Community Forums

UFO Pilot · 11-13-2007, 08:38 PM

Has anyone driven the road from Calgary to Vancouver? How is it for a 39' with a toad? Can you suggest a good stopping point about 1/2 way? We are planning on being in Calgary for the Stampede in July.

UFO Pilot · 11-13-2007, 08:38 PM

Has anyone driven the road from Calgary to Vancouver? How is it for a 39' with a toad? Can you suggest a good stopping point about 1/2 way? We are planning on being in Calgary for the Stampede in July.

Ding-a-ling · 11-14-2007, 03:45 AM

Wayne,

We travelled that way this past August. TC 1 is a good highway, no problem for MH and toad. The only construction I recall is a major project in a canyon east of Golden, BC but didn't have any delay.

Just west of the Continental Divide stop and check out the "Spiral Tunnels." Quite an engineering feat - you may even get to see a train going in and out of the tunnel at the same time.

At Kamloops we chose to stay on TC 1 instead of the "Interstate-like" BC route 5 - the scenery was much more spectacular and again, the highway was fine.

FWIW - we stayed at the Kamloops RV Park. Nice place, just off the highway.

If you have some time to stay in the Vancouver area you may look in to staying at Capilano RV Park. It is about as close as one can get to Vancouver. It is at the bottom of the north end of the Lion's Gate Bridge between North Vancouver and Vancouver's Stanley Park. You'll need a reservation, it's busy in summer. Spaces aren't very wide but can accomodate 40 footers without a problem.

And I didn't mention the scenery at Banff and Lake Louise! I hope you have a little time to pause and enjoy the sights.

Enjoy the trip. It's an eyeful!

Latitude · 11-14-2007, 04:05 AM

Wayne The last time we were out was 6 years ago,We were renters at that time,
The road is all good, There are some long hills Rogers Pass and going into Golden but no problem with toad you will see lots, The Rockies are 'Beautiful' We stayed at Tunnel Mountain in Banff, Highly recommend and on the Island in Cambell River I will find name of CG which was the best.

Rick

Latitude · 11-14-2007, 05:08 AM

Ripple Rock RV Park in Brown's Bay was the best place we stayed, This is on the east side of the Island, Also highly reccommend a drive to Tofino on the West side of Island. Beaches are as nice as any in the Carribean, However the water temps never get above 60'F!!!

Rick

UFO Pilot · 11-14-2007, 04:15 PM

Thank you for all of the replies.

The Big Kid · 11-15-2007, 02:55 PM

I second the Ripple Rock Nomination if you make it over to the Island and want some peace and quiet for a few days.

The Trans Canada along the Fraser and Thompson Rivers is a much nicer(scenic) drive than the #5 Coquilhalla. Its slower, and that will make it enjoyable.

If you detour south from Golden - Fairmont or Radium hot springs are nice. If you go north from Banff, Jasper clear evenings are breathtaking with Northern Lights. Lake Louise is excellent as well.

When in Calgary, it might be easier to stay out of town vs as close as possible. We stayed in Okotoks, and the RV park had a shuttle bus running becuase of sooooo many people were there for the Stampede.

enjoy, I can't wait to get back there.

Latitude · 11-15-2007, 03:33 PM

From Calgary take #1 to Kamloops there go #5 Coquihalla, Toll Rd south or continue on #1 to Cache Creeke and the south to Hope.

Have Fun Rick

Ottawa · 11-16-2007, 04:28 AM

I did the route last year, and did not enjoy the Coquihalla. It has some very steep grades, and the wind gusts are something to watch. I came back from Vancouver through Pentiction and Kelowna, and foung it much more enjoyable.