First off, let me say that I know by where I speak, as I have lived in Canada during the summers for many years and I unfortunately have to cross the border hundreds of time each year.
My comments relate mainly to eastern Canada, but I suspect they apply universally. I am not out to badmouth the country, as I love it. There are, however, real drawbacks to planning a vacation here.
First off, the wait times at the major ports going into Canada often approach four hours or more in the peak tourist seasons. This means sitting in traffic on narrow urban streets and having to move forward every two or three minutes. This is not fun in 90 plus temperatures, with the whole family (even running the generator and AC). You may expect the same mess on your return trip to enter the US.
When you do get to Canada Customs, (Revenue Canada) you are putting yourself in a situation where your RV is subject to being thouroughly and totally searched, as a result of the DISCRETION of an officer, who may be a very young untrained part-time college student. Make sure you don't wear your NRA hat. If you have a radar detector, even if packed away, it can be confiscated and you may be fined. There are horror stories!
Gasoline is extremely high. You think US prices are bad?
Everything costs more here, even when accounting for a good exchange rate.
There is a 15% sales tax on most items. You can get some of it back if you go through the red tape.
End of rant - but believe me - See America first. Canada is beautiful, but so is Maine. There is nothing in Canada to justify the cost and effort.
Good Travels
My comments relate mainly to eastern Canada, but I suspect they apply universally. I am not out to badmouth the country, as I love it. There are, however, real drawbacks to planning a vacation here.
First off, the wait times at the major ports going into Canada often approach four hours or more in the peak tourist seasons. This means sitting in traffic on narrow urban streets and having to move forward every two or three minutes. This is not fun in 90 plus temperatures, with the whole family (even running the generator and AC). You may expect the same mess on your return trip to enter the US.
When you do get to Canada Customs, (Revenue Canada) you are putting yourself in a situation where your RV is subject to being thouroughly and totally searched, as a result of the DISCRETION of an officer, who may be a very young untrained part-time college student. Make sure you don't wear your NRA hat. If you have a radar detector, even if packed away, it can be confiscated and you may be fined. There are horror stories!
Gasoline is extremely high. You think US prices are bad?
Everything costs more here, even when accounting for a good exchange rate.
There is a 15% sales tax on most items. You can get some of it back if you go through the red tape.
End of rant - but believe me - See America first. Canada is beautiful, but so is Maine. There is nothing in Canada to justify the cost and effort.
Good Travels