Driving across Canada - any advice/suggestions?

Tia_24

Hi

My partner and I are toying with the idea of getting some cheap flights to Canada and hiring an RV whilst over there so we can travel around a lot. Has anyone done this? If so could do you have any advice on companies to use or avoid, can you give us any advice or tips on the best and most money saving way to do it!

Thanks

Robisere

I last went to Canada in 1982, 2 of us drove a Nissan Bluebird for almost 2 weeks, before finally getting a motel in Vancouver and staying there. So my advice would be way out of date.

However, please realise that this is HUGE and very empty, country. How long are you intending to stay? Highways are fine, but the distances between any kind of habitation are vast. Driving times can be very long and you really need to be able to share the driving. There is a big difference, for example, between the East and West sides of Canada. British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan are totally different to the Eastern provinces, which are similar to the States.

BC is absolutely beautiful, quite hot in Summer and the Okanagan Valley, which leads down to the US border, is the main orchard region. You really need to research the place and determine what is best for you. I presume you have visited the official website:
http://uk.canada.travel/

There is also this RV site:
http://www.cruisecanada.com/

It is a really beautiful place to visit but I do advise that you make certain that you work out the distances between stops (they have Kilometers, not miles) and decide how far you can drive that day. Having worked that out, find and book your Parks before you go.

I would like to be doing this myself, but age and disability prevent that. You will certainly enjoy this holiday, if you prepare well. Good Luck!

Mr_Wang

Tia_24 wrote: »

Hi

My partner and I are toying with the idea of getting some cheap flights to Canada and hiring an RV whilst over there so we can travel around a lot. Has anyone done this? If so could do you have any advice on companies to use or avoid, can you give us any advice or tips on the best and most money saving way to do it!

Thanks

There is no MSE way to drive across Canada. Its a vast country with cities hundreds and often thousands of miles apart.

I suggest you pick a part and travel it, or fly between the big gaps.

Tia_24

Hi

Thanks for your responses.

We will absolutely be planning our route beforehand (which will no doubt increase our excitment!) I reckon we will share the driving and any unplanned stops will add to the adventure! We're hoping to go for at least 2 weeks and we dont necessarily want to drive from one side of the country to the other!

Mr Wang - I know Canada is HUGE but we'd like to see as much as possible and on our own timeframe, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for MSE ways relating to camp sites or RV hire etc!

cazziebo

I've driven quite a few times in Canada and yes - the distances are huge! It is a stunning country but the roads can be quite boring so bear that in mind when you plan the journey.

I planned to rent an RV but my sister (who lives in Toronto) advised that motels are so cheap that it would be better to rent a more fuel efficient vehicle and just find motels along the road. That's what I did and it was actually quite nice not to have to find sites and hook up sewage, electrics, water etc.

If you have only two weeks I'd recommend just picking a "slice" of country to visit e.g. fly into Toronto, spend a few days there, go out to rural Ontario (like Stratford, Ellora) and then up to Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal. Otherwise you are spending more time in the car than you are experiencing the country. I found it very clean and very safe. I travelled on my own with my two children.

Have a great time!

withabix

I would suggest Calgary-Vancouver on a one-way (although you may find a good deal to do it the other way round).

Plan on covering HALF the distance per day that you would expect to do in the UK. This has been our experience, especially when we did a circular road trip Vancouver-Whistler-Clinton-Clearwater-Jasper-Banff-Kamloops-Vancouver. This is because of the lower general speed limits, mainly single carriageway roads and some poor roads - not all roads are surfaced.

RV hire is expensive and campgrounds can be as well - they may also be very busy, because owning an RV or a 5th-wheeler is a very popular hobby in Canada.

We have always opted to rent an SUV (say £350/week) and stay in hotels/motels, after pricing up RV hire!

Petrol (gas) costs about 2/3 of the price it does in the UK, but most cars use about 50% more, so you will still end up costing 15-25p per mile in fuel in a car and about 30-40p/mile in an RV. They don't generally 'do' diesel engines in Canada because of cold winter temperatures.

We have been to BC six times so far and have two sets of relatives in different areas there - so ask any questions - I may be able to answer!

In July 2013 we are going on an Alaska cruise from Vancouver and then spending a week in the Kamloops and Vancouver areas afterwards - can't wait!!

*smurfy*

not sure what help this will be but earlier this year i went montreal-ottawa-kingston-toronto-niagra falls. i hired a normal small(though wasn't that small it was dodge,both large suitcases fitted in boot with room to spare!)car through csma and had no one way fee,and stayed in motel 6 or super 8,which all had microwaves amd fridges,so shopped in walmart etc had a few microwave meals in eve,in day time ate in Tim Hortons alot(mse recomended).
But i do think you need to look into what places you'd like to see etc so people can help with money saving ideas.

claire16c

I agree with cazziebo if you only have 2 weeks pick a couple of places otherwise all you'll see is the inside of your RV and some roads.