Some random questions driving through Canada to Alaska

seraphim wrote:
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.

In BC get a copy of the BC Parks Guide and Road Map. It has a matrix of the various services available in BC Provincial Parks. You will need Canadian Coins to operate the dump stations in BC Parks. Many Provincial Parks and Forestry campgrounds only take Canadian Cash.

Also in BC some communities have free or low cost Dump Stations. The local Travel Infocentres will have information on how to find them.

In Alberta, many small communities off the major highways have nice small campgrounds with some services. Of course they may not be on your route. An example is Acme AB, there is a small campground with 15 amp only power, water available that 4 years ago charged $15.00 per night. It is right next to a park that has a free outdoor pool in the summer. There is a free dump station on the way into town.

2. Currently, what's an average price for diesel fuel in Canada? Alaska?

The price does not matter if your tank is low, you have to pay it.

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.

Have American Cash converted to Canadian Cash once you cross the border. You will get a better exchange rate. On occasion the Customs' House Currency Exchange gives a better rate that banks.

You will need cash for many Provincial Parks. Loonies ($1.00 coins) and Twoonies ($2.00 coins) are handy to have. I buy a roll of each at the beginning of camping season each year

You will also need cash to buy firewood.

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)

Me, I would want to be able to use my cell if needed. I would get temp coverage for Canada. I know with our Roger's phones we can just text to get temp coverage while in the USA.

Any thoughts or concerns about these strategies? Thanks in advance.

Make sure you have enough funds to have a good trip, not one where you are worrying about each and every expense.

Quite often gas stations have a free dump/water fill station - not something common here in the east. ST

Banks have been adding 2-3% over & above their regular foreign exchange rates on their credit card transactions for many years. Many, now including my bank, have now more recently added this 'premium' to their debit card transactions as well. These 'fees' won't appear on your bank or credit card, they will just be part of the exchange rate used.
Banks may have reciprocal agreements with other banks with regard to the waiving of the ATM flat $2-5 fee, but I am certain that the hidden 2-3% premium on the rate would remain.

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.

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

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

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.

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!