Driving from Jasper to Vancouver
#1
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Driving from Jasper to Vancouver
We will be driving from Jasper to Vancouver in late August and plan to make the drive in two days because of length of driving time, and because we've heard there are beautiful sights to see. Can you advise us of where to stop and where to stay? Specifics would be appreciated since we are new to this part of the country. Thanks to all in advance.
#3
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The easiest, but not the most scenic, route from Jasper to Vancouver is highway #5, overnight in Kamloops and then take #97 out of Kamloops to Cache Creek then #1 down the Fraser Caynon to Hope, then Vancouver.<BR><BR>The most scenic would be Jasper / Lake Louise #93/ Revelstoke/ Sicamous #1 then #97 through the Okanagan Valley ( Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton ) #3A and 3to Princeton and Hope and then #1 into Vancouver --can be done in 2 days but longer, much more scenic and better done in 3 days.
#4
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I don't recommend Vernon for this trip (although it is a nice place). It takes you out of the way. Also, that region is very very congested, and the scenery isn't that impressive compared to other areas.<BR><BR>The most direct route, which still gives great scenery, is taking Hwy 16 from Jasper toward Prince George, through Mt Robson Park, then south on Hw 5. Make sure you stop at the Terry Fox monument. Other than that, stop wherever takes your fancy. For a side trip, try Wells Gray park.<BR><BR>After Kamloops, stay on Hwy 5, which is now the called the Coquihalla. Spectacular scenery, esp. once you're past Merritt. When you reach Hope, depending on your time, take Hwy 1 for the fastest route, or for a slower but nicer route, cross the Fraser river to Hwy 7.<BR><BR>For an even longer route, take Hwy 93 from Jasper toward Banff. This will give you maximum Rocky Mtn. scenery. Then the Hwy 1 cutoff just before Banff.<BR>Once on Hwy 1 heading west, you'll go through more national parks (Yoho, Glacier, and Mt. Revelstoke). Hwy 1 to Kamloops, then Hwy 5/Coquihalla as described above.<BR><BR>If you have specific interests, I could recommend a different route to see something. E.g., if you're a train buff, the Kettle Valley railway near Summerland is neat. But that's a whole different route again.<BR><BR>For further suggestions of things to do and see, try the BC Tourism site:<BR>http://www.hellobc.com/index.jsp