kdkrause
Redcliff AB Canada
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This summer we need to make a trip to Chilliwack BC and are debating on whether to take our truck and trailer or just the minivan and hotel it.
I am looking on opinions on the drive from Calgary west to Chilliwack through the mountains. Are there many steep inclines, or windy roads? Is it going to be a real workout for my truck?
We have a 30' 7,000lb trailer and a 2500HD with the 6.0L gas engine.
Are there many campgrounds along the way which would be fairly close to the highway?
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lzasitko
Regina, SK Canada
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Joined: 11/30/2005
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No matter which way you are going to travel the roads will wind a lot. South route (Crowsnest pass) has a lot of steep climbs and descents and in most cases very little space at the top to give the vehicle a bit of a rest. Osoyous hill is probably the steepest section and after Princeton it is a very long steep climb, outside of these areas it is not too bad.
Going number 1 is easier with fewer grades. Not sure if the highway section near Golden is done, if it is there is no longer the climb up that hill. There is the climb up to Rogers pass and then it drops down and is pretty good until you get around Shushwap lake and after that steepest climbs are Kamloop's and after that the descent into Merrit and the climb out the other side. Merrit is probably the steepest sections all the way through.
A couple years ago I drove our MH through the south route all the way out to the coast. Coming back we used Hope Princeton highway and then up the valley to Kelowna then 97b or c to #1 and back #1 to Calgary. No problems with #1 at all but I had sever brake fade on the Hope Princeton coming down into Princeton. Lots of hairpin turn and steep grades. I landed up sitting at Princeton a couple hours to let the brakes cool off. Hope Princeton is the one section that winds around a lot.
Either drive though is really nice if you take your time.
Lots of places to stop, both routes are well used by rv's and lots of camp sites.
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BFL13
Victoria, BC
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Joined: 02/15/2006
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We have the 2500HD 6.0/4.10 gasser and a 5er around 9,500lbs depending on the load for each trip. Been back and forth to Alberta several times up and down all over. No problem.
Put her in Drive, Tow Haul, and going up floor it. It will rev into the 4ks and make lots of noise. The truck is loving it! At the top leave it in Tow Haul and put it in Third and don't let the speed build up going down, brake hard intermittently instead of lightly for a long time.
Only problem is remembering to put it back into Drive after you get to the bottom. It goes 90kph in third without feeling any different. Great truck 
There are lots of campgrounds and parks whichever route you take. In summer you might need to reserve a spot, don't know. We always go before July or after August
2003 Chev 2500HD ExtCab, LB, 2WD, 6.0/4.10 Gas
2003 Komfort 26FS 5er (28.5 Ft-RK-10,000lb GVWR)
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Tothill
BC
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We have a class c and have made the trip along the TC, we have also driven it in a variety of cars, vans and pick up trucks. We have also taken the Class C along part of Hwy 3 (Vancouver to Osooyos) it is a slow, picturesque route. We may be taking it this Summer all the way to AB.
If you are only used to driving on the Prairie the route is all hills and windy roads. The one flat straight area of the TCH is between Chase and Kamloops.
There are lots of campgrounds, not far off the highway on both routes.
I would avoid the Okanogan Connector if you are concerned about towing. There is a very long hill out of Peachland heading West.
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Al B
Cowtown
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Do yourself a favor and use the #1. The Crowsnest pass blows like an SOB, and is a real pain on most days, and just gets worse from there. The winds in that area have blown tractor trailer units over. If you don't have to go thru there, don't. JMHO tho.
Cummins Powered
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chipou
Alberta
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We've done Crowsnet and #1 with our Nissan Titan and 29' trailer. AI B is right crowsnest is do-able but gas millage sucks due to the wind. We do just like BFL 13 suggests and keep it in the lower gear for the steep slopes down. Works great!
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SideHillSoup
South Eastern British Columbia
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Hwy 3 east from the Alberta boarder is a beautiful hwy, and now where near as bad as some make it out to be. Crows Nest Pass (Coleman to east of Natel) can be a little windy at times, but I've never blown over from it.
However if your not that crazy about Mountain passes and a lot of curves stick to Hwy 1. Yes there are hill and curves on Hwy 1, but you will find that on any road in B.C.
Soup
2006, Komfort 261FS
2007 Sierra SLE, 2500 HD / 4x4 / Duramax with a 6 speed Allison Transmission
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kdkrause
Redcliff AB Canada
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Thanks for the replies. We would definitely be taking the #1 highway.
As this is our first trip of considerable distance (mostly we are local campers) I am trying to keep it as stress free as possible. What do most people do, try to plan where you are going to stop overnight and make reservations or just go with the flow and stop when you feel like it?
We would be able to take our time on the drive out but coming back is going to be a bit rushed. We have three kids and I am thinking breaking the trip into three days would be reasonable for them.
The big concern I have is coming back we would be leaving On Aug 2 and be on the road for the holiday on Monday Aug 3. I imagine the traffic will be bad at this time as well as it might be difficult to find a place to stop for the night.
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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Calgary to Vancouver can be driven easily in 1 day! Very easy with 1 overnight. You will have no problem taking your trailer on the TCH. I would calculate where you might spend the night and call ahead the day before or in the morning to save a space. John
Colorado Cruiser
Cruiser CF29CK 5th wheel; 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 2wd, short bed
wonderful lifetime traveling companion/spouse
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lzasitko
Regina, SK Canada
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Yes you could do it in one day, I have several times in the past, but it would be a very long day. If you were not towing you might be able to do it in 10-11 hrs, towing would slow you down some. Last couple trips I did Calgary - Revelstoke, In revelstoke there is a truck stop beside the highway or by the fast food places there are parks w rv parking. Next day to Penticton and third day to Vancouver. I do it that way because at Penticton and Vancouver we have family and can park at their place. Coming back is normally Vancouver to Pritchard (about 1/2 way between Salmon Arm and Kamploop's) and from Pritchard to Calgary the next day. I am fortunate as all my family have large lots and I can stay with them.
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