Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Thoughts on Canada and US..? Thoughts on Canada and US..?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree2Likes

Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 3 Mar 2019
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,959
Hey, as long as it works for you... But once you're applying for an extension on your visa (which you need to do anyway if you're staying in the US for 7 months as indicated), skipping Alaska seems like a real waste. And I've lived and traveled throughout the southern USA enough to know that for me, it's largely unappealing for motorcycle touring--certainly not where I'd spend month after month after month. Those snowbirds tend toward inactivity, not adventure. Selling that area of the country on the basis of winter being more agreeable than mid-summer is pretty much the definition of "damning with faint praise."

Now, if you were planning a couple of months on the Gulf or the southern border states, then a wander through Mexico and bits of Central America, I'd see it differently. But the trip has to work for you, not me. I'm just trying to offer ideas which might be useful, or not.

enjoy,

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 4 Mar 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: England
Posts: 55
Canada and insurance
We are travelling the world (in Malaysia at moment) and set out in May 18, Starting in NY, then Quebec city and across Canada. Made the mistake of buying insurance before I left UK and ended up paying way over the odds. All other insurance has been bought locally using the insurance brokers address or my hotel address as they wat some local address that their post code recognition accepts. We did Canada in 3 months and have been chasing the sun ever since.
__________________
Tim & Sue Angus
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 5 Mar 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 18
Hi Tim.....thanks for that...keep chasing that sun mate..
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 5 Mar 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Moncton NB Canada
Posts: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by barneyf View Post
Hi Paul...

Thanks for the ideas...sounds like you've managed to get around quite a bit. Those all sound like good ideas and would like to hear more if you've got the time to share info...I'm going to go out and get a new map of Canada and start marking it up with good ideas. I initially have five months in Canada but if I like it and it likes me I plan to return over the years for extended travelling. I like to keep things spontaneous and flexible so I'm open to any ideas. Thanks for your thoughts.
I am a retired government worker and have plenty of time on my hands. You got questions...you want answers...go ahead I am sure I can point you in the right direction.

In one of your post you talk about registration and insurance...if you are not going to leave the bike here you don't need to license it to travel through Canada. Insurance though is a must.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 6 Mar 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NorthVancouver Island
Posts: 137
Quote:
Originally Posted by barneyf View Post
Hi Hopper... thanks for chipping in. Cool...I'm going to check out that link. I have options on which bike to use for this trip....I can ship/fly my Ktm 640 adventure over, she's a great bike ,which I've owned from new. I have put about 40,000 miles on her both on and off road, she's much more capable than I am, and will tackle anything if you are capable. As my capabilities are nowhere near the expert level and the terrain is a bit of an unknown, I was considering buying a bike in Canada. I'm thinking keep it as light and easy as possible, so crf250l/450l or drz 400....or Dr650. The added benefit of buying in Canada is that I can do the fly, ride, store/fly, ride, store thing over a number of years. I'd also like to do some hiking, cycling and canoeing so with the flexibility of being able to sell or exchange the bike it makes some sense. Ok, gonna check out your link. Would be interested in hearing of your travels...I've never really used forums before so not sure on etiquette...if you're interested in talking should we pm to keep things tidy..? No offence if not....Cheers.

The 640 Adventure or one of the 650 class Dual Sport bikes work well for the Western Canada region where I live.. The smaller 250 size DS bikes will also work but are a bit more stressed on some of the hwy routes.. A friend flew his bike to Halifax then rode across the country to my place on Vancouver Island, then we traveled up to the Arctic together... His bike is stored in my garage for the winter and in a few months he will come to retrieve it.. We are fortunate to live where we do as there is such a variety of different outdoor adventure opportunities and also a huge variety of climatic zones.. You can PM me if you have any questions..
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 6 Mar 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 18
Ok guys...thanks very much for the offers of advice...I'm gonna take you both up on it but just need to work out how to pm....new to forums...
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 19 Mar 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Nancy
Posts: 3
Hi Barney,
I wish you good luck for your journey and especially a lot of fun.
Maybe we meet together by the way !!! I also start a WT in June beginning with Canada: Quebec, Ontario and down to Louisiana, Mexico ...
Have fun / Philippe
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 20 Mar 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 238
If you are going to buy in North America, buy in the US. Easy to register in your name and easy to sell at the end of the trip. I know you can't start in the US due to the visa limitations, but there are people on here who could scout out a bike and cross it over the border for you.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 22 Mar 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Montreal
Posts: 104
May in Canada will still be cold. Especially in the Western provinces (Manitoba and Saskatchewan). If doing the TCAT, don't be surprised if you hit snow and swamps in the Northern regions.

If I were you, I would start by the US where it is at least 1 month ahead when it comes to seasons. And even more in the South.

As for border security, your answres are simple. You have a company in your homeland and are taking a few months off to discover North America. remove from your cell phone any discussions about employment or small jobs in canada or the US.

And if you end up in Montreal and need a place to stay or to wrench, just hit me up at mybuddylee@gmail.com - I am myself a globetrotter. ;-)
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 23 Mar 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 16
I know we are all partial to the place where we live, but if you have that kind of time in Canada you really should include the Yukon. Do a trip north on the Alaska highway, head up the Dempster highway for a dip in the arctic ocean then cruise down the Stewart Cassiar Highway into BC. You will see some of the most remote and beautiful country in north America.
__________________
'96 1200 Bandit
'16 Tu250X
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 25 Mar 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: France
Posts: 92
+1 to JfNS

Dawson, Toak and Chicken AK, topoftheworld highway.

Hyder Alaska off the Cassiar highway is a cool place - complete with free-range grizzlies on Salmom River. The totems in Hazelton. Terrace and Smithers are nice. Kayaking around Haida Gwaii. Watching Orcas off the ferry on the inside passage is a way cheaper option. For more class, the RockyMountineer train.

Nova Scotia is beautiful. NB, PEI, Gaspe Peninsula. So much to see...

Just a thought, Canada is big and distances are long. Hotels not cheap (camping always possible). If you are coming with the intent to buy a bike to travel, you will find it cheaper to buy and easier to insure a older camper. There are plenty and they are less expensive than a bike, sleeping is free. Then can boondock with no stress.

Good luck
__________________
2023 back in Japan on the road after COVID, 2019 Paris Siberia Japan tbd -2010 WR250R; 2015-2016 Paris-Mongolia and Paris-Silk Road; 2011-2013 Canada Ushuaia
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top