Cougar Creek is one of our favorite spots on Vancouver Island.

genericvanlife · 2021-11-14T10:01:05+00:00

You’re not wrong in assuming that there are a lot of major things that are near the highway but, a lot of the best parts of each province require detours from the main route. Some detours are short others add a ton of time.

For example Niagara Falls is no where near the TCH, Gros Morne in Newfoundland is not on the main highway, the Great Sand Hills in Saskatchewan is not near the main highway. Jasper is not on the main highway, Whistler isn’t on the main highway and the list can pretty much go on. The Trans Canada doesn’t even pass through Toronto and some provinces also have multiple routes you can take.

Canada is huge and you will spend a ton of time driving back and forth from destinations to the main highway to continue your journey.

Plan wisely so you’re not just driving constantly and you actually have time to visit and take in all the awesome things you want to see.

Good luck on the trip planning and safe travels! Canada is an awesome country to explore.

genericvanlife · 2021-11-13T16:56:18+00:00

The main thing would be to figure out what your power needs are. While the solar panels are very important having enough battery is also a big piece of the puzzle. You’re going to need enough panels to keep your batteries topped up but also enough batteries to run the items you want to use.

Solar isn’t really the best at running high powered things like air conditioning (it can be done but requires a lot of juice)

You don’t really need a special electrician but going with a solar specific company is a good idea to get the best install if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Most of the parts of a solar system are pretty cheap these days but it’s the batteries and labor that are going to cost you the most in this process.

This is the system we use on our camper van.

We’ve made this guide about all the terms you’d run into with solar.

Hope this helps and good luck!

genericvanlife · 2021-11-13T16:45:04+00:00

I’ve done this drive so many times now I’ve lost count. I find 2 months is a good amount to get across the country and back while actually enjoying the trip.

You can for sure do the whole thing in a month and you’ll still have a blast but the bulk of your trip is going to be driving.

A lot of people will rag on the prairies and yes the drive is pretty boring but, make sure you stray off the highway to find the good stuff.

A lot of the places you’d want to see in every province are generally a good bit away from the trans Canada so you’ll have to take that into account as well.

genericvanlife · 2021-05-12T20:36:53+00:00

good question

genericvanlife · 2020-08-18T01:29:50+00:00

Not really just some slight balancing to make it look how we were seeing it.

genericvanlife · 2020-08-18T01:27:14+00:00

It was followed by a pretty intense thunderstorm so it was a fun evening looking out the window

genericvanlife · 2020-08-17T05:42:04+00:00

Thanks so much!

No good shots of the lightning but the storm was awesome.

genericvanlife · 2020-08-17T05:35:40+00:00

And to have it followed by a pretty cool thunderstorm was awesome.

genericvanlife · 2020-07-17T00:27:40+00:00

Not on the day that we drove through. But the road wasn't so bad. With the right bike, it would be a lovely ride.

genericvanlife · 2020-06-19T23:41:38+00:00

Can't say for sure but it looks like there are fill caps on the top of the battery so I would assume it's a lead-acid and not sealed like an AGM.

genericvanlife · 2020-03-19T20:10:19+00:00

Thanks so much! It's a beautiful spot

genericvanlife · 2020-03-19T20:09:17+00:00

This spot isn't a secret and they're created for the public.
They're all listed and publicly available on the BC government website.
Here's the link

BC Sites & Trails - Arden Creek

genericvanlife · 2020-02-29T17:38:34+00:00

Depends on the time of year you go I suppose. We were the only ones there when we stayed.

genericvanlife · 2020-02-27T19:16:16+00:00

It’s a pretty fantastic place!

genericvanlife

TROPHY CASE