Canadian Members

[CanadianTraveler]

Is there a forum post directly related to Canada?  :huh:  Ive done the search bar but Im still having a hard time finding things directly related to Canada. Lots of the information is based on US, places, prices, laws....
Im looking for information like: getting started, boondocking places, costs, get togethers, laws, local scenery, places to go, things to do, mail, internet providers, homebase....

 

[Vanada]

There are a few of us but a vast majority of users here are from the US for sure. Some of the actual full timers here (not including myself in that just yet!) might be able to help with some of your queries but you mentioned a lot of different things there.

Where are you based / hoping to be and what sort of vehicle do you have?

 

[Almost There]

Another Canadian here but a lot of my information will be - 'get it in the US'. That's because it's either not available here or at a price that would make me puke if I had to pay it.

If you want to keep all the information in one spot, which would be a good thing for other newbie Cdns, then ask each question here as it comes to you.

 

[CanadianTraveler]

I will be based out of Nova Scotia. this is where i will start my adventures. I am hoping to get a van, im still saving and looking but hope to be on the road by end of summer. What are the laws for boondocking? Like if I was to have a cop/security person knock what should I tell them? Im thinking just that Im camping or heading somewhere and needed a rest. Is that pretty much the go to response? Ive been to boondocking.com and there are so many places to stay from coast to coast but if I have to stop at a walmart or something in a city.
Are there any regular meet ups?

 

[Almost There]

The laws for 'boondocking' change as the places where one boondocks change. A lot of cities have ordinances that make it difficult if not impossible to sleep overnight in your vehicle. I've never tried it because I avoid big cities like the plague anyways and have always been able to find somewhere to park for the night where it's perfectly ok...therefore no late night knocks on the door telling me to move on....ever!

Boondocking traditionally has meant staying out in the boonies (hence the term) with no facilities whatsover. One carries in everything they  need and carries out all that's left over.

Right now I'm boondocking on crown land with my own solar, generator if I need it, water supply and food. When I leave I will leave as little trace of my presence as possible and take not only my garbage with me but also anything I find laying around the area.

Staying in a parking lot is not considered by most to be boondocking although the term has been appropriated by some.

If I'm travelling and am unable to find a free or cheap campsite to stay in then I take my pick of WalMart, truck stop, casino etc.

For WalMart locations that are okay to stay in, use Allstays.com - click on drivers (as opposed to camping), pick your province/state and use the mapping. Make sure you read the reports that are filed by users rather than just going by the colour coding. Sometimes the color hasn't been changed or you'll find notes that would rule out that store.

For Truckstops, I prefer Flying J in the US. I deliberately choose the ones that have RV parking shown in their guide - available by asking at the cash. Even though I don't need the big parking space it's indicative of a larger lot where I can park out of the way. Do NOT park way down back near the truck parking and the dumpster, you're too far out of reach of the security cameras and you'll be disturbed by the trucks coming and going. other truckstop chains also allow overnight parking but I've not had to use but one....a Co-op store in Alberta in an emergency. It was closed when I arrived and later another vehicle joined me.

For casinos, I go to casinocamper.com and check for the province/state I'm in. Read the reports to find out what the rules are for that casino.

Most important for free campsites, particularly in the US although we're getting more and more Cdn listings - go to Freecampsites. net. If you're travelling use their trip planner, it's a great tool.

There is only one regular meet-up and that's the RTR )Rubber Tramp Rendezvous, held each January in Quartzite Arizona. There are several smaller groups who plan on meeting and camping together whenever and wherever they can.

 

[Van Dwelling Life]

Right now I'm boondocking on crown land with my own solar, generator if I need it, water supply and food.....

Lots of helpful information thank you! Quick question, I am from Australia (living in Canada) so not sure what crown land is. Also, how do I find such areas?

 

[CanadianTraveler]

Welcome to Canada Crown land is government land.

What do fellow canadians use for internet that can be accessed in remote locations?

 

[Almost There]

Crown land is land that is owned by the federal government - it was never sold off/divided up/ land granted etc. It's land that hasn't been turned in to national or provincial parks.

The individual provinces manage the land on behalf of the feds so each province makes their own rules about usage. Because each province manages their crown land, some provinces make it easier to camp on than others.

Ontario, for example, makes it somewhat difficult to car camp because it's all in northern ontario and a lot of the land is forestry managed. Once each forestry company is finished logging, they have to decommission the roads to release themselves of liability issues. Decommissioning the roads usually means tearing up the entrance access to it so you can't drive on them. I mostly found car camping on crown land at old boat launch areas that the MNR had put in decades ago. Residents are welcome to stay for free for up to 14 days before needing to move, non-residents can get a permit for camping that's really cheap. The ones you can camp at now are all in unorganized townships because the MNR downstreamed as many as they could to the municipal level who promptly put up all kinds of signs...sigh!

BC, on the other hand, encourages use of the crown land and has developed some 1,300 smaller camping areas that are mostly  now under the guidance/jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism. Some have a very small charge to cover the cost of maintenance of vault toilets, campsites, garbage removal etc. There is also undeveloped crown land. I'm about to start more exploration of the campsites they've developed.

To find crown land in each province for camping, simply google 'crown land camping in xxx' and start following the leads. Most provinces have crown land mapping that is available on line these days. Here's the one for BC - http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/data/geographic-data-services

The other way is to get to know the locals and ask them.

 

[Almost There]

What do fellow canadians use for internet that can be accessed in remote locations?

I use my data plan on my cell phone for a mobile wi-fi. I can access it on both my laptop and my kindle.

Of course if I'm out of cell phone range then nothing works anyways....

You could use data on a satelilte phone but the costs are just plain insane.

 

[CanadianTraveler]

I found a free discovery pass for 2017 Canada parks for anyone that is in the area. its totally free, i just ordered mine

http://www.commandesparcs-parksorde...e&categoryId=216870&langId=-1&catalogId=53407

 

[Almost There]

Keep in mind that that Discovery Pass is only good for day entrance fees. It has nothing to do with camping fees at all.

I used mine all across Canada to visit National Historic Sites and Parks.

 

[CanadianTraveler]

the site mentions a discount with the card. thought it might be good for resting during the days or cheaper place to stay at nights other than a regular camp ground. ive always camped back roads and only very few campgrounds so I didnt know about this card until I started exploring for information

 

[CanadianTraveler]

Mainly for the women but if men have ideas thats ok too.

What do you use for personal safety and protection on road? In the US they have, pepper spray, tasers, bear spray and guns, which are illegal here.
Have any of you been in a position you had to use something?

 

[Willy]

BC is the place to be if you're into vandwelling. Tons of places to camp and a relatively mild climate. ..Willy.

 

[CanadianTraveler]

DIY air conditioning, instead of the frozen water jug you could use a bag of ice. Be good for when leaving pets in the vehicle for short periods

http://www.ehow.com/how_7194030_diy...al&utm_content=freestyle&utm_campaign=fanpage

 

[Almost There]

Mainly for the women but if men have ideas thats ok too.

What do you use for personal safety and protection on road? In the US they have, pepper spray, tasers, bear spray and guns, which are illegal here.
Have any of you been in a position you had to use something?

I use my brain!

I don't park where I don't feel comfortable. When I pull off the road for the day it's early enough that if Place A doesn't feel okay, I still have time to get to Place B which has been previously chosen, not a random chance of maybe!

And no I've never put myself in a position where I had to use something.

There are some general safety rules that one should use whether they're living on the road or not.

I choose my overnight parking spaces carefully. I park facing outwards so that I can drive away without having to back up. I don't pile stuff on the drivers' seat so I can get in to it easily. I put my car keys in the same place all the time and where they're easy to get to from the drivers' seat.

Oh and I travel all over the north american continent and have done so for some 40 odd years.

I do carry bear spray but that's because I tend to head to the interior on canoe and backpacking trips where it's necessary. I just recently bought bear bangers and an air horn. The air horn 'could' be used in an emergency I guess!

 

[highdesertranger]

ok what's a bear banger? all kind of thoughts come to mind. highdesertranger

 

[Almost There]

Hahaha, yes Mike, I guess all kinds of things could come to mind but then you're a member of the YAR group...  

Here's a link https://www.mec.ca/en/product/4007-146/Pen-Launcher-Kit

 

[highdesertranger]

yep I am a badge carrying member. I see, those bangers are like bird bombs. highdesertranger