2017/2018 148 Snowbirds & RV Travelers - Dec/Jan

AFFORDABLY LIVE THE SNOWBIRD LIFESTYLE ALL YEAR 

SNOWBIRDS 

& RV 

Canada's Active RV Guide 

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A Stunning Waterfront Destination 

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 8 

Canada Pub No: 42201513 

December 2017/January 2018 SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS 1

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2 SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS December 2017/January 2018 

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4 SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS December 2017/January 2018

SNOWBIRDS 


December/January 

44 

Travel 

16 Bring the Snowbird Lifestyle Home 

With Parkbridge Communities 

22 Quebec City 

Always Enchanting 

26 Palm Beach County 

For Every Pleasure, Passion and Pastime 

56 California’s Best Sand Dunes 

So Much More Than Piles of Sand 

64 History and Magic Come Alive 

On the Grand Canyon Railway 

64 

Destinations 

32 Toby’s RV Resort 

Off the Beaten Path in Arcadia, Florida 

34 Vancouver 

Canada’s Waterfront Destination 

42 BC’s Best Little Secret 

Greenwood, BC 

72 Active Adult Living Mindset 

On An Affordable Budget 

74 Come Fly Away 

To the Balloon Festival in Pahrump 

Departments 

8 Great Stays 

10 Product Showcase 

Stay Warm in Your RV This Winter 

12 Travel Tips 

Don’t Fear Camping in the Cold 

44 10 New RVs 

That Are Ready to Roll for 2018 

54 Driving Skills 

RV Winter Driving Reminder 

63 Hi Tech 

RV Furnace Maintenance 

76 Gift Guide 2018 

16 


Editor’s Note 

SNOWBIRDS 


PUBLISHER 

Jason Tansem 

EDITOR-in-CHIEF 

Perry Mack 

MANAGING EDITOR 

Cassandra Redding 

DIGITAL EDITOR 

Tracy Ubell 

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS 

Lisa Di Marco, Kate Parfitt 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Cassandra Redding 

ADMINISTRATION 

Cindy Mack 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Megan Campagnolo 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Gordon Baron, William Ennis, Steve Fennell, Darcy Nybo, 

Perry and Cindy Mack,Cindy Phillips, Steve Rock 

COVER PHOTOGRAPH 

Winnebago Industries 

SnowbirdsRVTravelers 

@snowbirdsrv 

snowbirdsmagazine 

SnowbirdsMagazine 

Escape this Winter 

Have you finalized your winter plans? Where 

will you go and what will you do? We hope that 

your plans do include some form of an escape. 

2017 was a tough year with strange politics, 

extreme weather and more than its fair share of 

tragic events, so it seems fitting that we all end 

the year on a much higher note. 

We think you can use this issue of 

Snowbirds and RV Travelers to plan your winter 

excursion to a warmer land, but if you can’t 

escape the cold and snow this winter, you 

can at least use the issue as a break from the 

everyday for an hour or two. 

If you are dreaming of a trip that includes 

sun, water and sand, we have some fantastic 

stories on trips to Florida, California and 

Nevada — read about Palm Beach County, 

California’s Best Sand Dunes, and the History 

and Magic of the Grand Canyon Railway 

If you want to plan your adventure in a new 

RV, see page 44 for our 10 New RVs review — 

with fresh, innovative designs at price points 

for nearly every budget, RV manufacturers 

north and south of the border are meeting 

the needs of enthusiasts with a range of new 

models for 2018. 

If you’ve been wondering how to afford 

the snowbird lifestyle this year we have two 

articles that will assist you - see page 16 for 

Bring the Snowbird Lifestyle Home and page 

72 for Active Adult Living Mindset: On An 

Affordable Budget. We’ve done some research 

for you and can help you to find a place and 

make it work for your budget. 

In this issue we have provided lots of tips 

on keeping you and your RV safe this winter 

(Don’t Fear Camping in the Cold; page 12, RV 

Winter Driving Reminder; page 54, and RV 

Furnace Maintenance; page 63). We’ve made 

sure you don’t get stuck in the cold! 

If you haven’t finished your gift buying, look 

to our Product Showcase on page 10 for some 

ideas on keeping your favourite RVer warm 

or to our Gift Guide on page 76 for some great 

backpacks and padfolios. See page 14 if you’d 

like to gift a subscription to our magazine. 

We wish you all the best with your winter 

and holiday plans. We’ll see you next year. 

Tell us more about you by sending us a photo, 

writing an email or visiting us online. See page 

78 for more info. 

Canadian publications mail product sales agreement 

-No: 42201513. 

Volume 14, Issue 8 

We acknowledge the financial support of 

the Government of Canada through the 

Canadian Periodical Fund (CPF) for our 

publishing activities. 

Snowbirds & RV Travelers publishes 8 times per 

year and has a paid circulation. 

All material in Snowbirds & RV Travelers is copyright by 

SunCruiser Publishing Inc. and cannot be reproduced 

without the publishers consent. 

For any additions, deletions or changes you would like to 

see or if you would like to submit a photo or story, please 

contact: 

SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS MAGAZINE 

1503-1160 Sunset Drive 

Kelowna, BC VIY 9P7 

(866) 609-2383 x 201 

editor@suncruisermedia.com 

VISIT US ONLINE AT 

www.suncruisermedia.com 

Printed in Canada. As a responsible 

corporate partner, Snowbirds is printed on 

recycled paper. 

Proudly published by 

SunCruiser Media 

ISSN 1918-5081 


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y 

Snowbirds & RV Travelers is on the road every issue finding you “Great Stays”. 

To have your park or resort featured call 1-866-609-2383 

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Claybanks RV Park 

Spokane RV Resort 

Burnaby Cariboo 

RV Park 

(250) 378-6441 • Merritt, BC 

www.claybanksrv.ca 

Claybanks RV Park is a tree-filled park situated next to the beautiful 

Coldwater River and within close proximity to downtown Merritt. The 

park is open year round, with heated showers/washrooms and electrical 

hook-ups for all sites. Claybanks has 44 large fully-serviced sites, 8 

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Terracana Ranch 

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Spokane RV Resort is a Good Sam 10-10-10 resort that caters to big 

rigs and family RVing. It adjoins a challenging, excellently landscaped 

18 hole golf course with grill and sports bar. The oversized RV sites 

are all paved with full hookups, including 50 AMP service, WiFi, and 

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surcharges. There is a northwest contemporary pavilion with a fireplace 

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swimming pool and walk-in hot tub are always popular. The bathroom 

and shower facilities are all tile, spacious and immaculate. There is also 

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and rivers but it is also close to a major airline hub and Spokane cultural 

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Pedder Bay 

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VANCOUVER'S HIGHEST RATED PARK. 

Deluxe RV Park for sightseeing the Vancouver, BC area. This 

campground has full hookup accommodation. Sites are paved and 

beautifully landscaped with privacy hedges. Cablevision and WiFi. 

Separate tent camping area. Indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness room, games 

room, internet access, playground, store, large laundromat. Coinoperated 

RV wash as well as a free RV washing area. On transit route, 

minutes from the Skytrain (monorail) to Vancouver’s attractions. West 

Coast Tours picks up daily. Guided city tours. From Hwy 1 (East or West) 

take Exit 37. Turn right at the first light, left at the next light, the next 

right turn is access road. Open all year. 

Kimberley Riverside 

Campground 

(866) 968 4304 • Valemount, BC 

www.terracana.com 

Come for a wilderness resort getaway vacation at Terracana Ranch 

Resort, which is located one hour west of Jasper, and 20 minutes west 

of Mount Robson. Escape to a mountain paradise surrounded by the 

Canadian Rockies, Caribou Mountains and Monashee Mountains. 

Terracana has RV sites, a campground, and deluxe log cabin rentals 

with spectacular mountain views for rent. They can accommodate 

a single person to large groups. Surrounded by the beautiful Rocky 

mountain wilderness, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful hiking 

and biking. ATVing or fishing is available on-site, as are the countless 

world-class multi use trails in the area. They have year-round availability 

and activities. 

(250) 478-1771 • Victoria, BC 

www.pedderbay.com 

Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina, located just 40 minutes away from 

downtown Victoria, is a secluded angler’s paradise. The Resort is 

surrounded by some of the finest fishing grounds on southern 

Vancouver Island and countless hiking trails. Enjoy the breath-taking 

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of our boat rentals, fishing charters and kayaks and go on an adventure. 

Whether you’re looking for pristine wilderness to explore or amazing 

west coast ocean activities, Pedder Bay is your headquarters. 

(877) 999-2929 • Kimberley, BC 

www.kimberleycampground.com 

Nestled in the pristine St. Mary river valley, the Kimberley 

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sites with partial or full services including; power (15-50amp) 

water and sewer. We have the choice of back in, pull through or 

Riverview sites along with a variety of tenting options. Enjoy our 

18 hole putting course along with a beautiful outdoor pool, free 

hot showers, coin laundry, hotspot internet access, children’s 

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Product Showcase 

Stay Warm 

THIS 

WINTER 

Camco 36543 Pump Converter Winterizing Kit - Lead Free 

• Use the RV water pump to fill 

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• Comes complete with brass valve, siphon hose, Teflon 

tape and pump adapters (pump not included) 

• Makes winterizing easier 

• Permanent, one-time installation 

• Compliant with all federal and state level low lead 

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• Camco’s permanent RV Pump Converter Winterizing 

Kit can be installed with just an adjustable wrench. The 

kit includes a brass valve; siphon hose, Teflon tape and 

pump adapters. Use this kit to bypass the fresh water 

supply line. 

www.homedepot.com $12.59 USD 

Here are some great ideas to stay 

cozy in your RV this winter. 

Reflectix ® Insulation 

Keep your RV warm this winter with Reflectix ® 

Insulation. It consists of two outer layers of aluminum 

foil that reflect 97% of radiant heat. Each layer of foil is 

bonded to a tough layer of polyethylene for strength. 

Two inner layers of insulating bubbles resist conductive 

heat flow while a centre layer of polyethylene gives 

Reflectix ® high reliability and strength. 

Various prices www.reflectixinc.com 

Hamilton Beach Programmable 5 Quart Slow Cooker 

This Hamilton Beach Programmable 5-Quart Slow 

Cooker cooks while you are away. You can mix and 

match any temperature with your choice of cooking 

times. The Hamilton Beach slow cooker is the ideal size 

for a 5-lb chicken or 3-lb roast. It features a stoneware 

cooking vessel with a clear glass lid and an easy-clean 

touch pad, for quick programming of desired cooking 

times and fast clean up. Its wraparound exterior helps 

ensure even cooking. Choose anywhere from two to 

ten hours of cooking time. Once your desired cook time 

is complete, the slow cooker will automatically switch 

itself to the warming setting. The Hamilton Beach 

Programmable 5-Quart Slow Cooker stoneware vessel 

and lid are dishwasher safe. 

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Ivation DehumMini Powerful Small-Size 

Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier 

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amazon.ca $54.99 CAD 

Comfort Zone® CZ448 Oscillating Ceramic Heater – 

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Small, quiet and powerful. The CZ448 heater with 

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only mode for year around uses but it also oscillates so 

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setting is 750 watts. The unit provides safety overload 

protection and a tip-over switch that will turn the unit 

off. This unit is ETL listed. 

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Travel Tips 

By Cassandra Redding 

A Foray into the Cold: 

Don’t Fear Winter RV Camping 

If you’re like me, you’d rather be warm 12 months of the year, so that means you’d rather be RVing in the sun or on the beach than RVing in the snow and cold. I’m trying to 

get over my disdain for the winter months, and think about the benefits of cold weather camping, such as the beautiful winter scenery and activities like skiing, skating, and 

snowmobiling. No wonder so many people use their RV year-round. A good idea to ease into cold-weather camping is to take a few shorter trips to work out all the issues that 

come with the colder season. (Longer trips may require a bit more planning and material, such as a protective skirt). 

READ ON FOR SOME TIPS ON PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR MOTORHOME IN THE COLD. 

1. First things first – the temperature will 

be below freezing. You should winterize your 

RV otherwise, if there is water in your system, 

your plumbing or water heater could freeze. If 

you haven’t winterized, it doesn’t take much 

effort to get it done, and it will save you from 

a massive repair bill that could happen if your 

lines freeze. 

2. Don’t worry; you can you still use your RV 

bathroom after winterizing your RV. Take some 

four-litre jugs with you to fill the toilet and if 

your holding tanks are not heated add some 

RV antifreeze to them. You can add the RV 

antifreeze through the toilet for the black water 

holding tank and down the shower drain for 

the gray water tank. You will also have to bring 

extra water with you for drinking, cooking, 

washing dishes and brushing your teeth. 

3. Make sure you know the location of all your 

RV’s plumbing. If your water system is below 

floor level, in areas that aren’t heated, it could 

again, freeze and damage the water lines. If you 

do hook up to an external water supply, you 

might want to leave your faucet dripping slightly. 

The flowing water decreases the chance of 

freezing. You could also use heat tape to cover 

any outside water lines. If you know it is going 

to be an extremely frigid trip and you don’t 

want to risk your water supply freezing, you 

could fill the fresh water holding tank if it’s in a 

heated area. But, a better idea is would be to use 

the campground’s facilities. This saves your grey 

water from filling up and you from worrying 

about freezing lines. 

4. Your RV’s heating system should be enough 

to keep the interior warm. Remember, that 

a forced air furnace, will not only consume 

propane but will also draw up to seven amps of 

electricity while operating. You could considerably 

drain the battery. Try to book a campground 

that you know has an electrical supply 

(batteries can also freeze in cold temperatures.) 

If you have electricity, then you can also supplement 

your heat with a portable ceramic heater. 

You won’t have to worry about fire or carbon 

monoxide poisoning. If you don’t have a hookup, 

you could use a generator, just be confident 

that the exhaust system is working correctly and 

that you have a carbon monoxide detector. 

5. Pack extra blankets (or an electric blanket), 

your thermal wear and an emergency kit. 

If possible, camp in a spot that faces the sun, 

and is protected from the wind. You can also 

minimize cold drafts by shutting your curtains 

and keeping the entry door closed as much as 

possible. 

After you have protected your RV from the 

cold, bundle up, get out outside, and enjoy 

those winter activities - you will feel better 

knowing you can come back to a cozy and 

secure RV. 


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SNOWBIRDS 


NOVEMBER 

ADVENTURES 

Casinos, Beaches, 

Sunshine & Resorts 

SAVING 

THE TORTOISE 

In the Mojave 

FINDING GIFTS 

For Your Favourite RVer 

TOP TEN TIPS 

On RVing the Baja 


HOW TO 

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$5.95 DEC 2017/JAN 2018 



November 2017 SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS 1 

A GUIDE TO 

HEADING 

SOUTH 

GREAT 

SNOWBIRD 

DESTINATIONS 

IS PALM SPRINGS PERFECT? 

CANADA’S AQUATIC 

ADVENTURE PARADISE 


$5.95 OCTOBER 2017 



October 2017 SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS 1 

EXTENDED VISITS 

FOR SNOWBIRDS 

Staying in the USA 

GLAMPING 

In Ontario's Yurts 

BEST of CANADA 150 

At the National Gallery 

VISIT UNEXPLAINED 

CANADIAN MYSTERIES 


September 2017 SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS 1 

SUMMER 

DESTINATIONS 

from Deserts to Caves 

to Haunted Hotels 

CHILCOTIN 

A Journey Back in Time 

HARRISON 

Is Sasquatch Real? 

GET FIT WHILE ON THE ROAD 


TECH TALK 

+ FREE APPS to RV BETTER 

+ WASTE MANAGEMENT 101 

August 2017 SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS 1 

ARE YOUR TIRES READY FOR ROAD TRIP SEASON? 

Celebrate 

CANADA'S 150TH 

at Provincial Parks 

FISHING & 

FUNKY FESTIVALS 

ARTS UNDER the MIDNIGHT SUN 

VOLUME 

SPIRIT SANDS of KICHE MANITOU 


TOP 

TOOLS 

TO LEVEL 

YOUR RV 

14 TIPS FOR RV SHOWS 

TOP PARKS 

for CANADA 150 

GHOST VILLAGE 

OF BATTLE HARBOUR 

SERIOUS ABOUT 

TOWING WITH 

YOUR 4X4? 

ADD BOAT CAMPING 

TO YOUR RV ADVENTURE 


5 TIPS TO FRESHEN UP A MOTORHOME 

LAKE 

SUPERIOR 

Circle Tour 

VINO, VISTAS 

& ADVENTURE 

ROUTE of CANADA’S 

GREAT MAP MAKER 


REAL WEST COAST 


WHERE CANADA BEGINS - KITTIWAKE COAST 

SNOWBIRDS & 

RV Travelers 

WINTER 

ROMANCE 

IN ONTARIO PARKS 

WALKING 

with GHOSTS 

IN CALICO 

BASKING 

in the BASILICA 

of OLD MESILLA 

RV TECH 

• TIPS FOR TANKS 

• UNDERCOVER RV 

• TRAILER TIRE NUMBERS 

QUEBEC'S 

North Shore Highway 


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Photo Credit: Minakwa Lodge 

Photo Credit: Bass Lake Park 

Photo Credit: Camp Conewango 

Celebrate 

with us! 

www.campinginontario.ca 

Photo Credit: Noelville Family Resort 

snowbirds December 2017.indd 1 

December 2017/January 2018 SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS 15 

12/09/2017 2:21:43 PM

O 

N 

T 

A 

R 

I 

O 

FROM PARKBRIDGE LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES 

BRING THE 

nowbird 

Lifestyle 

HOME


Temperatures are rapidly dropping, and very soon the snow shovel will be your best ally: it’s time to head down to warmer 

destinations. As snowbirds, we look forward to the sense of community, security, activities, affordability, and freedom to travel 

that many southern properties provide. Many of us wish we could bring that lifestyle home when we return to the comfortable 

temperatures of spring and summer in Canada. Here are the top five reasons why any Canadians should consider embracing the 

snowbird lifestyle at home, and how they can achieve it: 

1 

COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURES: Brace 

yourself this winter! The Old Farmer’s 

Almanac has recently revealed it’s predictions 

for the upcoming winter season, and it’s not 

great news. The cold weather may be the 

number one reason we head south, and the 

opposite is why we head home! By April, 

many southern states are uncomfortably hot 

or stifling hot and humid - whereas home 

sweet home has gloriously agreeable spring, 

summer and fall weather. We leave with few 

cares about the southern property. If only we 

could do the same for our northern one. 

2 

FREEDOM OF LIFESTYLE: With just a little 

bit of planning, the snowbird lifestyle 

allows many Canadians and retirees a relatively 

stress-free lifestyle all year. Throughout 

Canada and the U.S., there are many 

communities that let us affordably split our 

time between two homes, without sacrificing 

our quality of life. In a land lease community, 

homeowners own the house but lease the 

land. They enjoy security, safety, and peace of 


mind when they head south for the winter or 

any trip during the spring, summer, and fall, 

as many of these communities look after and 

maintain their residence. These property 

management services can include snow shoveling, 

home watch security, mail collection, 

and more. The same worry-free lifestyle we 

enjoy down south. 

3 

TRUE SENSE OF CONNECTIVITY: There is 

a vast network for snowbirds where they 

can meet other like-minded people. Many 

Parkbridge communities have Social Clubs or 

Residents Associations, which organize dinners, 

dances, golf tournaments, and other social 

activities which foster social connectivity 

and that true sense of friendship. A current 

snowbird named Les Ferrey, a homeowner 

for seven years at Park Place, a Parkbridge 

Lifestyle Community, just outside of Wasaga 

Beach, Ontario says, “I love getting together 

with my neighbours for an impromptu drink 

or get-together or hosting my friends for a 

jam session at our home. What makes us so 

happy about Park Place is the wonderful people 

that we’ve met that make up the community 

and who we are proud to call our dearest 

life-long friends.” 

4 

ACTIVE & HEALTHY LIVING: By heading 

south snowbirds are not forced to hibernate 

indoors all winter, and they can stay 

active through planned activities and outdoor 

amenities. The same can be true at home 

where it can be easy to stay active and enjoy 

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5 

HAPPINESS: Less stress equals more 

happiness. In fact, in a recent Dutch study 

it was reported that there was a “protective 

relationship” between optimism and mortality. 

People with less stress, and therefore a 

positive attitude, quite simply, lived longer. 

The land leasing concept of home ownership 

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Land leasing can be quite affordable for those 

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snowbirds. It allows them to unlock money 

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the things they’d rather not be doing (like 

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that they have worked hard for, and deserve. 


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Q 

U 

E 

B 

E 

C 

Story and Photos 

Quebec 

by William Ennis 

City 

Always Enchanting 


Chateau Frontenac 

Quebec City’s ‘old world’ charm 

makes it a popular destination 

for RV travelers. Canadians are 

fortunate to have such a perfectly 

preserved slice of the country’s 

history. With its forts, battlefield 

parks, magnificent stone buildings, 

and tantalizing shops along narrow 

streets, Quebec City is ready to 

welcome you. 

Some 400 years ago France began sending 

explorers to North America with the intent of 

creating the Country of New France. In 1608 

Samuel de Champlain landed on the north shore 

of the St. Lawrence River, just where the river 

passes a large island and then narrows abruptly. 

Stadacona, a small Iroquois settlement, was nearby 

and it was there that Champlain proceeded to 

build the base camp for what he predicted would 

be a prosperous, and wealthy nation. 

His l’Habitation was protected with a palisade 

of stakes, which surrounded a crude fort 

with several floors. It was rushed to completion 

and took up much time that should have been 

used to hunt and store away food for the winter. 

The winter devastated them, leaving only a 

handful of the 25 men who wintered there alive. 

It was a poor start for the fulfillment of Champlain’s 

dreams. 

The camp persevered and the present day 

city of Quebec is the net result of the tumultuous 

centuries that have passed. The British never 

ceased in their efforts to displace the French and 

for a short period they were successful but were 

then driven off, though they continued attacks 

over the years. Meanwhile, the French built their 

ramparts, and their gates, and the stone buildings, 

and their churches. 

Religion played a large part in creating the 

beautiful structures you will see in the city. Huge 

churches are open for visitations. The early settlement 

became more active as fur trading took 

hold, and shiploads of furs headed back to Europe. 

The settlement exported forestry products. 

Everything seemed to be going well. 

In 1759, the British were back and laid a 

three-month siege. Quebec City was well placed 

for defence, located on high cliffs overlooking 

the river but it fell to the British by a strange twist 

of fate. All attacks onto the land had been met 

with disaster because of the well-established safe 

fighting positions of the French, who even used 

the fortified stone homes along the riverfront. 

Something, perhaps money and strong drink, 

gave General James Wolfe some information that 

led him into a secret attack on a least likely place, 


a high sheer cliff with a battery of guns on top. 

His informer told him about a narrow track that 

led to the top of the cliff. A small group of British 

cleared out the sentries and left the cliff free for 

General Wolfe to lead his troops to the top. The 

morning brought an unhappy surprise to the 

unsuspecting French General Montcalm who ordered 

an attack without waiting to gather up his 

outspread troops and guns. The battle was short. 

The British overwhelmed the enemy. Sadly, both 

brave generals died in the battle. 

It’s this history that makes Old Quebec City 

such a great tourist destination. A visit to the 

Citadel is a good way to start your trip. The Citadel 

is the largest fortress on the continent. The 

changing of the guard ceremony at 10 am should 

not be missed. The huge star-shaped fortress was 

built in the 1770’s after attacks on Canada from 

the country to the south. 

Nearby, to the west, is the huge park featuring 

the Plains of Abraham where General Wolfe 

fought the battle that turned the ownership from 

France to England. A short visit to the Plains of 

Abraham Museum is an excellent way to see the 

history and learn about what to see as you stroll 

on the battlefield. 

Stroll easterly past the Citadel on the Promenade 

des Gouverneurs. This path is on the edge of 

the cliff, high above the river. Views to Old Quebec’s 

Lower Town and across the river are definitely 

outstanding. It’s a perfect place to see how the 

French made use of a great place for defence. 

Head east to the Chateau Frontenac, to see 

what is possibly the most photographed building 

in North America. There is no doubt as to why. 

This hotel is an immense stone landmark, of 

excellent old-world design, sitting high above 

the river near the cliff edge. It was designed, 

and built for the Canadian Pacific Railway, to 

encourage travel across Canada by the well-todo. 

It played host to two Quebec Conferences 

where the WWII allies met to plan strategy. The 

hotel is designated as a National Historic Site. At 

the front, there is a long boardwalk with good 

views of lower town and across the river, which 

provides access to the funicular. Rows of historic 

cannon still remain placed strategically to protect 

the town. 

Visit the lower town by taking the rather 

steep set of stairs, or if you don’t need the 

exercise, ride the funicular. The historic Lower 

Town is like a visit to a medieval town in Europe. 

The cobblestone streets are narrow, and lined 

with gaily painted shops. The mixture of colours, 

red roofs, and white buildings, or tan buildings 

next to white, makes it feel like you are entering 

a warm, welcoming part of town. The shops are 

filled with souvenirs, or antiques, and refreshments 

are available at cosy bistros. Artists putting 

on a variety of shows may occupy the streets. 

Here and there you may find a square with a 

fountain, and benches on which to rest and view 

the street. The tall belfries looming above the 

smaller buildings add to the European ambiance. 

There are several examples of religious 

heritage, in fact, there are over one hundred 

churches, two cathedrals, and two basilicas. The 

Basilica Notre-Dame de Quebec dates to 1647 

and is a National Historic Site. If the outside 

design attracts you, wait until you enter this huge 

building with its great vaulted ceiling, paintings, 

and statues. 

I don’t suggest you attempt driving in the 

historic part of the city. The narrow streets, 

horse-drawn carriages, local drivers, and crowds 

of people don’t make it easy. Searching for 

parking may keep you behind the wheel as you 


Clockwise: The Old Walls, the harvest, 

Montmorency Falls, Old Town Shop and 

mural of Old Town. 

look and look. A better idea would be to leave 

the vehicle at your lodgings and take one of the 

many tours that are available. The tour guide will 

keep you informed with interesting commentary 

along the route. There are even open-topped tour 

buses that let you on and off at fixed stops. Make 

sure you visit Montmorency Falls, an impressive 

waterfall of white water and spray, marking the 

location where many local residents go for rest 

and relaxation. 

Quebec City has several campgrounds 

around the perimeter. One of the most convenient 

is Quebec City KOA on the south side of 

the river. They work with a tour company and 

you can select from several city tours, and for an 

extra fee, be picked up at the campground. 

If a visit to Quebec City is not yet on your 

agenda this winter, give it another thought. For 

a city with European charm, it’s a lot closer than 

Europe, and its Canadian history, and great architecture 

will draw you back again and again. 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION 

For an overview of tours: 

https://www.toursvieuxquebec.com/en/home 

For a PDF guide of tours: 

https://www.toursvieuxquebec.com/assets/files/ 

guide-tours-vieux-quebec-2017.pdf

F 

L 

O 

R 

I 

D 

A 

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY JASON TANSEM, 

PERRY AND CINDY MACK 

Palm Beach 

COUNTY 

CRUISING THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY IS 

A UNIQUELY FLORIDA EXPERIENCE, and while 

Beach Water Sports was the most affordable 

option, the staff were less than friendly. Nevertheless, 

we rented a 22’ Pontoon boat and 

set out on an afternoon cruise north on Indian 

River towards Peck Lake, which is a part of the 

Intracoastal. Along the way you can marvel at 

the waterfront homes and neighbourhoods, 

each has a boat dock or marina, but always be 

on the lookout for dolphins or manatees. We 

didn’t see any – dolphins or manatees that is, 

but lots of beautiful homes – most shuttered 

for the summer. Jupiter is the winter home for 

many golfing greats like Tiger Woods, Greg 

Norman, and Gary Player, and singers including 

Celine Dion, Alan Jackson and Kid Rock, and 

other celebrities and professional athletes - so 

bring along your binoculars and paparazzi 

camera lenses. 

We moored on the east side of Peck Lake 

(look for the tower) and walked 50 metres 

across Jupiter Island along a path to find the 

Atlantic Ocean and a relatively uninhabited 

beach. Another family had packed along a tent, 

chairs, cooler (and the family pet) to spend the 

afternoon – and so should you. 

This adventure into Seabranch Preserve 

State Park is great on a hot day as you can enjoy 

the breeze as you cruise, even if Mother Nature 

hasn’t provided any wind. The Intracoastal is 

protected from waves, so you do not need to be 

an expert boater to enjoy yourselves. 

Native fauna can be hard to spot in the 

wild, but not at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. 

This non-profit organization is dedicated to 

preserving Florida’s wildlife through the rescue, 

rehabilitation, and preservation - and education 

of local and visitor human inhabitants. While 

some of their ‘guests’ vary as they are rehabilitated 

and released, others are permanent 

residents, which can’t return to their natural 

habitat in Florida due to their injuries or complacency 

towards humans. Exploring along the 

lush tropical paths, you’ll typically be able to 

see everything from Florida’s foxes to falcons, 

skunks to snakes, parrots to panthers, and of 

course the infamous alligators. 

www.buschwildlife.org 

The wind whips past us, as our earmuffs 

attempt to protect us from the roar of the 

massive fan propelling us through the forest of 

tall grass. We are hunting (with cameras) for 

the elusive alligators that so far we’ve only seen 

at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. The adrenaline 

rush of crossing the small lake is replaced with 


capital of outdoor markets. We stopped there 

for the Farmer’s Market (every Saturday 8 am 

to 12 pm) to wander among the eclectic mix of 

vendors. Fresh fruits and veggies, exotic plants, 

spices, clothing, food and music – and all free to 

see. At the same time, you can also stop in at the 

Jazz Craft Market, or make it to the Wednesday 

Green Market instead. The Fort Pierce Marina 

even proclaims to have ‘Florida’s Best Fishing.’ 

Next time we’ll let them prove it! 

Shopping can make you thirsty and tired, so 

it’s a good thing the ‘Original Tiki Bar’ is next 

door to the market, overlooking the marina 

with a great vibe and live music. Odds are you’ll 

hear Jimmy Buffet’s greatest ballads from the 

microphone, and enjoy another iconic Florida 

experience. 

Our only caveat is that the road into Fort 

Pierce, unfortunately, doesn’t display the 

prosperity of Jupiter, with barred, shuttered and 

abandoned businesses along your route to the 

market. While Marina Square and downtown is 

a fantastic place to visit for the day, I can’t say I 

would recommend you make this a home base 

for your stay. 

After exploring so much of the natural 

habitat, we needed some civilization and found 

ourselves with tickets in hand entering Roger 

Dean Stadium, home of the Jupiter Hammerheads 

and Palm Beach Cardinals in the triple 

A league, and the Gulf Coast Marlins and Gulf 

Coast Cardinals in the Rookie league. With four 

teams calling the stadium home, there is a game 

in the stadium almost every day April through 

August. Then during spring training, you can 

watch the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins 

practice from the end of February to the 

end of March. 

anticipation as we quietly idle through the 

narrow channels, peering into the murky grasslined 

banks, searching for the wary prehistoric 

predators that we know are all around us. ‘There’s 

one”, shouts Jason as our pilot cuts the engine 

and cameras follow eyeballs to the rustle and 

splash on shore. While that was our only sighting, 

our guide took us to see an alligator nest, 

and a small pond where gazing below the still 

surface, in water as clear as an aquarium, schools 

of fish swarmed towards the bread we tossed 

from the side. 45 minutes passed in the blink of 

an eye and then it was time to return to the dock. 

Eagle Boat Airboat rides have great staff, a small 

outdoor fresh food market, and of course – gator 

head souvenirs. For the hearty and the brave – 

you can hold a baby gator! 

Marina Square in Fort Pierce (an hour 

drive north of Jupiter) seems to be Florida’s 

Clockwise: Boat rental on Intracoastal, Eagle Bay Airport and the Roger Dean Stadium. 


Speaking of civilized, when I suggest service 

to your chair, a call button for food and alcohol, 

while in reclining seats with a tray table, you 

naturally think airplane. However, these words describe 

the luxury cinema experience at Cineopolis 

cinema in Jupiter. We purchased our tickets ($41 

US for two adults), chose our seats at the ticket 

counter, passed the full-service bar on the way to 

our theatre, reclined in our spacious, plush, leather 

seats, and then ordered food and beverages from 

the server after reviewing the menu. If we had any 

further food and drink desires, we pushed the call 

button on the arm of our chair, and our server 

reappeared. You can also order your tickets online, 

choosing your movie, time, and seats. There are 

also non-luxury theatres available as well. It is 

expensive for ‘going to the movies,’ but then again 

it is a quite an experience. 

West Palm Beach County, like much of Florida, 

is overflowing with a multitude of satisfying 

experiences for every pleasure, passion, and 

pastime. Don’t wait another year to get your fill! 

Top: Fort Pierce and bottom: Gator at the Eagle 

Bay Airboat. 


WE’RE HERE 

EVERY DAY 

TO WELCOME 

YOU HOME. 

5 5 + R E S O R T S T Y L E C O M M U N I T Y 

Stunning views, RV storage pads, active adult living; 

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Montesa is close to several golf resorts, lakes, hiking and shopping. And our full-time, on-site staff makes sure 

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• Themed Parties 

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• Ballroom & Clubhouse 

• Pet Agility Park 

• Private Walking Paths 

• Billiards Room 

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30 SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS December 2017/January 2018 

ILLINOIS

Join us at more than 100 amazing 

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to coast. Whether you RV, camp, rent 

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Waterparks, pools, beaches and spas await. 

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Courts for volleyball, tennis, basketball and pickleball. 

Fitness centers, restaurants, clubs and activities. 

Big rigs, rallies and pets welcome. 

Stay connected and be the first to hear about 

new resorts, special promotions, 

news and more! 


F 

L 

O 

R 

I 

D 

A 

BY DARCY NYBO 

Toby’s 

RV Resort 

PHOTOS SUBMITTED 

MORE HOME THAN NOT 

When you find a place that feels as comfortable 

and enjoyable as being at home, chances are 

you’re going to want to stay there, especially if 

the weather is excellent! Toby’s RV Resort in 

Arcadia, Florida is extremely popular, in part 

due to its high value among Florida RV resorts 

and its location off the beaten path. 

MEET BILL 

They say if you want to know something about 

a place, you ask a local. While most RV resorts 

have a somewhat transient population, Toby’s 

RV Resort has residents who park their RVs 

here year-round and stay for more than a 

season. Bill Payne and his wife Ruth are two of 

those residents. They liked living here so much, 

they came down earlier than usual this year. 

“I heard about Toby’s from some friends 

that were down here,” explained Bill. “They 

loved it, so we came down to see it for ourselves. 

That was in January 2010, and we’ve 

been coming here ever since. We usually come 

down here for six or seven months. This year it 

will probably be eight or nine months.” 

Bill is one of the 800 or so people who come 

to stay at Toby’s RV every year. There are a few 

that live at the resort year-round. “We get a lot 

of people here from Michigan, Ohio, New York, 

New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland, 

Massachusetts, Minnesota, Connecticut 

and quite a few who come down from all over 

Canada. We even have people come down here 

from Alaska,” he said. 

KEEPING BUSY IN THE RESORT 

Bill knows how to keep himself and others busy. 

In fact, he arranges some of the activities. He 

sits on the activity board and is in charge of the 

Ice Cream Social, hall rentals, and helps with 

bringing in entertainment. 

“There’s so much to do here!” he exclaimed. 

“We have something pretty much every day 

and night. We have the Unknown DJ, a park 

resident from Canada, who DJs 50s to 90s music, 

and there’s live music a few times a month. 

We have Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve 

parties, Valentine’s parties…” 

Suffice it to say there are over 80 activities 

a month. Yes, that’s right, a month, which you 

can take part in. From pickleball to Pétanque, 

you’re bound to find a thing or two to keep you 

busy here. 

“Our Ice Cream Socials are every Sunday,” 

said Bill as he looked for his activities list. “We 

have regular Bingo on Monday and Friday 

nights and Card Bingo, that you play with a 

deck of cards, on Wednesday nights.” 

Bill found his list, and then the information 

started flowing. “Our most popular activities are 

shuffleboard, bocce ball, and horseshoes. We 

have a live music jam every Tuesday night and 

every other Thursday there’s a potluck supper. 

There are dances twice a month on Saturdays 

and shows twice a month too. About 100 - 200 

people will show up to each of these events. The 

hall here holds 300 people.” 

With all these activities, you might think it 

would be expensive, but the activity committee 

has that all figured out. “We sell activity cards 

for $12.50 for six months from November to 

end of March. That will get you into the dances 

and the shows for free. If you don’t have a card 

– it’s $10 each to get into the dance or a show. 

Coming up in March we even have Dion Pride, 

Charlie Pride’s son, coming to perform for us.” 

There’s more on Bill’s list. About once a 

month they have someone come in to cook 

lunch. The last few years they’ve had someone 

come in and smoke up ribs for their rib dinner. 

There’s coffee and donuts every Friday morning 

where the coffee is free, and donuts are 50 cents. 

KEEP ON LEARNING 

There are classes here as well. Not just one or 

two, there are a dozen or so, with more being 

thought up every year. “You can take just about

any kind of class here,” Bill said with a touch 

of pride in his voice. You can tell he loves it 

here. “We have painting classes and if you want 

something different, there are classes for stained 

glass, quilting and needle work, plus crocheting. 

Beading classes are also held every Friday 

morning. “ 

“There’s line dancing classes too, which is 

always fun. Then we have a younger gal from 

Canada who comes here and teaches Yoga and 

other movement exercises. You can even take 

tennis lessons here.” 

Should you want to learn something else, 

they have someone at the resort who teaches 

computer classes, woodcarving and basket 

weaving. “There’s something every day,” said Bill. 

“We’re pretty busy here. We just keep going.” 

KICK BACK AND RELAX 

For those who just want to sit back and relax a 

bit, there’s time and places for that, too. There’s 

a park with a large pond on the property. 

“The pond has alligators in it,” Bill said. 

“You don’t have to worry about them. You can 

just sit on the deck by the pond and watch 

them. They never come into the resort, and if 

the odd one does, we get rid of it quickly. You 

can fish here too. It’s all catch and release. If 

you want to go further out, Lake Okeechobee 

is only an hour east of here. You can go fishing 

and boating there.” 

Many residents just like to relax in the pool 

or have a soak in the hot tub. There’s an exercise 

room, a weight room, pool tables and even a 

well-stocked library on site. 

HAPPY TRAILS 

The land around Toby’s is relatively flat, 

making it easy to bike around the RV resort 

and into the town of Arcadia. “The only hills 

around here are man-made,” said Bill. “It’s 

fairly flat countryside so you can go quite far.” 

It’s about a 20-minute bike ride or a 

10-minute car ride to Morgan Park, which has 

some easy hiking trails. There are large open 

grassy areas for games and picnics. The park is 

located on the banks of the Peace River, which 

is reportedly an excellent spot for swimming 

and fishing. You may even see the odd armadillo, 

deer or squirrel as you walk the trails. 

“There’s a bike and hike trail near Toby’s, 

too and you can go up as far as the Winn Dixie 

and the hardware store,” said Bill. “You can 

even ride your golf cart up there.” 

FROM VILLAGE TO CITIES 

The cozy town of Arcadia is just a few minutes 

away from Toby’s RV Resort. It has all the major 

amenities you’ll need including a Walmart 

Superstore, “There are some small restaurants 

as well as fast food joints,” explained Bill. 

“There are a couple good Italian and Mexican 

restaurants too. The town even has a walk-in 

clinic and a Goodwill store.” 

One of the more significant draws to 

Arcadia are the antique shops. “There are 

over a dozen shops here and then every third 

Saturday of the month they have an antique 

show and people come from all over.” 

As this is the middle of cow country, it’s 

a given that there’s an agriculture centre. The 

Turner Agri-Civic Center has horse pulls, 

dog shows, beef sales and car shows, all 

within minutes of the RV resort. “They have a 

rodeo here in Arcadia, too,” said Bill proudly. 

“They’re building a brand new rodeo station, 

which will be the biggest rodeo east of the 

Mississippi and will have riders from all over 

the world come here just for the rodeo in 

February.” 

For those who miss what the city has to 

offer, you can find all the theatres, live music, 

shopping and fine dining you need in the 

surrounding areas. “Port Charlotte is just 35 

minutes south of the resort, with Fort Myers 

about an hour and a bit south,” said Bill. “Then 

there’s Sarasota, about an hour away to the 

west. Fort Myers and Fort Charlotte have 

some great theatres. Pretty much everywhere 

you want to go is about an hour, hour and a 

half from here.” 

DO AS YOU PLEASE 

With so much to see and do you may feel 

obligated to get out there and do as much as 

possible. Remember, this is your get-away, 

your time. Do as you please, knowing that at 

any time, on any day, there’s always something 

else to do at Toby’s RV Resort. 


B 

R 

I 

T 

I 

S 

H 

C 

O 

L 

U 

M 

B 

I 

A 

Vancouver 

Canada’s Waterfront 

DESTINATION 

STORY AND PHOTOS BY 

CINDY PHILLIPS AND GORDON BARON 


Vancouver is known as one of the most scenic 

waterfront cities in North America, but it was 

Expo 1986 (The 1986 World Exposition on 

Transportation and Communication) and the 

2010 Winter Olympics that put Vancouver on 

the global map. 

Canada Place is Vancouver’s terminal for Alaska Cruise Ships. 


Burnaby Cariboo RV Park 

T 

he Burnaby Cariboo RV Park and 

Campground is a great place to stay, 

just off the Trans Canada Highway, 20 

minutes east of downtown Vancouver. The 212 

paved sites are very well set up for any recreational 

vehicle. They have everything you are 

looking for including a pool, store, games room, 

even a pressure wash facility to clean your RV. 

The manager of the park gave us helpful tips 

for alternative ways to travel around the city, 

so we could leave our vehicle at the campsite. 

It is only a ten-minute walk to the commuter 

transit “Skytrain”, the metropolitan rapid transit 

rail system serving the lower mainland. Transit 

was a much easier way for us to travel around 

the busy city, as we did not have to worry about 

traffic or where to park a large RV. 

Canada Place is Vancouver’s terminal for 

cruises to Alaska. This year, 237 cruise ships 

are destined for Canada Place. As many as four 

cruise ships can be docked at one time, creating 

an extra 10,000 to 15,000 visitors to the city. 

We were amazed at how well Vancouver was set 

up to handle the thousands of daily commuters 

and visitors to the downtown area. The Port 

of Vancouver is the busiest harbour in Canada 

and the third largest port in North America. 

The morning we were at Canada Place, the sky 

was busy bringing commuters in from Victoria, 

Vancouver’s West Convention Centre located next 

to Canada Place. Coal Harbour Marina and Stanley 

Park in the distance. 

Vancouver’s 22km (14m) seawalk starts at 

Canada Place, circles Stanley Park and False 

Creek, ends at Kitsilano Beach. 


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Nanaimo, Comox, Whistler and the Gulf Islands 

to shop and work in the city. Seaplanes were 

landing on the water every five minutes on the 

west side of Canada Place, docking at Vancouver’s 

Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC) seaplane 

terminal. HeliJet helicopters were landing on the 

east side of Canada Place on the floating helipad. 

Big ocean-going freighters were entering the 

harbour to unload their cargo and a five-mast 

sailboat was anchored on the north side of the 

Inlet, along with the cruise ship “Star Princess”, 

which had just come in earlier that morning. All 

this activity happened before 9:00 am and we 

quickly understood why Canada Place is one of 

the city’s main attractions. 

The roof on the exterior has five sails and 

is an iconic landmark for locals and visitors 

entering Vancouver’s waterfront. Canada Place 

is also home to the 504-room Pan Pacific 

Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver East Convention 

Centre, the World Trade Centre and the iconic 

FlyOver Canada. This is a flight simulation ride 

that suspends you above the ground looking at 

a huge curved screen travelling across Canada, 

all while twisting, turning, and feeling the wind 

and mist on your face. 

It is also the start of the famous seawall 

walk to Stanley Park. The walkway continues 

around Stanley Park, passes through English 

Bay, circles False Creek to Granville Island, and 

ends at Kitsilano Beach. The total distance of 22 

kilometers (14 miles) one way, makes it one of 

the longest uninterrupted waterfront walkways 

in the world. 

The “Seawall Adventure Centre” located 

next to the seaplane terminal is one of many 

establishments in Greater Vancouver that rents 

bicycles to complete a shorter ten kilometre 

loop around Stanley Park. 

Vancouver is biking friendly with their own 

paved paths around the seawall and over some 

of the city’s bridges. We opted to get an Adult 

day pass with Westcoast Sightseeing Tour buses 

for $47 each. They have a family pass, which 

includes two adults and two children for $135. 

The Hop-On, Hop-Off convertible bus 

stops at 24 of Vancouver’s top attractions 

around the city. We caught the bus at their first 

stop at 8:30 am in Gastown. Their next bus left 

20 minutes later from that same bus stop. This 

meant that at any one of the stops where we 

wanted to get off, there was another Westcoast 

Sightseeing Tour bus only twenty minutes 

behind. What a great way to see the city on 

a sunny day. They have a taped narration on 

the tour that is translated into seven different 

languages using headphones. 

South of Canada Place is the saltwater Inlet 

of False Creek, a small body of water that separates 

downtown Vancouver from the rest of the 

city, the site of Expo 86. Located on the south 

side of False Creek is a 14 hectare (35 acres) 

Island (peninsula) known as Granville Island, 

which was our destination for our second day of 

visiting Vancouver. 

Granville Island has waterfront restaurants, 

oceanfront patio decks, galleries, theaters and 

studios, cafés, marinas, boat and kayak rentals, 

public ferries and an adventure playland for 

kids (consisting of more than 25 shops and activities). 

The Public Market is an open-concept 

indoor market selling fresh seafood, meat, produce, 

bread and cheese, crafts and cut flowers - a 

magnet for attracting the locals. The Market is 

Harbour Air is the biggest seaplane-only airline in the world. (Famous for their scheduled bird’s-eye 

tours of Vancouver’s waterfront). 

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South Thompson RV, Kamloops BC 

Traveland RV Superstore, Langley BC 

Traveland RV Kelowna, West Kelowna BC 

Bucars RV Centre, Balzac AB 

Eldorado RV Sales, Lethbridge AB 

Happy Trails RV, Grande Prairie AB 

Holiday RV Super Centre, Redcliff AB 

RV City, Morinville AB 

Trailblazer RV Centre, Acheson AB 

Vellner Leisure Products, Red Deer AB 

GNR Camping World, Winnipeg MB 

Pik-A-Dilly RV Centre, Brandon MB 

Happy Camper RV, Prince Albert SK 

Lardner’s Trailer Sales, Saskatoon SK 

Sellers RV Center, Lloydminster SK 

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1000 Islands RV Centre, Gananoque ON 

Campkin’s RV Centre, Myrtle Station ON 

Camp-Out RV, Stratford ON 

Can-Am RV Centre, London ON 

Christie’s RV, Sault Ste. Marie ON 

Earlton RV, Earlton ON 

Ferguson RV World, St. Thomas ON 

Globetrotter RV, Bolton, ON 

Leisure Trailer Sales, Tecumseh ON 

McPhail’s of Harriston, Harriston ON 

Mobilife RV Centre, Kitchener ON 

Niagara Trailers, St. Davids ON 

Nickel Belt Camping, Chelmsford ON 

Ottawa Camping Trailers, Ottawa ON 

Primo Trailer Sales, Ottawa ON 

Recreation World RV, Thunder Bay ON 

Ruston RV Centre, Burlington ON 

Transit Caravane, Plantagenet, ON 

The Hitch House, Barrie, ON 

Caravanes de la Petite Nation, Gatineau QC 

Centre de Camping d’Amos, Amos QC 

Horizon Lussier, Marieville QC 

Passion VR, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield QC 

Roulottes Chaudiere, Levis, QC 

Roulottes Desjardins, L’Ange-Gardien, Quebec 

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VR Prestige, Terrebonne QC 

VR Souliere, Lanoraie, QC 

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Leisure Time RV Center, Quispamsis NB 

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RV World, Waasis NB 

Adventure Sports RV, Dartmouth NS 

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Toy Master RV, Charlottetown, PEI 

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open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 7:00 

pm. There were at least 45 vendors just selling 

food and beverages from around the world - a 

“Food Lover’s Paradise” for us. 

The False Creek Ferries and the Aqua Bus offer 

a daily scheduled service transporting people 

to and from Granville Island to the south side of 

downtown Vancouver. We went with the little 

blue and white boats from False Creek Ferries. 

They stop at nine ports of calls on False Creek 

about every 10 to 15 minutes. We bought a day 

pass for $16, which gave us unlimited time on 

the water to visit Yaletown, Science World, Plaza 

of Nations and the Maritime Museum. On our 

last stop, we got out at the Maritime Museums 

dock for a walk on the sand at Kitsilano Beach. 

What a gorgeous view looking out at English Bay, 

Vancouver, and West Vancouver. 

Vancouver is a beautiful waterfront city. If 

your timing and planning are right, you will have 

a holiday of a lifetime, just like we did. 

Top: Expo 86 World’s Fair landmark “Science 

World” on False Creek. Bottom: Westcoast Sightseeing 

touring buses stops at 24 attractions in 

Greater Vancouver. 

CONTACTS 

Tourism Vancouver Visitor Information Centre 

www.tourismvancouver.com 604-683-2000 

Canada Place 

www.canadaplace.ca 604-665-9000 

Burnaby Caribou RV Park 

www.bcrvpark.com 604-420-1722 

False Creek Ferries 

www.granvilleislandferries.bc.ca 

604-684-7781 

Westcoast Sightseeing Tours 

www.westcoastsightseeing.com 

1-877-451-1777 

Harbour Air Airlines www.harbourair.com 

1-800-665-0212 

Granville Island 

www.grandvilleisland.com 

Seawall Adventure 

www.seawalladventure.com 

TOURISM 

DAWSON CREEK 

british columbia 

start your alaska highway 

JOURNEY HERE 

Visitor Centre 

900 Alaska Avenue 

250-782-9595 

1-866-645-3022 

Alaska 

Highway House 

10201 – 10th St 

250-782-4714 

1-866-645-3022 

Share your Snowbirds and RV 

Travellers story with us on Facebook 

@myAlaskaHiWay #DawsonCreekBC 

facebook.com/alaskahighway 

facebook.com/TDCBC 

TourismDawsonCreek.com

ESCAPE WITH US 

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We better call O’Connor Collision, 

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604-792-3170 

Email: terryc@oconnorcollision.com 

A Division of O’Connor Motors Ltd. 

www.oconnorgroup.com

B 

R 

I 

T 

I 

S 

H 

C 

O 

L 

U 

M 

B 

I 

A 

BC’s Best Little Secret 

Photos courtesy of Greenwood Museum 

Located along Highway 3, in the Kootenay 

Boundary region of Southern British Columbia, 

you will find Greenwood – the “smallest city 

in Canada”. Although the incorporated city is 

small, with only 676 residents, it has become 

a centre for both the history buff, who wants 

to explore the Old West, and the nature lover, 

who wants to enjoy Greenwood’s year-round 

activities. The city is just a two-hour drive east 

of the major centre of Kelowna and 20 minutes 

north of the US border, and with its turn of the 

century architecture and pristine environment, 

Greenwood has become one of BC’s best kept 

secrets. 

Greenwood’s rich history goes back to 1891 

when gold, silver and copper were all discovered, 

bringing great prosperity to the city. Fortune 

seekers came from all over the world to the 

booming city, which had quickly become the 

epicenter of the mining and smelting industry 

in Boundary country with a boisterous population 

of 3500 souls. The city rose in stature to 

become the seat of government in the region 

with more than 100 companies in the business 

district. Sadly, the success was short-lived and 

by 1931 the gold boom had passed and there 

was no market for copper so the smelters shut 

and the population dwindled to just 171. 

Then a tragic event that no one could have 

foreseen occurred to revitalize the city anew 

– Greenwood became BC’s first internment 

camp. After the bombing of Pearl Harbour on 

Dec 7, 1941, thousands of Japanese Canadians 

had their homes and assets seized and 1200 

were forcibly relocated to many of the empty 

buildings in Greenwood. Many stayed after the 

war and the population began to rebound to 

the roughly 700 residents that remain today. 

O’Hairi Park, located in the centre of town, is 

dedicated to the Japanese Canadian citizens of 

Greenwood. 

The city has proven its resiliency over the 

years and now is a destination rich with history. 

In his renowned Gold Trails and Ghost Towns 

series, Bill Barlee stated “Greenwood is one of 

the only two mining towns still in existence.” 

You can see the Victorian past in many of the 


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well-preserved buildings and homes. Be sure to stop at the Museum and 

Visitor Centre. They can arrange a tour of the court house at City Hall. 

This beautiful old building is one of the finest wooden structures in BC 

and was used as a BC Supreme Court in the County of Yale. 

If you wanted to immerse yourself completely in history, you could 

stay at Fort Greenwood RV Park, dubbed “the Old West’s finest gated 

community”, which was built to reflect those good old-fashioned western 

values. The owners have always been fascinated with the Old West, and 

over the years amassed a collection of authentic Old West antiques. They 

believed the artifacts were an integral part of Canada’s heritage and built 

the Greenwood RV resort in true Old West style, complete with the 

Pioneer Village where their collection has finally found a home. Their 

Pioneer Village includes a dance hall, wash house, pool hall, entertainment 

room, exercise room and WiFi. Visit www.fortgreenwood.ca or call 

1-866-650-6444 to learn more. 

From here you can visit and explore all the old mine sites and ghost 

towns you want. There are hundreds of them —everything from the City 

of Paris ghost town site to the Tramway Bore tunnel. 

Stroll down Main Street – with its great selection of shops and coffee 

houses. Be sure to stop at the Yellow Door Boutique, Copper Eagle 

Cappuccino and Bakery Ltd and Deadwood Junction Coffee and Bakery. 

There is even a saddle shop. The Pacific Grill was voted the best restaurant 

in Boundary country- it’s a great place for great food, don’t miss it. 

For the outdoor enthusiast, there are many great adventures for all 

ages and fitness levels. Greenwood is proud that the Trans Canada Trail 

is so easily accessible to town. You can hike, bike or ride an ATV or 

horse up the old mining and logging roads, climb to the top of Jubilee 

Mountain, or hike to Boundary Falls. Fishing, boating and camping are 

favourites at Jewel Lake, just nine kilometres north. 

Take a step back in time and enjoy life in Canada’s smallest city. 

www.bankaco.com 

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info@bankaco.com 

The FINEST Gated 

Community in the 

OLD WEST 

IF YOU LOVE THE OLD WEST AS MUCH 

AS WE DO, WE WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU 

We knew this day would come that because of health or age we have 

to pass Fort Greenwood on to someone else. This would be an ideal 

situation for a retired couple who is looking for a part-time job that still 

would like to go south in the winter, and of course have some capital. 

SEE OUR WEBSITE & OUR VIDEO FOR MORE INFORMATION. 

PRINCIPLES ONLY, BY APPOINTMENT 

1-866-650-6444 www.fortgreenwood.ca 


Reviews 

BY STEVE FENNELL 

10 NEW RVS 

that are Ready to Roll for 2018 

Adventurer LP 89RBS Truck Camper 

The Adventurer 89RBS is the latest addition to 

the company’s series for 2018 and joins a set 

of models to enhance your outdoor adventures 

whether your game is fishing, hunting, or simply 

outdoor exploring and touring. 

With a base weight of 3,072 pounds, the 89RBS 

can accommodate short or long bed trucks and has an 

interior floor length of eight feet, nine inches, an interior 

height of 78 inches, with a centre of gravity of 38 

inches. While compact for easier, long-distant travels, 

the one-slide design extends living space with a facing 

dinette, as well as a fridge. When night falls, steps 

lead up to a 60 x 80-inch queen bed where there`s an 

entertainment center, two nightstands, a small storage 

area, and wardrobe. 

Some additional highlights for a truck camper of 

this size are the wet bath complete with a one-piece fibreglass 

shower, porcelain-style fresh water foot-flush 

toilet and even a sliding bath door for privacy. While 

galleys can be limited in this segment of RV models, 

Adventurer upgraded them with new stainless steel 

appliances to include a seven cubic-foot Dometic 

double-door refrigerator, and a three-burner cook top 

with a glass top cover, oven, and range hood. They 

also added a new marble-look countertop with a 

double bowl stainless steel sink. 

Tank capacities on the 89RBS include a 44-gallon 

fresh tank, 25-gallon grey tank, 22-gallon black tank 

plus a six-gallon water heater. It can also accommodate 

two batteries and a pair of 20-pound propane tanks. If 

you like to dry camp, the RBS is also available with the 

optional 2500W Cummins/Onan LPG generator for 

extended stays. 

“The 89RBS is one of few models that can easily fit 

both short and long bed trucks with a factory generator 

installed,” says Greg Tucknies, director of sales and marketing 

for Adventurer LP. “When you add a generator 

to other 8.5-foot truck campers, it can only fit on short 

beds only. The 89RBS can accommodate both.” 

Other new treatments on the 89RBS are upgraded, 

brushed nickel fixtures, cabinet hardware, a low profile 

Dometic A/C system, magnetic exterior baggage door 

catches, plus full extension closing drawer guides (that 

also feature magnetic catches to keep the drawers 

secure and closed during travel). 

The company also announced a new 2018 Eagle 

Cap 811, which like the Adventurer 89RBS, is a 

hard-sided, single-slide unit designed for short- or longbed 

trucks with a base weight of 3,386 pounds. It has a 

floor length of eight feet, 11 inches, an interior height 

of 78 inches with a center of gravity of 38.6 inches. The 

water capacities are also ideal, including the options 

for a 44-gallon fresh tank, a 34-gallon grey tank, and a 

34-gallon black tank. 

THE SPECS 

Floor Length: 8’9” (2.7 M) 

Interior Height: 78” (1.9 M) 

Slides: 1 

Fresh Water Capacity: 44 gal (166 L) 

Grey Water Capacity: 25 gal (94 L) 

Black Water Capacity: 22 gal (83 L) 

Dry Weight: 3,072 lbs. 

Base Price: $29,750 

www.amlrv.com 


With fresh, innovative designs at price points for nearly every budget, RV manufacturers north and south of the 

border are meeting the needs of enthusiasts with a range of new models for 2018. From luxurious Class A diesel 

pushers to compact fibreglass travel trailers, plush appointments and user-friendly features combine to provide the 

utmost functionality for life on the road. SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS MAGAZINE REACHED OUT TO 10 

MANUFACTURERS TO SEE WHAT`S NEW SO FAR FOR THE 2018 RVING SEASON. 

Airstream Atlas Class B+ 

THE SPECS 

Overall Length: 24’9” (7.5 M) 

Overall height: 10’6” (including A/C) 

Interior Height: 6’6” (2 M) 

Fuel Capacity (diesel): 26.4 gal (99 L) 




Sleeps: 2 

Base Price: USD 215,900 *no Canadian pricing 

www.airstream.com 

With a series of new upgrades to its existing 

motorized and towable lines, Airstream 

introduces its new Atlas class B-plus touring 

coach for 2018. Inspired by its popular Class B Interstate, 

the Atlas rides smooth thanks to the combination 

of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 Cut-away Chassis, 

the 170-inch wheelbase, and the company’s proven 

rear Air-Ride suspension system. You get a little more 

mileage with the addition of the 3.0L V6 turbo diesel 

engine. 

At 24 feet, nine inches, with a width of a little more 

than eight feet, the Atlas is a good-sized unit in the B 

market, and its space is used well. Walk into the Atlas, 

and in an instant, you’ll see the interior reflects the 

company’s taste in plush fabrics, high-gloss laminate 

cabinetry and marine-grade woven synthetic flooring. 

The superior Magic Suede is on the trim and window 

coverings, and the Oceanair window shades provide 

that added touch, as well as privacy. 

The three-piece bath takes up most of rear and 

is complete with a corner shower (that highlights 

a stylish teak inlay), a mirrored medicine cabinet, 

Kohler hardware, and ample storage. Trends this 

year seem to be a rear bath on class B coaches, and 

this concept works for the Atlas as it provides more 

usable space in the living area. 

The main cabin is the heart of the Atlas — Airstream 

features the optional black or “moon” UltraLeather Villa 

Power Sofa that transforms into a large Murphy bed, 

with the added space provided by the one-slide system. 

It has the Froli Ergonomic Bed Support System for a 

good night`s rest and directly faces the 40-inch widescreen 

HDTV with sound bar. For added convenience, all 

settings for entertaining are controlled on the featured 

Multiplex Control System. Overhead is a powered 

sunroof/skylight with a screen and shade. The galley, 

too, is impressive with its solid surface countertop (with 

an aluminum backsplash), aluminum refrigerator, a 

pull-out shelf and more Kohler hardware at the sink. 

While the main features are apparent at a quick 

glance, Airstream is notable for the little, finishing 

touches. With features such as the flush-mounted 

cabinet hardware with soft close doors, heated swivel 

driver/passenger seats, rear/side view camera monitors, 

LED patio lighting, and storage with LED motion lights, 

your travels will be that much more convenient. 

The company also builds on its classic line of trailers 

with the addition of the 2018 Airstream Globetrotter. 

Collaborating with the UK-based design firm, Astheimer 

Limited, the Globetrotter represents some of its deep 

roots and the traveling spirit of company founder Wally 

Byam. It has a length of 27 feet, and four décor choices 

are available – each based on dark walnut and natural 

elm themes. The Globetrotter’s Euro-design theme also 

features aluminum walls set with panoramic windows, 

curved headboard and cabinets, and wrap-around upholstery, 

for a smooth, clean interior profile. A new appointment 

is the slim-fit radius doors for the overhead 

storage locker design, while woven vinyl flooring and 

hand-crafted Italian lite-ply laminated interior cabinetry 

are the other creature comforts. Also included are some 

practical features such as power stabilizer jacks, a threeway 

refrigerator, and premium appliances. 


Erwin Hymer Group North America 

Carado Banff/Axion Class B 

Based in Southern Ontario, Erwin Hymer Group 

North America has been gaining even more 

attention in the B van market, and just recently 

opened a new manufacturing facility in Cambridge, 

Ontario to handle capacity. For 2018, the company 

sheds new light in its series of Class B RVs with three 

new models. There’s the Carado series – featuring the 

Axion and the Banff – and Hymer’s all-new Aktiv 2.0. 

The largest model in the Carado series is the Banff, 

which rides on the Ram Promaster 2500 chassis and 

has a 3.6L gas V6 engine with a fuel capacity of 24 

gallons. You’re provided with stable, smooth handling 

as it also sports 16-inch wheels and a wheelbase of 159 

inches. 

With an exterior length of 19 feet, six inches, an 

exterior height of nine feet, five inches, and width of six 

feet, seven inches, the Banff allows plenty of space for a 

RVing couple or even a large group for day trips. 

“The overall concept of the Carado series is a modern, 

functional and affordable unit for a small family or 

couple to start their travel adventures,” says Lisa Phillips, 

marketing manager for Erwin Hymer Group North 

America. “Included with every Carado is a piece of mind 

with a bonus of two years roadside assistance coverage.” 

The Banff has six feet, two inches of interior height 

and among the many standards, there’s a rear wet-dry 

bath and a galley with its two-burner propane stove, 

700W microwave oven, and 3.1 cubic-foot refrigerator. 

You will find low-energy, high-output LED lighting 

throughout. Storage on the Banff is also impressive. It’s 

located in the full-length wardrobe with the addition of 

deep drawer storage, and more space is in the series of 

cupboards over of the lounges. 

While functionality continues on the outside – 

thanks to the 11.5-foot manual awning and external 

propane hook up — some worthwhile upgrades are the 

bike and roof racks, under-hood 280-amp generator, 

plus a 200-watt solar charging system (with a charge 

controller and 400 lithium power module). You can 

also enhance your driving experience with the optional 

blind spot monitoring, lane keeping/collision prevention, 

rearview cameras and navigation system. 

The Axion is another model in the Carado series, 

and while it’s designed more for solo RVers, it shares 

many of the same appointments and options as the 

Banff. It has an exterior length of 17 feet and a width 

of more than six feet, nine inches, to offer great living 

space, functionality, and easy maneuverability. 

“The added benefit of the Axion is its smaller size 

that is perfect for one or two people,” says Phillips. “It’s 

a lower cost alternative while maintaining safety and 

quality. Its sleek modern styling will attract anyone 

looking to get into a campervan for the first time.” 

Rounding out Hymer’s 2018 models is the all-new 

Aktiv 2.0, a European-designed class B that’s big on 

style. Built on a Ram Promaster chassis, its European 

design flows throughout the living space, and some 

highlights are the king bed, compact bath (with a 

tambour door and ergonomic swiveling toilet) plus an 

optional soft composite leather power sofa bed. 

THE SPECS 


Overall Height: 9’ 5” (2.8 M) 

Interior Height: 6’3” (1.9 M) 

Fresh Water Capacity: 17.6 U.S. gal. (66.8 L) 

Black/Grey Water Capacity: 23.1 U.S. gal. 

(87.4 L) 

Sleeps: 2 

Base Price: $77,958 CAD 

www.caradorv.com 


Lance 

1475/1575 Travel Trailers 

With a continued effort to appeal to RVers, expect 

to see new looks, designs, and features 

across Lance’s series of travel trailers and 

truck campers for 2018. 

With a travel trailer line that includes a range of 

lightweight models ranging from 14 feet up to a little 

less than 24 feet, the upgrades start with the 1475 and 

1575 trailers. This year, Lance placed a strong focus on 

the exterior appointments of these two models. For 

instance, the range of new selections includes all-new 

standard graphics, and series of Euro-Thermopane 

windows, including what the company calls its Lance 

Sky View to offer expanded views, as well more natural 

light to the interior. Other new exterior features are new 

aluminum wheels with colour coordinated accents, 

molded LP covers, and protective TPO gravel guards 

with LED Jewel dock lighting. 

The interiors in these models have also been given 

a sight makeover by offering a new sofa option paired 

with two adjustable tables (available for the 1475) and 

European-style overhead cabinets. 

Other upgrades for the 1475 and 1575 – as well for 

its entire travel trailer fleet – are entry-step well lighting 

systems, new, large foot pads on the stabilizer jacks, 

and the company’s “Solar On The Side” pre-wired receptacles 

for a solar power option. Good Year tires are also 

available on all travel trailer models. What’s more, the 

galleys are given a fresh look with flush-mount stainless 

steel ranges (with black glass covers), and flat-bottom 

microwaves, which replace the turn table design. 

In its truck camper division, Lance has added new 

enhancements such as design modifications to fit 

better on Ford trucks and the company’s “Keyed-Alike 

System,” which allows you to use the same key for the 

entry door and storage compartments. Select models 

will also feature strategically-placed steps for easier 

access to the cab-over area. Lance’s truck camper series 

ranges from six feet, 10 inches to 11 feet, 11 inches 

and can accommodate short- or long-bed trucks. 

THE SPECS 

Floor Length: 14`10 (4.2 M) 


Slides: N/A 


Grey Water Capacity: 26 (98 L) 

Black Water Capacity: 22 (83 L) 

Gross Dry Weight: 2560 lbs. (1,161 kg) 

Base Price: $40,000 CDN (w/o freight). 

www.lancecamper.com 


Leisure Travel Vans 

Wonder FTB Class B+ 

With a series of upgrades across its three van 

lines for 2018, the big news from Leisure 

is its Wonder Front Twin Bed (FTB) Class 

B-plus. One of two models in this line – the other being 

the Wonder Murphy Bed (MB) – the FTB introduces 

a new, stylish floor plan providing a great option to 

meet personal traveling styles and preferences. 

The FTB has an exterior length of 24 feet, nine 

inches with a width of a little less than eight feet, making 

the FTB touring friendly for a variety conditions. 

Add the proven Ford Transit cutaway chassis, 3.2 L I-5 

Power Stroke turbo engine and the 178-inch wheelbase, 

and the FTB is ready to roll. Additional driving 

comfort is provided by the Ford SYNC with MyFord- 

Touch infotainment, GPS navigation, and a lane-keeping 

safety feature to alert you when the vehicle drifts 

out of a lane. 

One of the main focuses inside the FTB is the 

versatility of the forward sleeping area. By day, two facing 

lounges occupy the forward section of the coach, 

and when night falls, they serve as two large single 

beds (or day beds) by removing the back cushions. 

For more comfort, move the two single’s together to 

form a large queen, which measures 64 x 76 inches. 

There’s sizeable overhead storage on both sides on 

the lounges plus two opposing picture windows for 

cross ventilation. An opening skylight is also overhead. 

The flat screen and dining table, which are on swivel 

mounts can also be enjoyed in this area, and can even 

extend for use in the galley. 

Space in the galley (and the immediate area) is 

well thought out. There’s ample storage thanks to 

the large wardrobe, full-extension drawers, overhead 

cupboards, and extended pantry. The large Corian 

countertop has a deep sink plus more space for 

small appliances. Leisure also added a two-door, 

6.7 cubic-foot fridge/freezer, convection microwave, 

two-burner spark-ignition stove with a splash guard 

and a multi-purpose track. More sunlight and ventilation 

is provided by the large picture window over the 

sink, with pull-down valances. 

The large bath, positioned in the rear, extends the 

width of the FTB to maximize space and comfort. The 

enclosed shower measures approximately 30 inches, 

has more than six feet of headroom, and the integrated 

shower head has been upgraded with an on/off switch 

to conserve water. The deep stainless steel sink area, 

which is set into a Corian countertop, features a chrome 

facet, large mirror, and medicine cabinet. 

Other news from Leisure Travel Vans includes new 

paint schemes, as well as the available Winegard 

ConnecT WiFi Extender for all of its Class B models. 

The line also includes new standard accent lighting, 

redesigned bathroom doors and baths for the Unity 

IB and TB floor plans, and optional UltraLeather rear 

sofas for the Unity FX floorplan. 

A few updates in the Serenity series are standard 

upper cabinet accent lighting, an updated shower 

with integrated storage, and new shelves in the 

bedroom. 

THE SPECS 


Overall height: 9’11” (2.7 M) 


Fresh Water Capacity: 34 Gal. (129 L) 

Grey Water Capacity: 37 Gal. (140 L) 

Black Water Capacity: 28 Gal. (106 L) 

Sleeps: 2 

Base Price: $131,690 CDN 

www.leisurevans.com 


Newmar Corp. 

New Aire Class A 

On the other end of the RV spectrum is Newmar’s 

2018 New Aire, a luxury Class A diesel 

pusher featuring rich appointments, plush 

living areas, and the utmost functionality to qualify it as 

a true home-away-from-home. 

Purchasing the New Aire begins with your choice 

of three graphics packages, three interior-themed 

options, and three interior wood finishing choices — to 

customize to your liking. Two floor plans are available 

that include the 3341 with four slides and the 3343 

that offers three slides, including a full wall expansion. 

No matter which you choose, both share an interior 

height of 81.5 inches and width of 95.5 inches. 

Functionality on the New Aire starts from the 

bottom up. It has the Freightliner XCS chassis running 

a 360 hp Cummins diesel pusher with IFS Front 

Suspension and the V-Ride Drive Axle Suspension for 

cushioned, driving comfort. Adding to its structural 

integrity is the basement’s cargo liner, 3/8-inch floor 

decking, 1 ½-inch bead foam, and galvanized sheeting 

to prevent distortion. 

The XCS chassis also provides information directly 

to the cab thanks to the Electronic Chassis Information 

Center. Other driving-friendly appointments include the 

RoadWatch safety package, glass dash instrument panel, 

keyless ignition, trip travel Information and Comfort 

Drive Steering. Cab seating with its six-way power-lumbar 

and footrests provide ultimate comfort and a laptop 

workstation is a special treat for passengers. 

Boarding the New Aire is a breeze thanks to the 

automatic steps, which sit a mere four inches from 

the ground. Once inside, it will be hard not to be 

enamoured by the standard porcelain tile floor, Bermuda-glazed 

maple hardwood cabinets, and Flexsteel 

UltraFabric sofa. 

In the bedroom, the cathedral ceiling is designed 

to add six inches of headroom, while two nightstands 

serve as charging stations. There’s also a queen bed 

with a quilted bedspread with accent pillows, a sliding-window 

headboard, and ample storage. 

While the list of appointments goes on, this is a 

touring-friendly and richly-appointed coach. You’ll like 

the fully-equipped galley with pull-out pantry shelves, 

30-inch stainless steel convection microwave, and 

residential refrigerator. The New Aire is also prepped for 

a two-piece washer/dryer. 

THE SPECS 

Overall Length: 33’10” (10 M) 

Overall Height: 12’03” (3.6 M) 

Interior Height: 81.5” (2 M) 




Furnace: 50,000 BTU 

Base Price: $354, 467 USD 

*No CDN pricing available 

www.newmarcorp.com 


Northern-Lite MFG 

8-11EX Dry Bath Special Edition Truck Camper 

While slide-outs are not uncommon in the 

truck camper space, the 8-11EX Dry Bath 

Special Edition Truck Camper from Northern-Lite 

has a host of features designed in one solid, 

non-slide unit for 2018. 

Built on a two-piece, moulded fibreglass shell with 

one-inch R6 block foam insulation, this is a four-season 

Canadian-made camper that has a floor length of nine 

feet, three inches, a width of eight feet, two inches, and 

is designed for ¾-ton short bed pick-up trucks. One 

of the highlights this year is its dry bath design, which 

according to the company is the only short-box dry bath 

truck camper on the market without a slide. It comes 

with a freshwater flush toilet, stand-up shower, sink plus 

a designated black holding tank. 

Truck campers often have limited space, but 

Northern-Lite made use of every inch to provide a 

functional interior. For instance, the galley has a 6.3 

cubic-foot two-door fridge, deep stainless steel sink, an 

Atwood stainless steel oven, plus a power range hood 

and glass stove top cover. A facing dinette was also 

accommodated and is an ideal appointment for a truck 

camper of this size. It even doubles as a fold-down 37 x 

67-inch sleeping area. If you need space for kitchenware, 

storage is in the cupboards and drawers, which 

includes smooth roller bearing drawer glides for ease of 

use. You can even upgrade the 8-11 with the optional 

microwave and U-shape dinette. 

When owners are ready to retire for the evening, 

there’s easy access to the sleeping area featuring a 60 x 

80-inch bed with two-inch R12 insulation underneath. 

Additional storage space, a Jensen 12V 19-inch LCD TV, 

and Thermopane skylight are nice touches. Rounding 

out the interior appointments are the Dometic 

Thermopane windows, removable carpeting for easy 

maintenance, and designated generator storage for a 

portable Honda generator. 

With a range of features on the inside, the 8-11EX 

THE SPECS 

Floor Length: 108” (2.7 M) 


Slides: N/A 




Dry Weight: 2650 lbs (1,202 kg) (Approx.) 

Base Price: $50,400 CDN 

www.northern-lite.com 

has many highlights on the outside. In true Northern-Lite 

fashion, protection from the sun is provided 

by two Carefree awnings, while the Fat Ladder allows 

easy access to the roof. The exterior shower will come in 

handy for many uses, and the convenient Rear Bumper 

Step System offers smooth, easy entry in and out of the 

camper. 

In addition to the range of standards, some options 

to consider include a 9200 BTU A/C unit, boat rack, 

camo graphics, gas/electric water heater and Happijac 

dually brackets. 


TV 

An all-new new floor plan in the Allegro Rear 

Engine Diesel (RED) line is a reliable indicator 

that the company is doing something right. The 

37 BA RED is currently in production and is set to hit 

showrooms for the 2018 model year, if it hasn’t already. 

Upgrading to the 37 BA means stepping up in the 

world of luxury touring. At approximately 39 feet, two 

inches, the 37 BA rides on a solid rear-engine Freightliner 

chassis, pushed by a turbo-charged Cummins ISB 

6.7 L Electronic Diesel that offers 360 hp at 2600 rpm. 

With Air-Ride Suspension and the comfort afforded 

by the newly designed cab, you’ll find the 37 BA as 

pleasurable on the road as it is at a campground. 

On the outside, the 37 BA’s full-body paint scheme 

offers seasons of use against the elements thanks to 

the use of premium paints and a sealant to resist UV 

rays. There’s even a scratch-resistant coating to protect 

the front, stairwell, and entry door lock. Other exterior 

components include fiberglass front and rear caps, a 

tinted one-piece windshield, and a power patio awning. 

Additional awnings are over the auto entry door and 

the three slide-outs. Other exterior features are single 

handle lockable storage door latches, a rinse hose/ 

shower, and a back-up colour monitor. 

Another redesign on the 37 BA floor plan is the European-style 

driver’s centre. All controls and gauges are 

Tiffin Motorhomes 

Allegro 37 BA RED 

designed to be within easy reach or viewing. Two new 

UltraLeather chairs offer great support and an in-dash 

navigation system is available as an option. 

Inside the 37 BA, the stylish appointments mix with 

comfort to provide an ideal living space. UltraLeather 

furniture abounds and is set on the ceramic tile floor in 

the living and bath area. The decor offers easier maintenance 

– and also good, clean looks. Some nice added 

touches are the high-gloss raised panel hardwood 

cabinet doors, as well as the soft touch vinyl ceiling, 

accented fabrics, and LED lighting. 

The galley is a space where everyone commonly 

gravitates towards – and Tiffin designers made sure 

everyone will. The countertops and cooktop cover are 

a solid surface, while the three essential appliances 

include the residential refrigerator and three-burner 

cooktop with convection microwave. You’ll also appreciate 

the double bowl sink with single lever satin nickel 

faucet, plus the pull-out pantry, and lots of storage. 

At day’s end, the master suite is just as impressive 

with its designer fabrics, handcrafted wardrobe, side 

windows and queen bed. 

The 37 BA is just one model from Tiffin for 2018 as 

a handful of other models are in the works, including 

a redesigned Zephyr, a new 33 BR Breeze, 37 BH 

Phaeton and a new 24 FW Wayfarer class C. 

EXTERIOR TV 

OPTIONAL GALLEY WINDOW 

RESIDENTIAL 

WARDROBE FRIDGE 

OVERHEAD 

OHC 

CABINET 

CONVECTION MICROWAVE 

RECLINER WITH LIFT TV 

& OPTIONAL FIREPLACE 

PANTRY 

LIFT TV 

OPTIONAL 

WASHER/ 

DRYER 

OHC 

SOFA 

BED 

OHC OHC 

OPTIONAL 

DRAWER TYPE 

DISHWASHER 

STEP 

OHC 

LAV 

TV 

60" X 80" QUEEN BED 

LAV 

LINENS 

SHOWER 

NIGHTSTAND 

NIGHTSTAND 

OHC 

OHC OHC 

2018 

Seen here is the 

37 PA floorplan 

THE SPECS 

Overall Length: 39’ 2” (11.9 M) (Approximate) 

Overall Height: 12’10” (3.6 M) (w/roof air) 


Fuel Capacity: 100 gal (378 L) 




Furnace: 15,000 BTUs (Two low profile roof ACs 

with heat pumps) 

Base price: $269,352 USD 

www.tiffinmotorhomes.com 

BOOTH 

DINETTE 

U-SHAPED BOOTH DINETTE 

DINETTE WITH 

COMPUTER WORKSTATION 

OVERHEAD CABINET 

OVERHEAD CABINET 

37 BA 

Allegro RED 


Team Trillium Trailers Manufacturing 

The Outback 

Fibreglass trailers – or ‘eggs” as they are often referred 

to – have a strong following in the RV community. 

They come in all shapes, sizes, colours, or with 

unique graphics and their compact design make them 

easy to tow with a variety of vehicles. 

Team Trillium Trailers Manufacturing Ltd. of Rocky 

View County, Alberta, builds its Outback Trailer for 

enthusiasts all across North America with its four different 

floor plans. If you’re looking for something truly unique 

and custom in the Outback, the company can build and 

design that, too. 

While the standard Outback floor plan may seem 

compact at first glance, it offers all of the necessities – 

and durability – you need on the road. It’s built with a 

two-piece aerodynamic fiberglass shell, a heavy-duty 

steel frame, and a hail-proof and leak-proof roof. It 

also rides on a torsion bar suspension to provide 

smooth, effortless towing. 

Inside the insulated interior, the double bed measures 

nearly 74 x 47 inches and houses all the ideal appliances 

such as a DC fridge, and two -burner flush-mount cooktop 

stove with sink. It even has a Suburban NT16 E furnace and 

25-amp converter with a battery charger. 

The standard items continue on the outside with 

mud flaps, a 1,000 –pound tongue jack, rear stabilizer 

jacks, and a custom wheel package. While the basic 

floor plan will get you on the road and way beyond, a 

bevy of options and three other layouts are available 

to meet your desired comfort level. 

The Outback has a series of configurations that are 

built with basic floor plans, but there’s the choice of 

an available mini couch and extended countertops, a 

bathroom model, and front dinette model. A bunk bed 

option is available for additional sleeping space. 

The options are just as impressive and extend its 

functionality. In addition to being available in more than 

100 colour combinations, some standouts include a 

brand new custom screen door, an awning, bike carriers, 

an all-wood interior, and a four-gallon water heater. For 

entertaining, you can break nature’s silence with the 

stereo system or add the TV antenna with booster, dual 

6V batteries and pair of 20-pound LP tanks. RV150 solar 

panels are available for when traveling off the grid. 

If you often trek along backcountry roads, perhaps 

choose the GravelGuard protection package, spare tires 

package, 14-inch custom wheel package and the exterior 

shower for easy washdowns. 

THE SPECS 

Overall Length: 14’2” 

Overall Width: 6’3” 

Interior Height: 6’2” 

Interior Width: 6’2” 

Sleeping Capacity: 1-2 

Dry Weight: 1500 lbs. 

Base Price: $14,900 

www.trilliumtrailers.com 


Winnebago Industries 

Intent Class A 

T 

his all-new 2018 Class A is one of the first gas 

coaches from Winnebago to be available at an 

entry-level price and has been designed around 

user experiences – whether you travel with family or you’re 

a seasoned full-timer. 

Contemporary and sleek, the Intent is offered in four 

different floor plans – the 26M, 29L, 30R, and 31 P – ranging 

in length from a little more than 26 feet to just over 31 

feet. Depending on your lifestyle, the four plans are diverse. 

For instance, the 26M and 30R each feature separate dual 

slides, while the 29L and 31 P offer full wall slides. 

Regardless of which you choose, all floorplans share 

many highlights including exterior entertainment centres 

under the awning, residential refrigerators, Powerline Energy 

Management Systems, Smart Storage pass-through 

storage areas, and Versa Cab seating for extra comfort while 

you’re on the road or at rest. 

When it comes to driving comfort, the Intent has 

a newly designed cab offering optimum visibility and 

sightlines thanks to the narrow corner pillars and large 

windshield. You’ll appreciate the pivoting command center 

with the LCD colour touchscreen, plus the rear view monitor 

system, iPod/MP3 inputs, and Bluetooth. The cab seats are 

large and adjustable, with easy access for passengers to the 

dash workstation. 

The galley is the heart of the Intent. It has a standard 

three-burner range with oven, touch-controlled microwave, 

laminate countertops with a backsplash, and a road-worthy 

stainless-steel double sink. Added benefits include the 

pantry and powered roof ventilator fan. 

Between the cab and the fully appointed rear master 

bedroom is a plethora of comfort and features. The full-wall 

or dual slide-out designs on the Intent provide ideal living 

space. They pull out to offer a dinette (on the 26M) or a 

dinette and sofa bed, while the dual swivel cab seats and a 

multi-position table come into play to expand the seating 

or entertaining options. 

Rounding out the Intent is the LP tank system. Rather 

than having the fixed, industry-standard 60-pound LP tank, 

the Intent can house two 20 pound LP tanks, with the capability 

– and space – of adding two more. Extra tanks offer 

added convenience at a campground, and also means 

fewer fill-ups during your travels. Other new models from 

Winnebago for 2018 include the Horizon Class A diesel 

motorhome, Revel 4x4 Class B and a new Series of Minnie 

Plus Fifth-Wheels in the company’s towable division. 

THE SPECS 

Overall Length: 26’10” (8 M) 

Overall Height: 12’ (3.6 M) 

Interior Height: 7’ (2.1 M) 




Furnace: 30,000 BTU 

Base Price: $$119,525 CAD 

www.winnebagoind.com 


Driving Skills 

JAYCO DEALERS 

RV WINTER 

DRIVING 

REMINDER 

By STEVE ROCK 

BIG BOY’S TOYS 

1421 East Island Hwy 

Parksville, British Columbia 

1-800-492-2869 

www.bigboystoys.ca 

FRASERWAY RV LP 

9039 Quartz Road 

Whitehorse, YT Y1A 4Z5 

1-867-668-3438 

www.fraserway.com 

DRIVING A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE-SIZED RV 

through a Canadian winter to reach sunnier climes can 

often be stressful, but adopting a professional attitude 

before you turn the ignition key will make a significant 

difference between being an average driver and being 

a good driver. Being a better driver, in turn, is bound to 

make a positive difference to the trip for you and your 

passengers should bad weather hit. 

The vehicle has been serviced, possessions are 

packed, and the route double-checked, but are you 

ready to operate an RV in adverse conditions? RV drivers 

can often choose when to travel, but professional drivers 

don’t have that luxury and so they should be prepared 

to operate in all situations, plus they have a responsibility 

to do it safely, as should you. 

Thoroughly circle your RV and check for issues. It 

doesn’t matter that it just came out of the shop, lights 

can blow, and oil leaks can occur on even the most 

rigorously maintained vehicle at any time, so get in 

the habit of doing a daily under-hood check and walkaround. 

It’s a legal requirement for the professional 

driver, but for the RV driver, it helps to protect your 

investment. 

Tires are often forgotten, and it’s not so much the 

tread depth we’re concerned about, but more the tire 

type and operating pressure. Pressures change with 

ambient air temperatures -roughly 1psi for every 10°F, 

so it’s important to check them several times during the 

trip, as under and over-inflated tires can seriously affect 

the vehicle’s braking and handling capabilities. Also, 

remember that even though snow tires are available, 

most RV’s are fitted with highway (summer) tires that 

don’t have a winter tread pattern or compound, which 

makes them unsuitable for driving on snow and ice. 

Most commercial trucks don’t have snow tires 

either, but they do have a weight advantage. Being 

heavier enables the vehicle to bite down through the 

snow to find traction. This is great to get going, but 

unfortunately, it’s a significant disadvantage when it 

comes to cornering or stopping when inertia usually 

overpowers the capability of the summer rubber. Your 

saving grace here is to employ defensive driving techniques; 

truckers that are piloting an 80,000-pound 

rig can’t stop on a dime in the best of conditions 

and need to drive defensively to remain in complete 

control of the vehicle. Using your wealth of driving 

experience, you know that the green light ahead will 

soon be changing to red, and you can also ‘read’ the 

actions of other motorists around you, enabling you 

to adjust your driving accordingly and in plenty of 

time. Smooth and steady steering, acceleration, and 

braking are essential to keep a large vehicle under 

control in adverse conditions. 

Good all-around observation is also essential, and 

the mirrors should be kept clean and set correctly to 

achieve this. A small spray bottle of windshield washer 

fluid and a squeegee will keep the muck off, and you 

should make mirror adjustments so that you can see 

what’s going on behind and alongside you. If there’s 

more than a small strip of sky along the top of the 

mirror or more than a tiny column of vehicle visible 

on the inside edge, then the mirrors aren’t set quite 

right. You’ll never eliminate the vehicle’s blind-spots, 

but correct mirror adjustment will go a long way to 

reducing them. 

Nothing is ever guaranteed, but careful preparation, 

a patient, professional attitude, combined with 

smooth and steady driving should ensure your RV trip 

through another Canadian winter is an uneventful 

one, and that your knuckles aren’t as white as the 

snow you’ve just driven through when you reach your 

destination. 

TRAVELAND RV SUPERSTORE 

Sainte-Hélène, Trois-Rivières, 

Châteauguay, Saguenay, Laval 

1-888-791-2727 

www.roulotte.ca 

RV SALES 

7610 Sparrow Drive 

Leduc, Alberta 

1-780-986-1333 

www.rvcity.ab.ca 

RV SALES, PARTS & SERVICE 

8704 100 St, 

Morinville, Alberta 

1-888-438-8588 

www.rvcity.ab.ca 

SMITH RV CENTRE 

940 Cobalt Crescent 

Thunder Bay, ON 

1-807-346-9399 

www.smithsrvcentre.com 

VOYAGER RV CENTRE 

9250 Hwy 97 

Winfield, British Columbia 

1-800-668-1447 

www.VoyagerRV.ca 


#LETSJAYCO 

Quality time 

meets timeless qualitY 

From day one, Jayco has set out to build a better, more comfortable RV. And ever since, 

whether in a pop-up camping trailer or a luxurious motorhome, families have counted on 

us to help them shape the stories that last generations. Nearly 50 years and millions of 

memories—that’s the Jayco story. What’s yours? 

Visit Jayco.com to learn more and find your nearest dealer.

C 

A 

L 

I 

F 

O 

R 

N 

I 

A 

BY CASSANDRA REDDING 

Sand Dunes 

Eureka Sand Dunes 


If you’ve never taken the time to visit some of California’s sand 

dunes, you are missing out. These dunes are much more than 

small piles of sand on the beach – they are some of the most 

magical places on the planet. Windswept and full of sandy waves, 

these majestic mountains are ever-changing into entirely different 

landscapes from one day to the next. Here are my top picks for the 

most mysterious and beautiful sand dunes of California. 

JAMES MARVIN PHELPS 


Imperial Sand Dunes 

IMPERIAL SAND DUNES 

The Imperial Sand Dunes, also known as the 

Algodones Dunes, are located in the southeastern 

portion of California, near the border 

with Arizona and the Mexican state of Baja 

California, and make up the most extensive 

dune system in the state. The system runs approximately 

72 km (45 miles) long, 10 km (6 

miles) wide and rises to over 90 metres (300 

DIRK DALLAS 

ft) high. If you feel a sense of déjà vu when you 

arrive, it may be because filming for parts of 

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi took 

place here. 

You’ll feel like you are in another world 

as the dunes get higher on both sides of the 

highway as you drive through, and you won’t 

be able to resist pulling over to climb these 

dunes, especially at sunset. 

You will want to contemplate the timing 

of your visit - summer temperatures often 

rise above 43°C (110°F) and annual rainfall 

averages less than two inches. The mild 

climate between October and May might be 

more comfortable, just be aware that the area 

attracts tens of thousands of off-road enthusiasts. 

Where to Stay 

Imperial Sand Dune Recreation Area (IS- 

DRA) is commonly known as Glamis for the 

store, restaurant and pizza parlor at the northeast 

end of the ISDRA and vendor row, where 

you can rent ATVs and UTVs and get most 

anything you need for duning and camping. 

The historical Gold Rock Ranch is a full-service 

RV Resort. www.goldrockranch.us 

Getting There 

The dunes are southeast of the Salton Sea, 

and if you are traveling along Hwy 8, there is 

a great spot to stop for a nice hike. Just east of 

the public rest stop, take exit 156, and you will 

find yourself on the frontage road called Grays 

Well Rd which runs parallel to Hwy 8 on its 

south. The trail comes to a dead end, but you 

can usually park next to the RV hosts. 

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• 4 Swimming Pools: 

Includes 1 Lap Pool 

• 5 Jacuzzi’s 

• Fitness Center 

• Laundry Facilities 

• Clubhouse: Movie 

Area, Library, Billiards 

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DEATH VALLEY SAND DUNES 

The dunes of Death Valley National Park are 

great places to enjoy both nature and recreation 

and include the Saline Valley Dunes, Panamint 

Dunes and the Ibex Sand Dunes – but the best 

areas are the Mesquite Flat and the Eureka Sand 

Dunes. 

MESQUITE FLAT SAND DUNES 

These dunes are the best-known and most accessible 

dunes in the national park. A walk along 

these rippled dunes will have you convinced you 

are walking where no one has been before. There 

is no marked trail because the desert sands are 

constantly shifting, but the access is easy from 

Hwy 190 or from the unpaved Sand Dunes Road 

so make your own path and travel for as long as 

you want. For an extra special show of colour and 

light, make your way there before sunrise or just 

before sunset (beware at night of rattlesnakes, 

especially in the summer). Your photos will be 

fantastic. 

Where to Stay 

If you’re looking for an ideal camping experience, 

the National Park Service operates a rustic 

campground at Stovepipe Wells Village. The 190 

sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis 

from October through April for $12 a night. No 

hookups are available. http://www.deathvalleyhotels.com/our-hotel/rv-park-and-camping/ 

Getting There 

Located in central Death Valley near Stovepipe 

Wells, access is from either Hwy 190 or the 

unpaved Sand Dunes Road. 

EUREKA DUNES 

These dunes are located in the northern section 

of Death Valley, in the remote Eureka Valley and 

although they only cover an area of 4.8 km (3 

miles) long and 1.6 km (1 mile) wide, they are 

the tallest dunes in California (some say in North 

America). The dunes are more than 183 metres 

(600 ft) above the valley with the even higher 

Last Chance Mountains, which rise 1220 metres 

(4000 ft) in the backdrop. You really will feel like 

you are on another planet. 

Even though you will be at the hottest 

and driest place in North America, you will 

be surprised at the amount of plant life here. 

Some species are so rare you won’t find them 

anywhere else. 

Getting to Eureka Sand Dunes is no small 

feat however, and it requires a 64 km (40 mile) 

drive down a dirt road. But you will be more 

than rewarded at the end with incomparable 

camping, hiking, and stargazing opportunities. 

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes 

Eureka Dunes 

CASS REDDING 



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Motorcoach 

Lots for Sale 

In a beautiful setting with a panoramic view of 

the Santa Rosa mountain range, this motorcoach 

resort offers the ultimate experience. All of the 

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are 400 beautiful lots including 136 on a 

navigable waterway. 

• 400 beautifully landscaped motorhome lots 

• Private dock on all waterfront lots 

• Approximately two mile of navigable waterways 

approved for up to 18’ electric boats with up to 

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• Every lot has 200 amp and natural gas services 

• Optional 9’x13’ casita available at an additional cost 

• Dedicated on-site staff 

• 10,000 square foot clubhouse with restaurant, bar, 

fitness center, lap pool, spa and tanning pool 

• Two additional swimming pools with spas, 

bathhouses and laundry facilities 

• Nine-hole par 3 golf course with golf cart paths 

• Private dining room and bar 

• Three lighted tennis courts 

• Individual lots are sold Fee Simple 

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Rental: (888) 277-0789 • (760) 863-0789 

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Scan our QR 

code and take 

a tour through 

the resort. 

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www.motorcoachlotsales.com 


Pismo Dunes 


Getting There 

Travel 4.3 km (2.7 miles) north of the Grapevine 

Entrance Station on Ubehebe Crater Road 

to the marked turnoff for the Eureka Dunes. 

Here pavement ends and a well-maintained 

graded dirt road begins. You’ll reach Crankshaft 

Junction in approximately 34 km (21 miles) and 

begin a winding climb through the Last Chance 

Mountains and down Winding Rock Canyon (the 

latter portion is partially paved). At 53.7 km (33.4 

miles) from the initial turnoff you will find the 

turnoff for the dunes - stay left another 15.7 km 

(9.7 miles) down a graded dirt road to the dune 

parking area. 

KELSO SAND DUNES, MOJAVE DESERT 

Halfway between Las Vegas and LA, in the Mojave 

Desert, you will find the Kelso Dunes, which 

cover over 72 sq km (45 square miles). This is the 

largest single area of wind-blown dunes in the Mojave 

Desert. The highest dune rises to more than 

183 metres (600 feet) above ground level. You 

get to the dunes by following a few kilometres of 

straight gravel road to the parking area. You could 

just view the dunes from here, but to get to larger 

dunes, you have to hike about two kilometres 

on a sandy trail. When you get to the base of the 

massive dunes, you can then make the steep climb 

up to conquer the summit. Many people run or 

sled down these dunes – super fun but a little 

dangerous. If you want to hear the sand “sing”, kick 

a bit of sand over top of the dune on the lee side. 

There are various theories as to why the sand sings 

– it may be caused by wind passing over the dunes 

or by just walking on the sand. 

Pismo Dunes 

Getting There 

Located between I-40 and I-15, close to the old 

junction town of Kelso and not far from Baker, 

California. For Kelso Depot Visitor Center, take 

Kelbaker Road exit from I–15 (head south 34 

miles) or I–40 (head north 22 miles), Mojave 

National Preserve, California. 

PISMO DUNES 

Officially known as the Oceano Dunes State 

Vehicular Recreation Area, the Pismo Dunes are 

outside the town of Oceano, a few minutes from 

San Luis Obispo and is a favourite weekend destination 

for many. These beach dunes are much 


different than the desert dunes but are still a fun 

adventure. This area is unique because you can 

drive right on the beach. Pismo Beach and Oceano 

beach are one of the last remaining coastal 

dunes that allow off-highway vehicles (OHV). 

Where to Stay 

Camping is allowed right on the beach, in the 

area that is about two kilometres (1.2 mi) south 

from Pier Ave, which marks the beginning of 

the OHV area and is marked Post 2. Reservations 

are strongly recommended – call 

1-800-444-7275. 


From O’Connor RV 

Hi Tech 

RV FURNACE 

MAINTENANCE 

Your furnace is one of the most critical appliances within your RV and if you are RVing this winter you need your heater to work correctly – even if you 

are lucky enough to be RVing in a sunnier climate, the temperature can still get quite chilly at night. Here are some basic troubleshooting tips that 

will help you solve your RV furnace problems. If you do need more than a simple repair, you let your favourite qualified RV technician do the work. 

IF YOUR FAN ISN’T RUNNING AND 

YOU CAN’T FEEL ANY HEAT 

If the fan isn’t working, check your battery 

first. Make sure that you have 12 volts at the 

furnace and that you haven’t tripped a circuit 

breaker or blown a fuse. If all checks out, 

then move on to your RV’s thermostat. 

Remove the cover and find the “anticipator” 

adjustment – this is an adjustable 

control with a sliding contact over a straight 

bare wire or a wire wound around an insulating 

material. (Some newer RVs may not have 

one). 

Start by setting the temperature to the 

maximum and then move the slider to see 

if the fan starts – wait at least 30 seconds. If 

the fan does start, then you most likely have 

found the issue. You might solve the problem 

by setting the slider just near its original 

position. 

However, if your anticipator adjustment 

has a wire that lies directly on the plastic 

housing, you should make sure it hasn’t sunk 

into the plastic. If it has melted a little, then 

it won’t make any contact, and you will have 

to replace the thermostat. 

IF YOUR FAN IS RUNNING, 

BUT YOU CAN’T FEEL HEAT 

Your thermostat is working if 

your furnace fan is running, 

but you might have an airflow 

problem if you can’t feel any 

warmth. An internal switch 

in the furnace will sense if 

the airflow is sufficient and if 

not, it prevents the furnace 

from igniting, your fan won’t 

run, and you won’t have any 

heat. If the motor is too slow, 

this could be because of a low 

battery or a bad connection 

in the wiring. 

The ‘brain’ of the system is 

the propane regulator, which 

works to lower the pressure 

from your propane cylinder, 

so it can deliver the right amount of pressure 

to operate your furnace. A lousy propane valve 

at the furnace or a bad regulator at the propane 

tank will affect the airflow, as well. 

Finally, check to see if any heat registers 

are blocked – your furnace might not tolerate 

even the smallest closure of a register. 

You should get your furnace checked at 

least once a year by a trained RV service 

technician. 

If you are not comfortable working on the 

RV furnace, have your maintenance performed 

by an authorized RV service centre. 


O’CONNOR ADVANTAGE 

PARTS: We know just how important RV parts are to our customers.We proudly stock both parts and accessories 

for all of our makes and models. SERVICE: Whether you need preventative maintenance or come to us for 

major repairs, we guarantee you’ll leave happy. Our skilled service technicians are committed to providing the best 

service, ensuring your experience is enjoyable and hassle-free. 

PLEASE CALL 

TO BOOK AN 

APPOINTMENT 

44430 Yale Road, Chilliwack • 604-792-2747 

1-877-912-3909 •www.oconnorrv.com

A 

R 

I 

Z 

O 

N 

A 


History 

& Magic 

COME ALIVE ON THE 

GRAND CANYON 

RAILWAY 

Story and Photos Courtesy of Xanterra Parks and Resorts 


R 

iding a train as it travels west always 

seems romantically nostalgic — you 

can’t help but remember the great 

stories of how the West was won. Many say it 

wasn’t the cowboys that changed the wilderness, 

but instead the mighty train. There is no 

better example of this bygone lifestyle than the 

Grand Canyon Railway. 

As far back as the 1880s people recognized 

the potential of the Grand Canyon, however, 

the area was so remote and difficult to travel 

to it might have just remained a giant hole, if it 

weren’t for William Owen “Buckey” O’Neill and 

his grand visions of a railroad to the canyon. 

O’Neill, who was mayor of Prescott at the 

time, owned several mineral claims and had 

built a substantial cabin on the South Rim 

of the Grand Canyon. While he’d found his 

wealth, he wasn’t able to unlock it from the canyon 

due to the high cost of transporting the ore. 

A man of action, he lobbied for nearly five years 

before securing the funding for the railway. 

On Sept. 17, 1901, O’Neill’s vision became 

a reality when the first steam train took passengers 

and supplies from Williams, Arizona to the 

South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Even though 

O’Neill wasn’t there to see it for himself – he 

died while serving as a Rough Rider in the 

Spanish American War – his spirit was smiling 

as the steam rose through the forest en route to 

the Grand Canyon. 

The railway revolutionized the canyon, sharing 

its natural wonder with the general public. 

In its heyday, Grand Canyon Railway – then a 

subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa 

Fe Railway Company – had two scheduled arrivals 

per day at the South Rim, but as many as 

six special trains might also arrive at the Grand 

Canyon in one day. 

The final rays of golden sunlight disappeared 

June 30, 1968, as Train No. 14, a diesel locomotive 

pulling only one baggage car and one 

coach car left Grand Canyon Depot with just 

three people aboard. Beginning the 104 km (65 

mi) trek to Williams, the engineer gave the horn 

two short blasts heard only by those aboard and 

canyon wildlife. No one was present to send the 

train off, or to celebrate the contributions the 

railway had made. As the last passenger train 


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traveled out of sight, the tracks grew quiet and 

stayed that way for nearly 20 years. 

It wasn’t until a determined cropduster, and 

his wife, entered the scene that the railway had 

a chance of coming back to life. Reaching deep 

into their pockets and tapping all the resources 

available to them, Max and Thelma Biegert 

dedicated everything, including an initial $15 

million, to reinstate train service to the Grand 

Canyon. 

Pulling together a talented team of people 

including steam locomotive experts, Max and 

Thelma went to work restoring the much-dilapidated 

Williams and Grand Canyon Depots as 

well as the 104 km (65 mi) of weather-beaten 

railroad track. The team rebuilt washout areas 

and bridges, replacing 30,000 railroad ties and 

many more rails, beams, and spikes. 

Their hard work paid off, and on Sept. 17, 

1989 – 88 years to the day from the first train to 

the canyon – Max and Thelma Biegert brought 

the powerful pull of the steam locomotive back 

to Grand Canyon National Park. 

More than 10,000 people and dignitaries 

arrived in Williams to celebrate the return of 

the railway, with more gathered to greet the 

passengers arriving at Grand Canyon Depot. It 

seemed as though the whole world recognized 

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the importance of returning train service to the 

canyon. 

Grand Canyon Railway gained momentum 

with each passing trip to the canyon, growing 

into the operation it is today. Providing daily 

service and transporting more than 225,000 

passengers to the Grand Canyon each year 

(more than 2.5 million since 1989), the railway 

is much more than an alternative mode of 

transportation. 

The simple act of returning train service 

restored an integral part of the Grand Canyon’s 


history. The wail of the historic locomotives 

traveling the rails today shares the story of how 

the canyon came to be. 

No, the West was not won by cowboys or 

cavalry, but by the train and the people whose 

vision of grandeur was matched only by the 

Grand Canyon itself. 

Passengers depart from the historic Williams 

Depot and arrive at the Grand Canyon 

Depot, the last operating log depot in the 

United States. Located in the heart of Grand 

Canyon National Park’s historic district, near 

the world-famous El Tovar Hotel, Grand 

Canyon Depot is just 180 m (200 yd) from the 

edge of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

The trip to the canyon covers 104 km (65 

mi) of classic Old West territory, including 

high desert plains with endless vistas, small 

arroyos, and portions of the world’s largest 

ponderosa pine forest. 

Trip highlights include a daily Wild West 

shootout at the 1908 Williams Depot before 

the morning departure; and entertainment and 

live action aboard the train, featuring roaming 

western singers, as well as the infamous 

Cataract Creek Gang and the justice of a Grand 

Canyon Railway Marshal. 

Grand Canyon Railway is an authorized 

concessionaire of the National Park Service 

and Kaibab National Forest and was honoured 

in 2004 with the prestigious Governor’s Tourism 

Special Events Award for its Polar Express 

special engagement train (See sidebar). 

HOURS OF OPERATION: 

Grand Canyon Railway operates daily service 

(except December 25) from Williams, Arizona 

into Grand Canyon National Park. The Williams 

Depot ticket counter is open seven days a 

week, 7:30 am – 7:30 pm Arizona time. 

ROUND-TRIP ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES: 

Passengers have the option to stay overnight 

at the canyon and return to Williams on the 

regularly scheduled train at a later date. 

Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is just west 

of the historic Williams Depot and opposite 

the famed Cataract Creek. Nature paths and 

a shuttle take guests from the RV Park to the 

Depot, where Grand Canyon Railway begins 

its daily journey to the South Rim of the Grand 

Canyon. 

For Grand Canyon Railway reservations, call 

1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724) or visit 

www.thetrain.com. 

THE POLAR EXPRESS 

Every winter the Grand Canyon 

Railway’s Polar Express comes 

to life on a journey from the 

nighttime wilderness of Williams, 

Arizona, to the enchanted beauty 

of “the North Pole”—where Santa 

Claus and his reindeer are waiting 

with a keepsake present for every 

good boy and girl. You’ll be smiling 

from ear to ear, as you watch 

children’s faces light up when the 

train arrives, and enjoy hot chocolate 

and chocolate chip cookies 

while listening to this timeless 

story. 

Make this a family holiday 

tradition, and call today to make 

your reservations (because space is 

limited to those who fully believe 

in the spirit of Christmas). The ride 

lasts a little over an hour, with the 

train leaving each night at 5:30 pm 

and 7:30 pm. Book online for 2017 

now, or call 1-888-848-3511. 

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yourself 

here... 

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A 

R 

I 

Z 

O 

N 

A 

From Tricon Communities 

ACTIVE ADULT 

LIVING MINDSET 

On An Affordable Budget 

Mobile home communities have risen to a 

higher standard and now offer a superior 

quality of living to meet the growing demands 

of modern seniors. Today’s 55-plus mobile 

home and RV communities are delightfully 

welcoming to active residents and snowbirds. 

As more boomers take to the road in hopes of 

finding the perfect vacation spot or destination 

resort, Tricon strives to meet their lifestyle 

desires while maintaining an affordable location 

to call home. 

“Mobile home and RV communities are 

back on the rise for Baby Boomers,” said Vicki 

Moore, Tricon Regional Manager. “They miss 

the feeling of community, the neighbourhood 

picnics, Canada Day and Fourth of July barbeques 

and community garage sales. They can 

find this in our communities. They grew up in 

suburbia and they want to go back to that.” 

With eleven communities in the Phoenix/ 

Mesa area and three in California, Tricon is 

able to provide a broad range of amenity and 

lifestyle packages to meet the needs of many 

travelers and retirees. They have chosen unique 

locations convenient to shopping, dining and 

attractions in the more majestic portions of 

Arizona. 

For seniors not willing or able to pay a fortune 

for housing in their “golden years,” Tricon 

offers an affordable alternative to a traditional 

house, apartment, condo, or vacation rental. 

More and more seniors are discovering the 

hottest trend - community living. It provides an 

attractive alternative when considering where 

they will retire and where they will travel in 

their “Golden Years”. 

“Seniors and new retirees have taken a new 

old approach to vacationing. Road trips with 

the family were a valuable and memorable part 

of their lives. Exploring this beautiful country 

and reuniting themselves with each other has 

gained popularity and purpose; getting back to 

their roots. The days of hotel stays in comparison 

to RV traveling is closing in gap drastically. 

They have paid their dues and now deserve to 

enjoy themselves.” remarked Kim Lake, Tricon 

Regional Vice President. “We want to provide 

them with destination communities that are 

reminiscent of that same era; that hometown 

feel and sense of belonging.” 

Tricon, in an effort to meet the demand 

of the boomer market, has created multiuse 

communities where they offer a wide variety 

of mobile homes and park models for sale as 

well as RV sections for those on the hunt for an 

adventure. 

The majority of the communities in the 

Tricon portfolio are 55+ and pet-friendly. They 

provide exceptional amenities at all locations, 

planned activities onsite and field trips organized 

by an activities coordinator. 

“We strive to find something for everyone,” 

said Moore, “some just want to come and relax, 

and enjoy. Others enjoy golf tournaments, 

bowling leagues, dinners, and dances. It’s really 

about providing guests with the perfect vacation 

or living experience.” 

The residents, compromised of permanent 

and seasonal tenants, really appreciate quality, 

affordable social suburbia living in a community 

that is both well-maintained, and filled with 

engaging activities. Tricon aims to provide a 

healthy and safe environment for likeminded 

individuals. 

“… We just want to enjoy these years, we 

want to explore and have fun. See the things we 

were not able to when we were busy making 

the dollar… we are able to do that here. The 

community was just renovated and looks darling 

and the people are wonderful,” commented 

Laura Hovater, an annual resident at one of the 

Tricon communities in Apache Junction. 

Activities range from breakfasts, picnics, 

barbeques, dinners, to dancing in the clubhouse 

or enjoying crafts, karaoke, bingo, and cards 

in the community library. They also offer a 

community yard sale and spring craft show. 

There is also shuffle board and water aerobics 

in a heated pool, as well as a fitness room where 

residents are encouraged to exercise. 

“When people think of 55 plus, they often 

think of sleepy and boring,” said Kim. “Our 

signature properties are definitely not that. We 

encourage healthy active living for all of our 

seniors. And of course, to have as much fun as 

they can possibly stand.” 


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QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA 


N 

E 

V 

A 

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A 

By Arlette Ledbetter, Photos from the Town of Pahrump 

Come F ly Away 

(Or Just Watch …) 

TOP TIPS FOR ATTENDING THE 

PAHRUMP BALLOON FESTIVAL 

Each winter, azure Mojave Desert skies fill with a 

beautiful spectacle: the annual Pahrump Balloon 

Festival. During the weekend of Friday, February 

23 through Sunday, February 25, 2018, more than 

20 balloon teams will gracefully float above the 

landscape suspended in baskets beneath colourful, 

buoyant envelopes filled with heated air. The 

wonderful aerial extravaganza brings thousands 

of visitors to Petrack Park for the family-friendly 

celebration. 

With three days of lighter-than-air events—including 

lift-offs at dawn and evening glow shows 

where balloon pilots synchronize the illuminating 

blasts of their burners to songs—we’ve assembled 

some handy tips for making the most of your 

festival experience. 

ARRIVE EARLY 

Make that very early! To watch teams set up and 

inflate their balloons, set your alarm clock and arrive 

at the park by 6:00 am. Pilots need very light 

winds to take to the air, and the window around 

dawn is frequently the calmest time of day. As a 

bonus, you’ll be able to watch the launching of 

an unmanned, helium-filled weather balloon; 

it tracks the direction and speed of prevailing 

winds, and helps determine if conditions are 

safe for take-off. It also helps map out the route 

manned festival balloons will take. 

DRESS WARMLY 

Sure, there are stately palm trees in Pahrump 

and plenty of sunshine, but the desert can get 

downright chilly in winter, even more so in early 

mornings. A warm hat and pair of winter gloves 

are a must. Fingered gloves are best if you want 

to volunteer and hold the rope tethers that secure 

balloons to the ground pre-launch. Dressing in 

layers is a good idea, so you can shed insulation 

as the day heats up. Also, sunglasses are key, as 

you’ll be looking up into the brilliant sky most of 

the day. 

BRING GEAR 

If you’re here just to watch, take in the surroundings 

from the comfort of camp chairs. This way, 

you can relax as the balloons inflate and ascend 

into the skies around 6:30 am. Of course, a 

camera is a must, too. You can use your smart 

phone to share the spectacle on social media as it 

happens, whether in photo or video. If you have 

a DSLR camera, a zoom lens comes in handy 

once the balloons rise high above, especially for 

frame-worthy photos to display back home. 

JOIN THE ACTION 

While many Pahrump Balloon Festival guests are 

happy with sitting back and watching the majestic 

aircraft float through the atmosphere, many also 

like to play a more hands-on role as a volunteer. 

When you sign up to participate, you’ll frequently 

help pilots and their crews fill the envelopes with 

heated air and set up the baskets and lines—all 

parts of going aloft. No experience is needed, 

though signing a release form is required. You’ll 

need to follow pilot instructions such as where to 

stand and what to do (or the reverse, where not to 

stand and what not to do). Sometimes, though it’s 

not guaranteed, volunteering can result in getting 

invited on flights — a true bonus. 

The Pahrump Balloon Festival is a full-fledged 

experience, morning through night. Beyond 

dawn adventures and evening glow-o-ramas, 

guests can purchase tethered rides—they’re a 

perfect introduction to ballooning; you’re in the 

air, but not too far up. There’s also music, arts and 

crafts, food and drink, and a carnival. Add in a 

rodeo, too! Admission to the festival is free, with 

pre-sale tickets to the carnival available from the 

Pahrump Valley of Commerce at 775-727-5800. 

Tethered ride tickets are a great value at $10 and 

are available at the festival. For hot air balloon 

superfans, the $25 VIP Field Pass includes an 

up-and-close view of Friday and Saturday night’s 

illuminated get-togethers. 

It’s always important to remember, however, 

ballooning depends on good weather. Strong 

winds, rain, and even snow flurries can affect the 

festival schedule. 


DISCOVER 

ONE-OF-A-KIND 

VIEWS. 

Gaze up and watch dozens of hot air balloons 

take over Pahrump skies. When the sun sets, 

enjoy a synchronized glow show as balloons 

light up to classic tunes. 

The event is free; for more information 

head to VisitPahrump.com. 

TravelNevada.com 

Pahrump, Nevada — 60 Miles West of Las Vegas. 180 degrees different. 


Gift Guide 2018 

All-Star Hybrid Backpack / Duffel 

When your storage space in the RV is limited, versatility is a key feature 

for what ever you pack. This 49x27x12 cm (20” x 11” x 5”) travel bag can 

be used as a duffel bag, shoulder bag or backpack, with its cushioned mesh 

shoulder sling and hidden backpack straps. The comfortable backpack straps 

are a padded covered mesh and have an easily adjustable-height chest strap, 

perfect for short hikes or picnics. The large zipper pulls are effortless to grasp 

and we like the smooth nylon fabric, which doesn’t catch or pick up dirt easily. 

A padded separate compartment easily holds our 15” MacBook with room 

to spare, and internally there is a shoe/laundry compartment and five other 

compartments to organize your life. 

MSRP: $80 USD Solo.net 

Altitude Backpack – Black Ops Edition 

If you love separate compartments and the ability to hang accessories 

like water bottles and tripods – this is the pack for you. Aside from the 

innumerable pockets and strap points on the outside, the backpack straps 

are constructed from a wide cushioned mesh, with height-adjustable chest 

straps. The padded mesh backrest should ensure a comfortable and cool fit 

for day hikes – and – doubles as a luggage handle strap. On the inside, a 

padded interior pocket will hold a 17.3” laptop and an additional padded 

pocket will hold a tablet or eReader. There are plenty of additional pockets 

to keep your stuff organized – from pens to passports, food to first aid. 

One notable feature on our black pack was the contrasting yellow interior, 

which makes finding what you’ve stored so much easier than the confines 

of a black interior. It comes with a velcro ‘New York’ patch which you can 

easily substitute for one that suits your own personal taste. 

MSRP $80 USD Solo.net 


Premiere Leather Padfolio 

Every good RV navigator deserves a stylish case for their mini iPad 

or eReader to keep you on track and themselves entertained. Inside 

the full-grain leather body, the universal fit technology employs 

tension clips to securely cradle virtually all brands of small tablets 

and eReaders from 5.5 to 8.5 inches. The inside front section has 

sleeves for ID, small documents and a pen, which you can use on the 

accompanying paper pad – my kids would say ‘how retro’. The padfolio 

zips closed so nothing escapes. 

MSRP: $60 USD – 5.5 to 8.5” & $70 USD – 8.5 to 11” 

Solo.net 

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Snowbirds 

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up to 90% on U.S. phone service with Roam Mobility. 

EXCLUSIVE FREE SIM OFFER 

Get a FREE USA Travel SIM † so you can try 

Roam Mobility on your next trip to the USA! 

Claim your free SIM online now at: 

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SNOWBIRD 

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TALK+ TEXT+DATA 

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Unlimited U.S./Canada calling 

Unlimited global texting 

Voicemail, caller ID, and more 

Includes a U.S. phone number 

Plans start as low as 

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34 95 

/mo* 

All prices in Canadian dollars 

† Offer ends December 31, 2017. Online only. While quantities last. Subject to change. 

*Minimum service term applies. Snowbird Plans must be purchased in increments of 

90 days. Features and rates depend on plan type and duration purchased. 


Getting Social 

GET IN ON THE CONVERSATION. TALK 

TO SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS ON 

FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. 

www.facebook.com/ 

SnowbirdsRVTravelers 

Tweet us at 

@snowbirdsrv 

www.instagram.com/ 

snowbirdsmagazine 

SUNCRUISERMEDIA.COM 

FMCA has rolled out exclusive, 

member-only pricing for FMCA 

Roadside Rescue, powered by SafeRide 

RV Motor Club. 

FACEBOOK 

Why Not Try Camping in Ontario 

Awe-inspiring attractions. Fantastic 

festivals. Knockout nature. Distinct 

downtowns. Canadian history and 

heritage. It’s all right in the Heart of 

Ontario. Explore Hamilton, Halton, 

Brant and discover something new. 

INSTAGRAM 

Her name is Doris and she carried the 

gang to Cedar Creek winery for the 

Five for Fighting concert overlooking 

Okanagan Lake. @cedarcreekwine 

TWITTER 

Did you catch last month’s story on 

Endangered Tortoises? 

TALK TO US 

We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a 

line or send us a shot of your latest RV 

adventure to cass@suncruisermedia.com. 

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER AT 

SUNCRUISERMEDIA.COM FOR THE 

LATEST RV NEWS & ARTICLES. 


• Boat Rentals 

• Bistro on the waterfront 

• Convenience store open July & August 

• Winery, Spa, Golf Course and Cultural Center 

Summerwithin walking distance 

ONE OF THE OKANAGAN VALLEY’S FINEST RV DESTINATIONS 

COME EXPERIENCE NK’MIP 

IN ANY SEASON 

Winter 

• Offers 180 winterized sites: 50/30 Amp available ( Monthly rates available ) 

• Pool and hot tub open October to May; plus fitness room 

• Activities to choose from include: | Aquatics | Card/Poker Night | Crafts 

| Dances/ Parties | Jam Night | Pot Luck Dinner And much more! 

One of the South Okanagan’s largest parks, at the edge of the Sonora Desert and just minutes from the town’s main street, 

Nk’Mip RV Park offers over 380 sites ranging from simple tenting spots to full service RV stalls, a cabin with 4 bedrooms to round 

out the selection, all complete with free wifi access. Come enjoy the beach and family day area. The clubhouse is perfect for 

events or meetings, and offers an indoor pool & hot tub (open October - May) and a patio perfect for group BBQs. 

8000 - 45th Street, Osoyoos, BC P: 250-495-7279 

info@campingosoyoos.com | www.campingosoyoos.com 


Come for the 

Sun 

stay for the 

Fun! 

$ 

750 

PER 

$ 

299 

PER $ 

399 

PER 

MONTH MONTH MONTH 

Mesa Spirit RV Resort 

Mesa, AZ 

New customers only. 

Offer valid on a deluxe RV site 

from January 1 - March 31, 2018. 

Mention promo code: SNOWB4 

10 South Texas RV Resorts 


Offer valid on a standard RV site 

until July 1, 2018. 


Forest Lake Village RV Resort 

Zephyrhills, FL 


Offer valid on a standard RV site 

until May 31, 2018. 


To Enjoy These Offers, Book Your RV Site Before December 22nd, 2017. 

Call us to book! 

(855) 336-8841 

Visit 

RVontheGo.com 

You must book by December 22, 2017. Offers are subject to availability. Reservation required. Offers valid on new reservations only. Mesa Spirit offer is valid for new reservations between January 1, 2018 

through March 31, 2018 with a minimum/maximum length of stay of 28/31 days for new customers only on a deluxe site. South Texas $299 offer is valid at Alamo Palms RV Resort, Country Sunshine RV 

Resort, Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, Lakewood RV Resort, Paradise Park RV Resort, Paradise South RV Resort, Southern Comfort RV Resort, Sunshine RV Resort, Tropic Winds RV Resort and Victoria Palms RV 

Resort for stays completed by July 1, 2018, with a minimum/maximum length of stay of 28/31 days for new customers only on a standard site. Forest Lake Village offer valid until May 31, 2018 with a 

minimum/maximum length of stay of 28/31 days for new customers only on a standard site. All rates are in US dollars. Stays of 30 days or less are subject to a $4 per day resort fee. Electric is not included 

for stays of 30 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions.

2017/2018 148 Snowbirds & RV Travelers - Dec/Jan

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