Filling propane tank in Canada

[WDavidG]

My ventures from the US into Canada have thus far been short enough not to need to refill a propane tank. Now that my wife is about to retire, I'm anticipating that will change as we love visiting our northern neighbors. Are Canadian propane fittings the same as the U.S. or do they follow the European standard? More simply put, will I need an adaptor of some sort to fill my US tank up north?

Thanks.

[C&G in FL]

The propane tanks used in Canada are the same as tanks used in the US. And you can go to places like Home Depot, Lowes, etc. and exchange tanks just as you can in the US.


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[WDavidG]

Originally Posted by CPW

The propane tanks used in Canada are the same as tanks used in the US. And you can go to places like Home Depot, Lowes, etc. and exchange tanks just as you can in the US.


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Excellent - as I had hoped. many thanks.

[Bobby Kirk]

Tanks are the same . You will have just as much trouble finding places to refill as in the U.S. though. Mostly , sellers are using the exchange program . I don't like to use the exchange- a- tank because you pay more for the propane and usually get a tank that starts to rust quickly or is all beat up.
Enjoy your stay up here. Keep in mind that most of the provincial parks require a reservation made well in advance. The summers are short and there are more campers than sites in the popular areas.
Prckly

[billmccracken]

Although fittings are the same Canadian law requires that propane tanks have a date stamp visible which shows that the rank is less than 10 years old or has been retested within 10 years. I don't believe all US states have the same requirement so you should check that your tanks have the required date stamp - usually stamped into the metal collar at the top of the tank.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by billmccracken

Although fittings are the same Canadian law requires that propane tanks have a date stamp visible which shows that the rank is less than 10 years old or has been retested within 10 years. I don't believe all US states have the same requirement so you should check that your tanks have the required date stamp - usually stamped into the metal collar at the top of the tank.

That is a Federal requirement in the US. It is not up to the States to set policy. Canadian requirements are no different from US requirements.


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[Uplander]

The U.S. Has the same 10 year rule, however in rural areas in the U.S. you might find that as long as the tank has no evident rust or damage the filling stations often could care less when your tank was made...at least that is the way it is in my part of the world at my local hardware store's filling station.

A new empty tank at Home Cheapo or Lowes cost about
$29.95 for a 20 pounder.

Happy Camping !

[Jack L]

I know someone who had a tank considerably newer than 10 years old but it was badly rusted. When he could not get it refiled, he was upset but it makes perfect sense. Common sense prevailed here.

[Uplander]

Keep a 99 cent can of white spray paint (Walmart) ready for whenever rust appears on your tanks...rusted tanks are always refused a fill up.

[WDavidG]

Originally Posted by Bobby Kirk

Tanks are the same . You will have just as much trouble finding places to refill as in the U.S. though. Mostly , sellers are using the exchange program . I don't like to use the exchange- a- tank because you pay more for the propane and usually get a tank that starts to rust quickly or is all beat up.
Enjoy your stay up here. Keep in mind that most of the provincial parks require a reservation made well in advance. The summers are short and there are more campers than sites in the popular areas.
Prckly

Bobby,
I'm with you on the refill vs exchange.

Thanks for the advice - both on propane and the heads-up on reservations.

[Raz]

I believe some Canadian Tire stores will refill tanks and others have tank exchange. I'm not sure about Canada but in the U.S. 20 lb tanks must be recertified after 12 years and then every 5 years after that. I don't know of anyone around me that certifies tanks and very few that meter propane. Most that fill are flat rate. Raz

[Glenn Baglo]

In Canada look for Husky or Mowhawk gas station. They are most likely to have propane ( and sell it by the pound ).

[David Tilston]

The Flying J near me also sells by the litre, (volume).

[mary and bob]

I did propane tank inspection and recertification when I worked at a fuel oil / propane supplier / service company. It's mostly a visual inspection, then stamp on the current date. The last 20 years before retirement I worked for a nationwide truck rental / leasing company. One of our customers was Blue Rhino which does tank exchange. They do the recertification and paint the tanks. If you're lucky, when you do an exchange, you may be able to get an almost new tank with a date good for 10 years or so. That's if the sales clerk will let you look through them. Peel off the label and it's your tank. Note: correct terminology is "propane cylinder" but everyone calls them a tank.

[Carl V]

Cheapest refills around here is Costco.
Last summer a few nearby hardware stores that sell propane decided to match Costco's price, and some price war ensued. Got down to about $6 to refill a 20lbs.

[trilliumdan]

I have travelled across all of Canada now . and never had trouble finding a place to fill a tank or exchange . And we travel the road les travelled .... Have a beautiful time in our beautiful country ..

[CA Douglas]

If you want to refill your tank, look for Costco. I think they all sell propane by the pound and they are usually cheaper than the gas stations. They also sell gas cheaper, too so you can fill all your tanks at the same time. Wpg doesn't have propane at Home Depot and we don't have a Lowes yet, but some Mohawk stations do sell the propane.

[TimR]

Agreed that Costco is by far the best place to get your propane. Even if you need to get new tanks. I bought two new tanks, with fill level gauges, filled with propane, for $45 each Canadian! The exchange thing is more expensive and really not that much more of a convenience. You still have to find an employee to find the key to the cabinet like you have to find an attendant to fill the tanks.

[MAP 56]

You may want to stay longer in Canada as we now have a 0.65 dollar / Mexico north. Canada the land of the amazing sinking dollar lol. Happy Trails Mike