Tow through Canada or the US

[ScottyF150]

Hi Folks

This coming summer I’m towing my travel trailer from the east coast of Canada to Calgary Alberta.

Do you suggest just staying on the trans Canada or heading down through the US
Thank you in advance.

 

[Taftcoach]

Having only traveled a couple of the provinces I will say the scenery is better in Canada. The traffic is better in Canada. And the cost of fuel is much higher in Canada. Balanced by tolls can be expensive on the US side.

If this was a vacation I'd be in Canada, if this was a having to get from A to B efficiently and work like, I would be in the US.
Welcome to the forums.

 

[Glamper64]

Personally I would take the fastest route...if it includes a return trip I would mix it up and take a different route back. Also the value of the Canadian dollar would have a lot to do with the decision for me...right now it's not good unless Trump decides to invade

 

[Grumpy]

Hi Folks

This coming summer I’m towing my travel trailer from the east coast of Canada to Calgary Alberta.

Do you suggest just staying on the trans Canada or heading down through the US
Thank you in advance.

It's been a few years, but we crossed into Canada from N. Dakota. We went to Calgary for the Stampede then on to Calif and taking the Trans Can made for a very enjoyable trip. The only reason we entered at ND was we were visiting family in IL first. We have also done the Eastern Provinces and thought the Trans Can was a nice experience then too.

You could always do 50/50 as well, but remember traffic around Chicago can be a real mess. Bottom line,it really depends on how much sight seeing you want to do along the way. Als0...

 

[ScottyF150]

hi
thank you for all the replies.
its a vacation trip, my wife and daughter are flying and im pulling our jayco 264 BHW. Just me and the dog.
My only concern going through ontario and into Manitoba is potentially the lack of gas stations.
i have a F150 powerboost with the 7.2 k inverter so power when i stop is not an issue.

 

[ScottyF150]

i agree we traveled through Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire last summer and i was paying average $4.30 a gallon 91-93 Octane, not much of a savings after the exchange.

 

[Tunce the traveler]

If you decide to take I-90 thru the states in the mid west you’ll find that several service stations on I-90 have travel trailer pull through’s for the night and they have at least electric. Fees are real cheap & they all have descent food.
Grumpy might have the app for that

 

[KellyC-JAY]

Towing through Canada

You don’t have to worry about about fuel through Ontario and Manitoba as the longest pull between fuel stations is only 100 miles on the Trans -Canada hwy .
I have done this trip a few times now . Ontario is beautiful .
Enjoy Kelly

 

[billcf7]

Also like TAFTCOACH said the value of the Canadian dollar would have a lot to do with the decision

 

[Mark390]

Some of the most beautiful scenery in the country is along the north shore of Lake Superior. No worries with fuel / gas stations along the way.

 

[X_Medic 73]

CANADA 90% except for fuel costs.

We have made this drive MANY times from Winnipeg to Nova Scotia (family in PQ and NS).


1. Wpg to Kenora to Thunder Bay, to Wawa to Sault Marie to Sudbury to North Bay to Ottawa to Montreal to Quebec City to Riviere du Loupe to Moncton to NS. (this is our favourite route - we town a 30 foot 5th wheel with F250 6.7 diesel (29 US gallon / 90 litres) tank ..... there is nowhere that I have been driving on the bottom 1/2 of the tank **** EXCEPT when you are trying to fuel up at SHELL to use/collect Air-miles (Mistake always get fuel when available).
2. The only spot that I recall seeing a fuel warning "ie: limited fuel for 300 km) was between Dryden Ont and Thunder Bay. As long as you fill up prior to leaving your good to go.
3. I used to carry a fuel can with 5 gallons of emergency fuel - never used it.
2. Winnipeg - through the upper peninsula is OK - Canada is more scenic.
3. Winnipeg - via Duluth to Chicago - east through USA - NOPE TOLLS ARE CRAZY.

 

[Altus-JAY]

I'll add a local knowledge tidbit to what XMEDIC73 said...
His route is excellent, but there is the option to take Highway 11 north from North Bay; rather than 17 over the north shore of the lake.
Now 17 does have more scenery, and towns to stop in if needed, a few touristy places to stop (Agawa Crafts and the Canadian Carver near Pancake Bay, The Canada Goose in Wawa (oh and the Wawa General Store - try a pickle!), Winnie The Pooh memorial in White River) and did I mention scenery? However, it also has significantly more large hills you'll need to power up. Ahhh the "mountains" of Schriberia IYKYK
11 on the other hand, is quite a bit flatter, and many long-haul truckers and RVers use it to help conserve fuel. While technically longer in distance, interestingly it takes the same amount of time. Scenery however, consists of lots and lots (and lots) of northern boreal forest, and small logging and mining towns. There are some photo ops in Beardmore, Longlac, Hearst, and Kapuskasing.
In either case, remember to have a camera ready when you get to the Nipigon Bridge
A stop in Thunder Bay is worth it for a photo of the Sleeping Giant, and coffee a persian for dessert!
The stretch from Thunder Bay to Dryden can be a little slow - is 350km with only two small villages in between - Upsala & Ignace.

 

[joe w-JAY]

I will not travel without my sidearm so that leaves Canada out of any consideration. Having multiple state permits pretty much allows me concealed carry most everywhere with a few exceptions.

 

[ScottyF150]

Sounds good, thank you for the info. Definitely going to stay north on this trip.

 

[ScottyF150]

I’m familiar with highway 11. Was stationed in Petawawa for many years.
and only made it as far as Hearst.
Having pulled from NB into Maine,NH,Vermont,NY state last summer, im all about staying out of the hills.