highlighting the RVing Canada Blog 2007.

John and I recently returned from a memorable scenic trip to Western Canada. The vistas and sights en route were nothing short of awesome. Below I highlight a few of the pictorial delights we witnessed. However to view our complete trip, take a look at the numerous pictures in my RVLiving.net Picasa Albums (Best viewed as a Slideshow).

Although each province features numerous spectacular drives, the mountain terrain of the British Columbia Rockies offers a massive selection of one of a kind scenery. It is impossible to mention all the places we saw. The general scenery throughout BC was nothing short of breathtaking at every turn.

En route west we drove through Rogers Pass and the Kicking Horse Pass (the elevated bypass bridge will be completed soon) to Kelowna.

Near the end of our time in Canada's most western province, the route from Kelowna to Radium Hot Springs made for another rewarding day of travel. We left the Hot Springs for Calgary, Alberta, via the gentle Vermillion Pass in the Kooteney National Park. Every drive was nothing short of outstanding in its own right and of course we saw our share of wildlife along the way.

In Alberta, the vistas from Banff or Canmore to BC along the Trans Canada Highway were inspirational, even in the foggy wet weather we encountered - the road snaked out in front of us.

The mural on the back of our motorhome was taken on Highway 11 from Rocky Mountain House to 'The Crossroads' midway between Banff and Jasper. That route too is a photographers dream.

We found similar sites along the Trans Canada highway throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba, although the hills – yes there were more hills than we remembered – were not as steep as those in the west. That drive too continued to be varied and interesting. Canola fields were everywhere.

Our journey from the Manitoba border to Sault Ste Marie, Ontario was simply spectacular, especially on a brilliant cloudless sunny day. The entire route overflowed with lakes, trees, hills, and a winding hypnotic highway. If this leg of the journey had been 3-5 hours, it would have been an extremely moving experience, however the 18-20 hour trip made for two very long days of nothing but beautiful scenery.

On the good side of things, the main roads for the most part ranged from good to excellent and before long, the entire route west will be 4-lanes – much of it already is. So, no matter where you travel north of the border, expect to see an abundance of secluded scenery. Tomorrow I’ll highlight several eastern routes that no RVer should miss. If an RV getaway to Canada is not in the cards for this year, why not consider it for next? Travel safe and see you down the road. Peggi

Make Your Plans Now To Attend the Giant ‘K-W’ 2007-Oktoberfest

2007-07-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

Willkommen! This year’s jam-packed Oktoberfest Party at Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario is a 9-day festival from Friday, October 6 – Saturday, October 14.

Over 35-events ranging from band concerts, to a slo-pitch classic, to an art exhibition, to an Hungarian choir concert, to DOG-toberfest, to pioneers day, to chopper rides, to a car show, to charity bazaar, to a barrel race, or a 10km & 5 km run, or a water polo tournament plus the Oktoberfest Idol – the list goes on.

Let the fun begin!

On Friday, October 5 – at 11:30AM, a fanfare of trumpeters will announce from the rooftops the Official Opening of the 39th annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest – North America’s largest Bavarian Festival. Since the first weekend Festival that took place in one Festhalle in 1969, this event has grown to be the internationally acclaimed Festival that attracts over 700,000 participants.

Several pre-festival events from Friday 29th September to October 5th set the scene – The ‘Miss Oktoberfest Ball’, ‘Oktober-Barque-Fest’, ‘A Blooming Affair Fashion Show’, ‘Women of the Year’ and more.

Keg-Tapping with Miss Oktoberfest 2004

Fifteen Bavarian Festhallen feature several rousing 'oompah' bands, Bavarian dancers, and of course, mouth watering cuisine. These popular adult venues are located throughout Kitchener-Waterloo. However so are alternate attractions such as luncheons, BBQ, car shows etc – many of this style gatherings features free family entertainment.

The Festival closes with an elaborate Canadian Thanksgiving Day Par ade. Why not join the over 300,000 'Fest-goers' as they excitedly line King Street on Thanksgiving morning to watch the imaginative floats, hear the numerous bands from both sides of the border, plus see the creative special entries that make up this annual event.

Ticket price for the parade is a donation to the Food Drive. At the official Hans Haus Retail Outlet (open year round) visitors can purchase tickets and souvenir items such as pins & buttons, hats & feathers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, steins, mugs, shooters, unique collectibles and German/Bavarian Steins. So eat, drink, and be merry. "EN PROSIT."