Pre-trip checklist for a seamless Canadian adventure

Florine Huininga

Pre-trip checklist for a seamless Canadian adventure

Pre-trip checklist for a seamless Canadian adventure

Florine Huininga

16 Apr 2024

Everything is booked - hotels, flights, ferries, camper, insurances, and campground spots. We estimate the costs for the rest of the trip, including food, fuel, the National Parks pass required to enter the National Parks, and all other possible expenses. This way, we have a nice overview, and we are ready to start our beautiful trip in September. We look forward to it!

Before we can set off for Canada, there are a few more boxes to check and arrangements to make. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started!

Vaccinations

As with any travel destination, we checked whether we needed any vaccinations, which, for our trip around Canada, we didn't.

ETA Access to Canada

Next, we needed to ensure we could enter Canada. Similar to the ESTA for the United States, Canada requires an ETA. We applied online, answered all the questions diligently, and submitted the form. A few days later, we received permission to visit the country for 9 months from that point.

Climate and Weather

Of course, we researched Canada's typical autumn climate before booking. However, it's also wise to monitor the weather conditions as your trip approaches. We're eagerly looking forward to our trip, so we're keeping an eye on local news sites and closely following weather forecasts. This was particularly beneficial last year due to a dry and warm summer in Canada, leading to widespread wildfires. Many hectares of forests were already burnt, and the fires showed no signs of abating as the months passed. For this reason, we're watching the situation even more closely.

Just days before our departure, we learned that a key route near Kelowna was inaccessible due to the fires, and camping there was discouraged. We quickly booked a new campsite and figured out how to adjust our route without significantly affecting our travel plans. We also picked up smoke masks from Decathlon to be well-prepared. That's all we can do for now.

Bears

Autumn is berry season in Canada, a time when bears can be both dangerous and unpredictable. It's definitely worth reading up on bear behavior and the risks involved beforehand. Additionally, it's good to know what to do if you encounter a bear on your path or at your campsite. National Parks and campgrounds often provide informative brochures, and you can find up-to-date information about the area's wildlife. Despite this, surprises can still occur. We've purchased bear bells, which make continuous noise while walking, alerting bears to your presence so they can leave the area. From our experiences in America, we know that bear spray is available locally, acting as a form of pepper spray if a bear becomes aggressive and approaches. Note that this spray must be purchased on-site and cannot be taken back on the plane! Be aware that some hikes require carrying bear spray, with a potential fine of 25,000 Canadian dollars for non-compliance. Keep these regulations in mind!

Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited in Canada's National Parks, with stringent rules on campsites. Nothing edible or that looks edible should be left around your tent. Lockers are available at all campsites for storing food, and only your camping table and chairs should be left outside. Leaving food or similar items in your tent or car is a risk, as bears can smell or see them. This is for your safety, and fines can reach 25,000 Canadian dollars. A good reason to prepare well!

This also applies to campers! At one campground in Revelstoke, they even sent an email in advance canceling reservations for tent campers due to high activity during berry season, combined with the wildfires driving the animals out. In short, it pays to be vigilant, both during and in the lead-up to your trip!

Drone

We love taking our drone on vacation to capture beautiful natural scenery! We knew beforehand that flying drones in National Parks is prohibited, with fines of 25,000 Canadian dollars. Nonetheless, we brought our drone, hoping to find places along the way where flying is allowed. Unfortunately, this meant we brought the drone for nothing. It's essential to check the drone regulations in your destination country and area before packing your bags.

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