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What should I stock up on?

mockturtle
Explorer II
Explorer II
Alaska-bound later this month and wonder what household/grocery items to stock up on before I cross the Canadian border from NE WA. I will be driving up the AlCan and down the Cassiar. In other words, what, if any, items might be difficult to find on my journey. Obviously, I am space-challenged in my small rig so there's a limit to stocking up.
2015 Tiger Bengal TX 4X4
Chevy 3500HD, 6L V8
75 REPLIES 75

mockturtle
Explorer II
Explorer II
Thank you all for the useful advice. I'm taking notes!

Oh, do they sell tortillas everywhere?
2015 Tiger Bengal TX 4X4
Chevy 3500HD, 6L V8

jnharley
Explorer
Explorer
If you have military commissary privileges, you can stock up on essentials when you are in Fairbanks/Anchorage. We found groceries to be very expensive in Canada and dining out was worse. There are Wal-Marts along the way and we found the produce to be very good. Do not plan on buying much in Tok, AK. We spent $12 for a loaf of bread and a small bag of cookies at the local grocery store. Fast Eddies in Tok is outstanding, especially the prime rib special on Friday nights. We generally eat at home because we find most restaurant food sub par. The best place we ate at in Alaska was Hometown Burgers in Valdez and their Southwest Burger was one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. It was $15 though. We really enjoyed our trip and will be returning in 2017.
2015 Dodge Dually
2012 NuWa Discover America 355CK

PA12DRVR
Explorer
Explorer
Sea Dog wrote:
Perhaps staying home and renting a video of Alaska
would be less expensive and solve many problems.

Seriously, why over think these matters?
Grab a credit card or two, go and have fun!


x2
CRL
My RV is a 1946 PA-12
Back in the GWN

colliehauler
Explorer III
Explorer III
garyhaupt wrote:
colliehauler..no, I didn't think it was stupid at all. I was having a moment of levity. Thus, the rolling eyeball icon and the further comment about buying everything.

Being Canadian, I am sorry.


Gary haupt
No problem Gary. I just want a smooth border crossing. I went trough one time at shift change by Thunder bay and they forgot about me in the inspection area. I sat there for over a hour.

Sea_Dog
Explorer
Explorer
Perhaps staying home and renting a video of Alaska
would be less expensive and solve many problems.

Seriously, why over think these matters?
Grab a credit card or two, go and have fun!
Life is short,Death is long,
Take a vacation.

AK_Old_Timer
Explorer
Explorer
mockturtle wrote:
All very helpful! Thank you! Fortunately, I neither drink alcohol nor smoke but do drink diet cola. Don't plan to stock up, though, as I assume it will be available in BC. Will bring plenty of Hershey's Dark Chocolate bars, though.....;)



Forget the Hershey's Dark Chocolate bars. Instead stop at a Canadian Walmart and pick up some Waterbridge Belgian Extra Dark Chocolate Bars. They're in the candy section. They are far better than the Hershey bars and relatively cheaper. Can't find them in the lower 48 so we pick up a dozen bars before re-entering the US.

Also be sure to pick a can or two of Tim Horton's coffee. Besides the Tim Horton's restaurants you can also get it at Walmart.

garyhaupt
Explorer
Explorer
colliehauler..no, I didn't think it was stupid at all. I was having a moment of levity. Thus, the rolling eyeball icon and the further comment about buying everything.

Being Canadian, I am sorry.


Gary haupt
I have a Blog..about stuff, some of which is RV'ing.

http://mrgwh.blogspot.ca/

colliehauler
Explorer III
Explorer III
garyhaupt wrote:
No coffee or tea allowed either.:R

no nuthin....you have buy everything here. Everything. Even air...gotta buy the air.


Gary Haupt
Gary while you may think this is a stupid question I asked because I use canisters instead of original containers. I know with dog food I have to leave it in the bag instead of a large plastic bin. I have been to Canada several times just never pulling the camper. I know from experience border custom agents can be real sticklers.

enblethen
Nomad
Nomad
According to the inspection link I posted, spices, tea, coffee and condiments are permitted. Shown on page three.

Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow


2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker

SideHillSoup
Explorer
Explorer
We bring coffee with us back to Canada from Hawaii every year. Never ever have I been asked and I don't see that or tea lited on restricted items.
Soup.
2018 Northern Lite 8-11 EX Dry Bath
2017 Sierra SLE, 3500 HD / 4x4 / Duramax with a 6 speed Allison Trans
Torklift Super Hitch 20K, 48" Super Truss, front and rear frame mounted tie downs
Fast Gun Long Range SS Turnbuckles, Fast Gun locks

garyhaupt
Explorer
Explorer
No coffee or tea allowed either.:R

no nuthin....you have buy everything here. Everything. Even air...gotta buy the air.


Gary Haupt
I have a Blog..about stuff, some of which is RV'ing.

http://mrgwh.blogspot.ca/

enblethen
Nomad
Nomad
They may ask about fresh fruit and vegetables and more recently chicken due to the avian flu.

Bud
USAF Retired
Pace Arrow


2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker

Sourdough_Biscu
Explorer
Explorer
I've never been questioned about coffee or tea. Standard questions have been: alcohol, tobacco, weapons, fresh produce, amount of cash, pets & firewood. And how long Will we be in Canada.

colliehauler
Explorer III
Explorer III
Question about coffee and loose leaf tea crossing the border. I keep sugar coffee and loose leaf tea in non labeled canisters. Do you think this would be a problem and just carry in original containers?

tonymull
Explorer
Explorer
paulj wrote:
The higher % DEET is not necessarily better - unless you want to damage your acrylics (and some other plastics).


More a matter of how often you need to apply it. Although in concentration under the 40% in Deep Woods Off for example, I just don't find it to be as effective. Sometimes the spray is preferable though.