arnko37
Port Charlotte FL
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Joined: 08/25/2003
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What can we expect on Rt 93 pulling a TT? Are there steep grades or anything in particular to be concerned about? It looks like it might be a scenic drive on the map and I already am aware there is a toll to pay. Thanks
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SideHillSoup
South Eastern British Columbia
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Joined: 01/05/2006
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There are a couple of hills in the Park between Jasper and Lake Louise that you should ensure you’re in low gear when descending. Then just before getting into Radium Hot Springs there is a long hill that you again will have to use low gear and take it easy. After that, it’s pretty well flat to the US / Canadian Boarder.
Take it easy and enjoy the sites, remember never go down a hill faster then you went up it, and you will be OK
Soup
2006, Komfort 261FS
2007 Sierra SLE, 2500 HD / 4x4 / Duramax with a 6 speed Allison Transmission
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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A beautiful ride with very little to concern you. Sidehill soup has outlined the two grades on any note - the first between Jasper and L. Louise is Bow Summit. The second, in Kootenay Nat. Park is the grade down into Radium - Sinclair canyon but still not to worry - just start down slow.
One other - just so you don't feel surprised - From the summit between Alberta and BC (Vermillion Pass) down to marble Canyon (that walk is closed) is also pretty long but emphasis on the pretty! Again - nothing to really concern anyone.
Enjoy some of our very favorite country!
John
Colorado Cruiser
Cruiser CF29CK 5th wheel; 2001 Silverado 2500HD shortbed
wonderful lifetime travelling companion/spouse
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wu687
Victoria BC
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It is not a toll, it is a National Park Fee, you need to pay the fee if you plan on making any stops in the park, such as Jasper.
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Powder pig
British Columbia
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The drive is a beautiful, varied, and interesting trip on Hwy 93 and I would recommend that you do it. Do not, however, underestimate some of the hills. There have been serious accidents on the big descents so be careful and start down the three big hills going slow in a low gear. The last serious hill is down into Radium then the rest of the drive south to the border is easy, through rolling country.
Just last fall the walk at Marble canyon in Kootenay park was re-opened and is well worth doing.
Enjoy!
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CochraneCamper
Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
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First of all, the tug out of Radium is a doozy, especially on a hot day. Be aware of the "60" zone at the lookout on the way down- the cops hang out here every so often. Just past the lookout is a nasty right curve- watch for it!! Best advice? Take the hills slower than normal, especially if you're not used to mountain driving. And ignore all the Calgarian a-holes.......they're ALWAYS in a rush.
As well, the downside of the Storm Mtn. pass has a sneaky left hand curve followed by a loooooooong right hand curve about half way down. Don't let it catch you unawares.
It's been years since I've been north on the 93 past Lake Louise, but be advised that you need a Park pass simply to be on that road. And the Mounties watch for RVs without a Park pass.
Good luck. PM me if you need more info.
Paul
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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Well Cochrane - he will not be "tugging" out of Radium! he will be going down that grade! The Storm Mountain grade is Vermillion Pass and nothing to be worried about,
Powder pig - thanks for the update on Marble Canyon - now we can recommend to travellers to be sure to stop and enjoy that gorgeous walk - one of our favorites!
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CochraneCamper
Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
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FWIW, nowhere in the OP's post is an indication of which direction they'll be travelling on said route. I read that they were making the trip, potentially both ways, and was simply trying to help.
Regardless, I drive that stretch of highway about 60 times a year, and it's not as much of a cakewalk as you make it sound, no matter which way you drive it. There are more than a couple of long bends that sneak up on you if you're not paying attention, such as the sharp left turn(heading either way) by the pond at Kootenay Crossing. Same goes for the bend just past the summit of Sinclair Pass on the Radium side if you're heading west.
I guess I'll just refrain from trying to help in the future, seeing that the good folks of Colorado know more about Canadian highways than I do.
Paul
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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Yup! but please don't give up yet.
BTW - have been driving Canadian Rockies roads since 1950!
His topic line tells the direction of travel.
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CochraneCamper
Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
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Oh don't worry- I won't be driven from helping others because of one old guy with a lack of internet etiquette.
BTW- Have been driving Canadian Rockies roads since 1971, a heck of a lot more often than you.
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