Community Forums

HSR-Russ · 07-06-2017, 11:51 PM

The 2 routes we're coming up with are basically to head into Banff National Park in Alberta, and then either:

a) Continue across AB into BC and then drop down into the US around Vancouver - Transcanada Highway BC 1

b) Drop south and enter the US near East Port ID, then continue south/west to I90 and cross WA from Spokane to Seattle.

Both seem to have quite a bit of terrain on them. We are looking at doing route A, but just want to see if there are any experienced drivers with an opinion against that route.

We will be doing this in a 2013 32' Class C (Ford E450 gas), with a 20' Travel Trailer in tow.

Skip426 · 07-07-2017, 12:29 AM

Either route will present challenges .
Highway 95 south from Golden to Cranbrook , would be my choice towing; fairly level following the river; the section from ( beautiful downtown ) Yack ( don't blink you'll miss it

)across the border , I've never driven , always went south from Creston to Sandpoint/Athol.
Choose your travel day , Friday afternoon and Sunday are to be avoided if at all possible on either route.

In Pursuit · 07-07-2017, 10:59 AM

Last year we took the A route. Lots of terrain. We had to pull over one time to let the brakes cool off. We wanted to see the sights so it was worth it for us. We did this in a 36' class A pulling a CR-V. It is doable but will take time. Don't remember which day of the week it was but we had minimal traffic. We were doing this in late September.

Skip426 · 07-07-2017, 08:12 PM

Hot weather in BC, southern interior led to campfire ban and many wildfires today. Some small towns evacuated.
You haven't said what time your planning to travel , but because you have a unit that can't easily be turned around on most BC roads , check well ahead before you travel . Some areas of the #1 subject to detours at the moment.

DriveBC
http://511alberta.ca/

Bob_C · 07-07-2017, 09:50 PM

The Blaine, Washington crossing is the one I'd use.....then into Linden, then Bellingham, south on I-5 to Seattle........that's a truck crossing and a whole lot better then the 'take forever' crossing at Vancouver onto I-5

HSR-Russ · 07-07-2017, 10:12 PM

In Pursuit: We are planning on taking 3 or 4 days to do this path. Should go easier that way. Thanks for the heads up on the closures Skip426! We are leaving Calgary on July 25th.

HSR-Russ · 07-07-2017, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

The Blaine, Washington crossing is the one I'd use.....then into Linden, then Bellingham, south on I-5 to Seattle........that's a truck crossing and a whole lot better then the 'take forever' crossing at Vancouver onto I-5

Thanks for the heads up. I will check that crossing out!

Skip426 · 07-08-2017, 10:08 AM

Unless you have a VERY good reason to venture into the gridlock that is Vancouver BC traffic . You may want to consider the border crossing at Sumas .

cruzbill · 07-08-2017, 10:16 AM

I think I'd spend 3-4 days in Banff; Icefields parkway, Jasper-Spectacular! We travelled from Jasper to Valemont to see Mt. Robson, then south to Kamloops. No grades over 6%, really easy. 40' Beaver w/tag.

Skip426 · 07-08-2017, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruzbill

I think I'd spend 3-4 days in Banff; Icefields parkway, Jasper-Spectacular! We travelled from Jasper to Valemont to see Mt. Robson, then south to Kamloops. No grades over 6%, really easy. 40' Beaver w/tag.

If memory serves , there is a section on the Icefield Parkway , that's over 6%.
Once you leave Jasper it's easy going to Kamloops. ( my preferred route) but given the OP's set up; Class C, towing a TT ; personally I'd avoid the Parkway.

HSR-Russ · 07-08-2017, 02:43 PM

We will most likely drive the Icefields parkway in the Toyota while we're staying in the area. We won't take the whole rig through it though. We'll just be sliding out the other side of Banff or Calgary when we leave. Lots of good tips in this thread though! Thanks everyone!

cruzbill · 07-08-2017, 02:45 PM

Yup, I should have specified Icefields in toad. Nice little brewery in Valemont!!

cruzbill · 07-08-2017, 02:49 PM

Suggestion-Avoid Kamloops RV Park, right on the freeway, two trans-canada train tracks next to that, you will be sharing your awning with your neighbor. Very tight sites. Unfortunately, I don't know of a good alternative.

HSR-Russ · 07-08-2017, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruzbill

Suggestion-Avoid Kamloops RV Park, right on the freeway, two trans-canada train tracks next to that, you will be sharing your awning with your neighbor. Very tight sites. Unfortunately, I don't know of a good alternative.

We are actually staying there for a single night. Signed up for Passport America this past week and we've been hitting their parks as much as possible in the next month or so to make it worth it. That was one of them. We should be okay though considering we're fine sleeping between idling big rigs at truck stops when travelling, and we don't have a working awning right now either - wind came out of no where and tore mine 2 days ago - hahahahahhahahah@#$%!