Have a trip planned to Banff in June, is highway 93 from Banff north to Jasper trailer friendly. I have a 28' trailer.Also any "must sees" from Jasper to Victoria.
We took 25' Excella from Calif to Lake Louise to Jasper to Bannf, and down through Calgary into Montana in summer of 2004 behind a Suburban... "Glacier Parkway" between Lake Louise and Jasper is OK, with 50mph limit, and one hilly stretch, though we found it easier to leave trailer in Lake Louise campground and make trip up and back with just tow vehicle. There are campgrounds near Jasper, and there were lots of 5th wheels and mini-motorhomes going back and forth on that highway.. It is two lane, and good pavement, but limited space for turnouts and stopping for long trailer.
The big Must See is Lake Louise, including Fairmont's Chateau Hotel.. Worth a dinner, and possible overnight. Campgrounds are first come first serve, so you should plan to arrive before 2 to get space for the day.. We were there in early July, and pulled in at 11:30 to guarantee a space...
John McG
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Good roads in Alberta. Altitude causes some problems with engines tuned for the flatland, especially diesels, but there's lots to see so you won't be in a hurry anyway. Hit Banff early one morning (to avoid the crowds) and have breakfast at Joe Blpsks Diner, couple blocks north and across the street from the Park Hotel downtown Banff. It's named after the Lil Abner character with the rain cloud over his head and has a 50's theme. Good breakfast, too. Plan to stay in or near Jasper a couple days. Drive out east on the Yellowhead Hiway to the small town of Entrance. Not much there now, but when the railroad was being built in the early 1900's is was quite a place. Sometime this winter, go to the library and look for "Packsaddles to Tete Jaune Cache" by James G, MacGregor. It's a biography of a pack trail operator who worked for the railroad contractors and it gives a very good flavor of the whole area. Lots of mountain sheep ("wolly mouflons" to the French) in that area. Many small lakes near Jasper. Get a good map. West of Jasper the road is good through the mountains and south to Kamloops. Watch the railroad grade and think of the Chinese laborors digging out the rocks. The Yellowhead highway turns south to Kamloops. It's a long drive without much change of scenery and sparse services. Fill up before you leave Jasper! From Kamloops, take the Coquihalla through Merrit to Hope. There's a toll section, but it saves hours over the Fraser River road. Have a great trip! Darol
A beautiful trip, lots of mountains, trees, and watch out for deer and Mtn sheep on the road, particularly at night. Put a set of deer whistles on the truck for the trip. They are cheap to buy at any automotive shop, easy to remove when you are done. The toll road is only 10 dollars so no big fee and the only toll road you will hit. Banff and Lake Louise get pretty crowded so the advice to go early in the day is a good. The roads in Alberta and British Columbia are all very good although there are some long stretches where the passing lanes are minimal and pull outs seem to be along ways apart. One place you may want to consider camping when you get to Vancouver is at Fort Langley which is just off the Trans Canada. A nice place right beside the Fraser River and an easy commute into Vancouver to see the sights. Log onto BC Tourisms website and you'll find a ton of things to see. Everything from railway tunnels for an old railway system near Hope that's now hiking trails to hot springs to ghost towns that have been revived like Barkerville and Fort Steele.
If you have questions drop a note. I live just outside of Vancouver.
Barry (safari57@telus.net)
Great info,keep it coming, thank you. I am getting more and more excited. Any other info or must see from Tn to Victoria and back down thru Oregon to Tuscon and Big Bend
Be sure to check the ferry details - as i recall they are spendy - most especially for trailers. Ask about propane tanks - do they need to be tagged before ferry crossing? Also - The BC ferries are nicer than the WA state ferries. IN June you are wise to have reservations for ferry crossings - they get really full!
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You of course will have to learn the Canadian lingo. The word "eh" is used to complete sentences by a lot of people, eh? It's just one of those funny things a lot of Canadians do. Once you notice it, you will start to get a kick out of it. It gives me away all the time when I'm out of the country.
Ferries are not cheap with a trailer. One way with a 24' trailer will cost you close to $200 Canadian at todays rates, and they are being reconsidered given the increased cost of fuel. You can confirm prices and times and reservations at bcferries.com One advantage you will have is the US dollar is worth more than Canadian money, and make sure you exchange it at a bank. Most retailers will give you some exchange but often keep a bit of it for the trouble of doing the exchange at the bank. In reality though, we all keep it for ourselves and our trips to the US.
Ferry reservations are important given you will be here right in the heart of summer holidays. Folks without reservations have at times had waits of two to three ferries at busy times (weekends mostly) so anywhere from a couple of hours to well over half a day in a line up on hot pavement.
You may want to consider heading through the BC Interior, the Okanagan it is called, on your way from Banff/Lake Louise. A beautiful trip and incredible lakes and a lot of camping.
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