Trans Canada Highway

agibbins562 wrote:
We have a 41 ft. class A and are hoping to enter Canada near Bellingham, Washington St. and travel to Calgary. The route is the Trans Canada Highway. Any suggestions or cautions concerning the road and suggestions regarding RV parks (we travel with a Golden Retriever) Thank you

shouldn't be a problem. just have your dogs rabies certificate ready to hand the border guard, along with your passports.

That is a beautiful trip, but don't get in a hurry, it is not a high speed road.

I believe I'd do the north cascade highway (20) to Highway 97 north, and cross at Ososyoos then head east. on Canada #3

its all good roads and very scenic.
we cross at sumac seem less hassles there. at hope we prefer to take 5 to kamloops and rejoin 1,saves some miles and just as scenic to us.

`drivebc` is the provincial road conditions site. Check it, especially for fire related issues. Hwy 5, Hope to Kamloops skirts the area that is experiencing the worst fires, but check to be sure. Even if the fires aren't close the smoke can be a bother.

Hwy 3, Crowsnest stays further south, close to the border. It has more grades, but is still quite interesting.

In contrast to US Nat Parks, Canadian ones allow dogs on trails. Hwy 1 passes through a chain of such parks - Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho and Banff. I'd get multiday pass in Revelstoke and study their guide.

BC Prov. Parks are also great.

I concur with taking WA20 over North Cascades -- it's one of the glorious drives in the country. Osoyoos crossing is easier, too. Better than being dumped off into suburban Vancouver traffic north of Bellingham.

Also agree that BC parks are mostly great -- their online booking works very well.

Though if you are already in Bellingham I'd continue on into Canada, using the Abbotsford Crossing. Transcanada east from there to Hope is no worse than driving south on I5 to WA20.

WA20 is great, but BC3 through Manning Prov Park is nearly as good. Hope to Kamloops, BC5, is divided hwy, but climbs as high.

If you are already in Bellingham go straight north to the Lynden/Aldergrove crossing then to 1, no need to go to Sumas. Take 5 north from Hope, 1 is closed at Spences Bridge due to the fires. Smoke may limit your scenery but once past Kamloops all is good.
Do you need full hookups? If so stay outside the parks as their services are limited to a picnic table and outhouse. Your furry companion will present no problems but he/she will need to be leashed. BTW, there is a really good Mexican restaurant in the strip mall at the north end of Lynden but don't order the large plate. Just sayin':B

Staying in the US until you are east of the Cascades will avoid the Canadian fires in British Columbia. plus better roads, and cheaper fuel.

Where are you now?