1st time in Canada

[RVingSince16]

From Glacier we are planning to go into Canada. Our initial thoughts were to go to Calgary and then make our way to Vancouver. We have no idea on were to go and what to see. Any suggestions?

[cruzbill]

Wow-head west to Jasper or Banff, find a campsite at either. Drive the Icefields parkway in your toad-so much to see! Hot Springs; Any National Park is spectacular, and provincial and local parks as well. Kooenay, Revelstoke; we didn't make it to Golden, but maybe this year. Okanagan Valley,Kettle Valley railway bike trail in Kelowna, Othello Tunnels in Hope, Vancouver, Sea to Sky Hwy, Vancouver Island! Goats on the Roof; Tofino. We spent 4 months doing the above last summer-much more to see! They all speak english, and everything (except fuel!!) is 30% off!!

[Skip426]

I'd like to say welcome to Canada , and pass on some info .
Have your passport ready , you may get into Canada without one , but getting back into the USA may be an issue.
Leave any firearms at home.
Take all your RV's measurements and convert them to metric , and post a note on the dash ; nothing worse that seeing a sign that says " Clearance 3.5M " and not knowing if you fit.
Calgary and Vancouver , the biggest cities in their respective provinces , with the traffic issues to prove it. Canada's 150th Birthday this year and many events planned.
JMHO: Depending on your interests , and tolerance for gridlock , they may or may not be the best places to go for a relaxing visit.
Could you provide info on your interests and what you'd like to do/see.

[EZDZIT]

Travel on the BC Ferries is a treat. The salt water ferries have a toll but the inland ferries are free. Vancouver Island is huge. Victoria has the renowned Empress Hotel, museums, float plains taking off from the inner harbor and water taxis. There is a campground/marina on the water and within walking distance of downtown. Butchart Gardens are a few kilometers from downtown. There are campgrounds on the Inside Passage and the Juan de Fuca strait as well as Tofino and up-island. Smaller ferries will take you and your rv to many of the islands off Vancouver Island for restful camping. BC Ferries may still offer a circle package of 4 passages for US residents including Vancouver island and the Sunshine Coast.
The exchange rate favors Americans now but fuel is still more expensive. And, British Columbia tends to be more expensive than Alberta or the prairie provinces.
We will return.

[Skip426]

Some web sites to keep handy.

DriveBC
http://511alberta.ca/
www.travelalberta.com

Washington State ferries , also run to Vancouver Island , and offer seasonal RV rates on certain week days.

[slabman]

If you want to hit Banff/Louise, you may find "no room at the Inn". The campgrounds now (June) are booked solid. We decided to take a "right" and go to Alaska instead.

[Mike and Susan]

if ya get a chance to go to Lake Louise on your travels its a must see, we were there last week for a visit it was amazing.

[Rburian]

Glacier, Waterton, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, all great locations, visited last September, make reservation now.

[mr-kolby]

If you like dinosaurs Drumheller's Tyrell Museum is interesting. Great golf course @ Drumheller. Bring lots of old balls for the back nine. There's also Dinosaur Park by Brooks which has camping and hiking. There's a village nearby called Patricia where you can cook your own steaks ( you buy them there, they include all the fixings. Best homemade soup around) at the local pub.

[cruzbill]

For Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper (others, I assume) have 'overflow' camping available when all campsites are booked. Usually its just a parking lot, and, at Lake Louise you can see the freeway out front, but there will be 'space at the Inn' No hookups, and you'll pay the same rate as if you were at a campsite, but its home. They don't post availability of 'overflow' sites until all reseravable sites are booked, but just ask at the campground entry booth, they are very willing to help. Don't miss any parks-beautiful!

[mr-kolby]

Originally Posted by cruzbill

For Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper (others, I assume) have 'overflow' camping available when all campsites are booked. Usually its just a parking lot, and, at Lake Louise you can see the freeway out front, but there will be 'space at the Inn' No hookups, and you'll pay the same rate as if you were at a campsite, but its home. They don't post availability of 'overflow' sites until all reseravable sites are booked, but just ask at the campground entry booth, they are very willing to help. Don't miss any parks-beautiful!

Canada has a 150 Year Anniversary this year, all national parks are free entry. I wouldn't count on overflow parking.

Calgary Stampede is July 6 - 16.

[cruzbill]

We were there last year, on Canada Day (July 1st), the busiest day of the year. Overflow camping (not parking) was available. I'm sure it will be the same this year.

[RVingSince16]

Thank you all for your responses. We have been camping in Yellowstone with no WiFi and no cell.

[idnative1948]

Originally Posted by Rjburian

Glacier, Waterton, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, all great locations, visited last September, make reservation now.

We are doing the exact locations you have mentioned. Starting from home the day after Labor Day. We made our reservations some time ago. Would appreciate any *tips*.