If you have a question you don't see here, feel free to ask.
General Questions
Where are we going in 2008?
St. John's, Newfoundland, the oldest city and easternmost part of North America. See more information about Newfoundland.
Also see the route maps.
When are we going?
Thursday, February 14 to Tuesday, February 19. It's the President's Day Weekend in the US. Depending upon where you start and how scenic you want to go en route, you may want to pad a day on each end. See the itinerary.
Who are we?
A bunch of MINI owners and their co-drivers and/or passengers. You do not have to go in a MINI, but it is encouraged.
Why Newfoundland, and why in February?
Why not?
What Should I Bring?
We have The List.
How much will it cost?
Well, it's cheaper if you don't flip your vehicle, that's for sure. See budget estimates.
Other Questions
Will my cell phone work on this trip?
Maybe.
CDMA analog coverage is available throughout the entire trip, except on the Cabot Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands. There is pretty much total GSM/GPRS, CDMA (analog), TDMA (analog) coverage along the main highway routes in NB and NS, including the ones we'll be using. CDMA-PCS coverage is more spotty.
When you cross the border and travel in the Maritimes, chances are that your cell phone will work, provided that roaming is part of your plan, which it usually is, if you have a plan with a contract. 'Pay as you go' cell phones generally won't work, unless you tell your wireless provider about your trip beforehand, and not all providers will do this for contract-less phones.
However, in Newfoundland, all bets are off except for CDMA analog. GSM/GPRS coverage is limited to the St. John's area, and about an hour's travel to the west of the city. TDMA analog is the same.
Not sure about what kind of phone you have? Consult your wireless provider.
I (Ross) will be bringing a phone that is compatible along the entire trip (except the Cabot Trail), so we will virtually always have cell service this time.
Where will we be staying?
| Night | Location | Lodging |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday (Feb 14) | Calais, ME | Calais Motor Inn |
| Friday (Feb 15) | North Sydney, NS | MV Smallwood |
| Saturday (Feb 16) | St. John's, NL | Abba Inn |
| Sunday (Feb 17) | St. John's, NL | Abba Inn |
| Monday (Feb 18) | Channel-Port aux Basques, NL | MV Caribou |
| Tuesday (Feb 19) | home (direct return), or PEI or Fundy NP (scenic return) | TBD |
Ferry? What ferry?
Getting to Newfoundland by car requires a 7-hour ferry ride from North Sydney, NS. If you are coming on the trip, it is important that you read more about the ferry.
US/Canada Border Issues / Travelling in Canada
To cross the Canada/US border, it is best to bring a passport, although it is NOT required. Crossing the border requires 'proof of citizenship' with a birth certificate, residency card, or passport. NEW: As of January 2008, if your proof of citizenship does not include photo ID, a separate photo ID is also required, such as a driver's license.
A driver's license alone will not get you across the border any more. If you don't have a passport, go get one.
See this page for info on what you can bring into Canada and return to the US in terms of duty free liquor, tobacco and other products.
Possession of handguns is largely illegal in Canada, and bringing them across the border is definitely out. Radar detectors are also illegal in most provinces. Bringing back soil or plants from Newfoundland is also not permitted.
The unit of currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, or C$), but USD are accepted at many merchants at horrible exchange rates. Save your money, get C$ using ATMs, which are ubiquitous. The C$ currently trades very close to par, making conversions very easy.