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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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.