Canada Motorhome Holiday

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MovingRock76

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Hi all
I'm looking for a motorhome holiday in Canada Aug/Sep this year (hiring the RV). The popular routes through the west with Banff, Jasper, Whistler, Vancouver etc. are appealing. A long list of options from Google, one of which was a package offered by the CAMC. Anyone any experience of booking that kind of trip with the club? and would/wouldn't recommend
I'm starting the inevitable spreadsheet for comparisons but the club package seems to cover most of the extras you have to add on with other sites, like mileage, bedding, park passes, chairs!!!
I'm at the start of my search but would love to hear thoughts on experiences with who to book with, what pitfalls to watch out for, things we should think to include, not just relating to booking but destinations and activities.
Sorry, I appreciate that could spawn very long and broad responses without extra details
TIA
 
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We have rented in Canada and the US for the last ten years. In fact, our first trip was the Canadian Rockies, renting from just outside Vancouver. That vehicle was a European style van, 23' long, and on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We were hooked after that, and have rented many different vans, from 21' to a 33' behemoth.

Apart from that first trip, and the one after it, we have booked through specialist agents. We've used Motorhome Republic and Motorhome Bookers previously; for our last two trips we used Camper Days, and found them to be consistently cheaper than others, with better terms.
The three main suppliers in Canada are CanaDream, Fraserway, and Cruise Canada; the last one trades as Cruise America in the US and is considered a budget brand. As a starting point I would suggest you look at any or all of those, then compare with Camper Days or the other agents; you will find that the agents will be cheaper than renting direct from the suppliers, and usually offer different packages.

Are you tied to August into September? That is considered peak season, along with July. You will save a substantial amount if you considered September into October, or even May into June next year. For the Rockies you shouldn't really be looking any earlier than May, it will be too cold, there will still be snow about, and many campsites don't open until mid May.
How long are you considering? To do it justice you really should think about renting for about 21 days, and driving no more than 100 miles per day.

We are thinking about Canada again for next year, probably renting from Toronto or Montreal, and driving into Nova Scotia.


If you have any more specific questions, just post and I'll try and help. Good look with your planning
 
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Tiger Bear said:
We have rented in Canada and the US for the last ten years. In fact, our first trip was the Canadian Rockies, renting from just outside Vancouver. That vehicle was a European style van, 23' long, and on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis. We were hooked after that, and have rented many different vans, from 21' to a 33' behemoth.

Apart from that first trip, and the one after it, we have booked through specialist agents. We've used Motorhome Republic and Motorhome Bookers previously; for our last two trips we used Camper Days, and found them to be consistently cheaper than others, with better terms.
The three main suppliers in Canada are CanaDream, Fraserway, and Cruise Canada; the last one trades as Cruise America in the US and is considered a budget brand. As a starting point I would suggest you look at any or all of those, then compare with Camper Days or the other agents; you will find that the agents will be cheaper than renting direct from the suppliers, and usually offer different packages.

Are you tied to August into September? That is considered peak season, along with July. You will save a substantial amount if you considered September into October, or even May into June next year. For the Rockies you shouldn't really be looking any earlier than May, it will be too cold, there will still be snow about, and many campsites don't open until mid May.
How long are you considering? To do it justice you really should think about renting for about 21 days, and driving no more than 100 miles per day.

We are thinking about Canada again for next year, probably renting from Toronto or Montreal, and driving into Nova Scotia.


If you have any more specific questions, just post and I'll try and help. Good look with your planning
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Hi
Thank you very much for your useful info. Dates are slightly flexible, but is weather a consideration in October?
I've been looking at booking camper and flights separately as well as companies that offer packages that include flights, hotels etc. so thanks for the pointers to hire companies. What's the site booking/availability like in your experience? Are you spoilt for choice or are sites a distance apart. Sorry, not looked into that yet. Package companies pre-book for you but of course that's limiting.
Head spinning with variables at the moment
 
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For the area you are looking at the average temperature for June and September is similar, and May and October also have similar temperatures.
Going into October you are going to start losing the light earlier in the evening, whereas in May the nights get lighter. For us, the biggest factor is cost; it will always be cheaper earlier in the season. I have done a quick check for 21 nights with Fraserway through Camper Days from the middle of May to early June, and again from the middle of September to early October. The average basic per night rate comes out at £45 p/n for the former, and £90 p/n for the latter.

We always book flights separately, usually with Virgin.

As for camping, when we tour in the US we try to even it out to one night on a campsite to three nights freedom camping, the latter tending to be a mix of deserts or forests, depending on the area, BLM land, or Walmart and Crackerbarrel parking lots. That would be more difficult to do in British Columbia and Alberta as there a lot of National and Provincial parks, and you cannot freedom camp in them. There are still places you can freedom camp, but not necessarily in forest areas, as they tend to be in the parks. I'm thinking of places like Walmarts and other business premises, visitor centres in towns and cities, lay-bys and rest stops. Casinos are a good place to freedom camp too, almost all of them are operated by First Nations people. Some may charge $5 or $10, which is nothing. You will also always find that fuel is significantly cheaper on First Nations land.
To help with planning freedom camping and paid-for sites you would do well to subscribe to Allstays.com. Essentially it works in a similar way to SearchForSites and Park4Night over here, but with far more detailed information. It is an essential resource for us when planning trips in the US and Canada. The pro version currently costs $34.99 USD annually and you can use it offline.

Given the choice we would take a trip in May to June; there are a number of other benefits in addition to the cheaper per night rental rates. The campsites, which tend to open mid-May are quieter and cheaper; almost all of them open first for RVs and trailers, and tent camping is usually banned until at least the end of May; the reason for that is the bears have just come out of hibernation, and Elk are calving. The latter can be really aggressive when trying to protect their calves. Another benefit of camping in May and June is that the rivers will be running faster due to the melting snow, and that means that rafting is more exhilarating.
If we're not freedom camping, we would favour managed sites in National and Provincial parks, as well as city parks. They are always cheaper, and some of them have really good facilities. We tend to look out for campsites that have accessible pitches and accessible toilets and showers.


In May 2015, we travelled with friends, each of us having one of these, which we named Ray and Roy:
0038.webp


This is, to the best of my recollection, our route:
After collecting Ray and Roy the day after arrival, our first night was on a campsite in Hope. The next day we followed Highway 5 up to Kamloops and joined Highway 1 towards Lake Louise. Thereafter we travelled north on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) towards Jasper, camping halfway up at the Columbia Icefield (now that was a cold night, and it was 30th May). From Jasper we drove the long journey to Edmonton, stayed two nights there and then drove down to Calgary; those two legs were long drives but there wasn't much scenery along the way. The folk in Calgary were really friendly. We then travelled west along Highway one towards Banff, before camping again at Lake Louise. Although Lake Louise is beautiful it was rammed with tourists, mostly Japanese. We preferred Moraine Lake; we found that to be more beautiful and there were no tourists. We then travelled south a little while and took Highway 93 to Radium Hot Springs before heading up Highway 95 to Golden; it was here that we went white water rafting down the Kicking Horse river. We then travelled west along Highway 1 to Cache Creek before travelling up Highway 97 a short way and turning left onto Highway 91. We camped at Marble Canyon Provincial Park; it was now the first week in June and the lake was warm enough to swim in. We then followed Highway 99 to Whistler. we tried Superfly Ziplines; they reckon to have the fastest, highest and longest lines in Canada and there are some spectacular views as you go down them; I loved it! We then travelled down Highway 99 back to the Vancouver area; we stayed on a campsite near to the rental location before returning the vans. We had the vans for 18 nights.
We then rented cars and drove to Seattle for three nights. When we returned to Vancouver, as it was our 25th wedding anniversary, we pushed the boat out and stayed four nights in a really nice hotel in Coal Harbour.


BTW - how many of you are travelling, what's your age range, and what size van are you considering?

If there are just the two of you don't necessarily think you have to get a smaller van; smaller is not necessarily cheaper. The vans that are 25ft or bigger also tend to have slide-outs, which really opens up your living area. That's not the case though for Cruise Canada, as their vans are quite basic; they don't even have awnings.

Whether you book direct or through an agent such as Camper Days, you will encounter different packages depending on when you book, so you may get a free vehicle kit (kitchen crockery, pans, utensils etc) and personal kits (bedding and towels) and included generator usage with one while with another you may get extra or unlimited kilometres (remember, when planning your route to work it out in kilometres).
If you are considering May next year, now is the time to start looking seriously, as you will get a substantial early booking discount. At the moment Camper Days are giving an additional €100 discount, with a voucher code to be found on their site, up to 22nd April. Another good thing with them is free cancellation; so, if the price drops you could well cancel and rebook, just so long as you are far enough out so as not to attract cancellation fees from the supplier.

You will also need to consider the insurance offered and whether it is included. It's always included with Camper Days and, to the best of my recollection, also with Motorhome Republic and Motorhome Bookers. You may find an offer on an additional policy that will cover things like keys, tyres, underbody etc, which isn't included with the basic insurance. To buy that at the depot will always be the most expensive. I always get an annual worldwide policy, with motorhome add-on, from iCarHireInsurance; I get the policy to start on the first day of rental and sometimes it may cover another trip the following year, if we travel earlier. Either way, it will cover me for unlimited car rentals in the UK and worldwide for the remainder of the policy period. That policy generally costs about £100/120, so is much cheaper than buying at the rental location. Furthermore, they always have good cashback rates with Top Cashback or Quidco.


I'm sure there are other questions you have, so ask away.
 
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Many years ago we went on a CCC holiday. Everything organised from flights, Motorhomes hire and sites. We didn’t not enjoy it but, not our style of holiday as itinerary included 2 or even 3 nights in some places whereas we like to visit then decide how many nights. Never had chance to “go local” as always in a group. Too many waterfalls and lakes and not enough local stuff. Each to their own but we decided we wouldn’t repeat that sort of holiday whilst some on the trip absolutely loved it.

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Madmag said:
Many years ago we went on a CCC holiday. Everything organised from flights, Motorhomes hire and sites. We didn’t not enjoy it but, not our style of holiday as itinerary included 2 or even 3 nights in some places whereas we like to visit then decide how many nights. Never had chance to “go local” as always in a group. Too many waterfalls and lakes and not enough local stuff. Each to their own but we decided we wouldn’t repeat that sort of holiday whilst some on the trip absolutely loved it.
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Will factor those thoughts in, cheers
 
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CAB96 said:
Bookmarked, planning to go in 2026 at about this time (y)
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If you're considering the Rockies for this time of year I would advise you rethink your dates. Although it could well be about 15°C in and around Vancouver, when you move north to the Whistler area you're looking at the temperature dropping by about 10°, and east to the area of Banff and Lake Louise it won't get much higher than about 2°C.
Not only will the rental company almost certainly winterise the van, you will find, as per my earlier post, that campsites in the National and Provincial parks won't be open.

Our friends are renting from Toronto this Friday but are dropping straight into the US, returning back into Ontario in May; they will have the van for a month.

We once did a great trip out of Toronto, heading west and over the top of Lake Superior, dropping into Minnesota, and heading east through Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, before crossing back into Ontario via Niagara Falls. If we were to do that trip in April, we would do it in reverse, so by the time we entered Ontario from Minnesota the weather would be a bit warmer.
 
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Tiger Bear said:
If you're considering the Rockies for this time of year I would advise you rethink your dates. Although it could well be about 15°C in and around Vancouver, when you move north to the Whistler area you're looking at the temperature dropping by about 10°, and east to the area of Banff and Lake Louise it won't get much higher than about 2°C.
Not only will the rental company almost certainly winterise the van, you will find, as per my earlier post, that campsites in the National and Provincial parks won't be open.

Our friends are renting from Toronto this Friday but are dropping straight into the US, returning back into Ontario in May; they will have the van for a month.

We once did a great trip out of Toronto, heading west and over the top of Lake Superior, dropping into Minnesota, and heading east through Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, before crossing back into Ontario via Niagara Falls. If we were to do that trip in April, we would do it in reverse, so by the time we entered Ontario from Minnesota the weather would be a bit warmer.
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Sorry, should have been clearer, planning for end of August into Sept 2026, as per the O.P.

But all info welcome!

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Some great answers here. All I can add is that I've visited Canada a number of times and think it's an amazing place. The Rockies are stunning and I lived in Montreal for 6 months back in the late 70s. Of course that will have changed, but I did visit in the late 80s and I still loved it. Have a fabulous trip.
 
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We used Canadream twice - once west coast, once east. Booked direct. No problems.
They want you to have at least one night landed to get over jet lag.
No issues driving a slightly larger van. the sites are large.
I’d definitely go for the platinum insurance that covers windscreen and cleaning after - saved us a few bob.
I would vote against October. When I rode a bike late September there was already snow on the mountains.
Vancouver island was good.
The sites nearer to Vancouver can be busy and a tad mnar- plenty of longtermers with gardens lit with lights and railway lines etc!
Once over the watershed east of Vancouver the fauna changes very rapidly from alpine to desert.
We enjoyed highway one right up to desolation sound.- some great kayaking, whale watching. Give my regards to “End of the Universe” cafe - owned by a Londoner who sold up.
 
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Just an update where I've got to for those interested, now or in the future

Read and re-read everything that Tiger Bear posted as there is some really good stuff in there, thank you again.

I spent a good while looking at the different ways to book this holiday. Again, with tips from Tiger Bear I looked to book the hire vehicle from camperdays and others, as well as trying to find and book flights from skyscanner, booking.com, airline sites etc. I also investigated packages offered on sites listed on Google when searching for RV holidays - Authentik, MyCanadTrips and CanadianAffair. Authentik is a good site if you don't want to talk to anyone, as apart from the predetermined routes they have on there, there is a tool you can use to map out your own route, pick your flights, choose and customise RV options, get a price and then basically press buy. I did make an official query with all 3 tour companies anyway and ended up having calls with them, to get more info and knowledge if nothing else.
When quotes came back, I was pleasingly surprised with the one from CanadianAffair. They are listed as one of the bigger tour operators so I was perhaps expecting a rip off but it was the opposite. They managed to build an itinerary at a cost I couldn't beat on my own, especially with the RV hire, so we've booked this:

18 Nights
Flights - Air Canada from Heathrow to Vancouver (direct both ways)
First night in Hotel Blu, Vancouver
16 nights C-Large RV hire with Fraserway. Unlimited KM's, CDR & CDW to $0, convenience kits, GPS
2 Parks Canada Discover Passes
Last night in Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
5GB Data SIM as a freebie

This all came in at a smidge over £5k. We are going in September this year, which I know may not be the best time for some and others may still balk at the price but sometimes you just need a bit of convenience (and ATOL protection). We have left the planning rather late. The wife and I turn 50 this year and next so this is our treat to ourselves.

What we haven't booked yet are any sites or planned a particular route. We have the unlimited KM's for freedom but the next stage of planning is now my current stress. Tiger Bear - I'm on AllStays :-)

If anyone would like to chip in with suggested attractions or not to miss places, it may help me with a route. We like hiking and easy trail cycling but I don't think I want to be pulling my boots on every day. Stuff on lakes, day trips will be in there too. Pinning down stop overs might be easier then but I'm conscious (having looked) that even a lot of the National Park RV sites are still busy at that time so might end up on some more expensive independent sites. I'm still uneasy about winging it with the rec areas etc.

Anyway, any and all thoughts still welcome...

Cheers

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MovingRock76 said:
Just an update where I've got to for those interested, now or in the future

Read and re-read everything that Tiger Bear posted as there is some really good stuff in there, thank you again.

I spent a good while looking at the different ways to book this holiday. Again, with tips from Tiger Bear I looked to book the hire vehicle from camperdays and others, as well as trying to find and book flights from skyscanner, booking.com, airline sites etc. I also investigated packages offered on sites listed on Google when searching for RV holidays - Authentik, MyCanadTrips and CanadianAffair. Authentik is a good site if you don't want to talk to anyone, as apart from the predetermined routes they have on there, there is a tool you can use to map out your own route, pick your flights, choose and customise RV options, get a price and then basically press buy. I did make an official query with all 3 tour companies anyway and ended up having calls with them, to get more info and knowledge if nothing else.
When quotes came back, I was pleasingly surprised with the one from CanadianAffair. They are listed as one of the bigger tour operators so I was perhaps expecting a rip off but it was the opposite. They managed to build an itinerary at a cost I couldn't beat on my own, especially with the RV hire, so we've booked this:

18 Nights
Flights - Air Canada from Heathrow to Vancouver (direct both ways)
First night in Hotel Blu, Vancouver
16 nights C-Large RV hire with Fraserway. Unlimited KM's, CDR & CDW to $0, convenience kits, GPS
2 Parks Canada Discover Passes
Last night in Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
5GB Data SIM as a freebie

This all came in at a smidge over £5k. We are going in September this year, which I know may not be the best time for some and others may still balk at the price but sometimes you just need a bit of convenience (and ATOL protection). We have left the planning rather late. The wife and I turn 50 this year and next so this is our treat to ourselves.

What we haven't booked yet are any sites or planned a particular route. We have the unlimited KM's for freedom but the next stage of planning is now my current stress. Tiger Bear - I'm on AllStays :-)

If anyone would like to chip in with suggested attractions or not to miss places, it may help me with a route. We like hiking and easy trail cycling but I don't think I want to be pulling my boots on every day. Stuff on lakes, day trips will be in there too. Pinning down stop overs might be easier then but I'm conscious (having looked) that even a lot of the National Park RV sites are still busy at that time so might end up on some more expensive independent sites. I'm still uneasy about winging it with the rec areas etc.

Anyway, any and all thoughts still welcome...

Cheers
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Looking good! 👍🏼
I can't comment on the price as we have never booked a package, but it doesn't look too bad at all.

Just going to bed as up at sparrow's fart tomorrow. If I get the time, I'll come back on in the morning with some pointers.
 
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We used CAMC for our trip to NZ and Australia. They do Canada too. CAMC use Alan Rogers. Alan Rogers were great. They came up with a suggested itinerary which gave us a good start for planning our trip. We then spent several weeks working with AR tailoring the itinerary to what we wanted. They were very good and patient at working with us. We were never under any pressure to take a standard package - it was a completely bespoke trip.

When we were in Aus, we were impacted by the Queensland floods which closed roads and prevented us from getting north of Mackay. We had assistance from AR’s agent in Aus to replan part of the itinerary. AR booked us new flights and accommodation. Although more expensive than doing DIY, I can thoroughly recommend CAMC/Alan Rogers.
 
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Well this thread is going to be saved.
We nearly got to Canada in 2019, all booked and confirmed, then we all know what happened. Cancelled.
Anyway great info above.
At the mo it's NZ or Canada equal as to which to go to first.
 
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I don’t think that price sounds bad at all. Sometimes it’s worth paying for someone’s expert advice and it is your first time as well. You’ve also got a bit more security as well if it’s a package.

It’s a fascinating thread.

Have a fantastic time.
 
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What an interesting read, even if it’s somthing I’d never considered doing….I could now!

A massive thumbs up for Tiger Bear for providing so much help and info, and look forward to reading about your trip MovingRock76 if you go😎

This is what makes this such a great forum👍

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StillGoing said:
We used CAMC for our trip to NZ and Australia. They do Canada too. CAMC use Alan Rogers. Alan Rogers were great. They came up with a suggested itinerary which gave us a good start for planning our trip. We then spent several weeks working with AR tailoring the itinerary to what we wanted. They were very good and patient at working with us. We were never under any pressure to take a standard package - it was a completely bespoke trip.

When we were in Aus, we were impacted by the Queensland floods which closed roads and prevented us from getting north of Mackay. We had assistance from AR’s agent in Aus to replan part of the itinerary. AR booked us new flights and accommodation. Although more expensive than doing DIY, I can thoroughly recommend CAMC/Alan Rogers.
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Glad you had a great experience/holiday. You've probably seen from the start of the thread that I started by looking at CAMC.

West Canada Peak to Peak

www.caravanclub.co.uk www.caravanclub.co.uk
I had a call with Gemma at CAMC to briefly discuss. The £3849/person starting price is if you go at the beginning of the season. She told me she had booked similar trips for others in July this year and had quoted £11500. Would probably be less for our trip in September but I don't see how they arrive at a 5 figure sum for a trip similar to what we're looking at. Granted it won't be apples for apples but don't see how they would come down to the budget we were looking at. The conversation gave me the impression we would be well looked after and I'm sure they do a great job on some holidays (yours by the sound of it), but at a premium price.
This of course is only info for others watching. I don't want to appear negative or take away from others experience or CAMC. These things are always subjective.
 
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MovingRock76, as I mentioned earlier it sounds like you have got a good deal, particularly with the extras you have, and it comes out significantly cheaper than you may have had to pay with CAMC. I think the main thing for you, being first timers for hiring over there (that's right, isn't it?), is that you've had help from professionals with the planning and you'll get the support. For our first time, back in 2015, were were with our good friends, who were experienced in such trips, so that was a bonus.

We always book independently, firstly trying to tie the motorhome hire in with flight availability, then everything else comes after that. We have a moveable budget to start with, but are happy in the knowledge that will change. By way of an example, for our last trip in May and June 2024 we hired for 25 days and toured Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The biggest expenditure was the van, for which we got a good deal through Camper Days; that was £2500 with 2600 pre-paid miles (we went about 90 miles over). We used points for our flights with Virgin so only paid out £1000 taxes for our PE seats; had we not used points we could have added at least £1500 to that. With extras such as airport parking, pre-flight hotel, our first hotel in Orlando, and additional insurance through iCarHireInsurance, our initial outlay was just shy of £4000. Then you have to consider costs during the trip, the biggest of which will be fuel; on that trip that was £720. To be fair, we never set a limit before we start; we just pay as we go and whatever it comes to when I add it up after the trip, is what it is. The next biggest outlay is likely to be camping. For that trip we planned to do a lot of freedom camping, and were looking at three nights of freedom camping to one night on a campsite; the latter mainly to dump, take on water and give our lass's wheelchair a good charge. As it turned out, there was a heatwave in Florida and the surrounding states, with the evening temperatures often being more than 20°C; one night, camping on a Cracker Barrel parking lot, it was 27°C at 22:00!🥵 Consequently, we camped on sites with EHU a lot more than we planned to, but it was so worth it to just have the A/C on all night. We avoided private sites, most of which were north of US$60, but opted for sites in national and state parks, and forests, paying between $18 and $33. So, our camping for the trip ended up being £420. With other expenditures such as groceries (£300), eating out (£380), and this and that, our total trip cost was a smidgen over £6000.
A big factor of the cost for that trip though was that we got a great deal on a smaller van (21ft), which we wanted to try because that would likely be the size of the van we would probably later buy, and it was with Cruise America, who are considered a budget supplier. That was the second time we have rented with them, and we had problems both times. We will not be using them, or Cruise Canada, again.


The van you have looks to be quite decent and about the right size, and it benefits from the slide-out. Fraserway are a good company to rent from, far superior to Cruise Canada.
2015 was my first time driving a motorhome, anywhere, but I felt reassured that the ones we had chosen were on Mercedes Sprinter wheelbases, and I was used to driving those vehicles at work. Just a year later I was driving a 33ft behemoth with great ease. The thing is, the road infrastructure over there, and perhaps more so in the US, makes driving such vehicles quite straightforward. Even our daughter, who came with us on that second trip, and was 23 at the time, took to it like a duck to water.


Is generator use included? Just be aware that it will use about 3/4 litres of fuel for every hour of use; and if it isn't pre-paid or included, you're looking at about CA$4 per hour in addition to the fuel used.


As for camping, you have already anticipated that campsites in National and Provincial parks will be busy. My advice would be to consider what your 'must do' activities will be, and plan ahead to reserve camping around those. Even though you can't freedom camp in National and Provincial parks, there are still opportunities to do so in other locations, including casinos, some tourist information centres, and, where allowed, Walmarts. AllStays is your best friend with regard to freedom camping. Whenever I find a suitable location on there I always do further research by checking it out with Google maps and looking for reviews on other online camping sites/forums; no need to subscribe to the paid versions.


As for places to visit, the world is your oyster, or rather, the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta are.
Banff should be high on your list; there are several parking lots there for RVs and motorhomes and, if like us, you have a blue badge, you'll also find decent roadside parking.
Lake Louise is also a good place to visit but it can get really busy; nearby Moraine Lake is much quieter and, in my view, more serene.
You must travel up the Icefields Parkway too; if you can, as far as Jasper. There are some great places along the way to stop and hike, including Bow Lake, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and the Weeping Wall. There is also the Glacier Sky Walk, which we've not done, and you cannot miss the Columbia Icefield; you get onto the actual glacier in one of those massive vehicles, like something off Space 1999. Next to the visitor centre for the Columbia Icefield is a massive parking lot where you can camp. I can't recall how much it was when we were there, maybe five or ten dollars, but they have honesty boxes for your payment.
Jasper is a stop/interchange for the Rocky Mountaineer, so you may well see one of the trains there, or at least some of the rolling stock in the sidings.
From Jasper we went to Calgary by way of Edmonton, but that is a bit of a trek, and would take 2/3 days out of your available days. Of the two, Calgary is nicer and the locals are really friendly; it's also easier to get to, being about 80 miles from Banff. When we travelled between the two we camped over night at the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino; there is a helipad nearby where you can book sightseeing tours.
Another place that may interest you is Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park, where you can relax in the mineral springs lido.
We visited Whistler on our way back to Vancouver, taking Hwy 1 from Kamloops as far as Cache Creek, heading north a little, then turning on to Hwy 99, which takes you through Lillooet, and down to Whistler. This is a great drive with some fantastic scenic lookouts, but beware, some of the road surfaces, at least when we were there, left a bit to be desired and were not for the faint hearted. That said, it was early in the season for us; when you go any road damage from the winter should have repaired.
If you are into zip lining, the one that you must try is Superfly at Whistler; when we visited they had the fastest, longest, and highest lines in Canada.


When we travel in the US we often visit Cracker Barrel, a dependable restaurant with consistent food. In Canada our go-to restaurant is White Spot.


I'm sure there are other things that may come to me later. In the meantime, enjoy your trip planning 🙂




.
 
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bobnick said:
How do i "save" this thread?
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Bookmark it, go to the first post and the little squarish 'bookmark' towards the right (on a phone) beside the post number.

It's in mine already, I'm taking notes!

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