Posted on: 15-05-12 08:30:43
Thanks guys,
These are indeed a good tips. However, this is not a pleasure trip per se. I need to take the car to my family in BC and keep it there. So, I contemplated driving instead of shipping it as the former would be a much cheaper option. But, now I have begun to think about it being not the best available option as the excessive driving at a stretch could affect the car's performance. Otherwise, my plan would've solved two purposes, one to take my car there and two, of-course driving trans-Canada. One doesn't get this opportunity to see the whole of Canada. By the way, I love long drives so here's an opportunity.
One of my colleagues also travelled from Vancouver to NB in March this year. He took the US route and mentioned that it is better mainained than the Canadian one, and flat too. And, of-course the option of cheaper gas.
Will keep you all updated. Thanks for the pointers.
Quote:
Originally posted by tamilkuravan
The best entertainment I have seen on my drive through Nebraska (Hastings to be specific) was a bull having "fun" with his mate....priceless
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If that is what turns you on, then please come to TN, you will see pig, dogs, Sheeps, cows doing the same at a very often frequency on the streets !
That experience would be double priceless mate !!!
peace
Haha! Amusing, especially the 'priceless' part.
Febpreet: The car can be shipped to Vancouver in 1000 bucks. Last time someone at Mazda dealership told me. If you throw in cost of Gas, your time, hotel expenses and depreciation of car, i think 1000 to 1500 bucks will be better rather than driving(if the reason is just to shift the car from Toronto to Vancouver)
Quote:
Originally posted by virkravi2000
Febpreet: The car can be shipped to Vancouver in 1000 bucks. Last time someone at Mazda dealership told me. If you throw in cost of Gas, your time, hotel expenses and depreciation of car, i think 1000 to 1500 bucks will be better rather than driving(if the reason is just to shift the car from Toronto to Vancouver)
I drove from Toronto to Regina, total for 2 nights cost was 150 American dollars plus I was filling full tank premium gas (high octane) for $ 50 (in USA). I spent approx. $ 250 total for fuel.
I inquired the cost for shipping was about 1200 plus tax.
Now you compare.
Shipping can be a cheap option, but not always.
I'm biased because its my neck of the woods but the drive from GTA to Thunder Bay is very beautiful, especially just after Sault Ste Marie. Just make sure you take breaks as needed and plan ahead when you pass gas stations on the more remote parts of the drive because for awhile they are few and far between. The road is winding and this was done intentionally to avoid highway hypnosis. I can't speak for the drive through the prairies but others already have.
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My prayer to you
Is that you do all the things you set out to do
And live your life the way you love
Thurston Moore, Psychic Hearts
I have driven from Winnipeg to Vancouver. From Winnipeg to Calgary the roads are very good, from Calgary to Vancouver you do cross the mountains so they can be a bit more tiring and traffic is also more.
Keep in mind that driving West, once you come to the prairies, it is a flat stretch of road of miles on end with little traffic. In the late afternoons, the sun is low on the horizon and you are driving straight into the sun. I remember I had to pullover a couple of times because I couldnt see the road ahead and wait for a cloud to pass over the sun. One way to avoid this is to make an early start in the morning (6.00am/ 7.00am) and drive until early afternoon (4.00 or 5.00pm) with stops every two or three hours. Once you pullover into a motel at 4.00pm, you can drive around and take a look at the local attractions.
Like others, I suggest that if you dont have a fullsize car or SUV, you should rent one. Rental cars are fairly cheap but insurance and one way rental might be a little more expensive, but I still feel you wll be more comfortable in a fullsize car than a cross country.
In addition to music, also suggest carrying some dry snacks (cereal bars, chips, dry fruits, grapes, etc) that you can munch while driving. Also while in the rockies you need to be prepared for cold weather(single digit temperatures) even in summer.
If you are in Calgary during Stampede week, you might want to stay for a couple of days - although hotel prices go through the roof. This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede (billed as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth) and there are some major events planned. Its very interesting if you have never been.
