Hitching in Canada – Canada

Hitching in Canada

Although I’m an Alaskan, I have hitched extensively though Canada. Now, I’m sure things have changed a bit after September 11, but I’m sure most of what I say still holds true. I’ve only tried hitchhiking in the US and Canada, but I can’t imagine a nicer, safer or more beautiful place to hitch than Canada.

First, if you’re going to hitch, do your homework. Know where you’re going and what your options are along the way and at your destination. Do you know where the hostels (there are CHA and indie “backpacker” hostels across the country) are? Are you ready to camp out if you get stuck? Depending on where you are, the weather can be chilly any time of the year, and bugs can be merciless. And if you’re going to be anywhere between eastern Ontario and northern New Brunswick, learn to speak at least SOME French.

Now on to the real thing. Usually road trips begin from some city. Whether it is Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver or any other city, try to take public transit as far out of the city as you can (or can afford). For instance, leaving Vancouver is a lot easier if you can take a local Greyhound to Abbotsford (about 45 km). The highway is right there when you arrive, and you saved tons of hassles just trying to hitch out of the city. As far as police hassles, big freeways are the only place I have ever had any problem from either the RCMP (Mounties) or OPP (Ontario Prov. Police), which is another reason to get out of the city to start your hitching trip.

Try to get on the road as early as you possibly can. It doesn’t matter how late you raged with your hostel buddies the night before – you can nurse your hangover on the roadside. This has two advantages: first, if you’re trying to go a long distance (and Canada has lots of long distances) most drivers are also going to be getting an early start on things, and secondly, most bad people don’t get up early (this is a very important consideration for female hitchers).

Okay, you’ve made it to your spot out of the city nice and early. Next is a personal choice issue: a sign or no sign. Me? I always use a sign. But there are others (esp. some females) who feel that showing their intentions increases their risks on the road. If you decide to use one, make sure it is large enough and clear enough that someone racing by at 100 km/hr can read it. The most important thing I carry as a hitcher is a black magic marker. If I ever need to change plans while on the road, I can make a new sign. I’ve snagged rides for two or three thousand kilometres with a sign, so I swear by them.

So now you’ve gotten a ride and you’re on your way. What time will you be arriving? Getting in to a city (or stuck on the edges of a city) late at night can be a real problem – not to mention that having a big backpack might make you a target for thieves. Think of the option of ending your day’s travel in the afternoon even if that means not making your planned destination so that you can be sure of a safe place for the night (i.e. hostel, campground, etc.), that way you can arrive at your planned destination during the day.

That’s it for now. I’d love to swap hitching tales or am happy to give any extra advice to anybody who wishes it. Please email me at johnstedman@canoemail.com

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