1. Do most provincial campgrounds have dump stations? We are going to try to camp mostly without electric, hookups or water connections . What about points to take on water? I figure the commercial parks have dump stations and potable water, but we're operating on a budget.2. Currently, what's an average price for diesel fuel in Canada? Alaska?3. Leaving in three weeks and still haven't decided handling finances (conversion). Figuring I'll just use cash in Canada. Or Chase Credit card.4. Cell phone/ data. I figure I'll spend a week out and a week back in Canada. Just won't use cell phone or 3G data except for emergencies (AT&T cell). Only use iPads at free wireless locations (eateries or possible commercial CG)Any thoughts or concerns about these strategies? Thanks in advance.

1) call your cell provider and you can buy Canadian coverage for the length of your trip for a very nominal cost. BE CAREFUL...they will try to sell you a regular monthly Canadian plan which "can be cancelled when you get to the States". If you do that, you have just started over on your cell contract.2) If you use your Chase card, they will charge you 3% on all charges. Shop around with your other cards for a better rate. We just came back from BC and I used Cabelas Visa with a 1% charge. 3) Diesel in BC was around $1.67 per litre. 4) They have some new concerns re bringing back fruit and vegetables into States so check before coming back. I had 1 apple...and they threatened to fine me $300 but finally just took it away. Bananas are okay. Have fun and be safe!

Most provincial & territorial campgrounds do not have services. Most have a communal hand water pump or water faucet.At some of the busier B.C. provincial campgrounds there is a dumpstation on your way out, with a small fee for use. In Yukon, the territorial campgrounds do not have dumpstations. For $12/night you get a great campsite and firewood for the firepit. Often by a lake so fishing is an option.Most RV Parks in Yukon will let you dump your tanks and fill with water without overnighting. Free if you buy fuel. Small fee (usually $5-10) otherwise.If you're needing to do laundry, the RV parks usually have the best and most affordable laundry facilities. So we plan a stay at a commercial park once a week to clean-up -- vacuum the RV and wash the RV, truck, humans, clothes. Before we leave, tanks are dumped and fresh water filled. Then we're good for another week.Along the Alaska Highway, 3G is available only at Dawson Creek, Fort St John, Fort Nelson, Watson Lake and Whitehorse. They've announced that Haines Junction will also be upgraded to 3G, along with Dawson City. Other than those locations your 3G service will not work. Internet access is also variable in its quality. Some RV parks advertise free internet and it means you must be in the office or laundramat hardwired to the outlet in the wall. For those that have wi-fi, it usually means sitting close to the office to get the signal and don't be surprised if you're bumped out of the connection often. A few RV parks have good wi-fi though. Free wi-fi is not easily found in Yukon outside of Whitehorse. Most RV parks limit usage to emails and casual web browsing due to the limited bandwidth; no uploads or downloads of large files. Don't expect high-speed browsing regardless.

As a rule of thumb, "commercial" campgrounds in Alberta have a potable water source and a dump station. Provincial and federal government camp sites are not likely to have those services. The following web site will likely be of significant use to you;http://www.sanidumps.com/sanidumps_cdn_ab.php

Excellent information, and it's really appreciated. Going to save that link.

I will only speak to the money issue. WE USE CASH.We come to Canada every year. Have made 2 trips to Alaska and on the way there now. Have family in Canada so usually spend a month in Canada going and a month returning. We have BOA as our bank. They charge a 3% international fee on every debit and credit card transaction. However, they have a reciprocal agreement with Scotia Bank that allows us to use our debit/credit card to make cash withdrawals without any fees, including an ATM fee.Would suggest you check with your bank and see if they have a reciprocal agreement with any bank in Canada if you decide to use cash. We find it works quite well for us and saves $30.00 on the thousand. We also get the current exchange rate and it has been around parity for the past year.

Some random questions driving through Canada to Alaska

28 Replies

seraphim
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
The rest of our choices were primitive sites
seraphim
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
We are sitting in our first Canadian campground near Bently Alberta. We've been out a week now, having spent three nights at Glacier NP, and stopped at a private site with full hookups, free wifi, and laundry/ shower. About $42. A bit expensive for us, but the wifi makes it worthwhile. Been out of touch for a week lol.
Tripalot
Explorer
Jun 21, 2013
We haven't travelled to Western Canada for 5 years now, but on several trips we discovered that a lot of the small towns - especially in the US - have community run campgrounds. Most were a minimal cost, $5 or $10 and often free. Many had electric and water hookups and dumps.

Maybe do a Google search of some of the towns you will be passing through and see what c.g.'s come up. Provincial Parks are getting expensive, especially Ontario.

Another alternative, check out boondockerswelcome.com It might be worth it for you to join.
Orion
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
Let's say that my postal code is V9G 3D7, I put in the numbers in my code, 937 and add two 0s, making 93700. I find this works most of the time when I'm asked for my zip code in the US.
sue_t
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
I never ever leave my credit card with anyone at any gas station. While most people are trustworthy it takes only one dishonest person to record your numbers and the three digit security number off the back. It happened to us once, and that was one times too many. We will leave a driver's licence OR I will stand at the cash desk as a "hostage" while DH fills the truck.

Our credit cards worked everywhere in Alaska except for one pay-at-the-pump at Cantwell, and it turned out no one's card was working that morning. Good reason to always have enough cash in your wallet to pay for a fill-up.
Seamutt
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
Any number that resembles a zip code has worked for me.
luckyd
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
When I head south for the winter, the canadian debit cards are
only good at Walmart and Costco. Nobody will take our debit cards.
The banks charge from 3-$5 per transaction.
I use W/M for cash. I can withdraw up to $100 without any fee.
Each time I shop I will take the extra cash.

A lot of service stations will not accept Canadian credit cards
because you need to enter a ZIP CODE. We do not have zip codes.
We need to leave the card at the desk, fill up, then go back in
while they ring it up.

Canadians have the same problems in the US.

Our dog food is even confiscated ubless it is made in the USA
seraphim
Explorer
May 26, 2013
Thanks Trevor
canadafan
Explorer
May 26, 2013
Check here for gas prices- www.gasbuddy.com/

Trevor
seraphim
Explorer
May 24, 2013
You all are great! We almost got stuck in th upper peninsula one time, when the ATMs weren't working. I was working on the assumption that checks and ATMs might not be usable. Nice to know they are options.

Wasn't sure about taking the extra fuel cans, but a friend is loaning a gasoline generator, so we'll need a small gas can along as well. Never used a genny before, but figured it may come in handy in an emergency.

As for Ontario, I think we're going to head to Glacier National Park first, for a few days of rest, then head north from there. Only time constraint is heading back south before winter hits