All About Canada, Eh?

Yes, that’s right, buddy! This month we shine the spotlight on Canada, and much more. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help you plan your next trip to the second-largest country in the world. With its sprawling wilderness and endless beauty, you would be hard-pressed to not enjoy your stay there.

We will touch on how to best plan for crossing the border; some must-see camping destinations; one of our favorite Canadian desserts; and some of FMCA’s benefits and discounts.

So, as the clicks add up while you’re heading to The Peg (Winnipeg), or wherever your plans take you, don’t forget to treat yourself to a Timmies Double Double and some Timbits from Tim Hortons.

Safe travels!

The FMCA Team

Northern Lights RV Park, C6690

We had a very comfortable and enjoyable stay at Northern Lights RV Park in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, in June of 2022. The park is clean and well-kept, as are the buildings. The staff was friendly and helpful. It was a great place to spend a few days getting ready to start our two-month tour.

Richard & Terry Michaud, F501299

Crossing The Border

What awaits you at the Canada-United States border? If you’re thinking of taking an RV trip from one country to the other, make sure you bone up on current border crossing requirements. Know the rules for each country, including similarities and differences, to experience a smooth, hassle-free crossing.

Having correct documentation is key. To drive across the border, you’ll have to present identification to border-crossing officials. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, a “trusted traveler” card such as NEXUS, or an enhanced driver’s license, among others. American citizens entering Canada also may use paperwork that shows proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate. For Canadian citizens crossing the border into the United States, a birth certificate is acceptable identification only for children under 16, or under 19 if traveling with a school group or sports team. Each passenger in your vehicle needs appropriate identification.

Have copies of the registration and insurance information for each of your vehicles as well. Bring proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations for your dogs and cats on board. As for COVID-19 requirements, Canada has removed their rules for those arriving from the United States, and the United States is considering making changes as well; regardless, it’s a good idea to carry proof of vaccinations and/or any current medical documentation.

What can I bring? When entering the United States, you’re required to disclose the following items to border-crossing officials: firearms, fruits and vegetables, plants and cut flowers, meat and animal products, and live animals. Numerous foods are restricted or prohibited, such as most fruits and vegetables (unless commercially canned) and many milk/dairy and poultry/egg products. Canada also maintains a list of restricted/prohibited food items. Both countries prohibit bringing in firewood, as well as soil (make sure any camping equipment is free of soil, and pests). Most Canadian provinces and territories prohibit radar detectors also. According to Ezbordercrossing.com, both countries have strict firearms protocols. Learn more about firearms regulations here for the United States and for Canada.

At the border, open the windows and blinds in your RV, so the interior is more visible. Remove your sunglasses. Turn off phones and the radio. Clearly and courteously communicate your reasons for travel, travel dates, and destinations to border officials.

This border reminder checklist may help Canadian RVers who are returning to Canada. And check out Canada’s ArriveCAN travelers app, which can help speed up your experience at the border.

More sources. Learn about entering Canada from the Canada Border Services Agency. For the United States, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. And if you’d like an “easy” button with oodles of info for both countries, look to Ezbordercrossing.com.

Exploring Canada

The “Great White North” offers so much to see. Canada is full of national parks, lakes, mountain ranges, coastal views, and great camping locations. Go RVing Canada has pared down the list and suggests 15 sites worth seeing. Here’s a sampling.

One popular location is Jasper National Park in Alberta, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and the second-largest dark-sky preserve in the world. An extensive network of trails provides views of its abundant wildlife.

Folks who love wineries, beaches, and bird-watching may gravitate to Campers Cove in Ontario, which boasts a 1,200-foot beach. Campers Cove Campground, on the shores of Lake Erie near Wheatley, makes a great base camp.

In Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park features a unique mountain landscape that resembles a massive gorge. The park, which was forged by colliding continents and grinding glaciers, will surely take your breath away.

If you’re in British Columbia, venture to the Similkameen Valley, which features multiple RV parks large and small, plus activities for everyone in the family to enjoy; these include hiking, fishing, floating on the Similkameen River, and exploring Granite Creek Ghost Town.

Go RVing Canada has posted tons of testimonials and suggestions on where to venture forth on its website; see the recommendations here.

In addition, if you’d like to try your hand at planning your own Canadian road trip, check out Go RVing Canada’s “Plan An RV Trip” web page. You can add stops, search for campgrounds and national parks, and more. Read about numerous trip suggestions, too. How about road tripping through Quebec’s Gaspe Peninsula?

The year is still young. Consider a trip to the Great White North in 2023!

FMCA Roadside Assistance To The Rescue

Unexpected things can happen when you’re on the road. Need a tow? Run out of fuel? Battery dead? FMCA Roadside Rescue, powered by SafeRide RV Motor Club, will be there for you. This program is offered at competitive rates for both motorized and towable RVs. It can even be extended to each person in your household and to passenger vehicles, too. To learn more about this great program, which is available to both U.S. and Canadian residents, look here.

Keep Rollin' With Michelin And FMCA

As part of the FMCA Tire Savings Program, Michelin Advantage provides FMCA members competitive pricing on Michelin tires. It’s available at all authorized Michelin commercial tire dealers that participate in the program. Plus, this discount is offered to American and Canadian members. Get a quote today!

"LUCKY 13" Convention Fun

FMCA’s 106th International Convention & RV Expo is practically here! Join us March 15-18 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia. There will be numerous activities, vendors, food, and friends! You still have time to register; just click here.

Snow Camping In British Columbia

British Columbia, Canada, is a winter playground. Its many RV parks include Fort Langley and Apple Beach, and countless activities await — snowshoeing, wine tasting, and hiking, to name a few. This area of western Canada is a perfect spot for winter-loving RVers to enjoy the cold weather and scenic views. Read all about it in Family RVing magazine’s December 2022 issue.

Valdez RV Park, C14190

Valdez, Alaska

Whether you’re looking to experience Alaskan wildlife, glaciers, history, or to simply put your feet up and enjoy the breathtaking views, Valdez RV Park has something for you! Offering amenities of 30/50-amp, full and partial hookups, showers, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and more. Plus, you’ll find the harbor, gift shops, and restaurants all within walking distance of the RV park. Enjoy Alaska’s beauty in a comfortable setting as you travel to or from Canada.

Brewdocking Is The New Boondocking

Join Olympian and adventure guide Jon Montgomery on a quest to find unique Canadian destinations and the best brews. While Jon visits these iconic regions, in partnership with Go RVing Canada, he learns about local culture and sip-tests the top beers each region has to offer. You can learn more about Jon’s travels here and view this Brewdocking series on Go RVing Canada’s YouTube channel.

This is Celine Dion

Sing along to Celine Dion’s famous songs from the This is Celine Dion playlist on Spotify. Enjoy the iconic Canadian songstress’s essential tracks and try not to shed a tear listening to hits such as “My Heart Will Go On” or “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”

Ryan Reynolds' Aviation Gin

Did you know Canadian-American actor Ryan Reynolds has his own brand of gin? Next time you want a cocktail at the campground, look for Aviation American Gin! It is distilled using a proprietary maceration recipe that creates a one-of-a-kind botanical flavor.

RV Unplugged

Love RVing and reality shows? Look no further than RV Unplugged! This reality series puts RVers to the test, both mentally and physically, for a chance to win $10,000. Eight two-person teams with different types of RVs compete in remote locations with zero resources and put their camping skills to the test. The series starts on March 11 exclusively on YouTube. You don’t want to miss it!

When In Canada...

One of the fun aspects of traveling to other regions and countries is sampling food that is popular there. Reader’s Digest Canada published a list of 10 Must-Try Canadian Dishes (and the Best Places to Find Them). One of the items on the list is Butter Tarts, which the article describes as having “a delicate, crumbly crust and a creamy centre made of a butter, sugar and egg mixture” and, sometimes, raisins, although that ingredient seems to be subject to debate.

The sweet treat is found in Canadian coffee shops and bakeries, especially in Ontario, where it is said to have originated. In Ontario, you can even follow the Butter Tart Trail – a string of bakeries that sell the pastries. But you may not have to go farther than your own kitchen to enjoy them. FMCA member Maureen Milne shares step-by-step instructions for cooking up Butter Tarts in this blog post on FMCAdventure.com.

And if you find yourself in a diner in Canada, or maybe even at some McDonald’s, look for poutine on the menu. This French-Canadian dish traditionally consists of fries topped with peppery meat-based gravy and “squeaky” cheese curds.

So, when in Canada, be sure to sample some of the country’s quintessential dishes!

FMCA Area Rally Schedule

June 2023

Great Lakes Area Rally — June 7-11 — Greenville, Ohio

Northwest Area Rally — June 7-11 — Albany, Oregon

Midwest Area Rally — June 13-16 — Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

July 2023

INTO (International) Area Rally — July 6-11 and/or July 12-17 — Calgary, Alberta

August 2023

Northeast Area Rally — August 3-5 — Herkimer, New York

September 2023

South Central Area Rally — September 13-16 — Shawnee, Oklahoma

October 2023

Eastern Area Rally — October 4-8 — Lewisburg, West Virginia

Rocky Mountain Area Rally — October 24-28 — Tucson, Arizona

Click here to view FMCA’s upcoming 2023 event schedule.

Are you looking to meet other RVers? Look no further. FMCA has nearly 300 chapters across the United States and Canada. FMCA chapters are made up of RV enthusiasts who have a zest for travel, as well as hobbies and interests off the highway. Find a chapter that best suits your interests here.

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