RE: British Columbia: PH Dream Drive
Discussion
I have been a longtime reader of PH and I have lived my whole life in the areas described by Ben. Canadians are very proud of this wilderness area to be sure.
I have one anecdote to share that gives you a perspective on things. I was up one morning early, driving out in the Rockies in summertime in my Porsche 993. There are twisty bits out there, it would take me about an hour from Calgary to get to them, with the aforementioned beautiful mountains along the way. I get to my area where I am hammering it, no police to worry about, nobody else on the road, sun has just come up.
I round a corner and there is a large biking group making their way down this secluded road. I have never seen this before, so I roll down the window, say the usual Canadian “how’s it going?” to puzzled looks and no response back. Bewildered, I drive on about a kilometre. A large grizzly is wandering along the ditch coming in the direction of the biking group.
This situation is fine in a car, but certainly not on a bike. Grizzlies are incredibly fast and could catch most people quite easily even on a fast roadbike over a short stretch. If there were cubs in the treeline off the road, the bear could charge before being seen etc. etc.
I turn the car around and head back to the biking group. I start to tell them there is a Grizzly on the road, intending for them to turn around, and they get very animated “a bear? A bear on the road?” in German accents. To my shock, they take off on the bikes, excited to go and meet this grizzly on the road, opening camera bags as they accelerate. I’m not sure what happened to them, but the story is a funny one to Canadians.
I have one anecdote to share that gives you a perspective on things. I was up one morning early, driving out in the Rockies in summertime in my Porsche 993. There are twisty bits out there, it would take me about an hour from Calgary to get to them, with the aforementioned beautiful mountains along the way. I get to my area where I am hammering it, no police to worry about, nobody else on the road, sun has just come up.
I round a corner and there is a large biking group making their way down this secluded road. I have never seen this before, so I roll down the window, say the usual Canadian “how’s it going?” to puzzled looks and no response back. Bewildered, I drive on about a kilometre. A large grizzly is wandering along the ditch coming in the direction of the biking group.
This situation is fine in a car, but certainly not on a bike. Grizzlies are incredibly fast and could catch most people quite easily even on a fast roadbike over a short stretch. If there were cubs in the treeline off the road, the bear could charge before being seen etc. etc.
I turn the car around and head back to the biking group. I start to tell them there is a Grizzly on the road, intending for them to turn around, and they get very animated “a bear? A bear on the road?” in German accents. To my shock, they take off on the bikes, excited to go and meet this grizzly on the road, opening camera bags as they accelerate. I’m not sure what happened to them, but the story is a funny one to Canadians.
We did the RV trip this year in September and it was amazing fun.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/138445546@N04/2D87ag
I have a C+E license so the boat on wheels was a breeze to drive but you do get used to emptying the tanks once you move on to avoid the boat movement.
One place we were in we woke to Elk in the RV park and using the parks allowed us to hike into town.
This year we were in BC and AB so a nice mix of places.
Cost PP 30 foot RV / flights / hotel / 3000km packages and other upgrades on the flight etc £1400 PP
2019
Gatwick to Vancouver
Hotel for 1 night
Flight to Whitehorse, Yukon
Pick up the RV
Yukon and Alaska in the RV
3000km package
flight back to vancouver after 14 days
Hotel in Vancouver
Flight home
Cost PP £1600
And it is amazing fun.
-
https://www.flickr.com/gp/138445546@N04/2D87ag
I have a C+E license so the boat on wheels was a breeze to drive but you do get used to emptying the tanks once you move on to avoid the boat movement.
One place we were in we woke to Elk in the RV park and using the parks allowed us to hike into town.
This year we were in BC and AB so a nice mix of places.
Cost PP 30 foot RV / flights / hotel / 3000km packages and other upgrades on the flight etc £1400 PP
2019
Gatwick to Vancouver
Hotel for 1 night
Flight to Whitehorse, Yukon
Pick up the RV
Yukon and Alaska in the RV
3000km package
flight back to vancouver after 14 days
Hotel in Vancouver
Flight home
Cost PP £1600
And it is amazing fun.
-
hyphen said:
Can you buy/hire a gun in Canada?
As I see a bear in that last picture and I would be reluctant to take my kids to bear country without being armed!!
Bear spray is ample to be fair in the places the OP and others describe, 2017 we hiked mount Robson and about 2kms in we met a bear coming down the trail, he ran we ran but I had bear spray and hooked up with another group.As I see a bear in that last picture and I would be reluctant to take my kids to bear country without being armed!!
We never saw the bear again and finished the 15 mile hike by staying together with others.
If you go to very remote places use a guide otherwise just live life, bears are not a problem.
hyphen said:
So can I get a gun or not? I'd rather not take the chance you did and got away with!
NOWe have not needed a gun in the 15 years we have been going.
And wandered with bears and timber wolves / ELK / Caribou and angry bloody squirels but never felt the need for a gun.
Moose are mental but still no need for a gun. give them space and you are fine.
Edited by Allanv on Sunday 30th December 20:09
hyphen said:
So can I get a gun or not? I'd rather not take the chance you did and got away with!
Even if you could get one I think the rilittle to no training in its use both practically and/or defsivly is likely a higher risk than meeting a bear. Granted, a total assumption by me re your training, I could be wrong.Came accross a bear when in canada on adventure training with the army. The drill was make your self big, shout "whoa bear" and spray with bear spray. The one we came accross saw us and just went off the other way. The bear spray was then saved for use during the drunken ambush on the Platoon Commanders tent a few nights later.....good times for all....except Mr Davies!!
Ryan-nunm9 said:
Even if you could get one I think the rilittle to no training in its use both practically and/or defsivly is likely a higher risk than meeting a bear. Granted, a total assumption by me re your training, I could be wrong.
You are wrong. I have experience* with a 9mm and and a mini machine gun. I could hit that bear from a mile straight between the eyeDid some reading up, and with regards to the spray, it relies on luck. As you are spraying whilst the bear is charging, it could be through the spray mist and if it hasn't taken a breath at that moment, impact could be limited!
But anyway, back on topic - looks a great journey.
Single 2 hours of at a range whilst on holiday in in Las Vegas
Edited by hyphen on Sunday 30th December 22:18
Nice write up and looks like an amazing trip. 5 years ago I drove around NZ in a 15 year old hiace campervan with an auto box, and a naturally aspirated diesel engine. The weight, the non-existent power and 3 speed auto box meant it was painfully slow. Despite that I enjoyed every minute behind the wheel of that horrible van. It's such a fantastic way to travel, I'm saving the Canadian camper trip for the future when my wife and I have kids. For now we're doing the kind of trips we won't be able to do with kids. Next on the travel list is vietnam by motorbike.
BlackPrince said:
JMF894 said:
I'm doing pretty much exactly this in July with the family but in reverse. Starting in Calgary anf finishing in Vancouver. I'm lucky enough to have been a couple of times previously as my mum is Canadian and gramps lived in Osoyoos. Amazing place and I would heartily recomend it to anyone.
As for comments on the drive being dull, I couldn't disagree more with all the incredible scenery. Driving a huge RV in that enviroment is an event.
I live in Calgary - msg if you'd like to grab a beer (first one's on me, rest is on you As for comments on the drive being dull, I couldn't disagree more with all the incredible scenery. Driving a huge RV in that enviroment is an event.
) and chat cars or need any local roads tips
hyphen said:
Ryan-nunm9 said:
Even if you could get one I think the rilittle to no training in its use both practically and/or defsivly is likely a higher risk than meeting a bear. Granted, a total assumption by me re your training, I could be wrong.
You are wrong. I have experience* with a 9mm and and a mini machine gun. I could hit that bear from a mile straight between the eyeDid some reading up, and with regards to the spray, it relies on luck. As you are spraying whilst the bear is charging, it could be through the spray mist and if it hasn't taken a breath at that moment, impact could be limited!
But anyway, back on topic - looks a great journey.
You ain't hitting anything from a mile with a 9mm or a 'mini machine gun'...............
Single 2 hours of at a range whilst on holiday in in Las Vegas
Edited by hyphen on Sunday 30th December 22:18
Looks like the joke was lost on you there a little bit 
Again, an assumption, but having been to the same place the mini machine gun is likely to be the M249 SAW with an absolute maximum range of 2.2 miles or 3600m, of course depending on barrel length and other factors (ranges for Piont and area targets as well as supression are much shorter). So, whilst not being able to shot the bear between the eyes as described.....with enough ammo and luck there's a chance of at least scaring the bear off!! haha
Anyways back to it.
A great write up and like some one mentioned earlier, for me it'd be a tough call whether to do the trip on two wheels or in an RV
Again, an assumption, but having been to the same place the mini machine gun is likely to be the M249 SAW with an absolute maximum range of 2.2 miles or 3600m, of course depending on barrel length and other factors (ranges for Piont and area targets as well as supression are much shorter). So, whilst not being able to shot the bear between the eyes as described.....with enough ammo and luck there's a chance of at least scaring the bear off!! haha
Anyways back to it.
A great write up and like some one mentioned earlier, for me it'd be a tough call whether to do the trip on two wheels or in an RV
[quote=hyphen]
You are wrong. I have experience* with a 9mm and and a mini machine gun. I could hit that bear from a mile straight between the eye
Did some reading up, and with regards to the spray, it relies on luck. As you are spraying whilst the bear is charging, it could be through the spray mist and if it hasn't taken a breath at that moment, impact could be limited!
But anyway, back on topic - looks a great journey.
Before this great thread descends into another PH s
tstorm ,as per the current norm , Canada wouldn't suit you Hyphen , do yourself a huge favour and save yourself some cash 
You are wrong. I have experience* with a 9mm and and a mini machine gun. I could hit that bear from a mile straight between the eye
Did some reading up, and with regards to the spray, it relies on luck. As you are spraying whilst the bear is charging, it could be through the spray mist and if it hasn't taken a breath at that moment, impact could be limited!
But anyway, back on topic - looks a great journey.
Before this great thread descends into another PH s
tstorm ,as per the current norm , Canada wouldn't suit you Hyphen , do yourself a huge favour and save yourself some cash I honeymooners in Canada, starting in Vancouver (including taking a flying boat to Victoria for Orca watching which was hosted by none other than Rory Bremner's nephew who bore an uncanny resemblance to the man himself. Perhaps one for the tenuous links to celebrities thread?).
We then got the Rocky Mountaineer train to Whistler via Kamloops before hiring a Chevrolet Impala for the remaking 10 days.
At the time I had a Clio 182 which had the same power as the Impala which was all noise and no go really but pretty good for the drive to lake Louise, lake Maligne, Banff, Jasper and finally Calgary. Did the ice fields and went on a coach like contraption which apparently is the steepest climbing civilian vehicle in the world.
An amazing place full of wonderful, friendly people. Cracking food too. We saw loads of wildlife, did about 10 days of walking. Saw loads of bears, moose, goats etc.
The scenery was just breathtaking.
I'm relatively well travelled but it was the only place I've been to in the world where I wanted to live other than the UK. Sadly after completing an online test on the Canadian foreign office we sit it turns out I was too old, too thick and too skint!!!!
Bit of an anti climax the day I returned from my honeymoon!
Still, amazing memories and we will go back one day. Maybe in an 'RV'.
Can put some pictures up if people want. Not of me as I'm not that special to look at but of animals and scenery etc
We then got the Rocky Mountaineer train to Whistler via Kamloops before hiring a Chevrolet Impala for the remaking 10 days.
At the time I had a Clio 182 which had the same power as the Impala which was all noise and no go really but pretty good for the drive to lake Louise, lake Maligne, Banff, Jasper and finally Calgary. Did the ice fields and went on a coach like contraption which apparently is the steepest climbing civilian vehicle in the world.
An amazing place full of wonderful, friendly people. Cracking food too. We saw loads of wildlife, did about 10 days of walking. Saw loads of bears, moose, goats etc.
The scenery was just breathtaking.
I'm relatively well travelled but it was the only place I've been to in the world where I wanted to live other than the UK. Sadly after completing an online test on the Canadian foreign office we sit it turns out I was too old, too thick and too skint!!!!
Bit of an anti climax the day I returned from my honeymoon!
Still, amazing memories and we will go back one day. Maybe in an 'RV'.
Can put some pictures up if people want. Not of me as I'm not that special to look at but of animals and scenery etc
Billybobby99 said:
I have been a longtime reader of PH and I have lived my whole life in the areas described by Ben. Canadians are very proud of this wilderness area to be sure.
I have one anecdote to share that gives you a perspective on things. I was up one morning early, driving out in the Rockies in summertime in my Porsche 993. There are twisty bits out there, it would take me about an hour from Calgary to get to them, with the aforementioned beautiful mountains along the way. I get to my area where I am hammering it, no police to worry about, nobody else on the road, sun has just come up.
I round a corner and there is a large biking group making their way down this secluded road. I have never seen this before, so I roll down the window, say the usual Canadian “how’s it going?” to puzzled looks and no response back. Bewildered, I drive on about a kilometre. A large grizzly is wandering along the ditch coming in the direction of the biking group.
This situation is fine in a car, but certainly not on a bike. Grizzlies are incredibly fast and could catch most people quite easily even on a fast roadbike over a short stretch. If there were cubs in the treeline off the road, the bear could charge before being seen etc. etc.
I turn the car around and head back to the biking group. I start to tell them there is a Grizzly on the road, intending for them to turn around, and they get very animated “a bear? A bear on the road?” in German accents. To my shock, they take off on the bikes, excited to go and meet this grizzly on the road, opening camera bags as they accelerate. I’m not sure what happened to them, but the story is a funny one to Canadians.
Thanks for this, I love to hear these stories. I heard a similar one in South Africa where the loaclas refused to walk downs certain road but tourists would happily cycle - not knowing there was a leopard who'd found a nice tree to make its home in! I have one anecdote to share that gives you a perspective on things. I was up one morning early, driving out in the Rockies in summertime in my Porsche 993. There are twisty bits out there, it would take me about an hour from Calgary to get to them, with the aforementioned beautiful mountains along the way. I get to my area where I am hammering it, no police to worry about, nobody else on the road, sun has just come up.
I round a corner and there is a large biking group making their way down this secluded road. I have never seen this before, so I roll down the window, say the usual Canadian “how’s it going?” to puzzled looks and no response back. Bewildered, I drive on about a kilometre. A large grizzly is wandering along the ditch coming in the direction of the biking group.
This situation is fine in a car, but certainly not on a bike. Grizzlies are incredibly fast and could catch most people quite easily even on a fast roadbike over a short stretch. If there were cubs in the treeline off the road, the bear could charge before being seen etc. etc.
I turn the car around and head back to the biking group. I start to tell them there is a Grizzly on the road, intending for them to turn around, and they get very animated “a bear? A bear on the road?” in German accents. To my shock, they take off on the bikes, excited to go and meet this grizzly on the road, opening camera bags as they accelerate. I’m not sure what happened to them, but the story is a funny one to Canadians.
heisthegaffer said:
I honeymooners in Canada, starting in Vancouver (including taking a flying boat to Victoria for Orca watching which was hosted by none other than Rory Bremner's nephew who bore an uncanny resemblance to the man himself. Perhaps one for the tenuous links to celebrities thread?).
We then got the Rocky Mountaineer train to Whistler via Kamloops before hiring a Chevrolet Impala for the remaking 10 days.
At the time I had a Clio 182 which had the same power as the Impala which was all noise and no go really but pretty good for the drive to lake Louise, lake Maligne, Banff, Jasper and finally Calgary. Did the ice fields and went on a coach like contraption which apparently is the steepest climbing civilian vehicle in the world.
An amazing place full of wonderful, friendly people. Cracking food too. We saw loads of wildlife, did about 10 days of walking. Saw loads of bears, moose, goats etc.
The scenery was just breathtaking.
I'm relatively well travelled but it was the only place I've been to in the world where I wanted to live other than the UK. Sadly after completing an online test on the Canadian foreign office we sit it turns out I was too old, too thick and too skint!!!!
Bit of an anti climax the day I returned from my honeymoon!
Still, amazing memories and we will go back one day. Maybe in an 'RV'.
Can put some pictures up if people want. Not of me as I'm not that special to look at but of animals and scenery etc
Yes pics please! We then got the Rocky Mountaineer train to Whistler via Kamloops before hiring a Chevrolet Impala for the remaking 10 days.
At the time I had a Clio 182 which had the same power as the Impala which was all noise and no go really but pretty good for the drive to lake Louise, lake Maligne, Banff, Jasper and finally Calgary. Did the ice fields and went on a coach like contraption which apparently is the steepest climbing civilian vehicle in the world.
An amazing place full of wonderful, friendly people. Cracking food too. We saw loads of wildlife, did about 10 days of walking. Saw loads of bears, moose, goats etc.
The scenery was just breathtaking.
I'm relatively well travelled but it was the only place I've been to in the world where I wanted to live other than the UK. Sadly after completing an online test on the Canadian foreign office we sit it turns out I was too old, too thick and too skint!!!!
Bit of an anti climax the day I returned from my honeymoon!
Still, amazing memories and we will go back one day. Maybe in an 'RV'.
Can put some pictures up if people want. Not of me as I'm not that special to look at but of animals and scenery etc
heisthegaffer said:
Can put some pictures up if people want. Not of me as I'm not that special to look at but of animals and scenery etc
Yes please! Sounds like you had an amazing trip. I really wanted to see a moose but that was the only one we missed sadly.Hub said:
Is this an advert?
Erm, nope. Just my recollection of my trip to share with the PH masses!Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff