|
|
05-05-2023, 08:34 AM
|
#21
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 2013 19' & 2013 15B
Posts: 2,636
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Lewis
A few years ago a ranger in Jasper told me a colleague was swiped off a bike by a grizzly. His bear spray was in his backpack, out of reach. He survived the attack only because the bear bit into the backpack and set off the spray.
|
We camp in Jasper and Banff National Parks quite frequently and have never had any negative interactions with bears. Although I do carry bear spray when on the trails. I did have two bear encounters (black bears) within a week of each other last summer while running on mountain trails in the Banff back-country.
For the first bear encounter I was with another runner on a relatively wide trail in the back-country behind the Lake Louise ski area. We saw the bear well in advance of passing it. It was on the edge of the trail eating berries and was not very interested in us. We had our bear spray out and yelled at it a lot, and it eventually moved off the trail so that we could pass. After we passed, it moved back to its berry bush.
The second bear incident was less than a week later. This time I was running solo on a narrow single-track trail on a steep cross-slope between Mt Assiniboine and Sunshine Meadows. I had been calling out regularly to warn bears of my presence all morning but had not done so in the past few minutes. As I came around a sharp bend on the trail, I saw a black bear eating berries in the middle of the trail about 20 ft in front of me. I think the bear jumped first and then I jumped, and we both looked at each other for a few seconds before the bear went back to eating its berries. I did have my bear spray out and ready to go but it was not needed. It took quite a lot of yelling and arm waving before the bear was willing to leave its berry bush so that I could pass by.
So far, from my last years experiences and other experiences with bears in previous years, most bears are generally more interested in other things besides me.
__________________
2013 19' \ 2013 15B, 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad
"It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it." - 1907, Maurice Switzer
|
|
|
05-05-2023, 09:42 AM
|
#22
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Trailer: E 21 2019 Tow Vehicle: 2019 4Runner Limited
Posts: 740
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian B-P
I go through my life without using cash even once in a typical month, so you are unlikely to need cash in a ten-day visit.
There's the occasional odd thing such as a public transit system that takes cash fares and not credit or debit cards, but you can usually purchase a ticket or day pass for them with a card.
This is the practical way to avoid exchanging currency or dealing with trying to use a foreign currency. That's what I have done for decades in the USA and Mexico - just take out local currency where I need it, or when I arrive to have some emergency cash. I wouldn't want to take out too much, because I don't want to convert it back (and currency exchanges typically don't handle coins at all).
|
I have a few follow up questions.
When you reference taking "out local currency" where/when needed, how are you going about this? Debit card? Bank withdrawal? We are going to Newfoundland. Our plans include things like several boat excursions and dinner theatre. Some of these activities state: "cash only". I'll assume that means CAD cash since much to the shock of many of my fellow citizens, life doesn't just revolve around what happens (or doesn't happen) in the US of A. Our first stop before we get on the Atlantic Ferry for Newfoundland is St. John. We want to witness the Reversing Falls. Would it be smart to go to a bank and exchange say $300 US for CAD money? I don't have a debit card. I guess I could get one of those as well...
|
|
|
05-05-2023, 10:26 AM
|
#23
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 2013 19' & 2013 15B
Posts: 2,636
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Telescopist
I have a few follow up questions.
When you reference taking "out local currency" where/when needed, how are you going about this? Debit card? Bank withdrawal? We are going to Newfoundland. Our plans include things like several boat excursions and dinner theatre. Some of these activities state: "cash only". I'll assume that means CAD cash since much to the shock of many of my fellow citizens, life doesn't just revolve around what happens (or doesn't happen) in the US of A. Our first stop before we get on the Atlantic Ferry for Newfoundland is St. John. We want to witness the Reversing Falls. Would it be smart to go to a bank and exchange say $300 US for CAD money? I don't have a debit card. I guess I could get one of those as well...
|
Debit card is easy to use to get cash from almost any banking machine, and that is what I would recommend. If you don't have a debit card, you could probably exchange US cash for Cdn cash at most Canadian banks. There may also be locations at the border crossing that will provide currency exchange services.
__________________
2013 19' \ 2013 15B, 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad
"It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it." - 1907, Maurice Switzer
|
|
|
05-05-2023, 10:30 AM
|
#24
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Emerson, Manitoba
Trailer: 2016 Escape 5.0TA, 2022 F150 2.7EB
Posts: 1,848
|
Yes your debit card should work fine. Ours did in Mexico this winter when I used it a number of times (at our Canadian bank branch so no fee) at the ATM. The receipt even showed my account balance which looked pretty high until realising it was in pesos
__________________
Adrian (and Beth)
We are all travellers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.
Robert Louis Stevenson
|
|
|
05-05-2023, 10:36 AM
|
#25
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Trailer: 2021 Escape E5.0; 2021 F150 PowerBoost
Posts: 1,193
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Telescopist
I have a few follow up questions.
When you reference taking "out local currency" where/when needed, how are you going about this? Debit card? Bank withdrawal? We are going to Newfoundland. Our plans include things like several boat excursions and dinner theatre. Some of these activities state: "cash only". I'll assume that means CAD cash since much to the shock of many of my fellow citizens, life doesn't just revolve around what happens (or doesn't happen) in the US of A. Our first stop before we get on the Atlantic Ferry for Newfoundland is St. John. We want to witness the Reversing Falls. Would it be smart to go to a bank and exchange say $300 US for CAD money? I don't have a debit card. I guess I could get one of those as well...
|
Do you have an ATM card from your bank in the US? Why not use that? The exchange rate at the ATM would be as good or and likely much better. The exchange rate on ATM / Debit card transactions are set by Visa/Mastercard and likely to be better than what you might get from the bank.
You don't need a debit card. Look on the reverse side of your ATM card. It will list the networks your bank is part of, e.g., Plus, Cirrus, Maestro, etc. The ATMs in Canada will accept your ATM card. Sometimes they offer you to withdraw in local (CDN) currency. Decline. That 'offer' is to allow the ATM operator/bank to do the exchange (rather than the network) and it is almost always disadvantageous. That's why the upsell is offered.
|
|
|
05-05-2023, 10:40 AM
|
#26
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: North Van., British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19, sold; 2019 Escape 21, Sept. 2019
Posts: 8,824
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Telescopist
Some of these activities state: "cash only". I'll assume that means CAD cash since much to the shock of many of my fellow citizens, life doesn't just revolve around what happens (or doesn't happen) in the US of A.
|
Canadian businesses that take cash are fully used to the question, "do you take American?" It's always OK when it's asked respectfully but not when the US cash is smacked down as a right. The oft heard, "how much is that in American" kind of indicates that the person is a little on the, umm, how shall I say it, less experienced side.
Ron
|
|
|
05-05-2023, 10:59 AM
|
#27
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Trailer: E 21 2019 Tow Vehicle: 2019 4Runner Limited
Posts: 740
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron in BC
Canadian businesses that take cash are fully used to the question, "do you take American?" It's always OK when it's asked respectfully but not when the US cash is smacked down as a right. The oft heard, "how much is that in American" kind of indicates that the person is a little on the, umm, how shall I say it, less experienced side.
Ron
|
I agree about the issue regarding respect. I referenced that in my question to Brian. In particular we are paying close attention to the cultural sensibilities re: the people in Newfoundland. We planning some events which will allow us to interact with the people there. That is why we will be going to some dinner theatres in different parts of the island. We want to learn how they look at their own history both from the point of view of hardships and the humor which is expressed in order to lighten the load. We are also going have dinner with a family in St. Anthony.
Regarding all of the suggestions. Thank you. I'm heading to my bank and will see about getting an ATM card.
|
|
|
05-05-2023, 05:17 PM
|
#28
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Gig Harbor, Washington
Trailer: 2022 Escape 19
Posts: 5
|
Costco member?
On our camping trips we shop (or try to) at Costco for food and gas where possible. On a trip in January we learned that Costco would not accept our Visa credit cards for payment of either. It of course accepts its own membership/credit card. You may wish to call ahead to determine which card(s) it will accept. In this particular Costco there was an ATM where we were able to withdraw cash for purchases.
|
|
|
05-05-2023, 07:11 PM
|
#29
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Santa Rosa County, Florida
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21 Tow: 2024 Toyota Tundra
Posts: 3,105
|
The last time I shopped at a Canadian Costco they would take MasterCard. The ones in the U.S. take Visa. Fortunately I had one of each.
__________________
Mike Lewis
She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie-- propane
Photos and travelogues here: mikelewisimages.com
|
|
|
05-06-2023, 09:02 AM
|
#30
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, BC, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 17B;2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4
Posts: 702
|
Re Jasper and Banff
It’s not only bears. Depending on the time of year Elk can be aggressive if it’s calving time (and I guess breeding). In Jasper a few years ago, the park closed several trails due to mom elk.
My wife came out of a washroom and almost walked into a doe (correct term?) elk. It was just grazing but gave her a bit of a start.
|
|
|
05-06-2023, 09:23 AM
|
#31
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 140
|
Running in grizzly country
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Walter
We camp in Jasper and Banff National Parks quite frequently and have never had any negative interactions with bears. Although I do carry bear spray when on the trails. I did have two bear encounters (black bears) within a week of each other last summer while running on mountain trails in the Banff back-country.
For the first bear encounter I was with another runner on a relatively wide trail in the back-country behind the Lake Louise ski area. We saw the bear well in advance of passing it. It was on the edge of the trail eating berries and was not very interested in us. We had our bear spray out and yelled at it a lot, and it eventually moved off the trail so that we could pass. After we passed, it moved back to its berry bush.
The second bear incident was less than a week later. This time I was running solo on a narrow single-track trail on a steep cross-slope between Mt Assiniboine and Sunshine Meadows. I had been calling out regularly to warn bears of my presence all morning but had not done so in the past few minutes. As I came around a sharp bend on the trail, I saw a black bear eating berries in the middle of the trail about 20 ft in front of me. I think the bear jumped first and then I jumped, and we both looked at each other for a few seconds before the bear went back to eating its berries. I did have my bear spray out and ready to go but it was not needed. It took quite a lot of yelling and arm waving before the bear was willing to leave its berry bush so that I could pass by.
So far, from my last years experiences and other experiences with bears in previous years, most bears are generally more interested in other things besides me.
|
It is my opinion that running on trails in grizzly country is risky and likely to get you a Darwin Award.
|
|
|
05-06-2023, 09:35 AM
|
#32
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Dolores, Colorado
Trailer: 2017 5.0 TA, pulled w/ 2003 Dodge 3500 Cummins 4x4 SRW LWB
Posts: 113
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by LarryandLiz
Re Jasper and Banff
It’s not only bears. Depending on the time of year Elk can be aggressive if it’s calving time (and I guess breeding). In Jasper a few years ago, the park closed several trails due to mom elk.
My wife came out of a washroom and almost walked into a doe (correct term?) elk. It was just grazing but gave her a bit of a start.
|
Cow is the term for lady elk.
|
|
|
05-06-2023, 09:50 AM
|
#33
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Trailer: E 21 2019 Tow Vehicle: 2019 4Runner Limited
Posts: 740
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Lewis
The last time I shopped at a Canadian Costco they would take MasterCard. The ones in the U.S. take Visa. Fortunately I had one of each.
|
We will be reprovisioning at various locations during our approximate 2300 miles jaunt around Newfoundland. That said the only Costco in NL is located in St. Johns.
The grand opening a couple of years ago created quite a stir. People were lined up at 4am.
I've applied for a bank ATM card. Plus we will bring a stash of US dollars.
|
|
|
05-06-2023, 02:44 PM
|
#34
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Trailer: 2012 E19
Posts: 1,757
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by escape artist
Hi: ousooner... Our Banks are somewhat friendly and for a fee will supply an exchange if needed. We even have the ability to take debit cards.
My advice would be to bring a tank full of fuel. It's very expensive here and sold by the liter!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
|
Well, as long as folks can still liter-ally obtain fuel...
__________________
Losing weight puts one at much greater risk of becoming thin.
|
|
|
05-06-2023, 02:47 PM
|
#35
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Trailer: 2012 E19
Posts: 1,757
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Walter
As I came around a sharp bend on the trail, I saw a black bear eating berries in the middle of the trail about 20 ft in front of me. I think the bear jumped first and then I jumped, and we both looked at each other for a few seconds before the bear went back to eating its berries. I did have my bear spray out and ready to go but it was not needed. It took quite a lot of yelling and arm waving before the bear was willing to leave its berry bush so that I could pass by.
So far, from my last years experiences and other experiences with bears in previous years, most bears are generally more interested in other things besides me.
|
So, what kind of berries were they, and did you sample some?
I certainly hope I never see a bear that "up close and personal," other than maybe at a zoo!
__________________
Losing weight puts one at much greater risk of becoming thin.
|
|
|
05-06-2023, 02:49 PM
|
#36
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Trailer: 2021 Escape E5.0; 2021 F150 PowerBoost
Posts: 1,193
|
You might want to look at https://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca/en and buy Parks Canada's Discovery Pass. There is a senior version too if you qualify. The Canadian posters can advise if it makes sense for your trip.
|
|
|
05-06-2023, 04:47 PM
|
#37
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2017 Escape 21
Posts: 282
|
That would have been a cow elk.They can be a good size.
__________________
Allan Bornestig
North Vancouver
Trailer Escape 21
2017
|
|
|
05-06-2023, 05:52 PM
|
#38
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2019 Escape 19 "Lily"
Posts: 481
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Walter
We camp in Jasper and Banff National Parks quite frequently and have never had any negative interactions with bears. Although I do carry bear spray when on the trails. I did have two bear encounters (black bears) within a week of each other last summer while running on mountain trails in the Banff back-country.
For the first bear encounter I was with another runner on a relatively wide trail in the back-country behind the Lake Louise ski area. We saw the bear well in advance of passing it. It was on the edge of the trail eating berries and was not very interested in us. We had our bear spray out and yelled at it a lot, and it eventually moved off the trail so that we could pass. After we passed, it moved back to its berry bush.
The second bear incident was less than a week later. This time I was running solo on a narrow single-track trail on a steep cross-slope between Mt Assiniboine and Sunshine Meadows. I had been calling out regularly to warn bears of my presence all morning but had not done so in the past few minutes. As I came around a sharp bend on the trail, I saw a black bear eating berries in the middle of the trail about 20 ft in front of me. I think the bear jumped first and then I jumped, and we both looked at each other for a few seconds before the bear went back to eating its berries. I did have my bear spray out and ready to go but it was not needed. It took quite a lot of yelling and arm waving before the bear was willing to leave its berry bush so that I could pass by.
So far, from my last years experiences and other experiences with bears in previous years, most bears are generally more interested in other things besides me.
|
I have hiked into Mt. Assiniboine several times staying at the Naset Huts. I have come in via Sunshine, Radium side and Shark Mountain. The way in from Sunshine is the nicest in my opinion. The one time we came in from the Radium side we saw a total of 12 Grizzly bears over 3 days. Only one (you only need one) caused us a problem. It decided to charge us at the top of Wonder Pass. Fortunately we were a fairly large group and we stuck together. We did let off two bear bangers, the first one had no effect but the second one did. Technically you aren't supposed to let off Bear Bangers in Provincial or National Parks, but at that point in time I wasn't worried about regulations
|
|
|
05-07-2023, 10:23 AM
|
#39
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: St. Thomas not BVI., Ontario
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0TA / 2016 Ram Eco Diesel 4X4
Posts: 8,038
|
The high cost of living!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike G
Well, as long as folks can still liter-ally obtain fuel...
|
Hi: Mike G... Yes we have fuel... but at what cost? Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
__________________
Quote Bugs Bunny..."Don't take life too seriously, none of us get out of it ALIVE"!!!
'16 Ram Eco D. 4X4 Laramie Longhorn CC & '14 Escape 5.0TA
St.Thomas (Not the Virgin Islands) Ontario
|
|
|
05-07-2023, 12:57 PM
|
#40
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: BC, British Columbia
Trailer: 2022 T@B400
Posts: 59
|
Good morning. Just a heads up for fuel prices as we were checking for someone last night. Gas tends to be a little more than diesel right now. In US dollars per US gallon expect to see it between about 3.60 to 4.50 USD depending on where you are in Alberta or BC. That’s 1.30 per litre in Canadian currency in Alberta and 1.60 per litre in BC. Around Vancouver it will be more than that but that’s because of the Vancouver transpo tax.
Enjoy your travels and stay safe on the road.
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|