gkhirst

I will be in Vancouver and wanted to know if I could visit Banff at the same time. Is it too far to go? I will be there the 3rd. week of March. Is a train available? Car? What would someone suggest. How is the weather up there that time of the year?

gary

Sure you 'could' visit Banff from Vancouver during a one week stay but I wouldn't reccomend it. If you're looking for a mountain resort look no further than Whistler a mere 1 1/2 to 2 hr drive from downtown Vancouver and for the unpteenth year in a row voted the best all round resort in North America and one of the top 5 ski resorts in the world. The Weather in Vancouver at that time of year is likely mild with very changeable conditions. All the early spring flowers will be in bloom as will the cherry and apple blossoms. The weather will likely be too cool for sumbathing but not cold enough for heavy clothes although an umbrella and sweater would be a good idea.

Whistler would be at it's best by late March and if you go for an overnight stay, (which you should), make reservations early because March is spring break time.

gkhirst

Thanks for your advice Gary, Will we need a 4-wheel drive to go to Whistler?

Could you recommend a nice hotel in Whistler or Maybe a Condo.

Thanks,

G.K.

gary

Unless you plan on going off the main highway i doubt very much that you'll need a 4 wheel drive. There is a small chance of sleet north of Squamish but if you avoid driving there at night yu should be OK. the Highway from Vancouver to Whistler is notorious for serious accidents because it is basically a two lane winding highway with a lot of young and reckless drivers - especially on weekends. Always keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, never pass unless you have a passing lane, (and there are lot's of those), and expect the unexpected at all times - anything from a car barraling towards you in your lane to a rock slide.

I don't mean to frighten you becaues 99.99% of travellers drive the road regualrly without any mishap but it's not a multi-lane freeway and the weather conditions can be very wet.

As to where to stay in Whistler - the list is endless. As I said March is a very busy month because of school breaks so i would go an line at any of the Whistler sites - even check out the ones on Fodors - then check the web sites for the places that sound interesting and in your budget. Then come back on here and garner our opinions.

gkhirst

Thanks, you can disregard my other email to you. I appreciate your advice.

G.K.

Robyn

I agree about going to Whistler instead of Banff. The drive from Vancouver to Banff usually takes about 12-13 hours one way. It's a huge drive and unless you have your heart set to see the Canadian Rockies, it's not necessary, especially since you wouldn't have adequate time in either location so "soak it all in".

As Gary said, Vancouver's already located within a few hours drive of one of North America's top ski resort. Keep in mind that the mountains around Vancouver are the Coast and the Cascade mountains, not the Rockies (some people get that mixed up!)

There's really only one main way to get to Whistler from Vancouver, and that's along Hwy 99. Absolutely no need for a 4 wheel drive. You could drive it in anything... new VW bugs included. It's paved, it's well-maintained, but unfortunately, as Gary said, it's rather curvy and it's known for accidents (much like the drive along California's southern-coast is curvy and for the most part 2-lanes). The highway is nicknamed to "Sea to Sky Highway" because on one side you see water and islands, and on the other side is mountains. It's gorgeous on a sunny or clear day.

If you're looking for a good website for Whistler restaurant reviews, Vancouver Magazine wrote up some short and sweet reviews for 24 of Whistler's many restauraunts:

http://www.vanmag.com/diningout/default.html

Amazingly, National Geographic mentions the Sea-to-Sky Highway briefly on their website:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/de...y_Highway.html

Here's one of my family photo's of the Sea-to-Sky highway:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/?s=j...anah&pn=Canada

But I personally have some photos taken back in 92 of Whistler. They're a bit dated, but they'll give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that I was there in July, not March, so there will be snow when you're there:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.110...cle/211/5/?s=j

GKHirst

Thanks Robyn,

I appreciate the help and the web sites.

I am taking my wife and daughter and her husband and 1 1/2 year old daughter, it will be a our first trip up that way. We are really excited and after hearing from and you and Gary, we are pumped.
My wife and I are 59 years old, and will stick to site seeing and cocktails,and let the kids do the ski thing.

thanks again for the pic's

G.K.