Helena Montana to Calgary CA to Vancouver to Seattle WA

[HighwayJunky]

Well, we're starting to talk about a dream come true western trip from Florida. As we travel to the NW we are thinking of leaving the U.S. after visiting Helena MO and going to Calgary CA then on to Vancouver before returning to the GREAT U.S and traveling down the west coast through Seattle into Oregon then Southern California.

Question for you frequent travelers, Can we do this based on route? We travel as husband/wife with a 2015 gasser and tow car..I'll depend on you as I am a little anxious without some good advise from you guys...

[frankdamp]

FYI, Anacortes isn't on the Olympic Peninsula, but on Fidalgo Island. That's the only one of the San Juan Islands you can drive to and is about 30 miles west of I-5. If you do visit, you needn't double back to I-5. You can head over the Deception Pass bridge and drive to the south end of Whidbey Island and take your rig on a ferry to Mukilteo. One of the routes from there to I-5 goes right by the Boeing 747/767/777 factory, where they do guided public tours.

[J-Rooster]

No one mention this but when going into Canada must have proof insurance and registration of your vehicles, if you travel with pets you must have all current shot records, no firearms, if anyone has been convicted of felony or had a DUI no matter how far in the past they will not let you enter. Have a great trip!

[slickest1]

There are several different routes to take from Calgary though BC. All of them will be very scenic and the roads are not a worry. We have traveled most of these routes in many different RV,s and had no problem at all. The National Parks are some of the best scenery you will find and as mentioned the Okanagan is very nice as well. Like Frank said the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State is a worthwhile trip as well and you can continue up the coast right into California. You have a great trip ahead of you that I am sure you will enjoy.

[frankdamp]

Maybe consider coming out to the Washington coast on SR20 to Anacortes. That will give you an opportunity to visit the San Juan Islands on the WA ferry system. Then you can head down to Seattle and further south.

Obvious bias if you check my signature!

[alboy]

Sorry no narrow twisty roads,travelled it many times,once you hit the Okanagan have your campsites booked ahead as its always full,or you could wal mart it.

[donn0128]

Your in the Rocky mountains. There will be lots of narrow twisty roads with lots of climbs and decents. It is the mointains afterall. That is what makes it so beautiful. Most of the Canadian highways are traveled daily by trucks of all sizes. So dont worry about them. Take your time, be sure to get off the road if traffic starts to pile up behind you to allow them to pass. Go have fun.

[oldcoot]

I would notify your insurance company that you will be traveling in Canada for the time you plan on being there. As far as the roads you will not have any problems all paved. This year Canada is celebrating there 150th anniversary, so the national parks are not charging for a park pass. You still have to pay for your campsite. The Canadian Rockies are something beautiful to see and enjoy your trip

[HighwayJunky]

I am wondering more about the difficulties associated with such a trip. Hills, mountains, tricky turns etc. Also, are there issues with needing added auto,MH insurances, etc. ??

[donn0128]

From Calgary head west thru the Rockies and turn south on 97. This will,put squarely into the BC wine country. There are dozens of wineries you can tour. From here your choices are south into WA or west to Vancouver. Vancouver is nothing special and no easy ways thru town. So my choice would be south on 97. Be sure to visit Grand Coulee Dam and the night time lazer light shows, and Dry falls. From here you can choose to visit central or coast. Both offer different scenery.

[HighwayJunky]

Southern California is to visit son and family and grand baby. Seen the rest of the southern CA area several times.

[Bill_Satellite]

YES! Don't over think it. Just plan the trip and take the trip. It really is exactly that easy.

[Lwiddis]

What would want to see in SoCal? Ventura and north fabulous..,coast and western and eastern Sierras.