If somebody qualifies or enters late as a pro for Ironman Canada this spring/summer are there still places one could stay? Any ideas/numbers would be appreciated. I am not beyond camping. Also what airport do you fly to? Is the boader crossing a big deal?
Thanks
I went to Penticton last year and showed up on Wednesday prior to the race and walked into a couple of the hotels along the lake to see if they had any cancellations. The second place I walked into had a room from Wednesday night through Monday night. I can’t even remember the name of the place that I stayed but it was close to the out and back at the beginning and end of the run course. It worked out well in the long run but could add some stress to the race if you go without a place to stay. Flew into Vancouver and made the 4-5 hour drive. A pretty scenic drive that is a fun way to see some of Southwestern Canada.
If you’re not above staying at a hostel, there’s one about 3 blocks from the transition area. I haven’t done a search in a while, but it’s a Hostelling International location. It was full of triathletes with a few “journeymen” of various other occupations/hobbies. Oh, yeah…cheap…and you’ve got a big kitchen.
Loads of accomodation. The Penticton area is a major tourist area. You WILL find a place to stay… just not maybe as close to transition as you like. The campgrounds are all at Skaha Lake… about 8km from transition.
Fly to Vancouver and drive. Don’t fly to Kelowna or Penticton unless you want hassle with your bike… and it’s cheaper/funner to rent and drive anyways.
Boarder crossing hassle depends on your nationality, where you enter the country, and if the guard decides to be a dick or not… same as any other country. Everyone says the INS at the USA border are assholes, but they’ve been super nice to me… so go figure.