I will be riding Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and then finally up to Canada to ride the TCAT through Manitoba and Ontario. Do I need any sort of ORV permits to ride in Canada? Also, can I use a US dollar there?
Someone who knows the TCAT better will chime in, but your road plate and insurance should be all you need. Few businesses will accept US dollars, and if they do, probably at a poor exchange rate. My Canadian bank card and credit card works in the states; should work the other way for you. Best exchange rate though is to get currency at your own bank before you leave
Thanks for the input. I presume I will be able to exchange money at the border. Do you know if it costs money to visit Provincial Parks, or do I need a recreational pass for it? I do not know much about traveling outside the US, especially on a motorcycle.
I haven't seen anywhere to exchange cash at the border. It's easier to deal with that one before you leave, or pay for everything with as credit card. Sometimes cash is useful though Provincial parks charge for stopping and visiting. No charge to drive if a highway passes through. If you're thinking of camping in a provincial park, Google their website now to check for availability. They get booked up well in advance
Where would you recommend camping? I do not necessarily want to book anything as I am taking the trip as I go. This is my route, but I will go southwest back through Minnesota from Thunder Bay.
I'm in Ontario, but that's far from where I live. Lots of Crown land around there. Crown land is public lands where you can camp for free. No services, not necessarily even tent sites. If you're going to plan on the fly, you're going to have to camp rough or spend money on camp grounds. Also try freecampsites.net
Get cash exchanged. A lot of Canadian banks near the border can do that for you no trouble. If it's a bigger border crossing you can stop at the Duty Free store if there is one and exchange money there. Also, remember that you will need a passport, not so much for getting into Canada but more for getting back into the States. Camping in that part of ONT should be no trouble as there are not many people there!
A decent amount of places do not accept american express. My joke is it is "excepted everywhere". Provincial parks are not cheap, but at least you can get a warm shower, etc. You're going to be up near me after your scoot north of Lac Seul (or before - i am not sure of your direction). Send me a PM if you want to come by. I can at least give you an alternative route to kenora, though it looks like you are not too far off. This tells you what you need to know about crown land camping: https://www.ontario.ca/page/recreational-activities-on-crown-land This is a interactive map that shows crown land, look at it before you lose your internet connection. http://www.gisapplication.lrc.gov.on.ca/CLUPA/Index.html?site=CLUPA&viewer=CLUPA&locale=en-US
If you need money, use an ATM at a bank. You will be traveling past lots of them, get money as required.
One of the shocks many Americans experience at the border, is our Canadian regulation of our guns. When you enter Canada, you must declare all firearms and weapons to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). If you do not, they may be seized and you could face criminal charges. You need documents to prove that you are entitled to possess a firearm in Canada, and you must transport it safely. Some types of guns are prohibited entirely. More info: - https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/iefw-iefa-eng.html Best to not have to deal with the issue at all, and leave your gun at home. You won't need it! Gary :) :)
Not in Ontario if you're a non-resident ... https://www.ontario.ca/page/recreational-activities-on-crown-land
I'm just saying I wouldn't pay 9 bucks a night to pull off the side of the road in the middle of the nowhere to sleep. It's a pretty safe bet that no one is enforcing the camping fee anyways, unless he's being a nuisance and the police need to look for an offense to charge him with. Not sure why I'm the a-hole to tell him to save his money.
Bingo. I’ve stealth camped all over Canada without a problem. A few times in rather high population density areas, too. Even if it is technically illegal in some places, it’s only illegal if you get caught.
So in your esteemed opinion, it's better to lie to the poor bugger and tell him crown land use is free in Ontario for non-residents, rather than tell him the truth and let him decide for himself? Good job
I stand by my statements. For all practical purposes, camping on public lands is free. If you act like a troll like the above member, you're better to pay up front.