Northern Canada in March?

We are considering a trip into northern Canada in March to try to see the northern lights. Auroral activity is high around the equinox and there is a new moon at about the same time in March. We made a similar trip for the Fall equinox in 2012 and saw some lights but the skies were overcast most of the trip. Skies are usually a bit clearer in March. We would like to take our truck camper but I have concerns about where to stay, the temperatures, and the road conditions.

On our previous trips to Canada we boondocked or stayed in Provincial parks when we are not visiting a city. I don't know what opportunities there will be for boondocking at this time of year with most parks closed and limited or no access to minor roads. I've only been able to find one RV park (outside Edmonton, not as far north as we'd like to go) that stays open year round.

If we were able to find a place to boondock I wonder about camping in the expected low temperatures. Concerns include our diesel truck starting (we have a block heater and propane generator to power it), propane flow for our generator, heater (Wave3 and forced air to keep tanks warm too), stove and refrigerator (which seems a bit redundant given the temperatures). I also wonder about the water lines and tanks in the camper freezing. Even in an RV park, aside from having 110V for an electric heater and block heater, the other temperature concerns still apply. Our coldest camping until now has been at 17F but we might see temperatures as low as -20F and we have no experience in that realm.

I have heard from a friend who travels the Alberta roads year round that the major highways will be in fine shape, no worries about them. I assume the same will apply to B.C. roads too. But I wonder how many roads other than the main highways will be plowed and accessible.

I welcome any thoughts or suggestions as to how to make this trip work. DW has been looking at air fair and lodges around Yellowknife but I'd prefer to make it a camper trip if possible.

sue_t
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
Look here for March 2013 temperatures at Yellowknife: http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climateData/dailydata_e.html?StationID=51058&timeframe=2&Year=2013&Month=3&cmdB1=Go

In March 2013 we drove from Whitehorse to Liard Hot Spring to enjoy some spring soaking. Had overnight temps to -20C. On other trips we've camped at -40 so weren't unprepared.

Used the generator for the truck's block heater for about an hour before starting it in the morning.

Propane furnace worked well. Fridge didn't need much, but it also worked. If you have freezing temps you may wish to have your propane tanks purged of moisture before heading out or the moisture can freeze in the regulator and stop all flow. At -40 the propane starts to liquefy and becomes very inefficient. It still works, just not well.

No water in the RV. Carry water in a jug or water cooler for drinking and washing. Decide for yourself whether you feel comfy with putting water into your grey tank. We always have and then wait for it to thaw to dump it. We try to use the outhouses most of the time though; take some Styrofoam insulation and cut yourself a toilet-type seat -- the styrofoam is much more pleasant to sit on than a cold plastic seat.

Put area carpets on your floor to help keep it warmer. Block your windows to preserve heat. Have loads of layers and blankets.

Ivory dish soap doesn't freeze as quickly as other dish soaps. Have hand sanitizer available for hand cleaning.

Take dogs to sleep with you at night ... three dogs apparently do the job well (Three Dog Night). :B

March 2013 trip here.
December 2001 trip here.
December 1998 here.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 12, 2014
Hi,

As you go farther north, don't rely on a cell phone having service to call for help.

I've gone as far north as Hay River. It was viciously cold. As I headed back south there was sleet and snow. The road was polished glare ice. By the time I got back into Alberta there was over a foot of ice built up on the back of the RV.

If there is a gas station open, stop and fill up. The next one may be closed. DAMHIK
Photomike
Explorer III
Feb 12, 2014
You have already got some good responses. My issue would be the lack of campgrounds and dump stations. The weather has been nuts this year, +12C one day and -35C the next. Around us (southern Alberta) we have had a lot of snow and it has stayed longer than usual. Add to that around our neck of the woods the winds this time of year.

Myself if I was doing the drive up north to look at lights and then back without staying or stopping a lot on the way I would probably take a smaller vehicle with better gas mileage and hotel it. Not that it would not be fun with the TCer but you are looking at a lot of issues to resolve and a lot lower MPG without a lot of benefits for a quick trip.

The nice thing with the TCer is that if you do get up north and the lights don't show you can stay for a lot longer with less expense than if you were staying in a hotel. The other is having a 4x4 you can be a lot more relaxed when driving should the weather turn and you have to drive in some deep snow.

If you are looking at going into BC you will need snow tires or chains. Without them you are looking at a ticket and issues should you have an accident.

If you decide not to go that far north my brother has a golf course that has cabins and a RV lot in Northern Saskatchewan and they get a lot of Northern Lights around their place. They are outside of the big cities and the nights are really clear there. This time of year RV park is closed but I am sure he would find a place for you as would many other places that are in an off season. Again the issue would be dump stations.

If you are planning on taking your time and want to take the TCer there are a LOT of amazing places to visit in the winter if you take your time and drive for the weather - Yellowstone, Waterton, Banff, Ice Field Parkway, Athabasca Falls, Jasper, Elk Island National Park and more. Just be prepared for the weather and you will love the lack of tourists.
tkcrawford
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
mayo30 wrote:
And for sure all the ice roads will be open across most lakes and rivers.Check the average temps. for Yellowknife,will have to dig in the snow for firewood so bring a good shovel.And don't forget to factor in the March winds for wind chill.Make sure you have your tank dumping figured out as there will not be any parks with dumps and water refills.A tank of propane every 2 days for sure with gen.Take extras along for sure.Maybe a small cargo trailer to haul all the extra propane,shovels,chains etc.A lot of realistic near arctic weather and road planning should make it work.Have fun.

Mayo30s comments are tongue-in-cheek but he is also very correct. Yellowknife in March can still see temperatures of -30 to -40 and that is cold by anybody's thermometer. Many areas outside of the towns and settlements of Northern Canada are truly and literally in the middle of nowhere.

Main highways are usually in pretty good shape, unless you are travelling after a snowfall, but secondary highways can be anything from pretty good to impassable.

People can, and do, camp year round, even in our neck of the woods as pianotuna says. But be aware that, while this trip can give you a lifetime of great memories, it is a dangerous trip for the uninitiated. Use a healthy dose of common sense and come prepared for anything.
805gregg
Explorer
Feb 12, 2014
Look at it on the internet, save a bunch of money, and freezing temps
mayo30
Explorer
Feb 11, 2014
And for sure all the ice roads will be open across most lakes and rivers.Check the average temps. for Yellowknife,will have to dig in the snow for firewood so bring a good shovel.And don't forget to factor in the March winds for wind chill.Make sure you have your tank dumping figured out as there will not be any parks with dumps and water refills.A tank of propane every 2 days for sure with gen.Take extras along for sure.Maybe a small cargo trailer to haul all the extra propane,shovels,chains etc.A lot of realistic near arctic weather and road planning should make it work.Have fun.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 11, 2014
Hi,

There used to be a campground at Cold Lake, Alberta that was open.

You don't really want to travel secondary roads in the winter time.

The full moon tends to "wash out" the Aurora.

I have a LOT of cold weather camping under my belt. It was -31 C (-24 F) two days ago where I am parked.

There is a winter camping thread under the full time forums. I'd suggest reading it carefully.
spacedoutbob
Explorer
Feb 11, 2014
Hi, Maybe you should post this in the Canada and Alaska forum, I'm sure someone will chime in on the conditions up there. It can get very cold. I have always wanted to do the same as you - to go see the Aurora Borealis in all it's glory. Have a Great Trip!

Bob in Oakland, Calif.

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