Road trip from Vancouver to home in Toronto
Replies: 6 - Last Post: Sep 15, 2012 2:53 PM Last Post By: thoughtful_beaver
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Road trip from Vancouver to home in Toronto
After 7 months backpacking across Asia, I'm heading back home in October to Toronto. I've always wanted to do a road trip across Canada and thought it was a good idea to fly to Vancouver instead of Toronto as the flight is also cheaper. I am now horrified at the car rental price. I was quoted $3000 for a two week rental picking up from Vancouver and dropping off in Toronto. At that rate, it's cheaper to fly back to TO. I could also buy a used car and resell it again but will have to get it registered and also buy a lisence plate. I really want to camp my way across Canada. Maybe I could scooter my way across but it would take forever and it'll be cold already in October. Has anyone done something similar and would like to give some advices?Thanks
Jenny
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There are companies that move cars across the country for people who don't want to bother and just fly. This time of year its probably north and south. You drive and they pay your gas and that's it. I used to see them in the classifieds occasionally. I have no idea where to find one. Do a bit of checking around and put a note on Kijiji you might just luck out.4
Boswoth, thanks for all your research. I should hire you as my researcher considering how good you are lol. I checked the website you provided and although it works, you need to drive the car in a short period of time. Can't do a longer trip which is what I'm hoping for, about 10 days.Northword, it sounds like a great idea, but I don't want to give up yet without a fight. There is just something that feels so good when you accomplish something challenging, the journey of the drive.
Speaking of drive, I got a ticket from a corrupt cop just 2 kilometers from getting back to the hotel. So close! I've been here for 3 days, yesterday I saw a white guy getting a ticket, today I get a ticket. That's a ratio of 2/3. I hate Bali.
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You haven't mentioned whether you own a car back in Toronto. If you don't own a car there is the possibility of buying a salt-free Vancouver car that you actually want to drive and keeping it.I'm from Ottawa and have driven out to BC twice. It is an amazing experience. If you have an open mind you will find that the parts that some people consider boring will surprise you. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn't spend more time on the North shore of Superior.
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my folks live in Belleville, Ont. and i went to UVic and then lived in Vic for many years so have done this road trip 10+ times. actually just got back 2 days ago from doing the drive you're talking about - this time much more leisurely and staying in hostels and motels rather than camping as I usually have done (did the trip with an old friend who was moving, so we didn't have any space for camping gear or cooler, etc.). I saw a brochure/flyer for the kind of car service deal you're talking about at the Thunder Bay International Hostel, but I forgot to write it and now I can't remember what it was called :o(. Try some different search terms and yo might find something online. As well as kijiji, there is a rideshare section on craigslist, and a Nelson (BC) Rideshare website that might help you out (just google Nelson rideshare). The salt free point is a good one - a BC vehicle would be in better shape than the same make/model from Ontario. If you had even just a mini van, or a small truck with a canopy, stealth camping is much easier, and will save you money. A BC camper van bought in BC and sold in Ont might even make you money, but it is extra hassle to do the whole check out, maintain, license, insure and sell routine - though in BC, when you buy a vehicle, you just go to any Autoplan office and they do ownership change, license plates and insurance and you could leave the importing into Ontario part to the buyer. Be advised you will pay sales tax on the reported purchase price, so you may want to ask the seller to say you paid him less than you did. If you do drive, be prepared for alot of driving, especially if you do it alone. It's really far! You will be very sick of being in a car by the end of it, but it is really awesome to see the landscape change, etc. You might want to look into the train - similar view without having to drive, and you might be able to get some kind of pass so you can get off and camp in a few places for a few days each. Lots of great day hikes and wilderness hostel options accessible from Jasper, for example.
