We are going on a road trip from Las Vegas, NV to Niagara Falls, Canada this summer (June-July). From Las Vegas, we will be stopping in MD to visit White House, spend couple of days around the area. Then, we will be heading to visit New York, then Niagara Falls (Canada Side, then visit some friend in Ontario Canada. So, heading to east cost has been planned and campground reservations booked. On the way back to Vegas from Ontario, we would like to stop by Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. We well be leaving Ontario, Canada (July 3rd Sunday). MapQuest is giving us direction heading West via ON-402 West, I-69 South, I-94 West. We would like to drive on the 3rd of July, then set up camp. Stay/Rest on the 4th of July and watch fireworks 4th of July night. Then drive to Mt. Rushmore on the 5th. Any suggestions on a good place to watch fireworks and stay for 2 night, about 400-450 miles from Ontario, Canada, based on the route MapQuest is giving me? This is our first time to drive with our RV, crossing to Canada. What suggestions can you give as far as protection while on the road? I know we can legally carry firearm inside the RV (provided we observe and follow the laws of each state we will be crossing, loaded vs. unloaded, etc.). However, I know we cannot cross the border with firearm. What do you folks use for your family protection while on the road, if firearm is NOT allowed? I am thinking of looking for a gun store/FFL near the border who can legally store my firearm before I cross the border. However, since we will be going to Mt. Rushmore from Ontario, Canada, we will be using a different US entry point.Thank you in advance for your suggestions on the 4th of July STOP and on the road protection.

Something many forget about visiting the White House is the process to be allowed to do so. Here is the link on how to get access:https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-eventsAsk the first FFL dealer to ship to another FFL dealer near your second entry point to arrive on/near your re-entry date.

In 13+ years of RVing we have never given our safety a second thought. We always stay in above-average campgrounds and, as seniors, are lights out by 9:30.Maybe we have just been lucky although after many years of reading the posts on this Forum I can't remember a post stating that a camper has been attacked by other humans.

You can bring certain guns into Canada but you need to declare them and have the proper paperwork. Check the Canada customs website for requirements.

If you are planning on staying in an RV Park in Ontario over the July 1st weekend you had best have reservations now or you will never get in. This is the busiest long weekend of the season in Ontario.

Can we please not turn this into a thread about the merits or not of having a firearm for whatever reason and stick to the OP's questions?

4th of July STOP from Ontario, Canada, to Mt. Rushmnore

MontyAndMichell
Explorer
Jul 07, 2016
We just stayed five nights at the Niagara Falls KOA on Lundy Ln there in Ontario. It was great! To avoid the Canada mob around the falls we actually went the other way and did a winery tour that day, then did the falls Saturday and Sunday and Monday the 4th back to Niagara on the lake to the countryside. The staff at that campground is extremely nice and the people around the area are as well. Was funny just how many wished us a happy 4th Monday when they realized we were not locals. For others looking at going in the Summer they actually do fireworks at the falls three days a week no matter when you go. :)
DrewE
Explorer II
Apr 25, 2016
Typically US vehicle insurance policies cover travel in Canada, but do double-check with your insurance agent. You don't need any additional insurance card for Canada anymore, or so they say; there used to be a special Canada card/form that you'd get from your insurance company. If they'll give you a "Canadian insurance card," it can never hurt to have it along.

Dogs and cats require a rabies vaccination certification signed by a vet (specific requirements are available online here) and there are some limitations on pet food imports.

While it's not a border requirement in any way, you'll want to fill up your vehicle's fuel before entering Canada as it's quite a bit more expensive there.
ADOR
Explorer
Apr 25, 2016
Do we need to get a separate insurance for the RV when crossing to Canada? Anythibg else we need to bring other than passports?
ADOR
Explorer
Apr 25, 2016
That is geat news. At least we will see some fireworks. We are all excited. This is our first road trip crossing to Canada.

Jack_Diane_Freedom wrote:
Yes they will have fireworks over the Falls on July 1st. If you are staying at the Niagara Falls KOA you can catch the town bus right in front of the KOA to take you to the falls. Niagara KOA is very very kid friendly and a great place.
ADOR
Explorer
Apr 25, 2016
We are good to go then. Staying 3 nights at KOA Canada, leaving the 2nd.

TyroneandGladys wrote:
Beware that many places will require a three day stay for the 4th of July weekend.
Jack_Diane_Free
Explorer
Apr 25, 2016
Yes they will have fireworks over the Falls on July 1st. If you are staying at the Niagara Falls KOA you can catch the town bus right in front of the KOA to take you to the falls. Niagara KOA is very very kid friendly and a great place.
TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Apr 25, 2016
Beware that many places will require a three day stay for the 4th of July weekend.
ADOR
Explorer
Apr 25, 2016
We are not aware that July 1 is Canada Day. We are booked at KOA Canada, leaving July 2nd. Passports are all valid and current for all of us. Do you know if they have fireworks over the falls on July 1st evening? I hope we can stay also for the 4th. But we need to start heading back to vegas the 3rd.

Still looking for a place to watch fireworks on the 4th, onniur way back to vegas.

cruiserjs wrote:
Are you aware that July 1 is "Canada Day" - a holiday in Canada (Friday) followed by July 4 ? Hope that you have reservations for whenever you are in Canada. Also - don't forget passports for all in your party!
Fireworks at Niagra should be spectacular -over the falls!!

Fireworks viewing on the 4th - can't help you there.

Reservations for almost anywhere at that time of year are pretty mich needed IMHO!
cruiserjs
Explorer
Apr 25, 2016
Are you aware that July 1 is "Canada Day" - a holiday in Canada (Friday) followed by July 4 ? Hope that you have reservations for whenever you are in Canada. Also - don't forget passports for all in your party!
Fireworks at Niagra should be spectacular -over the falls!!

Fireworks viewing on the 4th - can't help you there.

Reservations for almost anywhere at that time of year are pretty mich needed IMHO!
ADOR
Explorer
Apr 25, 2016
Thanks for the suggestion about Canada Customs. I will research that, then also research the US Customs as far as how to bring it back to the US. If it gets too complicated and a lot of paper works involved, I may just not bring any, to avoid headache.

How about a good place to watch fireworks and stay for 2 nights, about 400-450 miles from Ontario, Canada, based on the route MapQuest is giving me?

I wish we can stay at the Canada side all holiday weekend. But we need to start heading back to Vegas the 3rd of July. back to work July 11th.