We drove 99 from Whistler last summer. Nice drive, scenic, and a little twisty in places. As an old log truck driver, it wasn't a challenge, but is a little steep in spots. I only recall one or two areas that you wouldn't want to be going too fast around a curve or two on the downhill side. The grades are a maximum of 15%, both sides of the pass. There were a couple of spots where the shoulder wanted to slough off, but there was plenty of room to go by. Most of the way there are no big drop-offs. Just a nice interesting drive.
clubmed98 wrote: reading the milepost it looks like this road is not for the faint of heart or those who fear heights...any comments from those who have driven..
I have no fear of heights (worked as a derrick man on an oil rig), however, we drove the Highway from the ferry landing to Whistler both ways in September/October 2007.
The 800 million $CDN construction project is widening the highway from 2 lanes to 4 lanes for the 2010 Winter Olympics. In some areas, the construction was very bad. We scraped off the bottom of our last two right-side storage compartment doors on one of the detours - a sharp narrow down hill and left turn segment. The construction will continue for another year and a half or so.
The construction is quite dramatic because they are widening the road in areas where the former two-lane highway barely clung to steep almost vertical rock walls.
If we were going this year, we would definitely avoid the construction.
YMMV
curious Bob - we fulltime with our Cairn Terrier, in 01 National Islander, and 00 Saturn LW2
I have driven that road numerous times and I'll tell you what...I won't take it again until the construction is finished. It is dangerous enough without the road work..add that and the combination is just plain ugly. The road from pemberton, over thje Duffy lake road to Lilloett is..was...beautiful. It has been allowed to become a miserable piece of blacktop that is plain bad. If anyone is driving their RV of any size, just to go see Whistler...take the toad or the bus. If you are using the highway as a route alternative...I'd suggest the Canyon. You'll be much happier, safer and you won't have to peel your fingers and eyeballs off the wheel and glass.
There have been a number of threads about this road. I'd search for 'Duffy Lake' or Lillooet. There is a major climb as it climbs north out of the Pemberton valley, and another drop to Lillooet. There are also some one lane bridges. But tour buses regularly travel it, as do logging trucks. If you like scenery it is a good choice, but if you avoid grades greater than freeway 6% stay away.
I don't recall any scary drop offs, but I have lots of mountain road experience. But if you want a bit of an adrenaline rush, I can recommend a couple of gravel roads in the area, for example the one that zig zags over Seton Ridge to a rec site on Seton Lake. The north route to Seton Portage from the Bridge River valley is also spectacular, though not as challenging.
paulj
* This post was
edited 03/24/08 01:50am by paulj *
thanks...looks like i'll have a little bit to think about..
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For those traveling from Vancouver, BC to Whistler, we drove that several times during 2007. Kiewit does a great job flagging and trying to stay out of the way of the traffic as much as possible. There may be waits, at times as much as 20 minutes or so, but to me it was worth the wait to watch what was going on. Sure, there are rough spots, bu tour buses, lots of RVs and low slung cars travel that road. I wont dignify it by calling it a highway just yet, except in spots. Tke it slow over the rough spots and you will do just fine. If your vehicle gets damaged, PKS is responsible. They have to keep it passable.
Whistler Village is well worth visiting. Shops of all kinds, great restaurants, lots of activities to spend money on, gondola rides, and whatever. Took two of our grandsons with us and they had a great time.
Other then construction the road is fine. I use to live in Pemberton, just out side of whistler. Let me say this. The road has received the a name that I do not agree with. Yes people die every year on this road, however Whistler being one of BC's biggest attractions attracting tourists from around the world and with no major airport in whisler of coarse the road will be busy. Now with that said I know the road like the back of my hand, I know where all the hair pin turns are even where the police like to hide. So with that said I can make some pretty good time in a car driving that road. Now you take some who thinks they can drive and reach speeds well over the posted limit and when they come around a corner and a rock face is there waiting well the car will not win. What I am trying to say is drive slow take your time there are many pullouts to stop at and look at the ocean and differant view points. Whistler is beautiful and well worth the trip. Just keep your eyes on the road and drive. Also as mentioned the Duffy lake road just passed Mount Currie is very steep and has many switch backs, I took an eagle talon or american terms mitsubishi eclipse up that road and by the time I got about 2 miles up I was in second gear. so it will be a slow go.
I would say it is less threatening northbound than southbound. The single lane bridges take some managing and you will most likely meet some tour buses. Overall the traffic is very light north of Whistler. I cannot speak to the construction as that had not really started on my last trip.
ClubMed98,
I have lived in Whistler for the past 10 years and spent the previous (many) in the Vancouver area. I also work at the Visitor Centre in Whistler so here's my opinion from someone who lives, works, plays and volunteers here.
Crossing into Canada take the Lynden Aldergrove Border, stay on #1 which will take you to the #99 at Horseshoe Bay (do not, I repeat do not take the 99 through Vancouver) no matter what your GPS says!!
The 99 North from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler is under construction (2010 Winter Olympics) and yes it is tight in spots, go slow and use the few pullouts that there are. I wouldn't recommend driving it in the dark either (even I won't do that). RV's drive this road all the time.
There is only 1 campground in the Village area of Whistler (Riverside RV Resort). Whistler is a great place and has lots to offer (PM me if you have any questions).
99 North from Pemberton to Lilloet is tricky. We aren't fans of it in our RV but have done it. There's a map that is really great, showing all the pull outs and sights.
PM me if you have any questions.
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lonnie4801 - Oh yeah - but i guess you never went north of Whistler! Several grades are posted as 15%! And grinder - he specifically asked about north of Whistler so how does your response help??
Yes - we towed our fiver south from Lilooet to Vancouver. Made it Ok but I would not encourage anyone who felt uncomfortable with steepor windy to drive it!
Now - how many have towed to Telegraph Creek?? Now that is challenge - especially coming back! My spouse thought that was a mistake as we were half way down with no place to turn around.
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