Hey, I'm in the itinerary planning stages of a September road trip which will take me through the Okanagan region of BC and then over through Banff. So far I'm planning a border crossing at Osoyoos and then cruising up through Kelowna and over through Revelstoke and then down into Banff and Lake Louise. From there I plan to head southwest through Cranbrook and then down through Castlegar before crossing back into Washington. Any of you good folks ridden much of these fine highways and care to comment on what I can expect to see along the way. Planning to pick me up a copy of Destination Highways for BC but I'm always looking to get some great feedback from the brothers and sister of the road. Thanks - Whitey.

 

Yes, when I lived in White Rock I did that trip a few times. I can give you the maps, but what other info do you want?

Joe

 

I guess more than anything else I'm looking to get a sense if the most direct routes between each are they best way to see the area? While my time is kinda tight and most of my trip is on major highways I do hope to get a couple quick trips out from each stop but I also hope to avoid long traffic delays. Is the riding between each of these stops on roads suited for 50-60 mph and is September a crazy construction month for CA?

 

Hey Whitey;

I live just outside Calgary, AB. There is so much beautiful country in southern BC and never enough time to see it all.

One favorite trip of mine is down the East side of Kootenay Lake from Crawford Bay to Creston. If you are in Revelstoke, instead of going up through Rogers Pass to Golden (it can be cold up there even in mid summer) and over to Banff, head south toward Nelson. This involves a ferry ride across Arrow Lake but the ferry system in BC is really good. Stop at any tourist info booth in BC and get the departure times so you can coordinate your ETA at the ferry and avoid a wait. These are short ferry rides and usually run every hour or two. Once across Arrow Lake you can head south a couple of ways. If you go through Kaslo then try to continue on to Ainsworth Hot Springs and spend the night there. Nice relaxing hot spring pool after a days ride, and very decent accomodations.

Then take the ferry from Balfour to Crawford Bay and ride down Kootenay Lake all the way to Creston. From there just cross the border into Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint Idaho. Then you can get on the Interstate at Coeur de lane and head west.

This trip is a bit slower than staying on the Trans Canada but you will also save time by not going further east to Banff, and you will see some beautiful places.

Have a great trip and welcome to Canada.

Cowboy.

 

Whereabouts are you located. I'm from Calgary as well. Maybe we could persuade Whitey into a detour to Longview or thereabouts and have brew with him.

Whitey - if you do make it a bit further into Alberta and happen to be in Calgary send me a pm - good food, good drink and a dry place to bed down are on offer.

 

Hey Pat. I live out by Carstairs. I need to do that Longview run myself one of these days if I can get out from underneath work, kids, and a home place that needs alot of attention this time of year. Hope to see you on the road.

Whitey, have a great trip through BC.



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A very pleasant and relaxed 1/2 day ride is Calgary north to Innisfail, west on hwy 54 and south on 22 through Cremona and Cochran. A short stop in Markerville is pleasant.

Couple of weeks ago I did Calgary south to Nanton, west on 533 and north on 22 through Longview and Turner Valley then 22x back to town.

As soon as the mountain passes are predictable weather wise, I'll want to do Calgary south to Okotoks, west to Longview, and north through Highwood Pass. That should be an awesome ride - takes most of a day though.

Know what you mean about work, family, chores and projects. I don't get to ride too often, other than going to the office. Sure enjoy the times I do get to do it.

Stay safe.

 

I'm in the Okanagan, so if I can help with your trip, holler!

Else, I hope it is a safe & enjoyable one!!