My first trip to Canada impressions.

[Raining Star]

We completed the Canadian portion of our 4500 mile trip from Az, up the coast to Canada and back down through the Rockies two weeks ago. We truly enjoyed our time in Canada, having stayed in Kelowna, Golden and Canmore. Obviously we toured Banff National Park, including the Columbia Ice Fields. Truly amazing scenery, and I'd recommend that anyone that can make the trip do so. It is significantly more dramatic that the US Rockies.

What struck me was that while so much was identical to the states, so much was also unique. While we have meet wonderful and friendly people everywhere we have traveled, the Canadians we met had a sincere welcoming attitude that was really appreciated. We even picked up a young couple who were hitch hiking in the rain and we were taken with the Canadian version of the migrant farm worker. Nothing like the US version, I can assure you.

Anyone who has been there knows that the level of cleanliness, order, and maintenance of its cities and towns is an example most American cities would benefit by emulating. Apart from trying to figure my speed in kilometers, and dealing with so many things being more expensive than the states, we felt truly comfortable and at home there.

We were expecting all kinds of inconveniences when crossing the border, based on stories we had heard, but other then a few polite and short questions on both sides, and a peek through the door on the US side, we passed through customs in just moments.

Yet I was surprised that neither the wife nor I expressed much desire to return. The most obvious reason is the distance involved. But since it did feel so much like being in the states that there just wasn't the feeling of exoticism then one gets when traveling to more distant countries.

I certainly have only good memories of our time there, and if it were 1000 miles closer I'd be a regular annual visitor. I'm very pleased we made the trip, and again I'd encourage anyone who hasn't to do so. The trip onto the glacier alone was worth the drive, and all the rest was either beautiful and relaxing, or awesome and inspiring.

Just wanted to share my impressions.

[TonyDi]

What a great story! Makes me want to include it in my future travels. Thanks for sharing it with all of us!

[NorthernDriv]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you for visiting,eh.

[Peterrrr]

If you ever go back or any one else who goes, a quick way to convert kilometres to miles, is take the first digit (or first two, if >100) and multiply by 6. Thus 40KPH would be 24MPH. Glad you enjoyed your trip.

[R2Home]

We have traveled through Canada every other year for a few decades now, and yes we enjoy traveling through Canada. We generally travel in the early spring time, and this is when a lot of the cattle ranches are greening up and the new calves are born. Really enjoy seeing the 'return' of spring. As OP has stated 'we also met many friendly/helpful people' during our travels. While we have seen a fair amount of wild life in the U.S. we see much more while traveling through Canada. It is always amazing to watch.
The only time that we had any 'issues' with Customs, was when we were coming back into the U.S. at Sumas. We had a open bag of dog food (we travel with two Labs) and the U.S. agents were upset about that. They searched the MH to ensure that we did not have anything else that we should not have had. They were not concerned about the weapons we had, just the dog food.

["007"]

Our travels to Canada many times were what you had experienced.
Many times to the Maritimes and trip to the area you just traveled.
Its a distance but will be one other experience to remember if you can do it.
Enjoy and safe travels.

[RangerRick]

On behalf of my fellow Canadian RVrs Welcome. Please do not miss Ontario with its beautiful fresh water beaches and diverse geography ranging from flat farmlands to rolling countryside to the awe inspiring Canadian shield.

[Rocky68D]

So why were they upset about an open dog food bag? Did they confiscate it?