RVing Canada

Getting to Canada without a passport--Washington style

2009-08-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

As most know, you can't get back into the United States from out of country without the proper paperwork. From Canada or Mexico through a land-crossing you'll need a passport or a Passcard. But wait! There's yet another alternative--an Enhanced Driver's License or ID. Issued by individual states following the dictates of the Federal Homeland Security Department, these "new and improved" driver licenses and ID cards will let you back into the states, and they're usually easier (and less expensive) to obtain than a PASScard or passport. For RVers, they may be just the alternative you want.

As Washington residents, we decided to go the "EDL" route, as the cost of a federally issued PASScard is $45 (for the initial issue--and $20 to renew), while a Washington EDL is only $15 above the "normal" rate for a driver license. Another "plus" is that instead of waiting for several weeks for your application to be processed, you can walk in to most Driver License Exam Stations and walk out with your new "temporary" EDL, and have the permanent card in hand within a few days.

There's a few caveats: For men, the application process for an EDL is fairly straight-forward. Bring your current driver license, a certified copy of your birth certificate, and proof of address (utility bill, pay stub, etc), fill out the application, go through a quick interview, and you're ready for a photo. For women, if you've gone through the process of a name change, it gets a bit more complicated. Add a divorce and a remarriage, and things could get really messy. Here's an example:

One woman wanted to apply for an enhanced license, so she called in to ask for details on proving her identity. She'd been born in California, married in Washington, subsequently divorced, and had remarried. After the lengthy wait on the phone to Olympia, she was told she'd need her birth certificate, original marriage certificate, divorce decree, and the marriage certificate for her current marriage--all of which needed to be "certified" with an official state seal. After spending a number of hours running from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, she presented herself to the driver license station, only to be told she simply needed the birth certificate and current driver license. Apparently too many folks complained about the paper chase issue, and the state had seen fit to "relax" their standards--days after she'd called and got the information that led to the chase.

So under the most recent "incarnation" of bureaucratic direction: If you're planning on getting a Washington EDL, plan on spending up to two hours in the office from start to finish. Be sure the license station of your choice doesn't require and appointment--if it does, it may take a couple of weeks to get an appointment. You DON'T have to go to the station near your home address, you can get an EDL in any station in Washington.

Once at the station, you may have to "take a number and wait." Be sure to get the RIGHT number, as EDL applicants must see only certain representatives. When it's your turn you'll be asked to provide all your paperwork, and spend a few minutes with a representative. You'll then wait for your interview--which is essentially verbally answering the same questions you filled out your application: Names of your parents, where they were born, where you were born, and information of that nature. And hey, if you don't know just where your parents were born, just tell the first representative up front. After the interview, you'll be photographed and handed your temporary EDL.

You should be aware that the EDL does contain a computer tag that can be "read" at a distance by a computer scanner. The scanner is able to read only an individual ID number, not your name or personal information. Still, some folks are concerned about what they view to be a personal security issue. Your new driver license is provided with a "scan proof" slip envelope that theoretically prevents the license from being scanned when inside it. One other issue: Your photograph will be taken without your eyeglasses on your face. This allows the system to build a biometric profile based on your facial characteristics, for example, measuring items like your eye sockets, cheek bones, and the sides of your mouth. The state says this will help prevent identity theft. Just don't let anybody rip off your dentures!

"Mobile identity theft lab" nabbed at Canada border

2009-08-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Most folks use their RVs for recreation, some use them for business, but the "Rainbow Five" used theirs for a life of crime, until they made a wrong turn at the Rainbow Bridge.

Five US citizens left California last December in a motorhome with more than just the usual travel equipment. Included in the cargo, equipment that helped the "criminal quintet" to manufacture bogus credit cards and driver licenses. They made their way across the US, apparently by using their phony products to make cash advances. It looks like one piece of equipment they failed to have on hand was a GPS system, because last March, while traveling through Niagra Falls, the group made a wrong turn and wound up on Canada's doorstep.

The motorhome's driver, Felicks Balon, told custom's official he'd made an error, that he really hadn't intended to head into Canada. That was fine with officials, but they went ahead and ran identity checks anyway--turning up a criminal record on Balon that meant he couldn't enter the country. At this point, officials told Balon he was unwelcome in what some call The People's Republic of Canuckistan, but he could turn the motorhome around and head back to the US. Instead of taking advantage of the gracious offer, Balon panicked and fled north.

Excercising a bit of suspicion, officials then searched the motorhome, finding illegal drugs, and eventually the counterfieting equipment. They took the motorhome's other passengers into custody, and eventually, Balon was nabbed and all stood before court on charges. Balon got 27 months for importing illegal drugs and fleeing an immigration officer; the others--who all came equipped with phony identification--all good nine month sentences.

Doing the Winter Olympics at Vancouver? Bring Your RV

2009-06-24T14:06:00.001-07:00

If you're planning to take in the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver has a deal for you. Two of the city's big beach parking lots will open the gates for RVers to stay with their rigs. Washrooms, concession stands, showers, and easy access to public transportation will be right at hand. Why the big welcome?

"People are going to come to the Olympics in their RVs and we don't want our shopping mall parking lots to become de facto RV parks," said Vancouver parks board commissioner Aaron Jasper. Jasper is quoted in The Province, a regional Canadian paper. But don't think the welcome is going to be strictly good hearted. There's a wee bit of business for the city department. At $95 a night to stay, if only the city can see a one-third occupancy rate, they say they'll break even financially on the affair. With the love affair of sports and RVing combined, it would be hard to imagine that the city will have to worry about breaking even.

Lots will open at Jericho Beach and at Spanish Banks. And one more thing: Don't imagine you'll want to bring your swimsuit and sunscreen. There have been occasions in winter where snowmen occupied the beaches in Vancouver, rather than bikini-clad cuties.

Jericho Beach photo by nattie bug on flickr.com

RVers Get Break on Manitoba Park Access

2009-05-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

In a move that's drawing heat from some critics, government officials have thrown away entrance fees at Manitoba's provincial parks. This translates into a $7 a day break for entry into any one of the half dozen regions, comprising dozens of parks.

The discount runs from now through April 2011, and officials hope it will help bring more Canadians and visitors into the province's parks. Critics argue that the costs of running parks certainly isn't heading down, and with an estimated overall loss of over two and a half million Canadian dollars per year, the buck has got to stop somewhere.

Politics and economics aside, if you're in the neighborhood, a visit to one or more of Manitoba's park jewels is only sweetened with a small discount. For more information on parks and activities in the Keystone Province, check out their website.

Photo: Duck Mountain Provincial Park, courtesy Manitoba Parks

Some US RVers Will See Canada Travel Barred

2009-05-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Some US RVers may soon see travel in Canada only from a distance--from the US side of the border fence. In case you missed it, the free border crossing that US citizens had to the north country will evaporate under new standards, courtesy of Homeland Security.

Effective June 1, US citizens returning from Canada (or Mexico) by land or sea MUST show a valid passport, passport card, or other documentation acceptable under Homeland Security standards. This means flashing a driver license and a birth certificate won't cut it. If you're planning on travel out of the US and you haven't already applied for (or possess) the requesit papers, best not leave the US.

Passport cards, as we've mentioned, are a less expensive alternative for travel by sea or land to Mexico or Canada. You may apply for them at a post office or other agency that handles passport applications. However, the application process still takes several weeks, at best.

RVers Looking for Excitement--Visit WildPlay Element Parks in Nanaimo

2009-05-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

Need a little more adrenaline to run through your veins? The last "almost got us" truck driver not enough to keep your blood flowing? How about a stint of bungy jumping, tree climbing, or zip-line riding over a river gorge? WildPlay Element Parks want to drag you kicking a screaming into a pucker-string tightening adventure in Nanaimo, B.C.

The "tree course" takes you above ground on swinging bridges, zip lines, and various obstacles. The course has several levels, rated for children, young people, and adults running up four levels from that requiring minimal skill (and to a minimal height above ground), to that taking you way up high, and requiring a lot of skill.

Perhaps climbing trees and running down wobbly bridges isn't your cup o' tea. How about 150' drop with rubber bands tied to your ankles, singly or with a friend? WildPlay's bungy jump dumps you over the Nanaimo River. Think we'll pass on this offer. You could always belt up in a seat-like harness and "sit" your way through the drop on the park's King Swing. Or perhaps the least green-skin producing is the big zip line run over the width, and one long length, of the river canyon below.

Is it exciting? Sure looks like it. Is it safe? Well---you'll have to determine that one for yourself, and before you'll be allowed to do any of the park's challenges, you'll be asked to sign off on a waiver that releases everybody and their brother involved is something out-of-place does happen. Check out the website at www.wildplayparks.com.

photo courtesy wildplayparks.com

Canada RV Dealers Not Feeling the Pain Like American Counterparts

2009-04-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

While dealerships are closing doors around the US, Canadian RV dealers say things aren't so bad up north. Some say that sales this year are around a par with last, in fact. Still, they want help from the government to smooth the sales ways.

Published reports on RV sales out east in Saskatchewan show over a 45% increase in sales in December/January of this year, compared to a year prior. From across the 'Great White North' RV show promoters are happily reporting in with glowing reports of great crowds which no man is practically able to number. What seems to be driving the boom?

Those practical Canucks are seeing the cost-effectiveness of RVing as opposed to hotel-vacationing. Canwest Publishing reports the story from one RV show where Rob Butler, his wife, and four children were trolling about, eyeballing pop-up rigs. Butler told Canwest, he couldn't stomach continuing to spend thousands on hotels and flights for an annual vacation in this economy."My family is so big, we're looking at other vacation options."

Butler has plenty of company, as the sales of everything from pop-ups to luxury motorhomes seem to be continuing. But that doesn't mean Canadian RV dealers aren't looking for help. If Johnny Canuck is the Canadian equivalent of Uncle Sam, Johnny had better think about getting his phone number de-listed. The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association has gone public, saying the federal government needs to step up to the plate and help RV dealers get more access to credit to help customers secure financing for RV purchases. In a story published in today's The Canadian Press, dealer association president Michael Corte called on the crown for help. "Canada must take a bold step in addressing this credit as it relates to the RV industry,

Zoo Critter Stows Away on Motorhome

2009-04-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

What's a foot and a half tall, is blue and gold, makes lots of noise--and evidently likes RVing? That would be Chuva, the macaw parrot, recently of the Vancouver, BC zoo. Zoo officials were alarmed, when a week-ago this Monday, Chuva couldn't be found. Since her wings had been clipped, officials were convinced that she hadn't literally flown the coop, but the the clipped parrot could have been kipped.

Big news in the papers. Tips flooded in. 'Psst--your bird is being held in Aldergrove,' came one "tip." A tip that didn't pan out. Three days later though, a call came in that was the relief zoo officials were looking for. It seems a family who'd been visiting the zoo with their motorhome had heard strange noises emanating from beneath their rig. Sure enough, Chuva had stowed away in the motorhome undercarriage, making a short trip to a nearby suburb. Chuva was 'a wee bit peckish'--er--hungry, but none the worse for wear.

Perhaps it's just as well Chuva hasn't learned English. We might not want to hear her commentary on bouncing Bounders. At least not from the basement.

photo: langely advance

Yukon Motorhome Rental Offer Could be Scam

2009-03-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

A web site that promises great deals--including motorhome rentals--for Yukon visitors is being investigated by Canadian RCMP officials as a possible fraud operation. Operators of yukonvacation.com are said to be advertising all sorts of come-ons for travel packages without the consent of the legitimate companies who--without their consent--are listed on the website.

According to a story on cbcnews.ca, the outfit has outraged dozens of legitimate tourism outfits who say they've never heard of the internet company, nor made any agreements to work with them. What's worrisome about the site is that a "reservation form" fill-out on the site asks for personal information, including credit card numbers. However, elsewhere on the site a disclaimer indicates the form is "not a reservation confirmation or a reservation document."

The site's web page advertising motorhome rentals has the 'look and feel' of a legitimate RV rental firm's site. The company here is "Whitehorse Motorhome/Camper Rental" complete with quoted rates and photos. However, a search of operators in the area doesn't raise any firm by that name.

While the RCMP has managed to track down a post office box address in Washington state associated with the firm, but no direct contact has yet been made.

Canadian Cat Kato Creates Chaos With RVing Couple

2009-03-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

Imagine the life of Dick and Diane Forde of Kamloops, B.C. The Forde's adult son has been seriously ill, and after he began a recovery, he finally convinced his parents who had been caring for him to take a break. So the Fordes loaded up their rig and headed south to Palm Springs for some of that coveted winter sunshine.

On the return home, they needed some hitch repair done to their coach, so they availed themselves of a shop in Yucca Valley, not too far north of Palm Springs. It was after the couple had crossed into Canada when 'the light came on.' Their furry friend Kato, a Himalayan cat, was missing in action. Visions of a coyote with a big grin and bits of white Himalyan fur around his chops were just too much for the Fordes to bear.

But Kato, it seems, had other plans. Sometime during the stopover in Yucca Valley, Kato had evidently decided to do a little exploring and wound up snoozing in one of the shop employee's cars. When Dick and Diane thought about their route, they called the shop, and sure enough, found that Kato had taken up temporary residence as a muffler shop mascot.

It wasn't long after the call that the Fordes were crossing the international border again, headed back to Yucca Valley. Shop owner Dave Totten told the High Desert Star newspaper, “My wife [Odetta] is a total animal lover. She wasn’t going to let anything happen to that cat or any animal.”

Scammers Target Canadian RV Sellers

2009-02-16T08:14:00.000-08:00

Trying to sell your RV? Watch out for the latest scam that may even look--well, sorta legitimate.

It works this way: You list your RV for sale and shortly thereafter, you hear from someone who calls himself Nathan Seer. Nathan says he has a customer already lined up for your rig, in fact, you'll soon have a cashier's check for more than the amount of your asking price. What's that extra amount? That's for expenses like shipping that may come up after the sale.

You know the rest: Simply send Seer the excess above your asking price, and, hey presto! You've sold your RV. What makes the deal seem legit is the logo on the check: It's the logo of RV Care Network, a truly legitimate business group that networks the sale of RVs across Canada. But the logo on the check is bogus--just as the check itself is bogus. The seller cashes the check, sends Seer his "expenses" amount, and a few days down the line, the bank calls back, "Sorry the cashier's check is no good--pay up."

So far at least two Canadians have "bit" on the scam, and are "out" an average of over $9,000.

If you're selling your rig and you get an offer like this, call your local police, advises the now newspaper.

photo: d70focus on flickr.com

Latest Border Blunder? US Bars Loonies Entry to Country

2008-10-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

US Customs officials may have prevented thousands of loonies traveling with RVers from entering the US this week.

No, the G-men aren't worried about an influx of mental patients, the loonies in question were Canadian dollars, commonly dubbed "loonies" for the image of the bird that appears on the coin. In actuality, two Canadian couples, each in a motorhome, attempted to make the crossing into the US en route to Mexico. For whatever reason, US officials inquired about how much cash the RVers were carrying, and reports indicate the failed to 'fess up to carrying more than $10,000 in currency.

While it's not illegal to carry that amount of money in or out of the US, federal law requires it be declared. In this case, more than $10,000 in Canadian, US, and Mexican funds were found stashed throughout the motorhomes. According to the Port Huron Times Herald, the RVers new they were obligated to report the cash, yet did not. They were allowed to continue on with a convoy of other RVers, after the cash was put under arrest. For "humanitarian reasons," the border guards allowed an undisclosed amount of cash to continue on with the travelers. As for the rest, the owners will be able to reclaim it--after they jump through hoops, including proving where the money came from.

Arizona RVer dodges 3-year jail bullet over Canadian firearms violation

2008-10-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

A U.S. citizen should be grateful he has poor health--it kept him out of a potential three year "visit" to a Canadian prison after he tried to enter the country with a cache of undeclared weapons.

Collie Roe, a 66 year-old self-described firearms instructor from Arizona, thought he'd take a shortcut from Michigan to a New York gun show by cutting across Canada. At the border he declared he was carrying four weapons to a gun show. Customs officials must have smelled a rat, because they searched Roe's RV and towed vehicle. In reality, Roe was toting a total of 16 firearms, a loaded handgun in his pocket, and several more--including 9 mm and .45 caliber handguns--all loaded--in the immediate vicinity of his driver seat.

According to the Times Herald of Port Huron, Roe could have spent the mandatory three-year sentence in jail for his convictions on weapons possession, illegal importation, and customs evasions charges. In light of his poor health, a Canadian court rolled his convictions into what in the US is considered a misdemeanor status. Nevertheless, Roe spent three months in jail, had to pay $5,000 to get his RV and toad released, and his weapons will soon be scrap metal.

Canadians urged to buy RVs at home, not in USA

2008-09-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

(Sept. 15, 2008) -- With the rise of the Canadian dollar over the past year, some Canadians have been quick to assume that buying all goods in the United States will save them money. However, when buying an RV, it can in fact be more expensive and troublesome to buy from a dealer located across the border.

According to Canadian RV dealers, the strength of the Canadian dollar over many months has enabled them to have more buying power when purchasing from manufacturers. This means that Canadian RV dealers are often able to offer the same prices as U.S. dealers can.

"It's a myth that everything is cheaper in the U.S.," said Go RVing Canada Spokesperson Catherine Fortin LeFaivre. "And in fact, when considering all of the hassle and the costs associated with bringing a vehicle across the border, most Canadians are better off purchasing their RV at their local Canadian RV dealership."

Factors to consider that might make an RV cross border shopping experience more expensive and troublesome than previously assumed include:

--Numerous brokerage and duty fees associated with importing a vehicle into Canada.
--Travel costs (hotel, gas, food) associated with traveling a longer distance to shop and buy the unit.
--The cost of the difference of the exchange rate (if the Canadian dollar is not exactly at par).
--Lengthy vehicle importation paperwork required by Canada Border Agency and Transport Canada.
--Temporary licensing requirement to bring the vehicle home.
--Costs and work of converting an RV to comply with numerous Canadian standards (which differ from U.S. standards) within a limited time period.
--Extra service costs for warranty repairs.
--The unavailability of financing at some U.S. dealership due to Canadian residency/ citizenship.
--Insurance and registration complications.

"It's important to be able to maintain a relationship with your local RV dealer so that he or she can offer you advice and assistance about your RV for many years to come," said Fortin LeFaivre. "When buying from a U.S. dealer, it makes it very difficult and costly for the customer to just pop in and ask for help."

Before assuming that cross border will save a Canadian consumer money, Go RVing Canada recommends checking with local Canadian RV dealers to see if a similar price to that of the U.S. dealer can be offered and to examine the advantages of local service. "Buying from a Canadian RV dealer can often times save you time, hassle, and money," said Fortin LeFaivre.

An arrest in your past? Canada may turn you away at the border

2008-09-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

U.S. citizens and other with a conviction for drunk driving or another offense -- even one in the distant past and considered minor in the USA -- may be turned away at the Canadian border when trying to enter the country. Members of inadmissible classes include those who have been convicted of offenses including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc., or of indictable criminal offenses (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) are considered members of an inadmissible class.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offense in Canada, which makes anyone with a conviction ineligible to enter the country.

Those who have received traffic violations including parking/speeding tickets, etc., and other minor violations (i.e. littering, etc.) most likely will not be prohibited from entering Canada. Similarly, those with juvenile convictions (those committed while under age 18) most likely will not be prohibited from entering Canada unless they could have been tried as an adult for their offenses.

In recent years, with more sophisticated sharing of computer records, would-be visitors with criminal have been turned away with greater frequency. Americans who wish to visit Canada can apply for what is termed a "Minister's Approval of Rehabilitation," which may give them permission to enter.

Canadians May Think Fuel Prices Loony, But Not Putting It in Garage Yet

2008-04-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

A survey of Canadian drivers indicates that while high road fuel prices are taking a sting, it hasn't caused them to leave the car--or the RV--parked in the garage. It does mean that many are changing their plan of attack, which could have an effect on visitors this summer.

The survey is part of an overall look at Canadians attitudes toward oil prices published in Oilweek Magazine. The survey done by hoteliers, indicated that the number of Canadians who planned a domestic trip was down from 78% last year to 70% now. Financial reasons and higher gas prices topped the list for the lower rate of travel.

While the survey was for all drivers, Oilweek rousted out opinions of Canuck RVers. Like their 'Lower 48' counterparts, many are still planning on using the RV, but may adjust their plans to account for the higher fuel prices. Fred Wright of Toronto recently traded up to a new fifth-wheel trailer, a towable RV, as he and his wife Suzanne like to visit various parks around Ontario.

"I only get about seven miles per gallon (about 34 litres per 100 kilometres) when I'm pulling the trailer, so we've decided after this summer we'll put it at a seasonal park and only take it out once a year," he said.

If a large number of Canadians take this stance, it may be a great time for Americans (who have the fuel money to burn) to check out some of the attractions up north, eh? With fewer rigs in those park treasures, the farther you'll be able to see.

Photo: Alberta Highway 16 by laszlo-photo on flickr.com

B.C. Gets Off The Dime on RV Park Declines--But Is It In Time?

2008-04-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last December we reported that there were serious concerns about the decline in the number of RV parks throughout the province. Over a three year period nearly 10% of available RV park "spaces" had vanished, largely due to increasing land values and the resultant sellout by park owners.

Now a group of government and industry folk concerned about the future of BC's tourism have sent the provincial Tourism, Sport, and Arts Minister a wish list of recommendations to try and turn-around what could be a one-way downhill trip to declining tourist revenues.

Among the recommendations was making more provincial land available for RV use and allowing local governments to decide whether or not to allow boondocking. The group also recommended upgrading RV sites in popular campgrounds to better accommodate the needs of newer RVs. Perhaps stating the obvious, the reported noted,"The baby boomer generation's move towards retirement and desire to travel is the major force affecting the RV market and as a result, demands for quality, comfort and services at RV parks will increase."

The work group report recommends their suggestions be implemented within three years. But with the Summer Olympic Games slated for Vancouver in 2010, and all 217 spaces at the only RV park in nearby Burnaby reserved out, three years might be a bit late.

Photo: wildernesscommittee.org

Stong Loonies Make For Reduced Prices on Canuck RVs

2008-03-26T15:58:00.001-07:00

The strong Canadian dollar has led to a new strategy for RV sales in the land of the maple leaf: Sell 'em cheaper to keep the loonies on the north side of the border. With that thinking, Canadian buyers are finding their toonies go a long way.

"We've adjusted our pricing to accommodate that strong dollar," said Dennis Elkow with Carefree Coach and RV. "A lot of shoppers have been going to the States hoping that they're going to get a cheaper price, so we have to counteract that."

"We have an array of coaches in diesel from $140,000 all the way up to $850,000. What was priced at, say, $300,000 four years ago, probably you can get for about $210,000 now."

Dealers at an RV show in Edmonton, Alberta were crowing about ammenities. While luxury used to be found only for folks rolling in the dough, now even us regular folk can get some of the nicer things in life. How about a flat screen television--not just in the living room--but one that attaches outside the rig. Imagine that, breathing in all that fresh air while keeping up with the latest antics of television starz.

Check out the whole story here.

Photo: SqueakyMarmot on flickr.com

Canada Bound? Passport Card Less Expensive Than Passport

2008-02-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

The US government announces they've finally made less expensive "Passport Cards" available to the American public. Check out the full story on our sister blog, RVing Mexico.

Homeland Security Locks Horns With Congress: Get Ready for Tighter Border Crossings

2008-01-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

Last month the US Congress passed legislation that was thought to put off tighter identification requirements for folks crossing the US borders by land. Now the Department of Homeland Security has fired a shot back at Congress: Expect tighter identification requirements by the end of the month when making land crossings.

In a terse statement, apparently aimed at congressional leaders, Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff said it was, "Time to grow up and recognize that if we're serious about this threat [that of terrorist activity], we've got to take reasonable, measured, but nevertheless determined steps to getting better security." It didn't take long to get a response from Congress.

Noting that Chertoff's department was forced to temporarily suspend a similar requirement for air travelers last summer when the rule caused a massive U.S. passport backlog, Representative Thomas M. Reynolds (R-N.Y.) said that Chertoff, "frankly has as much credibility on telling people to grow up as Geoffrey the giraffe." Geoffrey is the advertising mascot of America's largest toy retailer, Toys R Us.

What's the bottom line? At this stage of the "chess game" between Homeland Security and Congress, it looks as though Congress is on the losing end. Chertoff says travelers entering the US will need to do more than just declare their citizenship verbally, they'll need to prove it. If they don't have a passport, an "enhanced driver license," or border pass card, then a photo identification plus proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) will be required.

It would appear similar documentation will be required to enter the US from Mexico.

For more information, visit The Washington Post.

Despite Controversy, Nova Scotia Gets Plaudits

2007-12-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

Since we published a post regarding a certain amount of "RV unfriendliness" in Nova Scotia, we've heard plenty from our readers. It's nice to know folks read us. Most recently Chuck Woodbury brought you up to speed on possible changes in provincial law that would begin to allow RVs to park in places other than designated campgrounds. We're hopeful that positive action will be taken to more fully open up this beautiful end of the world to RVers.

Not too long ago an American travel columnist published a post regarding little-known and affordable spots throughout the planet. One of them commented on: Cape Breton Island away up in Nova Scotia. A quick search of the island's amenities will find one of the Crown's jewels, Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Over the coast and highlands of this national treasure runs the Cabot trail, "a major, scenic highway, man..." as some would say. Just the photos have got this writer salivating. So don't write of NS quite yet. Maybe a word to the wise men of Nova Scotia tourism might do a trick.

Nova Scotia may lift ban of Wal-mart RV parking

2007-12-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

It's now illegal in Nova Scotia to stay overnight in an RV in any place not designed a licensed campground which includes shopping malls and Wal-Marts. But that may change as the province considers doing away with the restriction. The Tourist Accommodation Act currently prohibits people from using, maintaining, operating or managing a campground for the use of any overnight parking of RVs unless they have a license. According to the Halifax Chronicle Herald, it appears the provincial government has concluded that licensing all tourism operators in the province isn't worth the political headache it causes. Besides restricting camping to official campgrounds, the present law forbids a resident from renting out the family cottage for extra income. The bill repealing the act isn't expected to be discussed in the legislature until spring.

BC RV Parks Decline in Number

2007-12-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Rising land values in British Columbia are proving too tasty to pass up. According to a story in the Vancouver Sun, RV park owners are selling out at a fast clip, reducing the number of RV parks and RV sites at an equally fast pace.

Chris Bower, general manager of Nk'Mip Campground and RV Park, Osoyoos and president of the B.C. Lodging and Campgrounds Association [BCLCA], who said in an interview with the Sun in November, that 74 parks representing 4,687 campsites have closed or changed use in the past three years. "We've lost 10 per cent," said Bower.

"As an example, in Osoyoos we used to have 1,200 campsites. Now we've got 640. And this is all over B.C., especially in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan."

The campground association official said he's a bit frightened by the whole thing. He says he already sees that RVers are finding 'room at the inn,' a problem. "Our RV park numbers are way up," Bower said of his campground in Osoyoos. "But that's not good for the long term. You need enough competition within the industry to make it viable.

"A lot of this is because of the value of the land. They [campsite owners] have an opportunity to make $1 million to $2 million up front, rather than work for 10 to 15 years for it."

Provincial officials are stirred up about the problem, too. Already the minister of tourism has formed a joint investigative committee from both the government and business sector. For those who love traveling BC, let's hope the committee works faster than some in the lower 48. For the full story, visit the Vancouver Sun article.

Tracking Down Provincial Park Information

2007-10-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

By some accounts, some of the most beautiful RVing can be found in Canada's provincial parks. Sad to say, it's not always easy to track down information about these Maple Leaf Gems. Herewith we present (or "herewith we pweesent, Mr. Wabbit), a short guide to provincial parks via the internet.

Alberta: Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation, and Culture. http://tprc.alberta.ca/parks/default.aspx

British Columbia: B.C. Parks. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

Manitoba: Manitoba Conservation. http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/

Newfoundland: Environment and Conservation. http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks/parks/

Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Provincial Parks. http://parks.gov.ns.ca/

Prince Edward Island: Prince Edward Island--The Gentle Island. http://www.gov.pe.ca/visitorsguide/index.php3?number=1010978

Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Parks. http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/saskparks/ParkInfo/

Photo: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Alberta, courtesy kipguenther on flickr.com

Planning Next Season's Canada Travel? Careful of Nova Scotia

2007-10-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

“... For your safety, comfort and enjoyment we encourage you to use our fine assortment of campgrounds. We ask you not to camp or park your camping vehicle overnight in any area that is not designated as a campground (e.g. parking lots, shopping malls and beach areas). It is illegal to camp indiscriminately.” -- Official Nova Scotia Tourism Guide

Are you an 'indiscriminate camper?' In the eyes of provincial law you are, if you park anywhere but in a licensed campground. Boondock? 'Camp Walmart'? Stay in a "roadside rest area"? All these are no-nos and can get you a fine. It's a fine kettle of fish that not all RVers, particularly those from the 'lower 48' are aware of. In the eyes of many Canadian RVers, it's a "black eye" to their country and reputation for hospitality.

So if it's your intent to visit this maritime province, best to put aside a few extra dollars for staying on in one of the "fine assortment of campgrounds," that the tourism folks, and park owners, would love you to stay in.

To search for campgrounds, visit this official site.