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canuckrv

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Apr 1, 2013
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We have a trip coming up that will exclusively be boondocking in our roadtrek van, it will be our first. And I have some questions.
1 I have scouted some locations and there are no, no overnight parking signs can I assume it is safe to boondock? one is a Musume one is a public beach access/boat launch.
2 After a long day of driving I usually have a beer with dinner is this safe to do in Ontario? or should we just forgo that tradition?
We know enough not to set up outside chairs etc and to leave the place cleaner than it was any other tips for newbies?
 
I don't know about the rules in Canada but one of my mottos is that it is easier to be forgiven than to get permission sometimes.

When we were kids we got chased out of a bunch of places. Seems as we get older we get more nervous about being called out on stuff.

I hope someone can provide some definitive answers.
 
You cannot rely on there being "no overnight parking" signs everywhere there are restrictions. Many towns & cities have general restrictions on overnighting in public areas, on streets, etc. but there may be no sign, or just one sign at the city/town limits. Ditto for shopping malls and parking areas, though those typically have a sign somewhere (not always readily visible). You may be able to get a reasonable check on the local rules via the internet. And you can always gamble a little as Ex-Calif suggests.

As for your dinnertime beer, I presume you are not driving at that time. Generally if you are inside your rig, you are "at home" and deemed to be in private, but if sitting outside at a picnic table or whatever, you are "in public" and subject to whatever regs apply. If the park says "no alcohol", best to adhere to it whenever outside your RV. Or at least pour your beer into an unmarked container. ;)
 
I crossed the border at Roosville Montana & drove through BC earlier this month and stopped by a few rest stop areas in very rural country to stretch out.
What I saw were signs saying "8 hour stay limit".
If it would have been later I would have stayed even longer than 8 hours if needed but it was mid afternoon or early evening.
There are also many many pullout areas without any signs at all and others have signs saying "no camping or overnight parking".
And I agree that sometimes it's better to beg for forgiveness than asking for permission....
I also think local law enforcement uses common sense when travelers are tired, hungry and sleepy.
I also agree that if I were drinking alcohol in public I'd conceal or camouflage it.
 
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The LEO or ranger will just tell you to move on if overnight parking is not allowed. Inconvenient but seldom resulting in a ticket or fine unless the violation is flagrant, e.g. you parked in front of the "no overnight parking" sign.
 
Done this often, using a large 37 ft class A, so I think you would have an easier time.

This was our itinerary from detroit to ottawa this spring, just reverse it going south:


Flying J Travel Plaza
Hwy 401 Exit 56, 19325 Essex County Road 42
Tilbury, ON N0P2L0
GPS: 42.264153,-82.462173
519-682-1140

Walmart
160 Queensway East
Simcoe, ON N3Y 0A8
GPS: 42.8492394,-80.2863551
519-426-6900


Walmart
270 Kingston Road East R.R. #1
Ajax, ON L1S 4S7
GPS: 43.8668945,-79.013848
905-426-6160



Flying J Travel Plaza
628 County Road 41, off Hwy 401, Exit 579
Napanee, ON K7R 3L1
GPS: 44.267453,-76.96644
613-354-7044

Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands
Full Details
380 Ontario 2
Gananoque, ON
GPS: 44.341498,-76.141447
613-382-6800


Walmart
Full Details
1942 Parkdale Avenue
Brockville, ON K6V 3G9
GPS: 44.6174089,-75.6798202
613-342-9293

We were welcomed with open arms at these places. I would suggest if you have a beer, use a local restaurant or bar, otherwise close your curtains and put your keys as far away from you as possible.
 

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