Forum Discussion

Mike3's avatar
Mike3
Explorer
May 01, 2016

Advice on Western Route thru Canada

Hi all, we are planning a trip from Charlotte, MI to Glacier NP and then into Canada to the west coast. We will be traveling in a large MH and being this is our first trip in our new MH we want to stay off the narrow local roads.

Our plan is to spend a week or so touring the upper pennisula of Michigan and then heading to Glacier.

1. Will we be able to find campsites for a 45' coach in late July in the upper peninsula or are reservations a must?

We have never traveled in Canada so we would like some help on the route from Michigan heading west.

2. Our question is, should we head into Canada thru North Dakota and take Hwy 1 west to the Waterton Glacier or should we take US Hwy 2 from Wisconsin west to Glacier. In other words is the drive more scenic on the Canadian side?

3. After Glacier what is the more scenic route thru Canada heading west. We want to visit the Braniff area and come down into the US via Vancouver.

Thanks, your suggestions are appreciated.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 01, 2016
    Hi,

    I would stay in USA as long as I could. I don't find Jasper any better than the rest of the mountain areas and it is a long way north.

    Be sure to fill up to the gills at the last fuel stop in USA.

    If you plan on going west from Banff, fill up at Lake Louise--but not at the Husky--go to the Petrocan It is often about 15 cents a US Gallon cheaper. Once you are in BC there is a 15 cents per liter carbon tax hidden in the price--that works out to 56 cents per gallon extra--so again fill to the gills.

    I love Lake Louise.
  • Harvard's avatar
    Harvard
    Explorer
    May 01, 2016
    Avoid Manitoba and Saskatchewan, bad roads, expensive fuel and no scenery. IMO
  • nightshift's avatar
    nightshift
    Explorer
    May 01, 2016
    Hello Mike,
    My opinion:

    1. No need to waste fuel and time to travel through Manitoba and Saskatchewan to get to Glacier. Same scenery and much more expensive gas in Canada.
    2. If you have time drive to Jasper, a slice of heaven on earth. The drive is an awesome experience. Many others you meet in Banff will tell you the same. Once you're there visit Maligne Canyon for an easy day hike then treat yourself to dinner at the Jasper Park Lodge. Drive to Pyramid Lake just north of town. Once you leave Jasper you'll wish you had spent more time there.
    3. Shuswap Lake is gorgeous.
    4. If you have time go to Saltspring Island. Wineries and scenery galore. Then Victoria. Go up island to finish your trip at Rathtrevor Provincial Park.

    Have fun!
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    May 01, 2016
    North on Can 6 to Can 3 to Can 2 into Calgary. Then West to Banff on Can 1. North on Can 93 to Jasper. This is the Ice Fields highway. This is a must!
    Then Can 16 to Can 5. Can 5 is the Highway to Hell TV program.
    Then west on Can 1 into Vancouver BC.
    We are going East on Can 1 later this month. Several years ago we did US 2. It was a good road and trip.
    Which way are you going home? Maybe Can 1 one direction and US 2 the other

About Bucket List Trips

13,487 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025