The Eastern Part of Canada Offers Some Equally Beautiful Drives

A trip to Eastern Canada offers more picturesque ‘Gems’ for RVers. As my last post to this Blog, I’ll highlight the awesome beauty we found on a recent trip to the Maritimes (Canada’s Eastern Provinces). These scenic wonders take on such a unique laid-back down-home flavour. Whale Watching is a popular sport throughout the Maritimes. This picture was taken on our tour.

We had put off a trip to Newfoundland for several years because we felt the ferry costs were too high. However, when we realized the price was similar to the cost of gas or fuel we would have used if we drove non-stop for the time that we were on the ferry (short or long route), our tour of the ‘Rock’ was on. To see the complex wonders of our Newfoundland trip, take a look at our numerous pictures (more ‘pics’ of all eastern Canada are on page 6. ‘Best if viewed as a slideshow’.)

The ‘Doers and Dreamers Visitors Guide of Nova Scotia’ features 11 self-touring drives throughout the province. Besides visiting impressive Halifax there are numerous spectacular ‘driving trails’ in this unique province that snake along the coast. Stops at attractions and one-of-a-kind treasures such as those along the Cabot Trail, or Peggy’s Cove, or Grand Pré - home of the Acadians, or Fort Louisburg (a UNESCO site) are just a few of the hundreds that are waiting. Scenes like these boats at low tide add interest to your exploration by vehicle.

Prince Edward Island is a the quaint long narrow island that is loaded with bike trails, abundant golf courses, awesome provincial parks and red clay everywhere. All roads criss-cross the island from magnificent beaches to sites to see. PEI is the birthplace of Canada and it overflows with easy to understand history presentations such as a creative 'sound and light show' in Charlottetown that explains how ‘Confederation’ began. Of course the Island is home to Anne of Green Gables folklore.

TIP: You only pay to leave the island and travelling by the longest bridge costs less than the ferry. Many RVers take the ferry over and the bridge back.

New Brunswick gets the name of the ‘picture province’ honestly. Their abundance of all new four-lane roads makes travel a dream. Northern terrain offers mountainous scenery and the rolling farmlands in the south are almost hypnotic. Laid back riverfront campgrounds and interesting villages, many in walking distances from where you set up camp, are only a few of the highlights. New Brunswick is also home to Kingsbrea Perennial Garden and the awesome 48-60 foot Bay of Fundy tides.

Quebec’s 400 year old history and European flavour exude from every corner of this province. One of the most impressive routes we have driven anywhere is along Highway 132 en route to the Gaspé. The azure blue St Lawrence on one side and picture perfect houses that proudly show off their incredible gardens on the other is a feast for the senses. In both the villages and the cities, distinctive French style architecture, narrow streets, old world charm and awesome scenery abound. This is a place every RVer should visit at least once – being able to speak French is not a must – someone nearby can usually help English-speaking visitors in all situations. Don't forget to visit a local bake shop for spectacular treats for the eyes as well as taste buds.

In a word, wherever you go in Canada, spectacular sites will be waiting around every bend. But expect to find a lot of unpopulated scenic space between the communities. It is advisable to tour a small section, or a province or two at a time. This country is simply too vast to see it coast to coast in one trip. Wherever you go, with a little planning your RV getaway will become one of your most memorable. Travel safe and please stop by RV Living.net for a visit. It has been great chatting with you over the past months. Peggi.

Scenic Drives In The Western Part Of Canada

August is just around the corner and since most RVers have their trips to the north already planned, this post will be one of the last two highlighting the RVing Canada Blog 2007.

John and I recently returned from a memorable scenic trip to Western Canada. The vistas and sights en route were nothing short of awesome. Below I highlight a few of the pictorial delights we witnessed. However to view our complete trip, take a look at the numerous pictures in my RVLiving.net Picasa Albums (Best viewed as a Slideshow).


Although each province features numerous spectacular drives, the mountain terrain of the British Columbia Rockies offers a massive selection of one of a kind scenery. It is impossible to mention all the places we saw. The general scenery throughout BC was nothing short of breathtaking at every turn.


En route west we drove through Rogers Pass and the Kicking Horse Pass (the elevated bypass bridge will be completed soon) to Kelowna.

Near the end of our time in Canada's most western province, the route from Kelowna to Radium Hot Springs made for another rewarding day of travel. We left the Hot Springs for Calgary, Alberta, via the gentle Vermillion Pass in the Kooteney National Park. Every drive was nothing short of outstanding in its own right and of course we saw our share of wildlife along the way.

In Alberta, the vistas from Banff or Canmore to BC along the Trans Canada Highway were inspirational, even in the foggy wet weather we encountered - the road snaked out in front of us.

The mural on the back of our motorhome was taken on Highway 11 from Rocky Mountain House to 'The Crossroads' midway between Banff and Jasper. That route too is a photographers dream.

We found similar sites along the Trans Canada highway throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba, although the hills – yes there were more hills than we remembered – were not as steep as those in the west. That drive too continued to be varied and interesting. Canola fields were everywhere.

Our journey from the Manitoba border to Sault Ste Marie, Ontario was simply spectacular, especially on a brilliant cloudless sunny day. The entire route overflowed with lakes, trees, hills, and a winding hypnotic highway. If this leg of the journey had been 3-5 hours, it would have been an extremely moving experience, however the 18-20 hour trip made for two very long days of nothing but beautiful scenery.

On the good side of things, the main roads for the most part ranged from good to excellent and before long, the entire route west will be 4-lanes – much of it already is. So, no matter where you travel north of the border, expect to see an abundance of secluded scenery. Tomorrow I’ll highlight several eastern routes that no RVer should miss. If an RV getaway to Canada is not in the cards for this year, why not consider it for next? Travel safe and see you down the road. Peggi

Make Your Plans Now To Attend the Giant ‘K-W’ 2007-Oktoberfest

Willkommen! This year’s jam-packed Oktoberfest Party at Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario is a 9-day festival from Friday, October 6 – Saturday, October 14.

Over 35-events ranging from band concerts, to a slo-pitch classic, to an art exhibition, to an Hungarian choir concert, to DOG-toberfest, to pioneers day, to chopper rides, to a car show, to charity bazaar, to a barrel race, or a 10km & 5 km run, or a water polo tournament plus the Oktoberfest Idol – the list goes on.

Let the fun begin!

On Friday, October 5 – at 11:30AM, a fanfare of trumpeters will announce from the rooftops the Official Opening of the 39th annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest – North America’s largest Bavarian Festival. Since the first weekend Festival that took place in one Festhalle in 1969, this event has grown to be the internationally acclaimed Festival that attracts over 700,000 participants.

Several pre-festival events from Friday 29th September to October 5th set the scene – The ‘Miss Oktoberfest Ball’, ‘Oktober-Barque-Fest’, ‘A Blooming Affair Fashion Show’, ‘Women of the Year’ and more.

Keg-Tapping with Miss Oktoberfest 2004

Fifteen Bavarian Festhallen feature several rousing 'oompah' bands, Bavarian dancers, and of course, mouth watering cuisine. These popular adult venues are located throughout Kitchener-Waterloo. However so are alternate attractions such as luncheons, BBQ, car shows etc – many of this style gatherings features free family entertainment.

The Festival closes with an elaborate Canadian Thanksgiving Day Parade. Why not join the over 300,000 'Fest-goers' as they excitedly line King Street on Thanksgiving morning to watch the imaginative floats, hear the numerous bands from both sides of the border, plus see the creative special entries that make up this annual event.

Ticket price for the parade is a donation to the Food Drive. At the official Hans Haus Retail Outlet (open year round) visitors can purchase tickets and souvenir items such as pins & buttons, hats & feathers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, steins, mugs, shooters, unique collectibles and German/Bavarian Steins. So eat, drink, and be merry. "EN PROSIT."

‘Old West’ Museum Of Miniatures Is A Rare Jewel.

During our visit to southwest Alberta, we stopped by the outstanding Museum of Miniatures in nearby Cardston, Alberta. 1-403-653-1142. Roy and Carol Wittman are owners/creators of the most impressive historic ‘Old West’ miniature displays we have seen anywhere. Although Roy is a retired BC Ferryboat captain of 35-years, his first love was to create things.

Six years before retirement, Roy created and sold 1/12"-scale, ‘Wells Fargo stages’ and ’Prairie Schooner wagons’ to customers as far away as South Africa.

He personified his ‘Old West’ with 1/12” scale miniatures of covered wagons on the move, Indian villages, a herd of buffalo, wild animals, logging, rodeo and marine exhibits.

His active western town includes stables, school, church, general store, blacksmith shop and hotel – personified of course with numerous figurines; Indian carvings and paintings.

A functioning Fort was soon added to the mix,

Roy slowly added more pieces to his showpiece.

A mixture of buildings were each covered with a shake roof – (25,000-miniature shakes were applied by hand) and 700-planks make up the boardwalk that joins the buildings.The ‘tufts’ of grass in several scenes are made from human hair and the oat fields consist of 12,000 plants.

Each garden vegetable is made from ‘Fima’ - a pliable material that is shaped, baked in an oven and painted.

Their collection also includes 150 authentic scale model cars and trucks that further enhance his displays.

The ‘Old West’ exhibits surround the perimeter while the ‘centre showcase’ features animal figurines, Indian heads, a circus scene, a Christmas house, a flower shop, bakery – the list goes on.

‘Westward Ho’ Museum of Miniatures opened in May 2001. Since creation of his village is ongoing - frequent visits will always be a new experience. This is definitely a 'must-see' creative collection if you are near Cadston Alberta. Travel safe. Peggi

Two More Western ‘Canadian Campground Gems’

We have just returned from one of our most memorable RV trips. This one was a 6-week adventure from Ontario to British Columbia was via the northern USA - return to Ontario was through this vast country of Canada. Although I have an Internet Satellite Dish, we were frequnetly out of touch with access to convenient Internet access for posting Blogs, pictures etc - but many of the outstanding stops we stayed at made up for the lack of technology.

During our 22-years of fulltiming we had never camped in Lethbridge, Alberta. We didn't realize what we were missing. Bridgeview Holiday Trails nestles between huge badland style hills and the meandering Old Man River - a long elevated railroad bridge added to the scenery.



Although it is a Membership Park for Coast-to-Coast, Resorts Parks International (RPI) and Holiday Trails - the public is welcome to spend a few nights.

Each level, full-service campsite had a fine red stone parking spot and the wide area between sites was covered with petite white pebbles.

The vistas surrounding the park were tranquil and mesmerizing, Of course activities and amenities abound. So if your Canadian travels take you to Alberta, it is definitely worth a short diversion south of Calgary to include a visit to the clean, progressive modern squeaky clean city of Lethbridge. That quaint laid-back community is only a hop, skip and a jump across the border from Shelby, Montana. Why not stop by for a visit?

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Campground Gem #2 was Eagle Valley Campground Park - a Tahitian style park a few feet off the Trans Canada Highway, just 10 km west of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan.




We had plans to continue an hour further to Swift Current, but the day was so hot (over 100 degrees F) that our coach temperature gauges were asking us to stop. Not yet in danger zones, but getting up there. When we saw the highway sign promoting an RV Park we decided it was time to end this driving day. What an extraordinary treat was hidden behind that cluster of trees.

Eagle Valley Campground Park (1-306-662-2788) was decorated with a tropical theme including several thatched roofs over the round picnic tables on their patio; on the bar and throughout the entrance/office area. There was even a Hydrotherapy Spa in that protected, yet open, aesthetic room.

Their sites were also unique – each full service camping spot turned into a spacious depression on both sides of a wide road. Not really a pull-through, but no 'back-in' was required.

Parking was much as you would find in a small village along the edge of the roadway – parallel parking so to speak. Big rigs were also welcome at this Good Sam Park.

Each site had huge distances between the indentations and an expansive pretty picnic area of manicured trees separate the rows of campsites. The park also has a pool and beach on its lower portion.

This was one of those rare finds that was most unexpected and so greatly appreciated. If you are travelling the Trans Canada Highway through Saskatchewan, be sure to stop by Eagle Valley Park Campground - 10 km west of Maple Creek. You will be happy you did. Travel safe - Peggi

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Is So Peaceful

During our stop in Lethbridge, Alberta we visited the Nikka Yuko Japanese-Canadian Friendship Garden What a peaceful relaxing place. It is not a floral garden – instead it is a landscape design using rocks, water and aesthetically pruned trees and plants to satisfy all your senses from balance, to unity, to scale, to harmony, to sights and sounds.

There are five basic areas: a dry garden; mountain and waterfall; stream, island and moon bridges; ponds, lakes and ocean; plus a prairie

garden. The history of this type of garden began in the 16th century; it was designed to promote meditation and reflection. The peace and tranquility within the Garden is overwhelming. A meandering path encourages visitors to take a leisurely stroll from one presentation to another.

During your journey, be sure to ring the giant friendship bell and reflect on the aesthetic Pagoda – observe its five tiers that represent earth, fire, water, wind and sky.

We began our stroll at the wishing well. Originally it provided water for the ‘tea

ceremony’ in the Cultural Centre Pavilion – the focal point of the Garden. In true Japanese fashion - to visit this historic Centre, you must remove your shoes. The building is patterned in 16th century fashion – there are minimal furnishings in the Centre so as not to distract from the relaxing ambiance.

During the Second World War Japanese Canadians were uprooted from their homes on the British Columbia coast to southern Alberta. This move changed the face of Lethbridge forever and the Garden stands as a testament to the perseverance of these men and women.

Nikka Yuko Garden is celebrating its 39th year – it opened to commemorate Canada’s Centennial.

Accessing the long path to the entrance provides visitors time to transform from their busy lives to one of reflection, relaxation and tranquility.

The variety of hardy and ornamental plants in this lush utopia were chosen to withstand Alberta’s harsh winters. A partial quote from their brochure says it all. “Art is contemplation; it is the pleasure of the mind” The Nikka Yuko Garden definitely fits this description.

Sara (on the left) with her partner, dressed in their traditional ‘yukata’, escorted us to the gate where she took time to share the wonders of each area of the Garden sights and sounds. She also explained how each appeals to the senses.

For instance, if you hear the waterfall before you can see it, the sound creates a relaxing feeling that draws you to the source. All in all, the ambiance provided an extremely relaxing visit to say the least.

Remember, when we RVers look for the little known stops along the way; it is easy to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Travel safe Peggi.

Are You Tough Enough To Wear Pink?

Last weekend, John and I were privileged to attend the opening day of the Calgary Stampede. We were in Calgary to attend an RV Rally with the Explorer RV Club. This is Canada's only National RV Club - their answer to the Good Sam Club.

Rally activities included tickets for the afternoon Rodeo and for the exciting Chuck Wagon Races followed by a spectacular 1.5 hour Grandstand Show featuring several hundred "Young Canadians" - some were as young as age 6-8. More on that topic later.


The first 30-hours of the Calgary Stampede was devoted to an ‘Are you tough enough to wear pink campaign?” - a major fundraiser for 'Breast Cancer'. Thanks to Wrangler shirts, numerous men and oodles of the women wore pink shirts, hats and other adornments during this period – many participants were friends and family associated with breast cancer survivors.


Thanks to Wrangler, numerous fairs and rodeos throughout North America have adopted this theme as their personal fundraisers. Volunteers sold bandannas and a variety of ‘pink coloured’ souvenirs throughout the first day of the Stampede. The ‘pink theme’ was also an obvious addition to the parade, the opening ceremonies, the rodeo, the bullfighters, the calf ropers, the chuck wagon races, the entertaining groups throughout the stampede and so much more.




Everywhere you looked, a sea of ‘pink’ attire stared back at you. It was good to see so many participated in the "Are you tough enough to wear pink campaign?” to help raise money to fight the dreaded breast cancer disease. The Calgary event began in 2005 with a couple of hundred participants and this year - 2007, the Stampede raised well over a ½ million dollars towards the cause. Watch for even bigger and better things in the future.

The Stampede shows were an awesome event but the ‘pink campaign’ added such a personal touch. It was a moving experience to see so many get behind a special program. Happy Travels Peggi

Have You Traveled Through The Rocky Mountains As Yet?

During the past month, our travels have taken us through several picturesque challenging passes in the Rocky Mountains. We have driven in rain, almost snow, hail, but most travel days have been during incredible picture perfect days. Each turn was more majestic than the one we just passed so I have posted several albums of these awesome vistas on Picasa. They are so outstanding – please view them as a slide show.

Each magnificent snow-top peak or curve in the road seems more picturesque than the last. Two passes that are fairly easy driving include Rogers Pass between Golden and Revelstoke and Vermillion Pass through the awesome Kooteney National Park. No visitor passes are required to drive Rogers Pass and if you are travelling straight through the Kooteney National Park between Radium Hot Springs and Banff, no charge is assessed unless you wish to stop at any of the venues en route. It is also free to visit the Hot Spring Pools near the beginning of the National Park but there is a fee to swim in the expansive Mineral Hot Spas.

Although the incline was steep and long, John climbed this intense elevatation in 4th to 5th gear. RVers travelling from Banff can expect to sharply gear down the last few miles heading into Radium. We saw several deer and two big horn sheep but they were too far away for a good pictures.

No matter where you look in Radium Hot Springs, the panorama landscape is a one of a kind breathtaking scenario. There are several picturesque campgrounds in or nearby Radium Hot Springs.

If you have never been to this area you owe it to yourself to visit. The Canadian Rockies have the reputation that they are at the top of the scenic ‘heap’. Enjoy your journey and plan an RV trip through the British Columbia Rockies real soon. Happy Travels Peggi

Take A Special Train Trip To See The Polar Bears

Would you like to see Polar Bears up front and personal? You can in Churchill, Manitoba – but it is only accessible by rail. RVers can either leave their RV at a park in Thompson, Manitoba or take a Via Rail train from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In the spring the Beluga Whales are the main attraction, but in October to November the giant white Polar Bears are the primary feature – later in the winter, Churchill offers a free spectacular light show in the super clear skies, when the Aurora Borealis are at their peak in March. Via rail run regular train trips to Churchill.

Each fall, Polar Bears can be found everywhere in Churchill – locals call them “Lords of the North”. The bears patiently wait for the ice to freeze so they can hunt the thousands of seals in the area. Many local tours take place in a tundra buggy – imagine the feeling of staring one of these giants in the eye through the buggy windows. Click here for another interesting touring site. (Pictures are from this site).

Enjoy your getaway. Travel safe Peggi