Western Canada Trip Planning

[DT6]

We are interested in planning what we hope will be a very comprehensive trip around Western Canada next spring/summer/possibly fall. We are kind of thinking everything west of and including Edmonton and Calgary. I believe Canada allows US citizens to stay up to 180 days a year, so while we probably won't stay that long, it could be easily be 3 or 4 months.

Our only real experience is our trip to Banff two years ago and we took a fairly direct route from Oregon/Washington, crossing the border in Kingsgate/Eastport then up 93 thru Radium Hot Springs, and back. Osoyoos twice taking the Highway from Chilliwack east, but that is about it, and when traveling to Osoyoos we didn't stop to look around and explore much as we were driving to the Escape rally.

While we are always up to seeing Banff again (and probably will), we didn't make it to Calgary or Edmonton, nor have we ever explored what we assume is a bunch of fantastic scenery south of Calgary, or north, north/east of Vancouver and everything in-between. If our attempt to do this turns out to be worth it, we want to look at central and eastern Canada for future trips.

So if anyone has any trip itineraries and campground/location recommendations for Western Canada, we would love to hear about them. Thanks!

 

[LarryandLiz]

Hi DT6 I hope you get itinerary suggestions for what sounds like an extended prospective trip. I’m a lower mainland Vancouver resident. I have some general comments, thoughts which may be helpful.

over the last few years, The wildfire season has impacted our camping season. We’ve started leaving early in the season, hoping to get some good trips in before the fires start. For example, in early June we went to Vancouver Island for about two weeks. Just recently the island, just where we were, has been dealing with large fires. So I’d start early.

In terms of trip itineraries, I suppose you’d have to be quite flexible and keep watch of the wildfire/smoke sites. We don’t much like camping in wildfire smoke.

It sounds like you might want to start in Alberta - Waterton is a Canadian national park as is Banff - both beautiful and each can be quite busy. I’d research and sign up for the Alberta provincial parks and the Cdn parks.

You may get more forum help if you say where and when you think you’d be starting from. And what kind of camping you do.

Good luck and I hope this is of some use

Larry

Here are some links for BC sites. Provincial parks and recreational Sites. two very different ways of camping and different rules.

BC Parks. Home | BC Parks.

Recreation Sites and Trails B.C.

Recreation Sites and Trails B.C.


BC wildfire site. BC Wildfire Service

 

[DT6]

You may get more forum help if you say where and when you think you’d be starting from. And what kind of camping you do.

Larry and Liz- thanks for the comments and for your suggestion to clarify our starting point and camping style.

We can either start in the Vancouver area since we are just a day drive away in Oregon, or we can drive east toward Montana, cross the border and start somewhere around Calgary. So we are open to either one as we are unaware if there is an advantage to starting in one vs. the other.

Our camping style is we like to stay put for several days to several weeks in one spot and then drive around and explore that area, and also spend some quiet time in the campground enjoying it. We prefer to boondock and have a capable setup, we also like to stay in National Park / National Forrest campgrounds, Provincial Campgrounds, Local Campgrounds, and the like.

I don't mind driving on dirt roads, gravel roads, etc. and I don't relish the thought of towing a travel trailer in the snow, but can if really needed. So we can do reasonable/easy off-road, but I'm not 25 anymore and trying to drive a 4x4 up a severe incline on a bumpy rutted road in order to to get away from it all.

 

[Ron in BC]

The previous advice about forest fire smoke is good. It's an ever increasing consideration for an enjoyable holiday. A few years ago we were in Jasper, at the foot of the mountains, and you couldn't even see the mountain because of forest fire smoke. You not only couldn't see the scenery you came to see but you could taste the smoke. ugh. That smoke was coming all the way from California fires. So it's not only where the fires are but the air quality. Smoke knows no boundaries.

We tend to use Recreation Sites. I think that I counted about 660 once. They run the two ends of the spectrum. From paved roads in and campsites that look much like provincial parks to 4x4 access required and probably not a road you'd haul your trailer over. The write-ups suggest the level of access from motor home to 4x4.

As you start to sort a possible itinerary ask away. This is our own backyard a lot of us know it well.

Ron

 

[Lorraine Pittsburgh]

I'll put in a plug for Waterton Lakes National Park. Much less visited than its neighbor, Glacier, it's quite beautiful. The Bear's Hump Trail is a short steep trail to glorious views over the heart of the park.

 

[BravoDeltaRomeo]

We honeymooned in Waterton back in 2000, gorgeous area.

If it was me, I'd speak to a local or get private advise from someone like @Ron in BC . I've been to AB enough to know, I wouldn't want to spend more than an hour or two n Banff. Way too touristy, crowded and expensive. There are so many other places to explore that you won't have to deal with the crowds and get the exact same scenery or better.

But that's just me. The entire area is gorgeous, not just the hot spots.

I was going to suggest "La Belle Patate" in Canmore for some poutine, but it looks like it's permanently closed. Canmore was where we use to stay, but it has slowly increased in traffic and costs over the years. When I visit family in Calgary, we still head out there for an afternoon and do a hike somewhere only my brother knows the directions in and out.

This was taken a few years ago when it was still open in Canmore.

 

[Dave Walter]

Maybe it is better that this place has closed down. That looks like a heart attack waiting to happen!

"... was going to suggest "La Belle Patate" in Canmore for some poutine, but it looks like it's permanently closed."

 

[Selkirk]

I recommend that you take time to explore Alberta Badlands NE of Calgary....particularly the Red Deer River valley in-and-around the town of Drumheller. I find the scenery in the valley to be just as dramatic and beautiful as the mountains (reminds me of the south Okanagan without the lakes). Climb out the valley and you are treated to some incredible prairie vistas. There are numerous camping options and lots of opportunities for day-trips.

Notable local attractions include the world-class Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology and surrounding Midland Provincial Park, Dinosaur Trail driving/cycling route, Horseshoe Canyon, Wayne Hotel, and Star Mine Suspension Bridge to name a few.

If you head north, you can see Dry Island Buffalo Jump, visit historic prairie towns such as Rowley, Big Valley, Donalda, or Meeting Creek....or even take a ride on the Alberta Prairie Railway.

 

[iamunique127]

I'll second what others have said: travel early to avoid crowds and smoke; visit the Drumheller area; seek out Recreation Sites in BC if you like boondocking and getting away from crowds and strict rules like we do.

What we enjoy in BC: getting up north on smaller highways. Quenell and the Caribou country, Barkerville was fun, out to the coast, rainforests, Kitimat area, Terrace area, lava beds and all of the Nisga'a territories, the beautiful drive to the Prince Rupert area, north of Hazelton, Meziadin Junction area, the glaciers in Stewart and Hyder, Deese Lake area, the drive to Telegraph Creek was absolutely unforgettable. Just to name a few.

 

[Teresa G]

We've been west a couple of times, we typically camp at National or Provincial Parks. Agree with the other suggestions. Other highlights we enjoyed include:

• Alberta badlands
• Medicine Hat:
  • Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre has a great exhibit on the history of Medicine Hat.
  • There is also a Historic Clay museum called Medalta that we didn't have time for, but would definitely go to the next time we are there.
• Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site.
• Edmonton: Everyone wants to go to the West Edmonton Mall. It is just a big mall. We enjoyed the Stony Plain & Parkland Pioneer Museum
• Vancouver Aquarium and the 4D experience

If you have time/inclination to go further east into Saskatchewan and Manitoba, then I suggest:

• Touring the Canadian Mint and the RCMP facility in Regina
• The Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Louis Riel National Historic Site in Winnipeg

In terms of poutine, the best poutine you'll get in Canada is in Quebec City at Chez Ashton. Order the Dulton. They are a local Quebec City chain. But that is a different trip.

 

[Ron in BC]

Good grief, first I'm eating my nice healthy breakfast and I see my first poutine photo. Enough to put me off finishing. Then I'm ready to make my lunch and I see another poutine photo. Reminds me of the old days when there were lots of poutine jokes. Not that I ever made any. No thanks I'll stick to my planned healthy lunch, fried egg sandwich, heavy on the cheese, mustard and mayo.

Making suggestions on what to see in BC just about makes my head explode. Heck, just here in N. Van. we take visitors on canyon walks, suspension bridges, world famous mountain bike trails (or regular less terrifying rides if you don't want to experience a long line helicopter rescue to remove your broken body,) and a mecca for paddle boarding and kayaking. So much to do, so little time.

Ron

 

[mlowther]

As mentioned above, another vote for the Alberta Badlands (around Drumheller) - not as crowded as the Banff group (its insane this year due to the free park passes until this September...don't ask me how I know....). Jasper is always a beautiful spot, even after the devastating fires last year. The Kananaskis area, on Hwy 40 (off of Hwy 1/TransCanada) and about 30 minutes east of Banff, has some lovely provincial campgrounds (both reserve and FCFS) as well as great lakes to kayak and some beautiful hikes for all levels.

Calgary is a great place to visit - if you want to avoid craziness, don't come during the first week of July aka Stampede - lots of people downtown and at the grounds - its a time I try to book my camping trips to avoid it!