We're planning a trip soon from Edmonton, AB heading south thru Canadian Rockies, then west and south into Washington State to visit family. As usual, we're going directly to you, the experts for advise as to any roads and/or campgrounds to avoid on this next adventure. We will be pulling the rig the entire way, and haven't been in this area before. Any help, suggestions, or warnings would be appreciated.
Thanks
Dave and Dana
Traveling full time
2006 F350
33ft. Teton 5'er
Dave, more info would be helpful. Where do you wish to enter WA, do want to cross the Rockies with least amount of driving or get in doable scenery routes, etc..
The shortest would be through Jasper to 5 in BC, then SW to Kamloops and on to Hope and across the border. The pass between Jasper and Mt Robson Prov Park is the lowest Rockies crossing. 5 between Kamloops and Hope does climb more, though it is full divided highway (used to be a toll road). The Transcanada (1) through along the Thompson and Fraser avoids that climb, but is 2 lane most of the way.
Another option from Jasper is the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, and then either the TCH (1) through Yoho and Glacier to Kamloops. This is longer, with several higher passes (Icefields, Kickinghorse, Rogers), and park entrance fees. It is also more scenic - not that the first is not.
Or continue south in Banff to Kootenay Nat Park and Radium Hot Springs, and 93 on south. You could take 93 on into Idaho and to I90, or take 3, Crowsnest across south BC. More ups and downs on 3, though.
You could also leave the Transcanada and head south to Nakusp and Nelson, or south along 97 to Washington.
Scenery wise none is bad. All of SE BC is mountainous, though the roads try to follow major rivers and lakes as much as possible.
Where in Washington? I wrote with Seattle in mind. Spokane would be quite a different matter (except for the 93 route).
* This post was
edited 07/27/09 10:46pm by paulj *
As previous posters have said, there's a ton of possible routes. If it was me I'd come down the icefield parkway from Jasper to Lake Louise, then west to Sicamous and down 97 through Kelowna, over the connector to Merritt and south. That would get me into Washington at Bellingham. Another great route is 23 south from Revelstoke and 6 to Castlegar. From there you can go #3 to the coast or duck across the border at any of many opportunities.
I can't think of any major roads in BC or Alberta that is worse (in terms of grades and curves) than the typical Cascade crossing in Oregon. If for example you are ok with the drive from Salem to Bend, you shouldn't have problems with that routes I mentioned.
I've driven the Ice Fields Parkway between Jasper and lake Louise...HIGHLY recommended!
When are you traveling? That makes a a big difference. We were there in June and one (smaller) road we drove on opened while we were there. The highways can close for a day or two after a big snow storm up there.
2008 42' Foretravel Nimbus CE
2007 Chevy Tahoe toad
My only recommendation if you plan to go through Okannogan Valley, do not take the connector from Kelowna to Merrit. I was given this advice and would never do it again. It is a long climb for about 45 minutes (not sure of the distance anymore). Never met one other RV the whole distance. A few very large highway trucks and they were moving slower than I was.
I would continue thru the valley to Oliver border crossing and head across to U.S. Those highways/ Interstates are not as steep... and great roads and cheaper diesel fuel.
2007 Montana Mountaineer 342PHT, JT Strongarms
2004 Ford F250 SD Lariat, 6.0 Powerstroke w/Banks intake, Auto,3:73
Thanks to everyone for your advise... sorry I wasn't more specific in my original inquiry. We do plan to head south from Jasper on 1 to Lake Louise, then west to Kamloops to Hope and enter US near Bellingham. We've made the trip from Bend to Salem several times, and that's not any big deal anymore.. so guess we won't have any problems. Planning to travel mid-August spending approx 2 weeks before getting back to US and family on Whidbey Island. If anyone can recommend campgrounds an any 'do not miss sites' along our planned route.. would appreciate it. Thanks to all my fellow RV'rs out there, I can always count on getting the best information from you.
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