W. Canada Road Trip
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- 5timuli
Thinking of organising a Canada road trip for a couple of weeks, sometime in the first half of next year, probably April/May.
I want to start off in Calgary and eventually end up in Vancouver. I know it'll probably be tight for time but I want to take in Banff/Jasper/Whistler inbetween.
Anyone ever done this? Any places I should consider adding to the list? And are there any things I shouldn't miss while at these places?
- canuck0
april/may is a sloppy time to visit canada. Actually I have no idea how it is out west that time of year but it's not that pretty where I am. End of May nicer weather comes though. And you could hit up Whistler bike park think it opens up round end of may.
http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com…
Prolly cheap flights at that time of year aswell.
- redFridge0
whistler
- 5timuli0
Yeah, I may be able to stall until end May/start June and I could bring the bike in a carrier. I've always wanted to see the bike trails out that way.
Even still, April/May in Scotland is pretty dreary anyway so it wouldn't make much difference to me.
- Jaline0
Hmm...yeah, it may be sluggish during those months, but see if you can hold off until end of May before starting. It may still be dreary, but it's been warmer this year so it may be okay.
But you should totally come over!
- chz0
bike park typically opens around the first week of may... you could possibly get some epic powder in april... last year it dumped for the whole month.
be carefull when you're coming to whistler on the duffy highway... could be a lot of snow at that time of year... you could always go the route that takes you through vancouver first but its no where near as scenic.
- ross0
such a beautiful drive.
you will enjoy it.if you ski/snowboard, visit kicking horse in golden on your way.
awesome mountain.
- 5timuli0
I did consider just driving/sightseeing but I think I'll need to bring the bike now (or just hire). I'd love to have more time to travel but my work is too busy for 3 weeks off :(
I'll probably spend about 4-5 days in Calgary & surrounding areas first for some research, then head west.
- danthon0
Come to "the island". Tofino is beautiful at any time of year.
- ETM0
You'll have a wonderful trip, but in April it will most likely still be cold and we can even have snow in April, especially in the mountains.
In Jasper ,you have got to see Athabasca Falls and the Icefields.
- D_Dot0
You won't want to leave Banff, but force yourself cuz it's worth it.
I made the trip from Toronto to Vancouver in January... I don't suggest that.
- derek20050
http://www.dereksworld.com/index…
i did it twice... awesome time
- 5timuli0
Derek, those pics make me want to go now! Shame I didn't have the time to go from Toronto :(
I need to work out a budget but I think I'll have around $4000 for the whole trip, if all goes according to plan.
Thanks for the other suggestions peeps, keep em coming if you have em.
- gadg3tg1rl0
I've done the Edmonton-Vancouver-Calgary route a zillion times.
Take the scenic highway (Yellowhead) And come later in May as the roads are crap, and the Coquihalla can have snow storms in April.
Yup, hit the island. Banff is pretty boring. It used to be good, but has been seriously overrun with tourists in the past 15 years... better just to blow thru & wave.
Um, what else... there are plenty of rest stops. Pick the ones that are small and not busy, there's usually a killer view and/or waterfall.
Don't try to do the Tim Horton's thing, they're hard to find once you get closer & into Vancouver (sucks, I know)
Then you'll see the sign:
Welcome to Planet Starbucks ;)
- horton0
Come to "the island". Tofino is beautiful at any time of year.
danthon
(Oct 19 05, 08:10)what Danthon said...
and leave yourself plenty time to take it all in.
the west coast of Vancouver Island will probably top your list of wows.
- horton0
I'll probably spend about 4-5 days in Calgary & surrounding areas first for some research, then head west.
5timuli
(Oct 19 05, 08:06)and sorry to any Alberta folk here on NT.. but really... 4-5 days in Calgary is a bad idea unless you have to.
i can understand the roadtrip through the rockies, but really you could fly into Vancouver and just do trips to Whistler, the Island/ Tofino etc and easily fill up 2 weeks.
maybe consider flying into Vancouver and departing from Calgary.. if you're having tons of fun in Vancouver you can easily cut your trip to Calgary down to 2-3 days and still enjoy the drive.