Why 99 Whistler to Hwy 97 Canada

[getcarter]

I'm just trying to find out how the road is when using Hwy 99 north out of Whistler to Hwy 97 North. I have a 40FT MH with Toad.

Thanks in advance

[BC_Explorer]

@Freedom polecat.

I have driven this route (both directions) with a truck and trailer more times then I want to think about. And yes, so do RV's of all lengths / configurations, tour buses, semis etc without incident every year.

The OP will be fine with his RV and toad, regardless of how much you think he would not be.

As for the "aboriginal land speed limit" comment. The low highway speed is there for a reason and has nothing to do with the aboriginals, which in this modern century, are better referred to as First Nations...

[garyhaupt]

Freedompolecat...you are offering your views..all good...but you are going in the wrong direction. The poster is going up the hill..not down. And yes, many, many cars/trucks with trailers, buses, logging trucks, transports run that route all the time.

In the case of the OP...ideally they are confident drivers with a modicum of good sense and use pull-offs to facilitate the overtaking traffic.


Gary Haupt

[crosscheck]

Freedom polecat wrote:
I don't know? Call me a sceptic but 40ft MH plus towing a car or suv and that is at least 60 feet now. Personally I have never seen a tour bus between Pemberton and Lillooet and have only seen logging trucks on the road in and around Pemberton.

Not trying to be rude but I would hate to send him that way not knowing for sure

You are not being rude, just trying to give someone else advise not to go on a road that you would not want to drive yourself with a rig that he has. Fair enough.

There are numerous logging cut blocks between Pemberton and Lilooet. The logs didn't get moved to the mills by chopper. Also, there is a pull out at the north east end of Duffey Lake where the views towards Whister are spectacular. This is one of the places where the tour buses stop. And no, there is not a tour bus every 5 minutes like on the Icefield Parkway.

Just looking at google maps, by Duffey Lake, there is a white vehicle clearly 5 times longer than the cars around it. Sure looks like a bus to me.

Dave

[Freedom_polecat]

I don't know? Call me a sceptic but 40ft MH plus towing a car or suv and that is at least 60 feet now. Personally I have never seen a tour bus between Pemberton and Lillooet and have only seen logging trucks on the road in and around Pemberton.

Not trying to be rude but I would hate to send him that way not knowing for sure

[crosscheck]

Full sized tour buses and semis and logging trucks drive this road all the time and their rigs are longer, taller than yours. I have driven this road many times in all seasons with a car and a truck and camper. It is a whindy, hilly road but drive cautiouly and all will be fine.

Dave

[Freedom_polecat]

Also keep in mind the time of year you may want to do this.

A good site for road conditions and webcams is http://www.drivebc.ca/

A lot of times there could be accidents, road closures, construction, washouts or rock slides on that route so it is best to check this website first before attempting that route.

[Freedom_polecat]

getcarter wrote:
I'm just trying to find out how the road is when using Hwy 99 north out of Whistler to Hwy 97 North. I have a 40FT MH with Toad.

Thanks in advance

I have driven that route many times in a 1/2ton and occasionally towing a car trailer. There are many steep grades( 13-15% )and very sharp turns. Basically it is a narrow two lane switchback road. Going that direction you will encounter a steep decline to a very sharp U-shaped turn half way to the bottom. It will be tight for you. Another thing you need to find out is the height restriction of a one lane bridge about halfway into your trip. It is very low and you would need to find out before starting out or you will be hooped. Turning around would be a real problem in that area if you can't make it. Unfortunately, I don't remember the height restriction. Between Pemberton and Lillooet, it is very slow going with a car or truck because of all the sharp turns, climbs and descents and the aboriginal land speed limit just past Pemberton.

In my opinion, I would not attempt this route with your setup. I seriously can't stress this enough. I honestly don't think you would make some of the turns involved. My wife gasped when she asked what I was typing and I mentioned your setup.

If you're interested in seeing and going this way, I would suggest park the MH in Kamloops or Cache Creek using the Coquihalla # 5 Hwy to get there. Then use your toad to backtrack, sightsee and overnight in Whistler or Pemberton. Kamloops to Whistler is about a 4.5-5 hour drive plus stops. Approx 180 miles only so you can see how slow going it is, in just a car

Let me know if you need any other info.

[sue_t]

This was our drive from Hwy 97 to Hwy 99 in 2009
http://yukonsights.ca/20090917_LLH-Pemberton.html

You're planning to drive the opposite direction so will be climbing this hill rather then descending it

[romore]

It is a spectacular trip but don't expect to set any speed records especially once you cross the Fraser River. Cayoose Creek campground at Lilloet is a beautiful spot right beside the river.

[Orion]

Here is a Streetview of a random section of the road, which IMHO, is the most scenic route through the mountains.
Link

[The_real_wild1]

I agree. I did it with my bike years ago. Great road on a bike lol

[garyhaupt]

The road itself is lovely. Paved and beeeUtEEful. You'll need to be taking advantage of pull-outs. You won't be keeping the posted speed limit, I wouldn't imagine. I think if I were planning..I'd say try to avoid nice summer weekends. That's a race track for bikes and sports cars. You won't be able to take advantage of many of the boondocking sites either...you are too long. But as far as the drive? you'll be fine.


Gary Haupt