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Fees at B.C. Parks going up -- CBC News
March 19, 2010 -- CBC News
Fees at B.C. parks going up
It's going to cost more to enjoy provincial parks in B.C., with rates going up on everything from basic camping fees to emptying RV sewage tanks.
The fee increases - starting April 1 - are the first in two years and are necessary because of higher costs and a drop in overall government revenues, said Environment Minister Barry Penner.
The minister also announced that for the first time in B.C., campers will be able to use a reservation system to book specific camping sites.
Some of the fee changes announced include:
Camping fees for basic sites will increase to $16 from $15 per night, and moderate sites will increase to $21 from $19 per night.Camping fees in some developed campgrounds will increase to $28 from $26 and to $30 from $26 for highest-demand sites with the highest levels of service.Premium backcountry fees for adults will increase from to $10 from $5 at Garibaldi, Cathedral, Berg Lake (Mount Robson), Wells Grey, Juan de Fuca, Strathcona, Cape Scott, Mount Assiniboine, Kokanee Glacier and Bugaboo. Fees for youth 13-18 yrs old will remain at $5 per night.Backcountry fees in 33 parks, including E.C. Manning, Wells Gray and Tweedsmuir, will remain at $5 per night.Mooring buoy fees will increase to $12 from $10.Sani-station fees will increase to $5 from $2 per discharge.
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sue.t
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03/20/10 01:07pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: To Alaska, is it as daunting as it looks ?
Through northern Canada, it is difficult to know one year to the next which campgrounds will be open. Same with gas stations once you're on the Alaska Highway.
The main communities have facilities, but the more remote it gets the more unreliable those facilities are. For instance, last year it was surprising to us that there was no diesel available in Pelly River and no gasoline in Ross River ... not for a few days until there was a fuel delivery. Some folks had no choice but to wait because they hadn't kept their tanks topped up.
It was especially surprising to us that a spot that had always been open previously was closed -- the lodge at Liard Hot Springs on the Alaska Highway. Closed without warning due to financial issues.
We always carry extra fuel with us, having learned our lesson numerous times. Despite being well-prepared for all our trips, we enjoy getting onto the backroads and having fuel with us is essential as there simply aren't any gas stations where we like to go. And when we get to the remote areas, the fifth wheel is usually unhooked and we explore with the truck.
However, if you are a main road person who enjoys being with the crowds, you'll not have too many issues. We usually camp in provincial or territorial parks or boondock in the middle of nowhere. The government campgrounds have no services but are well maintained and spaced nicely for overnight stops. Very affordable too. The main communities all have RV parking with facilities. Pretty much what it is too ... parking. Gravel parking lots with posts sticking up with the services (electric & water) attached. Most have laundry and a place to wash your RV too, as those services are in high demand it seems.
Check my website for thousands (yes, thousands) of pictures of recent trips. Haven't been into Alaska for 10 years, but will be going this year.
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sue.t
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03/20/10 11:06am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Cycling in Alaska and Yukon
B.C.'s provincial parks and Yukon's territorial parks have gravel roads.
The majority of the commercial campgrounds in the Yukon have gravel/rock base and are not paved. Most of the commercial campgrounds are little more than gravel parking lots; stack'em and rack'em.
In & around Yukon communities there is usually a cycling/ATV trail that parallels the Alaska Highway, but it is packed gravel or hardpack dirt.
Whitehorse has lots of asphalt & Watson Lake has some, and the Alaska Highway is mostly sealcoat, but aside from those areas, most of the Yukon communities have gravel roads.
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sue.t
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03/19/10 05:47pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: I am new the RV scene, so please help.
When we first got into fifth wheels, we had an F-150. Purchased a 17.5 footer to go with it. The truck pulled that teeny fifth wheel fine, but it was working hard to manage it on the hills here in British Columbia. So, the F-150 was sold and we bought an F-250 PSD 4x4. With the F-250 that teeny fiver was barely noticable.
After three years we decided to upgrade the trailer. Found a used 25' footer with a GVWR of 7,000 lbs. The fellow selling it had a 1/2 ton (GMC) and his first couple of times RVing he felt it was too much trailer for his truck. Said he scared himself a few times. So we got a like-new fifth wheel for half price.
This fifth wheel has a loaded pin weight of about 1,760 pounds. With two adults, two big dogs, firewood in the box, a trials motorcycle in the box and kayaks on the truck roof, the truck is slightly over its GVWR -- 300 lbs over. Without the kayaks and motorcycle, the truck is bang on its GVWR.
We recently had an experience that made us very grateful the trailer was not any heavier. If we ever wish to upgrade again, we'll be very sure the trailer does not exceed the truck's rating. We're at the maximum for this truck now, so new trailer will mean a new truck too.
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sue.t
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03/19/10 08:18am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Using Skype or other program to keep in touch
Yes, Skype video is a good product. Have used it for several years.
However, keep in mind that the internet capabilities of many RV parks in the north can be limited. Some advertise WiFi, but it can be iffy and slow. I found that Skype texting worked fine when I was able to get a connection, but Skype video was a bit more demanding and not always usable. Also, if the RV park is busy your connection can degrade further if many folks are logged in.
Some retailers (coffee shops) offer better intetnet connections. Through Canada, public libraries have good public connections and I've heard Safeway grocery stores do too. These connections would likely be more stable than some of the RV parks.
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sue.t
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03/19/10 08:07am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Dalton to Arctic Circle or NOT
"the islands above Canada" ARE very much a part of a Canada. Referring to Canadian soil that way is sort of like saying, "those islands to the left of the USA" or "that state above the USA". Just ain't right! :B
Also, Eagle Plains is on the Dempster. Eagle's Landing was a great movie, loved Clint in it!
I may sound defensive, but really just want to ensure that references to landmarks and locations are accurate. We're proud of Canada, surely enjoy sharing it with others, but also want to be sure others who are planning their trips don't get confused by incorrect information.
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sue.t
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03/18/10 07:42pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: No ticks or fleas but pet dog keeps scratch'n . . . ? ? ?
another thing ... one of our dogs was sensitive to household dirt. If I didn't vacuum regularly, she would itch more. Also needed to launder her blanket often. This same dog also seemed allergic to many of the same pollens DH was allergic too. Every spring & summer her itching intensified when his sneezing was intensifying, and then come fall & winter it would ease.
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sue.t
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03/18/10 10:34am |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: No ticks or fleas but pet dog keeps scratch'n . . . ? ? ?
Food allergy is a common cause of itching. Corn is a common problem.
You can try switching foods to something completely different (over a period of time so your dog's tummy doesn't get too upset). For instance, Holistic Select makes a nice duck & oatmeal dry food with which we had good success with Jake who had numerous food allergies. It can take up to 8 weeks before itching is reduced when switching foods if it is a food allergy.
Also, no cheating! Switch dog treats to something different too. There are numerous grain-free cookies available now, and many vegetarian cookies. Jake did best with the vegetarian ones because he was allergic to so many of the protein sources: chicken, beef, lamb & pork.
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sue.t
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03/18/10 10:28am |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Dalton to Arctic Circle or NOT
Inuvik? That would be the Dempster Highway in the Yukon rather than the Dalton in Alaska.
The Dempster can be in great or horrible shape depending on recent weather. We've done it both ways, but haven't done it since 1996.
http://suethomas.ca/DempsterHwy.html
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sue.t
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03/18/10 10:17am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Am I ok?
That is your dry hitch weight? Loaded your hitch weight is likely more.
Apparently our dry hitch weight (according to the written material) is 1,120 lbs, and GVWR for the trailer is 7,000 lbs (the limiting factor is the axle rating on ours).
We weighed in on the way home with it after purchase; it was actually 1,400 lbs.
Loaded for a trip (with fresh water tank full), hitch weight is actually 1,760 lbs.
Our tow vehicle is an F-250 PSD 4x4, and when the humans, dogs, firewood and kayaks are loaded on the truck, the truck's GVWR is exceeded by a few hundred pounds.
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sue.t
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03/18/10 08:04am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Alaska Holiday Reservations
Technically, neither BC nor the Yukon allow camping or overnight parking at rest stops, although we've done it. It does pay to be discrete about it.
It is lawful to overnight in rest areas in BC. Many of them have signs requesting users to limit their stay to 8 hours, but that is pretty much overnight. If a rest area is signed as not permitting overnight use, then don't stay overnight. These are usually the rest areas near municipalities, often managed by the local service clubs or the town.
5. The Alaska Highway is 100% paved, as is the Yukon Trail & almost all of the Cassiar.
Yukon Trail? Do you mean the Klondike Highway? I'm not aware of any road called the Yukon Trail. The Yukon Quest Trail route, a dogsled race, is sometimes referred to as the Yukon Trail. No RVs on that though.
Last fall all of the Cassiar Highway was paved, other than through construction zones and the bit of road that dips to the Stikine River. The area north of Dease Lake, which has always been dirt/gravel as paved in September 2009. Shocked us when we were southbound as it was gravel when we went northbound.
There's also a fair bit of the Top of the World highway that is not paved.
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sue.t
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03/18/10 07:47am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Pet Dentistry
Alternative therapies are a growing area, and likely because of consumer demand. People who have long used alternative therapies for themselves are seeking the best therapy for their pets too. Some vets are receptive and some aren't.
I was grateful that our vet cooperated when we chose holistic therapy and chiropractic care for our bone cancer dog. He indicated that as long as the treatments weren't harmful for our dog, he would go along with them, although he also stated he thought we were throwing our money away.
Our dog lived beyond all expectations and thrived while doing so. After the tumoured bone eventually broke and our big boy had to be put down, our vet let us know that he had been impressed with how well our dog did (we visited our vet monthly to ensure our dog was doing as well as possible). He also indicated he would be more supportive of alternative therapies for some of his patients. I appreciated his comments.
Our vet also had not known about Tramadol before we asked about it, to supplement Deramaxx for pain control. He checked with with a colleague who had recently graduated, and who confirmed it would be a good choice for our pet's circumstance.
I guess my point is similar to hawkhill's -- we need to be informed and actively involved in managing our pet's health. When we work in partnership with our vet and openly share information, all can benefit. It is a delicate balance, for sure.
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sue.t
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03/17/10 07:11pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: and then there were 6 vet update!!!!!!!
YEA! Regarding a name ... my first cat, who was also a dark tortiseshell, was named Zunni, shortened from Zensunni. The past-DH was into the book series Dune, and according to Dune Wiki:
The Wandering Zensunni, also known as the Zensunni Wanderers traveled from one world to another in search of freedom from persecution and enslavement by the Imperial raiders.
Somehow seemed appropriate for a cat that wandered into our lives.
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sue.t
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03/17/10 06:44pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Pet Dentistry
One of the few ways this kind of horrific loss can be softened is to share, learn & teach from it. The lessons don't need to earth-shattering. When we know better, we can do better.
A discussion of pros/cons or even "what ifs" can have an effect on future decision-making. Challenging present practice is also worthy, to help ensure the present practice is the best practice.
I greatly value our vet, however there are treatments that have benefitted our dogs that the vet cannot administer. For instance, chiropractic care. The chiro who our dogs visit is fully qualified to treat human patients, is a trained vet tech, and takes patients only on referral from a vet. Yet, it is unlawful for this doctor of chiropractic to treat animals. I wonder who that law is protecting.
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sue.t
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03/17/10 11:05am |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: 50 gal how long can u go
With 30 gallons of fresh water in our old fifth wheel, we were good for 5-6 days. Present fifth wheel has 50 gallons fresh, and we've yet to learn how long we can go.
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sue.t
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03/17/10 07:55am |
Public Lands, Boondocking and Dry Camping
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RE: Wrong Anitfreeze
I'm paranoid, I know. I won't let DH put the 'safe' pink stuff, the waterline antifreeze, into our fresh water lines.
Poor DH would be installing new fresh water lines if automotive antifreeze had been put into our RV. Drain lines I wouldn't worry so much about. I know, I know ... you can shake your head about me and feel sorry for DH. That's okay. :B
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sue.t
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03/17/10 07:51am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: my last night in Mexico
Don't be in too much of a hurry to return to Vancouver Island. It seems we're getting our winter in March this year!
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sue.t
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03/17/10 07:45am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: It's official - just reserved at Teklanika CG in Denali NP
Thanx for the info about dog kennels. Tazz (our dog) will travel with us, even to Teklanika CG. We may have to sightsee separately so one of us can stay with Tazz, and that is okay.
Leaving her in a kennel could set her back ... when we adopted her from the shelter at 4 months of age, she was not socialized and was extremely shy and timid. Eight months later and she's doing well; has mostly good days. When Jake (our other dog) died a month ago, Tazz had a few setbacks but is now managing her fears well. We're looking forward to travelling with her for a couple of months this summer.
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sue.t
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03/17/10 07:38am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Braking: TV or trailer ? How fast can you stop ?
The sign says 40 km/h. Don't know about others, but we don't do 40 km/h on a 15% grade with hairpin turns.
It took 36 minutes (according to the GPS) to go 13 km (8 miles). We stopped at the brake check though, to let the brakes cool, at about the half way point. The brake check is the ONLY place to stop on that descent. Stopped for 10 minutes, so that means 8 miles in 26 minutes: 18 mph average
The road is not wide enough to stop at other spots, unless you wish to block traffic.
Funny though ... people ask for real examples instead of hearsay ... then a real example is presented and then the complaint is they've seen it before.
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sue.t
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03/16/10 06:04pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Braking: TV or trailer ? How fast can you stop ?
Gee ... usually pictures add to the conversation, not stop it.
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sue.t
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03/16/10 01:01pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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