Ferry questions (Hope: transporting, insurance, credit card)

[caffeinekitten]

I am moving to Juneau in 2-4 weeks for a job transfer. We're driving up from Los Angeles (originally from Wisconsin so I am ok with winter driving) and trying to decide whether to take the Prince Rupert or Bellingham ferry. I am leaning towards Prince Rupert, but am wondering how difficult it is to go over the border with a packed 4WD SUV, and whether the road will probably be okay to stop just one night between the border and Prince Rupert. Any comments are greatly appreciated.

[Captain Crunch]

The road from your cross-over at Sumas Wa up to Prince George and west on Hwy16 out to Prince Rupert will be just fine, its sees heavy traffic

Fill your tank in Sumas and pick up any groceries you might need there, the next good stop up the line from there will by Cache Creek at 171 miles

The border crossing is a snap, unless you've had a DWI or a passenger with you has had one, they photograph your license plate as you enter and by the time you roll up the agent has any data associated with the registered owner right there on his computer, so ya don't wanna tell him anything thats not accurate

They will probably ask ya: (1) are you a US citizen (2) where are you going (3) how long will you be in Canada (4) are you transporting any alcohol into Canada....once in awhile they will ask how much cash money do you have

Lots of places to stay along there, Prince George would be a good place to over-night, if you can make 440 miles from Sumas the first day

Saves a ton of money not boarding at Bellingham...

[AKStafford]

Pick up a copy of the The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Guide and Trip Planner - Home.
Be prepared for them to search the vehicle and you have to repack it. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. Make sure you have proof of insurance.

[warptman]

When I'm northbound, I like staying outside of Prince George to stay away from all the crazy drivers. I'll spend a night at Kreekside Motel in Hixson.

Kreekside - Motel, Campground and Trailer Park

[akck]

Taking the ferry from Prince Rupert will save you about half the cost from Bellingham. It's not difficult to cross the border at all. You will need passports to do so and if you are traveling with pets, they will need a recent health certificate. Just answer the questions they ask and don't volunteer any additional information beyond that. A DUI or felony conviction is a deal breaker, as they won't let you into Canada.

For planning, I'd start from Prince Rupert. You'll need to be there a couple of hours before the ferry departs, so that will tell you if you need to spend the night in Prince Rupert too. It's about 8 hours from Prince George if you plan to stay there.

Figure about 10 hours from Seattle to Prince George. The last time I made this run I left Seattle at 4:30 am and got to Prince George a little before 3:00 pm during a December. I left later than that to get to Prince Rupert because I had to overnight for an early am ferry. Your SUV may be mud covered, so you might want to give it a quick wash there. Either carry or buy windshield washer fluid, as you'll likely run out.

For Canadian cash, I've found that it's easiest to get cash from an ATM along the way. I usually stop in Hope to do so. Most places will take U.S. dollars, but don't give a good exchange rate (not that it's that good in the first place). I usually take out enough for meals and might pay a motel bill with the remainder. Credit cards work fine, but you may have problems paying for services with debit cards at some locations.

[akck]

Originally Posted by warptman

When I'm northbound, I like staying outside of Prince George to stay away from all the crazy drivers. I'll spend a night at Kreekside Motel in Hixson.

Kreekside - Motel, Campground and Trailer Park

While this is not a bad idea, my call is that the traffic in Prince George is nothing compared to the traffic in Los Angeles.

[Captain Crunch]

Forget getting any Canadian money...simply use your CC

Passport is not required to get into Canada, however at Prince Rupert it will be required when checking in at the Alaska Ferry terminal as you clear US customs there...

Those with previous DUI/DWI can be allowed into Canada but there is a non-refundable fee, used to be about $300.....major Canadian rip-off