Driving from Calgary to Vancouver! Any tips or suggestions?
Discussion
The father-in-law is emigrating to Calgary towards the end of the year so trips to Canada will be becoming more frequent. Due to the fact that I also have close relatives in Vancouver, we may as well kill 2 birds with one stone!
Internal flights would be expensive for myself, the OH, and the two kids, so I can use that as an excuse to take the journey by car!
Had a look on Google Maps and the route will be at least 600 miles, so it will be a couple of days driving. I'm thinking of spending a week or so in Calgary, 2 or 3 days driving, then another week in Vancouver.
My query is, has anybody taken this trip??
If so, what is the best route to take? The more scenic the route, the better!
Where would be the best town to stay overnight?
What things do we need to see or do on the way?
I want to make the most of it, rather than just be stuck driving non-stop on some highway for the entire journey, and miss out on what I should imagine will be awesome scenery and plenty of things to see and do.
Thanks
Internal flights would be expensive for myself, the OH, and the two kids, so I can use that as an excuse to take the journey by car!
Had a look on Google Maps and the route will be at least 600 miles, so it will be a couple of days driving. I'm thinking of spending a week or so in Calgary, 2 or 3 days driving, then another week in Vancouver.
My query is, has anybody taken this trip??
If so, what is the best route to take? The more scenic the route, the better!
Where would be the best town to stay overnight?
What things do we need to see or do on the way?
I want to make the most of it, rather than just be stuck driving non-stop on some highway for the entire journey, and miss out on what I should imagine will be awesome scenery and plenty of things to see and do.
Thanks
Done it a couple of times. We have stopped off in Banff (essential), Revelstoke and Nakusp (nice places) and Kamloops (s
thole - well, ok to look at but in a hot dry river valley that qualifies as desert). From Kamloops to Van though the best route is to come in from the north (Lilloet, Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver) rather than the South (Vernon, Kelowna etc; although Hope, where First Blood was filmed, is on this route, if that matters).
If you're really daring, try the north loop from Banff: Jasper, Prince George, Prince Rupert then the ferry down to Van. Book accommodation at stops on advance, and the ferry. Things are few and far between up there, I've heard.
thole - well, ok to look at but in a hot dry river valley that qualifies as desert). From Kamloops to Van though the best route is to come in from the north (Lilloet, Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish, Vancouver) rather than the South (Vernon, Kelowna etc; although Hope, where First Blood was filmed, is on this route, if that matters). If you're really daring, try the north loop from Banff: Jasper, Prince George, Prince Rupert then the ferry down to Van. Book accommodation at stops on advance, and the ferry. Things are few and far between up there, I've heard.
Book the one way car in the UK, you'll save a lot of cash.
Calgary - Banff - Jasper - Kamloops - Whistler - Vancouver would be the plan.
We missed out Whistler, instead just bashing through from Kamloops. This was probably a mistake.
If you can, do the Glacier walk at the Athabasca Glacier. It's $10 more than going up on the bus, but instead you walk all the way up with a very knowledgeable guide.
There is a Beaver Boardwalk in Hinton, about an hour from Jasper, which we went to at dusk to see beavers getting busy mending their dams. Try not to take the big right hand turn on the way back that says something like "Scenic Route To Alaska." We were tempted.
We stayed at the Dreamscape Ranch about 20 ins outside Kamloops. It is a horse ranch that looks after retired horses, with loads of foreign students as workers. Bud and Leah who run the place are very friendly, they welcome people into the house with open arms. We were there last month, so say we sent you, if you go.
Sales tax is much higher in British Columbia than Alberta, so fill up with fuel before, and the same for souvenirs.
Try and see a rodeo.
Calgary - Banff - Jasper - Kamloops - Whistler - Vancouver would be the plan.
We missed out Whistler, instead just bashing through from Kamloops. This was probably a mistake.
If you can, do the Glacier walk at the Athabasca Glacier. It's $10 more than going up on the bus, but instead you walk all the way up with a very knowledgeable guide.
There is a Beaver Boardwalk in Hinton, about an hour from Jasper, which we went to at dusk to see beavers getting busy mending their dams. Try not to take the big right hand turn on the way back that says something like "Scenic Route To Alaska."
We were tempted.We stayed at the Dreamscape Ranch about 20 ins outside Kamloops. It is a horse ranch that looks after retired horses, with loads of foreign students as workers. Bud and Leah who run the place are very friendly, they welcome people into the house with open arms. We were there last month, so say we sent you, if you go.
Sales tax is much higher in British Columbia than Alberta, so fill up with fuel before, and the same for souvenirs.
Try and see a rodeo.
We're off to do much the same in a few weeks for our Honeymoon. One thing I'm curious about is how long people have found it takes to get from Jasper to Kamloops?
Google Maps obviously gives an estimate, but my plan is to try and head on through to Cache Creek from Jasper, making the next days journey via Whistler that bit shorter.
I know it'll be a long old drive, but I'm just curious to find out from those who've done it what they thought.
Google Maps obviously gives an estimate, but my plan is to try and head on through to Cache Creek from Jasper, making the next days journey via Whistler that bit shorter.
I know it'll be a long old drive, but I'm just curious to find out from those who've done it what they thought.
Jasper to Kamloops isn't too bad a drive. I think we did it in about 6 hours, including a couple of stops for food and fuel.
There's not a whole lot to write home about in Kamloops, but it is big enough to have plenty of cheap motels. Since we'd been in the National Parks for a while, we chilled out with junk food and a movie in the afternoon.
You gain an hour in the day as well, since there is a change from mountain to pacific time between Alberta and British Columbia. Which is handy.
There's not a whole lot to write home about in Kamloops, but it is big enough to have plenty of cheap motels. Since we'd been in the National Parks for a while, we chilled out with junk food and a movie in the afternoon.
You gain an hour in the day as well, since there is a change from mountain to pacific time between Alberta and British Columbia. Which is handy.
louiebaby said:
Jasper to Kamloops isn't too bad a drive. I think we did it in about 6 hours, including a couple of stops for food and fuel.
There's not a whole lot to write home about in Kamloops, but it is big enough to have plenty of cheap motels. Since we'd been in the National Parks for a while, we chilled out with junk food and a movie in the afternoon.
You gain an hour in the day as well, since there is a change from mountain to pacific time between Alberta and British Columbia. Which is handy.
Good point on gaining an hour, I'd forgotten about that. I think Jasper to Cache Creek in a day is do-able then. Giving us the next day to get to Horseshoe Bay via Whistler.There's not a whole lot to write home about in Kamloops, but it is big enough to have plenty of cheap motels. Since we'd been in the National Parks for a while, we chilled out with junk food and a movie in the afternoon.
You gain an hour in the day as well, since there is a change from mountain to pacific time between Alberta and British Columbia. Which is handy.
louiebaby said:
Book the one way car in the UK, you'll save a lot of cash.
Calgary - Banff - Jasper - Kamloops - Whistler - Vancouver would be the plan.
We missed out Whistler, instead just bashing through from Kamloops. This was probably a mistake.
If you can, do the Glacier walk at the Athabasca Glacier. It's $10 more than going up on the bus, but instead you walk all the way up with a very knowledgeable guide.
That is the route to do. We didn't do Whistler due to time but would have done if we could.Calgary - Banff - Jasper - Kamloops - Whistler - Vancouver would be the plan.
We missed out Whistler, instead just bashing through from Kamloops. This was probably a mistake.
If you can, do the Glacier walk at the Athabasca Glacier. It's $10 more than going up on the bus, but instead you walk all the way up with a very knowledgeable guide.
If you can spare a few days (week?) in the middle, spend a few in Banff and Jasper parks...they're truly breathtaking places. Photos here:-
http://s101.photobucket.com/albums/m54/martin-w/Ho...
Cable-car up Mt Edith Cavell is also good...snowball fights in the summer!
Less time in Calgary, its lovely and I can see myself living there soon enough, but give yourself a few more days to drive and see things on the way. Dont set a too rigid schedule, most campsites are happy enough for you to roll up and there are plenty on the way.
Those mountains are gorgeous.
Those mountains are gorgeous.
Thanks for the advice folks.
My only real concern is the kids as it's such a long drive. They will be aged 5 and 2 when we go so I think we will need to make plenty of stops along the way. Don't want the drive ruined by them being bored and whingy, and also having to put up with "are we there yet?" every few minutes!
My only real concern is the kids as it's such a long drive. They will be aged 5 and 2 when we go so I think we will need to make plenty of stops along the way. Don't want the drive ruined by them being bored and whingy, and also having to put up with "are we there yet?" every few minutes!
Only 'long and boring' stretches are:-
- Calgary to Banff...although that's not huge and going that way you've the bonus of seeing the Rockies get bigger
- Jasper/Banff to Vancouver...which IS long and drawn-out. Which is why detouring via Whistler if you've time might be a good plan.
- Calgary to Banff...although that's not huge and going that way you've the bonus of seeing the Rockies get bigger
- Jasper/Banff to Vancouver...which IS long and drawn-out. Which is why detouring via Whistler if you've time might be a good plan.
Big Worm 1 said:
As it's not a simple return flight needed, and will require one way tickets from Manchester to Calgary, then flights from Vancouver to Manchester, Can anyone recommend the best airline to use and way of booking it?
Look at Canadian Affair.They're a bit like the Ryanair of Canadian Longhaul, but the flight is a small part of the holiday. If you book early enough in advance, their pricier seats are about the same as normal flights...
Use Psychology said:
the drive from jasper to kamloops is quite exciting... (or perhaps it was kamloops to whistler??). Managed to boil the brake fluid on my rental impala and then had to force it into first in the automatic gearbox which then began misbehaving too...
Good effort. I had an Impala too, and whilst there are some long downhill sections, and we were only two up, the brakes never felt anything other than rock solid. I did used to drop it to 3rd or 2nd on the longer ones though, but never had any problems when I forgot.I applaud your "Drive it like you stole it" or "The fastest car is ALWAYS a hire car" attitude. Rock 'n' Roll Man!
Big Worm 1 said:
As it's not a simple return flight needed, and will require one way tickets from Manchester to Calgary, then flights from Vancouver to Manchester, Can anyone recommend the best airline to use and way of booking it?
Air Canada's own website permits you to do different airports - we did it last year (LHR to Toronto, Montreal to Vancouver, Calgary to LHR).C-Affair are cheaper, but they book (IIRC) seats w/Thomas Cook Airways, so expect no-frills stuff. That said, Air Canada's domestic flights are pretty no-frills too...but their long-haul were pretty good.
Few points spring to mind:
- Canadian Affair seats are cramped, particularly if it's a Transat plane and not a Thomas Cook plane. Even as an average guy it'll be uncomfortable. Essentially, my understanding, the seats available are those left over from the Rocky Mountaineer and Pacific type package holidays, hence the reduced prices compared with BA and the once-a-week schedule.
- There was a bridge out on Highway 16 just into BC, but checking on the Travel BC website it appears that it's been fixed.
- Trans Canada between Calgary and Banff will only take you just over an hour. Speed limits are 110kph and 90kph in the National Park. Although the average cruising speed is about 125-130kph. After LL both to the north and south, it's all single carriageway highways. I only drove as far as Kelowna, so never made all the way to Vancouver.
- It's worth stopping at Lake Louise, it's a pretty place. Loads of tourists though.
- Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper (as other have said) is a stunning drive. Canadians consider it twisty, but it's the equivalent of a fast British A-road.
- Emerald Lake Hotel at Field in BC (just off TC1) is a great stay, bit pricey but you get your own lakeside view.
- Might not be the case in BC, but certainly east of Calgary and into Saskatchewan, don't always fully trust satnav as some minor roads are unsealed and may be included in the routing. 50kms+ of dirt track isn't fun.
We did exactly this route in May as part of our month away. The route we took (bearing in mind we were travelling with 2 small kids - 3 years and 5 months at the time) was:
Calgary for 3 days, with trip out to Banff for the day.
Calgary to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway. Highly recommended but long day in the car for the kids (so we left before they woke up and changed them out of their pyjamas at Lake Louise when they woke up.
Jasper for six days (lovely, quieter and more honest than Banff imho)
Jasper to Kamloops on the 16 and 5 (another long day via Mt Robson and Clearwater, but with fantastic scenery). The kids woke up just coming into Valemount where there is a fantastic roadside stop that does really good pancakes with maple syrup. The Strawberry Moose in Clearwater is also a nice little coffee stop.
Kamloops to Whistler (lovely drive, possibly the best of them all - go Cache Creek, Lillooet, Pemberton, Whistler). Lillooet is a fascinating little town, desert-based, with a mildly interesting rock museum with a guy who loves to tell stories. Look out in particular for this shortly after Lillooet:
We stayed in Whistler for 3 nights, then drove straight down the Sea to Sky to Vancouver (over-rated IMHO), but still a pleasant drive.
Look out for bears along the side of the road pretty much from Jasper through to Vancouver, we saw 3 on the day from Jasper and 1 not far out of Whistler.
Tips for travelling with kids (as above). Leave early, bundle them in the car and get a couple of hundred km under your belt before they wake up then find a nice cafe for breakfast. THere are loads of playground stops you can do if you need to, plus loads of quite well kept loo stops and parking next to lakes / scenic points etc.
Calgary for 3 days, with trip out to Banff for the day.
Calgary to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway. Highly recommended but long day in the car for the kids (so we left before they woke up and changed them out of their pyjamas at Lake Louise when they woke up.
Jasper for six days (lovely, quieter and more honest than Banff imho)
Jasper to Kamloops on the 16 and 5 (another long day via Mt Robson and Clearwater, but with fantastic scenery). The kids woke up just coming into Valemount where there is a fantastic roadside stop that does really good pancakes with maple syrup. The Strawberry Moose in Clearwater is also a nice little coffee stop.
Kamloops to Whistler (lovely drive, possibly the best of them all - go Cache Creek, Lillooet, Pemberton, Whistler). Lillooet is a fascinating little town, desert-based, with a mildly interesting rock museum with a guy who loves to tell stories. Look out in particular for this shortly after Lillooet:
We stayed in Whistler for 3 nights, then drove straight down the Sea to Sky to Vancouver (over-rated IMHO), but still a pleasant drive.
Look out for bears along the side of the road pretty much from Jasper through to Vancouver, we saw 3 on the day from Jasper and 1 not far out of Whistler.
Tips for travelling with kids (as above). Leave early, bundle them in the car and get a couple of hundred km under your belt before they wake up then find a nice cafe for breakfast. THere are loads of playground stops you can do if you need to, plus loads of quite well kept loo stops and parking next to lakes / scenic points etc.
Edited by Vytalis on Monday 15th August 21:57
Edited by Vytalis on Monday 15th August 22:14
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