Canada vs USA in my travels. As a Canadian I can travel to the USA for 6 months from the day I enter the country. Canadians who travel mainly to the southern states of California, Arizona or Florida each year are called snowbirds. These states have considerably warmer weather during the winter months so this is one of the main attractions. This is my plan for my vanlife travels.
The west coast of British Columbia has the warmest winter climate in Canada so a lot of people living in vans or RV’s stay in this area during the winter months. In my experience it still gets cold on the west coast and there are many rainy days. This causes moisture issues, no sunlight for solar, and not much fun outside if you are not loving the rain. I did this for a year living stealth in Vancouver, British Columbia.
In the summer months all the Canadian provinces have wonderful weather for van life. Ontario does have high humidity in the summer months and southern BC temperature can get into the high 30’s C (90’s F) in the summer months. No matter where you choose to live in a van or RV weather is often a factor in your choice of where to travel.
Travelling in Canada vs USA
In my experience there are some differences and many similarities when travelling through these two countries.
Big Distances
From coast to coast Canada is 5514 km (3426 miles) and across the USA is similar at 3400 miles (5472 km). Canada is much less populated and you need to drive longer distances to travel between the provinces and tourist sites.
Cell Service
Cell service is much more expensive in Canada and it is very spotty especially in the remote and rural areas. In my experience I was able to use my Telus hotspot more often in the US than when I was travelling across Canada. I pay $106 for my phone and hotspot. In the USA you can get much cheaper plans.
Rest stops Canada vs USA
Canadian rest stops, especially in rural areas usually only have a pit toilet and there is no water or services. Most allow for overnight stays, but look for signage as some rest stops in major areas have a 4 hour maximum stay.
In the USA, rest stops have flush toilets, vending machines, picnic tables, water taps and I have even been offered free coffee. Rest stops are frequent along the major US highways and are quite lovely in comparison. I have stayed in many rest stops along my travels.
Boondocking or Wild Camping
The Canadian equivalent of BLM land is crown land. Crown land is owned by the government and for public use. Canadian citizens can camp for free on Crown land for up to 21 days per site, once a year.
In some provinces, you can camp anywhere, in others you can only camp on land that is not owned by the government. For free camping you will often have to drive “off road” which means rough and gravelled roads. It is important to check what the regulations are for each province you want to visit.
In the western US states BLM land, where you can camp for free is plentiful. On the east coast however I found it much harder to find free spots lot camp. Boondocking or wild camping is allowed for 14 days then you have move at least 25 miles.
Camping in National and Provincial parks
In Canadian national or provincial parks you can only camp in designated areas and overnight sleeping in a vehicle in a roadside pullout, trailhead and day use area is not allowed. The usual nightly fee is in the $10-$40 range for a campsite in the park. In the summer months they can get extremely busy.
In the USA wild camping in the “backcountry” of national or state parks is allowed, but a permit is needed and regulations apply. Research each park for camping information before planning your trip.
USD exchange rate for Canadians
When I was travelling in the USA, the Canadian dollar exchange rate of hovered around 40%. My Canadian dollar did not go as far as I thought since my budget was based on my Canadian dollar.
Food was a little less expensive in the US but for every $100 in groceries it came to $140 on my visa bill. This definitely added to my final food expense. Entrance fees, campsites and general purchases were all more expensive when exchanging my Canadian dollar.
Gas is considerably more expensive in Canada vs USA. Gas is one of my major budget expenses. Even with the exchange rate my gas expense was pretty much the same as it was in Canada, which worked out in my budgeting.
Note to self, remember to budget in US dollars when travelling from Canada to the USA. Since retiring in 2021 and travelling full time, budgeting is something I am having to get a handle on.
My Free camping in Canada
- Free Recreation Sites
- Logging Roads and Backcountry Camping
- Rest stops
- Walmart, check in at each location
- Costco
- Casino
- Street Parking in Vancouver, BC, Calgary, Alberta, Quebec City, Quebec, Sunshine Coast, BC
For more Canadian Free camping information check out Canadream, Campendium and Ioverlander.
My Free camping in USA
- BLM land
- Backcountry areas
- Walmart
- Cracker Barrel
- Water Management Land in Florida
- Rest stops
- Tourist office parking lots
- Casinos