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Old 12-01-2010, 12:39 AM   #1
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Going across USA and Canada and looking for Ideas

I have a 1991 30ft Winnebago and I am thinking of going across Canada and the USA next summer for 3 months. We plan to go from Surrey BC, to Sandpoint Idaho, to Newfoundland through the USA and then back to Surrey across Canada. We would like it to be as cheap as possible and as this is our first long trip, I am not sure what to expect. We normally went to one location and stayed there for 2 weeks! I would expect that we would want to stay in the northern part of the USA and the southern part of Canada unless there is a better way or some thing really exciting to see.
Do most people plan the whole trip or just drive to an area, ask around to see where to camp, what to do and where to go the next day?

What things should we not miss?
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Old 12-01-2010, 05:54 AM   #2
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We have crossed the US many times and all over Canada and (Mexico, not advised at this time). We never planned anything if we saw something interesting on the map or on a road sign we went for it. We overnight in truck stops, rest areas, WalMart, KMart, Cracker Barrel, and campgrounds. If we wanted to stay at a campground for awhile we would look them up ahead of time in Trailer Life Directory and give them a call to make sure they had a site available. We had a ball. Crossing the borders can be a hassle at times, make sure you check the US and Canada border crossing web sites as to what you can carry into each country.
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Old 12-01-2010, 07:24 AM   #3
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Starting in BC makes this awkward...
But if at all possible to start the US part on the east coast allows you to "discover" all that is America in the same order that these same places were "discovered" over the last 200-300 years.

I still remember the first time I saw the Grand Teton's from the east.
Incomparable to any other direction.

Wherever you go and however you do it... do it!
Have a fun and safe adventure.
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Old 12-01-2010, 11:16 AM   #4
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Waggy:

G'morning from Casa Grande, AZ. BOY!!....that trip you're planning sound WONDERFUL!!

Wife and I have been full timing (originally out of Duluth, Minnesota) since 2005. We're currently official residents of S. Dakota where she grew up in the Mitchell, SD area and have relatives we've visited in the Sandpoint, ID area. Have also been out to the Maritimes a few times, but, like you, have yet to hop over to Newfoundland. Are you planning to spend time in Newfoundland??

There are so many places along your route to see that it's pretty difficult beginning to make suggestions as to what NOT to miss.

Ofcourse, the Sandpoint area is beautiful to begin with. Then as ya head East through Montana, we'd sure suggest staying on Interstate 90 through Montana on into the Black Hills area of S. Dakota (maybe dropping down for a visit to Yellowstone/Tetons first). Think about a stop near Gillette, WY to see Devils Tower, but then a little further East take a short run to stay in Deadwood, SD (just S. of I-90) between Spearfish and Rapid City. Spend a few days touring the Black Hills. Park your rig and use your tow vehicle or car (if your towing) and see Mt. Rushmore, drive the Needles Hyw., and drive the wildlife loop in Custer Park.

Once ya leave the Black Hills and head East again, we'd suggest following I-90 through S.D., Minnesota and on into Wisconsin, THEN unless ya need to, avoid Chicago and make your way NE from around LaCrosse, WI up toward Greenbay and on NE over the top of Lake Michigan to Mackinaw City, MI area and stay a day or tow at St. Ignace. While there, leave your rig in St. Ignace and take the short passenger ferry out to Mackinac Island for the day.

Now...once in St. Ignace, you've got to decide whether ya REALLY, want to swing S. through lower Michigan then East into Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, etc....OR....(and this is what we'd suggest), depart St. Ignace N. to Sault Ste. Marie and on into Ontario, heading East toward Ottawa/Montreal, then cross back into the States going into Vermont, New Hampshire and into Maine before heading back into New Brunswick and East into Nova Scotia. The reason we'd suggest this is that the run from back in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, through Chicago, to Ohio, Penn., and lower New York, isn't all that scenic.

Once your in Nova Scotia, you'll need to take a ferry out to Newfoundland if you're headed there. Now we haven't yet done this so others will need to help ya there, BUT, wherever ya head, DO NOT MISS a few days visit to Quebec City, when heading West on your way back home through Canada. Old Towne Quebec is a WONDERFUL place to spend time and DO spend both day time and evening time in Old Towne Quebec City.

Awww.....this is gettin too long! As mentioned, there are SO MANY things and places to see along your route, it's tough to relate them all here in this post. Once ya decide on a route, maybe ya can ask specific questions about points along the way. We'll try to help, and I'm sure others will provide additional info.

Have a GREAT TRIP!...YOU'LL LIKE IT!!

Steve & Lynette
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Old 12-01-2010, 11:51 AM   #5
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When we cross the Canadian, US border I always go to a crossing away from the main highways. No stress and the border folks are friendly plus their are no lines.
Sounds like a great trip.
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Old 12-02-2010, 12:27 AM   #6
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We hope to see newfoundland again as we have a niece there and had a wonderful time at the Viking site when we flew out for our niece's wedding.
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Old 12-02-2010, 07:43 PM   #7
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Lotta good suggestions here and the only thing I will add is get Passport America. You will find some nice cheap priced overnight stays in the book and it will pay for its self in about your first two or three stops. It is well worth the money especially traveling across the USA. we have it and it is invaluable to us. One thing. when you find one you want to stay at be sure to ''call ahead'' and ask if they have space for you.
Enjoy your trip.......
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