Plotting out a new circle route .. Spokane - Jasper - Banff
 

We have really enjoyed several vacations where we drove a leisurely circle route to Banff that includes the Okanagan, Nelson and the inland ferry route across Galena Bay (road to Revelstoke). I'd like find a different route for an inland ferry this fall (maybe Kootenay Lake?) - any ideas?

Note: this is a mid-September trip of just over 2 weeks duration, taking an aunt & uncle (or aunt and a niece) with us. We'll fly into Spokane, arriving afternoon/evening, and need a night's rest.

Roughly, the trip would look like this:

- Fly into Spokane; 1 night at airport hotel for early morning departure
- Into Okanagan wine area through Osoyoos, 1-2 nights at favorite spots
- To Wells Gray Provincial Park; 1-2 nights in Clearwater area
- To Jasper; 2 nights
- To Canmore; 7 nights at timeshare (enjoying Banff area)
- Longish day's drive to Nelson ; 1 night at Hume -- INLAND FERRY??
- Return to Spokane (no rush); 1 night at airport hotel for morning flight

My original plan took the opposite direction, but that would put us in Jasper and Wells Gray in early October - later than I want (already have the week in Canmore).

I suppose I could break the drive up between Canmore and Nelson if I have to, cutting a day out somewhere else. But the Nelson stop is a "tradition," so have to fit it in.

Suggestions?

OK, so for what it's worth, I've worked out a route that would cross over Kootenay Lake. We could either stay the night in Kimberley (cute German-themed town, worth a stop) or do a longer drive all the way to Nelson.

Each leg is approximately 4 hours, so would allow plenty of time for a leisurely drive with stops for sightseeing, short hikes, etc.

Here is the map, if anybody is interested: http://mapq.st/WDybcw

FYI: The Amtrak Empire Builder leaves Spokane at 1:30AM every morning and arrives in Whitefish before 8AM.
You could rent the car in Whitefish and see Glacier NP and then drive up through Calgary to Jasper.
After you return the car to Whitefish (or Kalispell airport) you have the option of taking the Empire Builder or flying home from Kalispell.

Thanks,Tom, I know you are a huge train fan. At some point we would like to take a longer train trip, but this will be a driving vacation. Possibly when we decide to go to Glacier again...

On the subject of trains, do you have any favorite routes? And what sort of ticket do you prefer to book?

The best daytime scenery on an Amtrak train would be the California Zephyr between Sacramento and Reno and the CZ between Salt Lake City and Denver. The best 2 hours are just east of Glenwood Springs in Glenwood Canyon.
The best part of the Empire Builder is from Whitefish to Cut Bank and the stretch from Minneapolis to Milwaukee along the mighty Mississippi.
If you are taking a long multi leg train trip you can save some money by using a 15, 30 or 45 day USA Rail Pass.
So far I have managed to ride over 15K miles in coach without buying a Roomette.