Community Forums

Pmedalen · 06-05-2014, 02:54 PM

Hubby and I are going to Banff in a few months. In searching the roads and highways we notice that Hwy 93 at Radium Springs (the shortest route) has an 11% grade uphill. We are told by several Monacoer members that it's a piece of cake. The distance is short but no one says how short. Also told that it's a beautiful drive.

Question:
Has any one made this trip? If so, what is the distance at 11% and what was the motorhome you used. I'm a bit of a white-knuckler when it comes to things like this. Guess I'm looking for some reassurance that it's an ok hwy.

Patricia Medalen
2004 Monaco Windsor 400 ISL
2012 GMC Terrain

luckyd · 06-05-2014, 03:13 PM

Are you talking about 93 going to the icefields up to Jasper.
If so, when you leave Lake Louise there is a climb for a couple of miles.
It is four lane up the hill. Road is good condition.

Yes, the whole area around Banff, Lake Louise, and the icefields is
beautiful. Leave the MH at the bottom of the hill if you are going to see
Lake Louise. Not much parking for big rigs. Nice provincial campground
at the bottom.

You will not have a problem. I have a 2002 Windsor 40 footer with a 350 ISC and tow
a CRV. I have not found a problem.

Pmedalen · 06-05-2014, 10:33 PM

No I'm talking about from Radium Springs to Banff. Hoe short is the 11% grade?

"007" · 06-06-2014, 05:34 AM

We traveled that whole area back in 2000 and found no problems with any highway grade in our gas Workhorse and I use CC most of the time your DP should feel its a piece of cake to travel over.
The hot springs have the biggest hot tub I have ever seen spent a whole day there.
Sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

courtjester · 06-06-2014, 08:00 AM

I've driven that road several times in our old 36' monaco dynasty, pulling a 20' trailer and all I can say is that since I don't even recall that grade, it can't have been too big of a deal. One of the prettiest roads I've driven. I do remember spending the night at a campground just on the u.s. side of the border, waking up in the a.m, going outside with a cup of coffee at about 6 a.m and standing there face to face with a moose who was wandering through the campground. I SWEAR he stopped and looked both ways before crossing 93. Now THAT was way more impressive then the grade for sure.
Have fun, you'll enjoy the trip.

luckyd · 06-07-2014, 08:29 AM

If you are coming up 95 through Fort Steele, you will also pass
through Fairmont Hot Springs.
Very beautiful drive both on 95 and 93.
A must see. Drove through with 40 DP 350 ISC and towing a car,
no problems