We had intended to spend some time in Canada after returning from Australia, however, we were prevented from doing so by the pandemic; even when visiting became possible, national and inter-provincial quarantine requirements would have made a huge dent in the time available to see family and friends. Now, the situation has improved to the point at which travel is practical, assuming, of course, that things don't deteriorate again.
So, we plan to head north this month, visit family in Vancouver, Montréal, and Wolfville during the first 6 weeks or so, then return to Vancouver, acquire a suitable vehicle, and set it up for an additional 17 weeks in Canada. The idea is to travel mainly in Western Canada this year, although we may spend the last month in Quebec and Ontario.
The dots on the map (more to be added as we go):
Here's the planning board, with climate information to help plan when to be where, and the updated trip checklist. We have packed most of the kit which will be checked baggage, in our two trusty Eddie Bauer Expedition rollers. Some items will be acquired in Canada, based on convenience - it makes more sense to buy two new camp chairs in Vancouver than to take our ARB chairs with us, which would add two more large items to checked baggage, and be inconvenient to haul through airports, not to mention the risk of damage en route.
We considered shipping our Montero, however, shipping rates have gone through the roof in the last couple of years, and the quote we received was more than double the price to ship our vehicle home from Australia, so this option was thrown out. Renting for the length of time we plan to travel is also not a viable option, so we plan to buy a car in Vancouver. Although it would be cheaper in Alberta, for example, we'll be in Vancouver for the first couple of weeks, so it makes sense to look for a vehicle there when we arrive.
So, all being well, we'll be updating this blog routinely as we make progress.
Hugs
Alan and Marce
alanymarce@gmail.com
