First RV trip into Canada from US, need help

[ncason]

Hello Canadians

My husband and I are planning a trip to Nova Scotia then to Quebec and Montreal and home in late August and early September.

We have passports, but do not know if there are special rules about bring our camper into your country?

Also any information on campgrounds and special places to visit would be appreciated. We are just beginning to plan the trip and I was hoping I would not need reservations at campgrounds since I would just like to tour and see what unfolds each day. We are planning a 3 to 4 week trip.

Any information you have will be appreciated.
Nancy

[ncason]

Hello Canadians

My husband and I are planning a trip to Nova Scotia then to Quebec and Montreal and home in late August and early September.

We have passports, but do not know if there are special rules about bring our camper into your country?

Also any information on campgrounds and special places to visit would be appreciated. We are just beginning to plan the trip and I was hoping I would not need reservations at campgrounds since I would just like to tour and see what unfolds each day. We are planning a 3 to 4 week trip.

Any information you have will be appreciated.
Nancy

[Little Kopit]

Nancy,

Up in the stickies are links to my articles on RVing in Canada, starting with Getting Around in Canada , which covers a lot of the cross border and things in general for all provinces.

It links to Travel Tips East which highlights the must, must, must sees. It also includes some links to a couple of photo albums (other than mine) of people who have visited this area in recent years.

I would like to add Diann's latest album. http://diannhoops.spaces.live.com/
This is a work in progress. They are currently on The Rock, but have been in other parts of Atlantic Canada earlier this year.

Late August and September can be very nice times to travel in this area. Being surrounded by water moderates temperatures. Days can be just so lovely, but you need extra clothes for night.

[brad03ca]

Hello Bill and Nancy You'll find Little Kopits links and excellent source of information. If we can help you further, Please just ask.....Brad

[ncason]

I read most of the links and will continue. I found them very helpful. But what is a "big box store"?

And does a cell phone card work with your current cell phone like a phone card at a payphone in the US?

I have not checked the distances yet, so maybe I am trying to see too much in three to four weeks. I don't want to just rush through. I forget your country is even bigger than ours.

Nancy

[Little Kopit]

Big box store is a generic term for Canadian Tire, Wallmart, Home Depot, etc. In my area, Canadian Tire has people being country loyal on stuff that is traditional Canadian Tire territory: camping, home handyman, automotive, sports... Thus, you are more likely to find more selection in hiking boot there than wally world. RV stuff in my area, there are a lot of things only at CT.

Cell phone card will work with cell phones. I've never had one. I would ask and check at whatever store where you are. I know of a number of people who have done this.

Yes, you are biting off big chunks of Canada. Consider this Halifax, Saint John, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Quebec City, Montreal were all very early colonial centres, real cities, real early.

Are your print provincial guides en route to you now? August is just two weeks away.

Generally, I would say, don't lock yourself in. leave room to maybe look at places in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, then do a tour of parts of Quebec starting with the Gaspe Peninsula another time.

& much as I hate to say it, doing those 3 means you miss one of the prettiest parts of Atlantic Canada, not that I'm prejudiced or anything.

[ncason]

Thank you so much for the information.

I will take your advice and save Quebec province for another time. Will I be able to find campground vacancies or are reservations required for this time of year in your provincial parks?
Nancy

[Little Kopit]

Nancy, Coming across here for just two weeks would be a teaser.

As with anyplace, the need for reservations depends upon the park. I don't know of any provincial parks on this island that have services. Federal Parks that would require reservations would be Berry Head and Shallow Bay in Gros Morne.

Here's a work in progress as we speak: http://diannhoops.spaces.live.com/ RobandDi have been on the island since the end of May. They are on the offshore island of Ramea right now. Maybe, I should say they were this morning. AFter you've seen the current section, click on the word photos, it will bring up the other sections.

[bstark]

Bill & Nancy: You've made a wise choice not to try and bite off too much of Canada in one go. The St. Lawrence corridor is just chock full of history with everything from old Forts to the oldest settlements of North America.

Little Kopit's advice is "spot-on"! It's like one of us northerner's saying we've got a couple of weeks so let's tour the Dakota's, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona and throw in California for the last 2 days, it just won't work if you're to do a place the justice it deserves.

[brad03ca]

Nancy, Lockston Path P/P has water and Hydro at most sites. Located on the Bonavista Peninsula this park is a few miles from Trinity( see Trinity Pagent,also movie sets for Random Passage and The Shipping News)This park is a "jewel" with modern clean dump station, laundry, etc. There are also several private parks in the area.
As stated...do take the time required when visiting. You'll be glad you did.
If your going to St.John's, definitly get reservations at Pippy Park.

[ncason]

THANKS SO MUCH FOR RESPONDING

All of the information has helped very much. I am looking forward to the trip and will return later for Quebec province.
Nancy

[The Big Kid]

there are tourism websites here It will provide links to the other provinces as well.

I have found these websites the most comprehensive for my touristing. The map feature works on the NS page.

Good luck