Bannf and Whistler in 5 Days?
Jan 8th, 2003, 10:34 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Bannf and Whistler in 5 Days?
Hello everyone....my husband and I are planning a short trip from Vegas to Canada. We spend at least one week/year in Vancouver, and have been to Whistler, which we love....we don't ski, just hang out and relax/sightsee. We're leaving Jan. 28th, returning Feb. 4th, and had originally planned Vancouver/Whistler; is is feasible to fly into Calgary (to get to Bannf), spend a day or two, then drive to Whistler, spend a few days, then drive to Vancouver to fly home Tues. night? What are the roads like for driving? No snow here in Vegas, so husband isn't too keen on unclear roads. Is this way too much travelling for 5-6 days, for non-skiers/no plans travellers? Any other similar itinerary suggestions? Like I said, don't know about the distance between the areas, so all suggestions will be appreciated! Thanks!
Jan 9th, 2003, 08:40 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
it's doable but i'm not sure you'd enjoy it, trying to fit all three locations in. if you left out going to whistler, it would be alright. 2 nights in banff, maybe stay a night somewhere else on the way to vancouver, then the remaining in vancouver. but, obviously there is going to be snow and you need to be aware of winter driving conditions but they are pretty good about getting the roads cleared after a snow storm. but, you never know so a bit of flexibility in the schedule is a good thing to have. if you want to try two different places, why not do banff for a few nights then drive to jasper for a couple. then you could fly in and out of calgary.
Jan 9th, 2003, 12:54 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
People are forgetting that the western provinces - Alberta and British Columbia, are lacking in snow this year... at least there's a lot less than usual years. It's been a lot warmer and drier for winter too... thanks to this year's El Nino.
Whistler, Banff and a drive from the Rockies to Vancouver would be a bit of a stretch in 5 days, but not impossible. Just keep in mind that the daylight hours are shorter because it's winter, and the highways between Calgary and Vancouver are very mountainous - it's not a straight freeway drive, it takes longer. It takes a full day's drive to get from Banff to Vancouver - at least 8 hours, though usually more.
If you're up for that, go for it. I'd perhaps skip Vancouver and Whistler all together, if you've already been there, and I'd spend the whole 5 days in the Rockies, between Banff and Jasper. You'd probably enjoy it more too as there would be less rush.
I find that a drive across BC is more enjoyable in the summer or early autumn months, as there's more things to see and do, and the daylight hours are longer.
Whistler, Banff and a drive from the Rockies to Vancouver would be a bit of a stretch in 5 days, but not impossible. Just keep in mind that the daylight hours are shorter because it's winter, and the highways between Calgary and Vancouver are very mountainous - it's not a straight freeway drive, it takes longer. It takes a full day's drive to get from Banff to Vancouver - at least 8 hours, though usually more.
If you're up for that, go for it. I'd perhaps skip Vancouver and Whistler all together, if you've already been there, and I'd spend the whole 5 days in the Rockies, between Banff and Jasper. You'd probably enjoy it more too as there would be less rush.
I find that a drive across BC is more enjoyable in the summer or early autumn months, as there's more things to see and do, and the daylight hours are longer.
Jan 9th, 2003, 05:12 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Some places are drier. My yard has more snow than it has had in several years. It doesn't take alot of snow to make driving very difficult for those not used to it. I drove through the Rockies twice during the holidays -once over Rogers Pass and once through the Crowsnest. The roads were snow covered both times. In our neighbourhood it is the black ice not snow accumulation that causes the most trouble
People who have an aversion to winter driving and who are on a tight schedule are taking a big chance on planning a trip through the Rockies in January - El Nino or not.
People who have an aversion to winter driving and who are on a tight schedule are taking a big chance on planning a trip through the Rockies in January - El Nino or not.
Jan 23rd, 2003, 10:34 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks everyone, for the advice....I'm working on my itinerary now, and considering taking WestJet Air (1hour flight, $100 (Can) RT) to Calgary from Vancouver on Day 2, then flying back to Whistler for days 5&6, flying out of Vancouver on day 7 (we extended our trip, and we kind of have to go to Whistler, we have an unused credit from a previously cancelled trip).....does this sound more do-able? I've got one more week to figure out what to do, we are already booked RT in/out Vancouver, just trying to figure out the middle part, with a 2 day stay in Whistler somewhere in the 7 days......any other suggestions? Thanks!
