Canada and USA this August

On 1/26/2008 3:45 PM beer_monster12002 RemoveThis @yahoo.co.uk did the "neutron
dance", then made these writings:
> Hi Group,
>
> We are in the early stages of putting together an itinerary for our
> trip this August. Flights and car hire are booked.
> We arrive at Calgary Airport in August for 10 days. We want to see
> Glacier NP in Montana. Also the Icefields Parkway and maybe Vancouver.
> My plan was to drive down to Glacier then along the "into the Sun
> Highway" to Whitefish. From here we could drive to Vancouver using
> Highway 3 in Canada.
> Is there a better more scenic route to take to get there?
> What places of interest (if any) are there along the way?
> We would then drive up to Whistler and then carry on back to the
> Icefields.
> Alternatively from Montana we could drive back up to Alberta and
> spend the time exploring thus giving British Columbia a miss this time
> (a good excuse to visit again).
> What recommendations would anyone give for "must see in Alberta"?
>
> Looking foward to any ideas and suggestions
>
> Thanks and regards
>
> Bob
>
If you're going to be in BC visit Victoria on Vancouver Island. Tour
Bouchart Gardens, they were created out of old quarries. There's
something to appeal even to the non-gardener. Vancouver Island is south
of Vancouver. You can take a ferry either way.

--
________
To email me, Edit "blog" from my email address.
Brian M. Kochera
"Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!"
View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

<beer_monster12002.DeleteThis@yahoo.co.uk> schrieb

Hi Bob,

10 days is ambitious for your planned itinerary. Don't underestimate
the driving distances!

> My plan was to drive down to Glacier

I'd suggest a little detour from Calgary to Drumheller, for a little hike
through Horseshoe Canyon, to see the Hoodoos and the Royal
Tyrrell Museum.
From there you can take the smaller secondary highways down to Leth-
bridge and Glacier NP

> Is there a better more scenic route to take to get there?

Highway 3 is quite scenic! Don't miss the Le Roi mine in Rossland, and
try your luck with some gold panning.
There are some spectacular views (and even a reals desert!) near Osoyoos.
The next gold mine is waiting for you in Hedley, and Manning Park has
some great hiking trails just off the highway.

> We would then drive up to Whistler and then carry on back to the
> Icefields.

I don't like Whistler: Much too 'touristy' to my taste, but the drive up
there form Vancouver is spectacular! But it gets even better when you
drive in the opposite direction (to avoid backtracking you might
consider doing the whole round trip counterclockwise)

The drive to Kamploops from there is very nice whichever route you
take (given the lack of time I'd just stay on Hwy 99/97)

On the way to the Icefields Parkway: From Clearwater drive up the
Wells Gray Park to see the Helmcken Falls.

> (a good excuse to visit again).

You won't need an excuse: The region is highly addictive so you
probably can't help going there again anyway, and in 10 days you
catch only a short glimpse of some of the major highlights.

I still discover new things each time, after a dozen or so trips.

As for Vancouver Island (Brian's suggestion):
Difficult! I'd say the museum in Victoria is a "must see", but going
there from Vancouver you'd loose a whole day.
According to your e-mail address you are from the UK?
They say Victoria is 'very British' - it isn't. They have red double
decker buses, and offer high tea in the Empress hotel and that's
about it. And you have much nicer parks than Butchart Gardens
at home too, so you'd probably be very disappointed after having
paid a very hefty entrance fee (and it's crowded with busloads
of tourists at any given time)

Jochen from Germany
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

Don't miss Yoho National Park (http://xml.garygapinski.com/Yoho.kmz).
While I have yet to visit all the major parks in North America, I'd
venture it is the most scenic mountain park. The drive up the valley
from Highway 1 to Takakkaw Falls is spectacular, as are the falls. If
you are (very) ambitious, plan a hike to Twin Falls returning on the
west side of the valley (~20km circuit from Takakkaw Falls). See
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho/index_E.asp for more information.

The Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper is quite scenic.

It's a long way to Glacier National Park, and even farther to Vancouver.
I suspect you could profitably spend all 10 days between Calgary and Jasper.
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

On 1/27/08 12:30 AM, in article 13pog8o1e575t30.DeleteThis@corp.supernews.com, "BrianK"
<brianBLOG1951.DeleteThis@earthlink.net> wrote:

> On 1/26/2008 3:45 PM beer_monster12002.DeleteThis@yahoo.co.uk did the "neutron
> dance", then made these writings:
>> Hi Group,
>>
>> We are in the early stages of putting together an itinerary for our
>> trip this August. Flights and car hire are booked.
>> We arrive at Calgary Airport in August for 10 days. We want to see
>> Glacier NP in Montana. Also the Icefields Parkway and maybe Vancouver.
>> My plan was to drive down to Glacier then along the "into the Sun
>> Highway" to Whitefish. From here we could drive to Vancouver using
>> Highway 3 in Canada.
>> Is there a better more scenic route to take to get there?
>> What places of interest (if any) are there along the way?
>> We would then drive up to Whistler and then carry on back to the
>> Icefields.
>> Alternatively from Montana we could drive back up to Alberta and
>> spend the time exploring thus giving British Columbia a miss this time
>> (a good excuse to visit again).
>> What recommendations would anyone give for "must see in Alberta"?
>>
>> Looking foward to any ideas and suggestions
>>
>> Thanks and regards
>>
>> Bob
>>
I understand what you are trying to do, but there are a few gaps in your
itinerary. Highway 3 doesn't go within 100 miles of Vancouver. You could
re-enter Canada after your visit to Whitefish joining Hwy 3 and following it
through the various mountain ranges. It is a very pretty trip. Just don't be
afraid of mountain roads. One of the prettiest parts of Hwy 3 is through
Stag Leap Pass which is at about 6000 feet. You join the Trans Canada
(Highway 1) at Hope and then come through the Fraser Valley into Vancouver.
There are many places and things to do in Vancouver. The Aquarium, the Art
Galleries, Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park. Gondola ride to the top of
Grouse Mountain or you can drive up to the Cypress Bowl or Mt. Seymour. Your
drive to Whistler is a must. They have not finished widening the road for
the Olympics so there is still the odd 20 minute construction wait. You do
not want to drive from Whistler on the Pemberton and the Duffy Lake Road to
Lillooet and then onto the Trans Canada to the Columbia Ice Fields. This is
not highway standard road. It is mainly local road to the Indian
Reservations. It is very pretty though. We have driven it. You are better
off returning to Vancouver (1 1/2 - 2 hour drive. You can then travel on the
Trans Canada through the Fraser Canyon (with a stop at Hell's Gate) on
through the Rogers Pass and on the ice fields.

Be sure to bring your camera and lots of chips or something to download
onto. You will want to take a lot of pictures. The Rockies are gorgeous but
the Purcells and the Selkirks are just as beautiful.

Hope this helps.
--
Martha T2 Vancouver Canada
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

On 1/27/08 9:31 AM, in article 603tetF1ocnitU1 DeleteThis @mid.individual.net, "Gary
Gapinski" <usenet DeleteThis @garygapinski.com> wrote:

> Don't miss Yoho National Park (http://xml.garygapinski.com/Yoho.kmz).
> While I have yet to visit all the major parks in North America, I'd
> venture it is the most scenic mountain park. The drive up the valley
> from Highway 1 to Takakkaw Falls is spectacular, as are the falls. If
> you are (very) ambitious, plan a hike to Twin Falls returning on the
> west side of the valley (~20km circuit from Takakkaw Falls). See
> http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho/index_E.asp for more information.
>
> The Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper is quite scenic.
>
> It's a long way to Glacier National Park, and even farther to Vancouver.
> I suspect you could profitably spend all 10 days between Calgary and Jasper.

I missed the time line when I originally posted. Much as I like to invite
everyone to BC, if you only have 10 days I wouldn't dream of leaving Alberta
let alone driving to Glacier. Glacier doesn't have anything the Canadian
Rockies don't have. The distance from Calgary to Vancouver coming all the
way on the Trans Canada is over 600 kilometers. It takes a good 12 -13 hours
if you know the road and you are used to driving on the "right" side of the
road. Our roads are all mountainous.
--
Martha T2 Canada
1500mg. Metformin, 4mg. Avandia
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

"Gary Gapinski" <usenet.RemoveThis@garygapinski.com> wrote in message
news:603tetF1ocnitU1@mid.individual.net...
> Don't miss Yoho National Park (http://xml.garygapinski.com/Yoho.kmz).
> While I have yet to visit all the major parks in North America, I'd
> venture it is the most scenic mountain park. The drive up the valley
> from Highway 1 to Takakkaw Falls is spectacular, as are the falls. If
> you are (very) ambitious, plan a hike to Twin Falls returning on the
> west side of the valley (~20km circuit from Takakkaw Falls). See
> http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho/index_E.asp for more information.
>
> The Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper is quite scenic.

"quite scenic"??? One of the MOST scenic driving routes in the effing
world!!!!!


>
> It's a long way to Glacier National Park, and even farther to Vancouver.
> I suspect you could profitably spend all 10 days between Calgary and
> Jasper.
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

"MI" <quilchenapark.RemoveThis@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:C3C23801.23124%quilchenapark@shaw.ca...
>
>
>
> On 1/27/08 12:30 AM, in article 13pog8o1e575t30.RemoveThis@corp.supernews.com,
> "BrianK"
> <brianBLOG1951.RemoveThis@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>> On 1/26/2008 3:45 PM beer_monster12002.RemoveThis@yahoo.co.uk did the "neutron
>> dance", then made these writings:
>>> Hi Group,
>>>
>>> We are in the early stages of putting together an itinerary for our
>>> trip this August. Flights and car hire are booked.
>>> We arrive at Calgary Airport in August for 10 days. We want to see
>>> Glacier NP in Montana. Also the Icefields Parkway and maybe Vancouver.
>>> My plan was to drive down to Glacier then along the "into the Sun
>>> Highway" to Whitefish. From here we could drive to Vancouver using
>>> Highway 3 in Canada.
>>> Is there a better more scenic route to take to get there?
>>> What places of interest (if any) are there along the way?
>>> We would then drive up to Whistler and then carry on back to the
>>> Icefields.
>>> Alternatively from Montana we could drive back up to Alberta and
>>> spend the time exploring thus giving British Columbia a miss this time
>>> (a good excuse to visit again).
>>> What recommendations would anyone give for "must see in Alberta"?
>>>
>>> Looking foward to any ideas and suggestions
>>>
>>> Thanks and regards
>>>
>>> Bob
>>>
> I understand what you are trying to do, but there are a few gaps in your
> itinerary. Highway 3 doesn't go within 100 miles of Vancouver. You could
> re-enter Canada after your visit to Whitefish joining Hwy 3 and following
> it
> through the various mountain ranges. It is a very pretty trip. Just don't
> be
> afraid of mountain roads. One of the prettiest parts of Hwy 3 is through
> Stag Leap Pass which is at about 6000 feet. You join the Trans Canada
> (Highway 1) at Hope and then come through the Fraser Valley into
> Vancouver.
> There are many places and things to do in Vancouver. The Aquarium, the Art
> Galleries, Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park. Gondola ride to the top of
> Grouse Mountain or you can drive up to the Cypress Bowl or Mt. Seymour.
> Your
> drive to Whistler is a must. They have not finished widening the road for
> the Olympics so there is still the odd 20 minute construction wait. You do
> not want to drive from Whistler on the Pemberton and the Duffy Lake Road
> to
> Lillooet and then onto the Trans Canada to the Columbia Ice Fields. This
> is
> not highway standard road. It is mainly local road to the Indian
> Reservations. It is very pretty though. We have driven it. You are better
> off returning to Vancouver (1 1/2 - 2 hour drive. You can then travel on
> the
> Trans Canada through the Fraser Canyon (with a stop at Hell's Gate) on
> through the Rogers Pass and on the ice fields.
>
> Be sure to bring your camera and lots of chips or something to download
> onto. You will want to take a lot of pictures. The Rockies are gorgeous
> but
> the Purcells and the Selkirks are just as beautiful.
>
> Hope this helps.
> --
> Martha T2 Vancouver Canada
>
>
There is NOTHING wrong with the Duffy Lake Road. It is a PAVED two-lane
HIGHWAY. Perhaps you are thinking of the route immediately north of it--the
"Highliner". Now, THAT is .....interesting. Has a sign..or used to "Drive
at your OWN Risk".
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

"MI" <quilchenapark.DeleteThis@shaw.ca> schrieb

> You do not want to drive from Whistler on the Pemberton and the Duffy
> Lake Road to Lillooet and then onto the Trans Canada to the Columbia
> Ice Fields. This is not highway standard road. It is mainly local road to
> the Indian Reservations. It is very pretty though. We have driven it. You
> are better off returning to Vancouver

I agree for the Birkenhead route, or the one via Gold Bridge. But Hwy 99
is no problem at all, and saves a lot of time if you only have 10 days (that
means "eating miles" anyway)

> You can then travel on the
> Trans Canada through the Fraser Canyon (with a stop at Hell's Gate) on
> through the Rogers Pass and on the ice fields.

....and only halfway up the Icefields Parkway, then the David Thompson
(Hwy 11) to Rocky Mountain House/Red Deer/Calgary.
Not bad either.

Whether you stay in Alberta, or do this circle tour... there are pros and
cons for both, and up to Bob to decide. If he likes driving: Go for it. If
he prefers to stay in one place for a few more days: Stay in Alberta.
I don't mind spending a whole day behind the wheel because I find driving
Canadian highways really relaxing: Beautiful scenery, no traffic to speak
of...: Pure joy!

Jochen from Germany
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

"Jochen Kriegerowski" <joinvalid.TakeThisOut@smtp.ru> wrote in message
news:fnk5gm$95v$03$1@news.t-online.com...
> "MI" <quilchenapark.TakeThisOut@shaw.ca> schrieb
>
>> You do not want to drive from Whistler on the Pemberton and the Duffy
>> Lake Road to Lillooet and then onto the Trans Canada to the Columbia
>> Ice Fields. This is not highway standard road. It is mainly local road to
>> the Indian Reservations. It is very pretty though. We have driven it. You
>> are better off returning to Vancouver
>
> I agree for the Birkenhead route, or the one via Gold Bridge. But Hwy 99
> is no problem at all, and saves a lot of time if you only have 10 days
> (that
> means "eating miles" anyway)

Well, I've done the hairy route, through Seton Portage which runs along the
hydro lines and the BC Rail Line, also that Duffy lake Route. Never done the
northern route through Birkenhead. Is it as interesting as the Highliner
Route through Seton Portage?



>
>> You can then travel on the
>> Trans Canada through the Fraser Canyon (with a stop at Hell's Gate) on
>> through the Rogers Pass and on the ice fields.
>
> ...and only halfway up the Icefields Parkway, then the David Thompson
> (Hwy 11) to Rocky Mountain House/Red Deer/Calgary.
> Not bad either.
>
> Whether you stay in Alberta, or do this circle tour... there are pros and
> cons for both, and up to Bob to decide. If he likes driving: Go for it. If
> he prefers to stay in one place for a few more days: Stay in Alberta.
> I don't mind spending a whole day behind the wheel because I find driving
> Canadian highways really relaxing: Beautiful scenery, no traffic to speak
> of...: Pure joy!
>
> Jochen from Germany
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

"sharx35" <sharx35.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> schrieb

> Well, I've done the hairy route, through Seton Portage which runs along
> the hydro lines and the BC Rail Line, also that Duffy lake Route.

The Seton Portage route is the one I referred to as Birkenhead. The Duffy
Lake route ist Hwy 99 along Cayoosh Creek. The Highway is just as good
as any - like the ones from Lillooet to Lytton or to Cache Creek. The
standard two lane, paved road.

> Never done the northern route through Birkenhead. Is it as interesting as
> the Highliner Route through Seton Portage?

There are two stretches on the Seton Portage route that can be a bit
awkward or washed out. I never got stuck with a 2WD, but I wouldn't
drive it in spring or after a heavy rainfall without 4WD.
But then again, I know someone who did just that with a 1978
Chrysler New Yorker about 25 years ago, and the car is still in one
piece today

The northern route through Gold Bridge is more or less the same,
maybe even easier to drive, but significantly longer. As with all back-
roads it depends very much on weather and maintenance.
Very scenic in parts, especially along Carpenter Lake.

I you just want to get from A to B, stay on the Highway; for the other
routes you have to be a backroading enthusiast like me, I guess <g>

Jochen from Germany
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

"Jochen Kriegerowski" <joinvalid.RemoveThis@smtp.ru> wrote in message
news:fnkh1e$125$03$2@news.t-online.com...
> "sharx35" <sharx35.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> schrieb
>
>> Well, I've done the hairy route, through Seton Portage which runs along
>> the hydro lines and the BC Rail Line, also that Duffy lake Route.
>
> The Seton Portage route is the one I referred to as Birkenhead. The Duffy
> Lake route ist Hwy 99 along Cayoosh Creek. The Highway is just as good
> as any - like the ones from Lillooet to Lytton or to Cache Creek. The
> standard two lane, paved road.
>
>> Never done the northern route through Birkenhead. Is it as interesting as
>> the Highliner Route through Seton Portage?
>
> There are two stretches on the Seton Portage route that can be a bit
> awkward or washed out. I never got stuck with a 2WD, but I wouldn't
> drive it in spring or after a heavy rainfall without 4WD.
> But then again, I know someone who did just that with a 1978
> Chrysler New Yorker about 25 years ago, and the car is still in one
> piece today

We went through the Highliner (Seton Portage to Pemberton) about 1990
(whatever year it was that the Indians blocked the Duffy Lake Road) in a
1972 Dodge Dart..from east to west, so we were next to the mountain, rather
than the edge. It took a long time to go just a few miles, however. And,
yes, we chose that route, rather than the Gold Bridge route, because of the
longer distance of the Gold Bridge route. Still would like to try it,
though.

>
> The northern route through Gold Bridge is more or less the same,
> maybe even easier to drive, but significantly longer. As with all back-
> roads it depends very much on weather and maintenance.
> Very scenic in parts, especially along Carpenter Lake.
>
> I you just want to get from A to B, stay on the Highway; for the other
> routes you have to be a backroading enthusiast like me, I guess <g>
>
> Jochen from Germany
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

beer_monster12002.TakeThisOut@yahoo.co.uk <beer_monster12002.TakeThisOut@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
> Hi Group,
>
> We are in the early stages of putting together an itinerary for our
> trip this August. Flights and car hire are booked.
> We arrive at Calgary Airport in August for 10 days. We want to see
> Glacier NP in Montana. Also the Icefields Parkway and maybe Vancouver.
> My plan was to drive down to Glacier then along the "into the Sun
> Highway" to Whitefish. From here we could drive to Vancouver using
> Highway 3 in Canada.
> Is there a better more scenic route to take to get there?
> What places of interest (if any) are there along the way?
> We would then drive up to Whistler and then carry on back to the
> Icefields.
> Alternatively from Montana we could drive back up to Alberta and
> spend the time exploring thus giving British Columbia a miss this time
> (a good excuse to visit again).
> What recommendations would anyone give for "must see in Alberta"?
>
> Looking foward to any ideas and suggestions
>
> Thanks and regards
>
> Bob

--
K.

Lang may your lum reek.
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August 

<beer_monster12002 DeleteThis @yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:87c28027-30fc-4664-9f1d-50616c2fe8b2@f10g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> Hi Group,
>
> We are in the early stages of putting together an itinerary for our
> trip this August. Flights and car hire are booked.
> We arrive at Calgary Airport in August for 10 days. We want to see
> Glacier NP in Montana. Also the Icefields Parkway and maybe Vancouver.

Thats quite a lot to fit in 10 days

> My plan was to drive down to Glacier then along the "into the Sun
> Highway" to Whitefish. From here we could drive to Vancouver using
> Highway 3 in Canada.

This is going to absorb 3 days. 1 day to drive to Glacier, 1
to drive going to the Sun Road and another day to drive to
Vancouver. Highway 3 is scenic BUT its very twisty and
rather slow going

> Is there a better more scenic route to take to get there?
> What places of interest (if any) are there along the way?
> We would then drive up to Whistler and then carry on back to the
> Icefields.
> Alternatively from Montana we could drive back up to Alberta and
> spend the time exploring thus giving British Columbia a miss this time
> (a good excuse to visit again).
> What recommendations would anyone give for "must see in Alberta"?
>
> Looking foward to any ideas and suggestions
>

With 10 days I'd recommend a circular route in Canada.

Calgary to Banff and Jasper

At least one day in Jasper visiting Spirit Lake

Jasper to Clearwater BC - visit Wells Gray Provincial Park.
It is vastly underrated. The waterfalls in the park are amazing

Clearwater - CacheCreek and Vancouver by Highway1
Hells Gate is impressive but the short hike a few miles
further on to the Alexandra Suspension Bridge is worth taking
and its free !

From Vancouver return via Kamloops and drive to
Revelstoke along Highway 1. The view from the summit
of Mt Revelstoke NP is impressive. From there the road
to Golden via the Caandian Glacier NP is magnificent

Finaly drive to Calgary via Yoho NP . This last NP is
magnificent with the really impressive Takkakaw falls

There's more than enough here to fill 10 days, I took twice
that long last year

Keith
 >> Stay informed about: Canada and USA this August