Travelling from Edmonton to Vancouver end of April, and need advice.
Apr 18th, 2013, 11:02 AM
#1
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Travelling from Edmonton to Vancouver end of April, and need advice.
Hi, It is my first time driving in the west, especially through the mountains and was wondering if anyone knows the best and safest way to drive from Edmonton to Vancouver.
I was thinking about staying in Kamloops over night.Some of my friends who drive there are saying winding roads and steeps and others are saying it is fine. I don't know who to trust, and don't want to be surprised because it will be and my toddler alone. Any advice is greatly appreciated.Thank you
I was thinking about staying in Kamloops over night.Some of my friends who drive there are saying winding roads and steeps and others are saying it is fine. I don't know who to trust, and don't want to be surprised because it will be and my toddler alone. Any advice is greatly appreciated.Thank you
Apr 18th, 2013, 07:55 PM
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You probably won't have any serious trouble at all, especially if you keep your eye on the weather reports when approaching your trip.
In April, I think I would be inclined to drive south to Calgary before going west on the Trans Canada Highway, which will be as well-maintained as any path in the world's 2nd largest country.
The path through the mountains is beautiful, and if you've done a good job of tracking the weather, you'll go through the mountains when conditions are as good as they get for April.
I don't think you have anything serious to worry about. (Just resign yourself to stop, stay, and wait-out a snowstorm if one is in the forecast)
In April, I think I would be inclined to drive south to Calgary before going west on the Trans Canada Highway, which will be as well-maintained as any path in the world's 2nd largest country.
The path through the mountains is beautiful, and if you've done a good job of tracking the weather, you'll go through the mountains when conditions are as good as they get for April.
I don't think you have anything serious to worry about. (Just resign yourself to stop, stay, and wait-out a snowstorm if one is in the forecast)
Apr 18th, 2013, 10:44 PM
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Actually the easiest drive from Edmonton is to use the Yellowhead Highway. It is a flatter drive - you don't really feel like you are going over a mountain pass. hwy 1 can be a nightmare with a lot of construction going on. Its about a nine hour drive to Kamloops. I have driven both and much prefer the Yellowhead. You can then continue on Hwy 5 to Hope where it joins up with Hwy 1.
Apr 21st, 2013, 07:23 AM
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i would recommend going through jasper. i think it's a little less scary then driving the transcanada route (certain sections). the drive from edmonton to jasper is a good hwy and uneventful. i would probably try to get my toddler in the car, hope he/she falls back asleep and take off around 5 in the morning. then, you'd have more time during the daylight if you want to stop for picnics, stretch your legs. if you stop at all in jasper, you'll have to buy a park pass. if you drive straight through, you don't have to pay. i prefer clearwater over kamloops to stay in. kamloops is fine just for a place to crash.
Apr 22nd, 2013, 08:38 PM
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The drive through Jasper to Kamloops is the easiest and fastest way to drive. Believe or not, the highest point and steepest hill on the Yellowhead (at Obed Summit) is before you even get to the Rockies (it's in the foothills)!!
Edmonton to Jasper without stops is about 3.5 hours; it's divided four lane highway until just past Hinton. Easy drive. Watch for deer along the highway if you are driving at dawn or dusk.
If you need to refuel, do it in Hinton rather than in Jasper (less expensive).
If you don't plan on stopping in Jasper (town), it's another one hour to Valemount (where you will find restaurants, gas, convenience stores etc.).
From Valemount to Kamloops is another four hours driving on a mostly two lane highway (with occasional passing lanes). That highway is more "curvy" than winding, and it's a pleasant road, pleasant scenery.
Kamloops is a big town compared to Clearwater, and closer to Vancouver (less driving on the next day), so for you and your toddler I would recommend Kamloops. There is a wide variety of accommodation.(just for your information, Kamloops has a population of about 85,000 while Clearwater has about 1500 people).
What time of the year are you travelling?
Edmonton to Jasper without stops is about 3.5 hours; it's divided four lane highway until just past Hinton. Easy drive. Watch for deer along the highway if you are driving at dawn or dusk.
If you need to refuel, do it in Hinton rather than in Jasper (less expensive).
If you don't plan on stopping in Jasper (town), it's another one hour to Valemount (where you will find restaurants, gas, convenience stores etc.).
From Valemount to Kamloops is another four hours driving on a mostly two lane highway (with occasional passing lanes). That highway is more "curvy" than winding, and it's a pleasant road, pleasant scenery.
Kamloops is a big town compared to Clearwater, and closer to Vancouver (less driving on the next day), so for you and your toddler I would recommend Kamloops. There is a wide variety of accommodation.(just for your information, Kamloops has a population of about 85,000 while Clearwater has about 1500 people).
What time of the year are you travelling?
Apr 23rd, 2013, 12:57 AM
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Leave Edmonton at 4 a.m.
Breakfast in Jasper 8 a.m.
Lunch at Kamloops 1 p.m. (actually 2 p.m. - time zone change)
Dinner in Vancouver 7 p.m.
Seriously, take your time and enjoy the drive. You have a choice of senic or rush.
Take the Yellowhead and Coquihalla if you are in a hurry. Road is fine with 2 lanes each side pretty much most of the way. Total driving time about 12 - 14 hours (keep within speed limit)
Take Trans Canada if you want scenic. Road is winding and twisty and slow going but you'll have more fun. Edmonton - Jasper - Banff - Revelstoke - Kamloops, and stay away from Coquihalla and you will come across at least 7 tunnels and many small communities such as Yale, Spuzzum and Boston Bar.
Breakfast in Jasper 8 a.m.
Lunch at Kamloops 1 p.m. (actually 2 p.m. - time zone change)
Dinner in Vancouver 7 p.m.
Seriously, take your time and enjoy the drive. You have a choice of senic or rush.
Take the Yellowhead and Coquihalla if you are in a hurry. Road is fine with 2 lanes each side pretty much most of the way. Total driving time about 12 - 14 hours (keep within speed limit)
Take Trans Canada if you want scenic. Road is winding and twisty and slow going but you'll have more fun. Edmonton - Jasper - Banff - Revelstoke - Kamloops, and stay away from Coquihalla and you will come across at least 7 tunnels and many small communities such as Yale, Spuzzum and Boston Bar.
Apr 23rd, 2013, 08:17 PM
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Sally you got the time change the other way round. The time zone change gives you an extra hour when travelling westward.
The OP is travelling with a toddler - might be too much to drive all the way to Vancouver in one day - it's a long long day of driving even for an adult.
The OP is travelling with a toddler - might be too much to drive all the way to Vancouver in one day - it's a long long day of driving even for an adult.
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