Traveling through Canada

[Fireman Dave]

Need some help from you guys in the North. We're planning on taking a trip to the east coast this summer. We're thinking about going up through Sault St. Marie, then across to Montreal before coming back into the U. S. Several years ago, we went through Detroit to Windsor, then across to Niagara Falls - but that was in a car. This trip will be different - towing our 27' TT. I'm looking for any tips you may have about towing through this part of Canada. How is Rt. 17? Is it a good road - especially for towing? Any problems getting diesel along that route (in other words, is it far between supplies)? As I recall, it seemed like there was a lot of open, uninhabited area on our last Canada trip. Not that we couldn't get gas, it was just not very populated along the way in some spots - had to plan ahead. Also, we'll probably camp at least one night along the way. I'm just looking for any advice you can give.



Thanks,



Dave

 

[Deezul1]

Cant help with route but dont take any guns it makes them real crabby.

 

[The patriot]

What Deezul 1 said. Booze too!!

If you come far east as Prescott Ontario, you could cross at Ogdensburg, NY. I spent many a summer there. Beautiful dont do it justice.

You could also cross over at Eisenhower locks, in the Massena area. There are indian reservations up around that area. Cheap fuel. I dont know how it is now, but several years back their hobby was shooting down N. Y. S. P. helos. :--)

From that area, if you took Rt11 south to the Watertown area,(and to Rt81) there are plenty places along that route to get fuel.

Cant speak much for the Canada side.

EricOo.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Not too sure about the East Coast cause they're a strange lot

but. . ... no one will shoot at you. We'll sell you liquor, guns do make the "man" crabby, it is absolutely magnificent scenery. You shouldn't have much trouble with fuel quality or availability.



Have a great trip.



Bob

 

[JMichelson]

Canada, Eh

Dave, Can’t help you much with the route or fuel, but as a frequent traveler to Canada I can offer you these hints. Take a birth certificate or passport for everybody with you there will be less hassle at the border. At this time you can’t cross the border without them. If you take the neighbor kids with you, you have to have a letter from their parents. No mace pepper spray or other offensive weapons. Use a credit card you’ll get the best exchange rate on your money. Most importantly remember, Customs Agents do not have a sense of humor. Enjoy our neighbor to the north, they have some beautiful country and great people. Jeff

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Fireman Dave,



Bring your touque and get ready to eat lots of maple syrop.

Watch out for Swamp Donkeys.

 

[ETOBICOKE]

It's great to hear you are coming through Ontario Dave. I personaly have never traveled hwy 17 but from looking at the road atlas it's mainly 2 lane paved road, normal speed limit would be 50 mph. Looks like there are plenty of towns along the way . This highway is used by heavy trucks regularyly and almost all small towns have a diesel pump so you should not have any problems. If you need some maps send me an email.



Neil

 

[Fireman Dave]

Weapons, booze, and neighbor kids won't be an issue.



Jeff, I didn't know about the birth certificate thing - good info - thanks. That wasn't a necessity last time.



Swamp - where ya been? Been looking for you on the chat.



Neil, thanks for the good info.



Thanks, guys! Keep 'em coming!

 

[Alaskaskiff]

If you get a speeding ticket, you have to go before a magistrate to pay the fine before you leave the country.



Firearms (long guns) are ok, BUT you need to take a safety course IN CANADA first. New law 2 yrs ago, much to the aggravation of many Alaskans... ... .

 

[JPittman]

If you take any pets, get a Certificate of Health and a shot record from your vet. U. S. customs will ask for them if they see a pet.

Also on the gun issue, if they ask if you normally carry one while traveling in the U. S. say "no". If you say "yes" they will really search everything. Have fun, Canada is great!

 

[emarsh]

to save harrassment, remove any NRA stickers you have!

 

[MN Cummins Lvr]

Dave,



Thanks for asking! We're planning on going to Canada before we go to Thunder In Muncie. I would recommend getting rid of the Cheesehead license plates so you don't have any problems. Also, don't be doing this :-{} at Customs.



MN Cummins Lvr

 

[Fireman Dave]

Hey Paul,



I thought the Canuks liked Cheese. :-laf

 

[Leon R]

Dave, maybe we will see you on the road. We are starting out on the 1st of May for a four month trip across Canada. Starting from souther BC right through to Newfoundland. Our first ever extended holiday. Looking forward to it!!

 

[SS]

Dave,



Several of the guys at the Soo were thrilled to talk diesel - just treat them like regular people (ones you like) and you'll be O. K. Goes without saying, but I ALWAYS shut the truck off when at the booth. Be prepared to tell them where you are going, how long, where you will stay, etc. If you plan on camping in the wild along the way check with locals for Queensland camping permits - some areas require them for about $5 per night per person - the fine is substantially higher. You can carry small amounts of fuel (20L ) if you want peace of mind.



Somewhere I have the Canadian website for gun permit info (didn't think it required a class, just $, but not sure) if anybody is interested. I second looking out for the swamp donkeys.



When I was there in late September, EVERY store, small town or big city, had a red/white/blue "We are with you" sign - VERY COOL.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I'll be watching for you, Leon!



Here's another question. Do they check for mufflers at the borders?

 

[JPittman]

No they don't ask about mufflers, but as stated before shut it down when at the border. Also when they ask a question give a one word answer if possible, and let them elaborate. i. e. "do you have any liquor?" "Yes" then let them ask how much beer, etc. don't give them a list of what you have unless they specific an item. They never asked us if we had any wine and we had several bottles, fortunately when they searched the camper, they overlooked where it was kept.

 

[johnrv4]

Bring your own Peanut Butter

If I were you(knowing how much you like peanut butter), I would bring my own peanut butter. Considering how much you will probably go through on a 2 week vacation, you could save a lot of money. Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Oh John!:-laf :-laf



I guess I'll have to stock up. Are you still getting that volume discount? Last time I was at your house, I thought your 55 gallon drum of Jif was getting a little light. Maybe we can get a group purchase going.