"Ross Oliver" wrote in message
...
[...] Will
US ATC hand off VFR to Canada at the border, or will I need to
call up on my own? "Knock, knock, can I come in, eh?" Same question
for returning to the USA.

IFR should be seamless. If I recall, I have been handed off VFR when I've
had VFR flight following, but only if I've specifically asked for it all the
way to my destination. Seems like when I've simply been in contact with
Whidbey for the purpose of transiting the Class C, they simply dropped me
when I left their airspace.

So, if you want ATC handoffs all the way, get flight following right off the
bat, with your destination, and make it clear you want flight following all
the way. That's your best bet for getting proper handoffs. That said, I'm
not aware of any requirement that ATC handle VFR aircraft with handoffs to
the next facility, so you may still find yourself cold-calling the next
facility.

It has been a few years since I crossed that border, and things do change,
so the above could be hopelessly out of date information.

Any suggestions on routing? Is it advisable to fly over top of
Widbey Island NAS, or better to remain east and cross to the north?
What is the best route past Victoria heading up Vancouver Island's
east coast?

Personally, I'd fly up the west side of Whidbey, cut across going over Smith
Island, then over San Juan Island and on over to Vancouver Island. More
scenic that way and more direct, at least from Seattle. Of course, if
you're really daring, just fly direct to Victoria from Seattle; especially
this time of year there will probably be a boat near enough to fish you out
should you have to ditch. (Just don't forget how cold the water is).

If you want to go over Whidbey NAS, keep in mind that they'll probably want
you at least at 2500'. I'm guessing that's fine for your cruising altitude
going over the water anyway and in fact you'll probably be even higher
(maybe even above the Class C), but just thought I'd mention that. I can't
say that there's really any benefit to going over the Navy base versus the
more direct routing. Obviously if you're comparing that to flying up I-5
and crossing over at or around the Anacortes/Burlington area, going over the
Navy base is shorter.

I haven't flown beyond the southeastern end of Vancouver Island, so I can't
advise you on your route to Port Hardy. However, I would think that
following the coast would be your best bet. It will be scenic, reasonably
direct, and will have the best chance of keeping you near reasonably settled
areas.

Pete