Trip Suggestions (Please)
Jan 17th, 2018, 03:08 PM
#1
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Trip Suggestions (Please)
Planning a 8-9 day trip in early April to Vancouver and/or surrounding areas and wanted some input regarding suggestions. We have 3 kids (1.5, 7 & 10) from California, and would love to spend at least a day or two in Vancouver to see the suspension bridges, grouse mountain, etc. (never been to Canada) but am also interested in spending time in Whistler (don't see snow where we live), Banff, Yoho...so much to see, but want to make sure we don't rush anything. I am not opposed to flying to Vancouver and heading towards Alberta as the trip progresses either...just not sure where to start.
Thanks in advance for your insight.
Thanks in advance for your insight.
Jan 18th, 2018, 11:06 AM
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Welcome!
Generally we would suggest at least 6-7 days in the Rockies, 2 days to drive across BC and 2-4 days in Vancouver. So with 8-10 days, you will need to make some choices.
However, your biggest issue is going to be the timing of your trip. Early April is still very much winter in the mountains here -- ski resorts are open until as late as mid May. Season roads and attractions are shut until late May to mid June and mountain lakes are solidly frozen. The drive between Vancouver and the Rockies goes through a number of mountain passes, so it's not a drive we would suggest doing in early April without very good reason. Snowstorms, avalanches, rock/mudslides and avalanche control can result in delays and even closures. In early April, I would want to have full snow tires and be quite comfortable driving in snowy/sleety/icy conditions.
Vancouver & the coast will be much further along towards spring, but the Rockies and inland BC mountains will still be in winter mode. Can be very pretty and it's still a stunning area. But you should be aware of the limitations. In the Rockies, seasonal roads will be shut - no access to Moraine Lake or Takkakaw Falls, for instance. Lakes will be frozen, and you'll be looking at the end of the season for most winter activities. Certainly lots of skiing, xc skiing, snowshoeing and still likely ice skating (on natural lakes) and dog sled rides. The drive to Jasper will still be very wintry and you'd need snow tires and experience driving in wintry weather (the parkway is not maintained like other roads, has no cell reception and no open gas stations/hotels/stores until at least mid April).
A couple of suggestions...
One might be to fly to Vancouver, and build a trip around Vancouver, Whistler (though there may not be much snow at village level by then) and Vancouver Island. That eliminates dealing with most winter driving conditions.
Another would be to fly to Vancouver, spend 3-5 days there, then fly to Calgary and spend 4-5 days in Banff/Lake Louise.
One further note is that most schools have spring holiday here through at least the first week of April. It's a very popular time for ski holidays, so if you intend to stay in Banff/Lake Louise/Canmore, you need to book promptly. With five people, you're most likely going to need a suite or two rooms, or a flexible set up in a B&B. (Regulations generally limit hotels to 4 people per standard room, regardless of age).
Generally we would suggest at least 6-7 days in the Rockies, 2 days to drive across BC and 2-4 days in Vancouver. So with 8-10 days, you will need to make some choices.
However, your biggest issue is going to be the timing of your trip. Early April is still very much winter in the mountains here -- ski resorts are open until as late as mid May. Season roads and attractions are shut until late May to mid June and mountain lakes are solidly frozen. The drive between Vancouver and the Rockies goes through a number of mountain passes, so it's not a drive we would suggest doing in early April without very good reason. Snowstorms, avalanches, rock/mudslides and avalanche control can result in delays and even closures. In early April, I would want to have full snow tires and be quite comfortable driving in snowy/sleety/icy conditions.
Vancouver & the coast will be much further along towards spring, but the Rockies and inland BC mountains will still be in winter mode. Can be very pretty and it's still a stunning area. But you should be aware of the limitations. In the Rockies, seasonal roads will be shut - no access to Moraine Lake or Takkakaw Falls, for instance. Lakes will be frozen, and you'll be looking at the end of the season for most winter activities. Certainly lots of skiing, xc skiing, snowshoeing and still likely ice skating (on natural lakes) and dog sled rides. The drive to Jasper will still be very wintry and you'd need snow tires and experience driving in wintry weather (the parkway is not maintained like other roads, has no cell reception and no open gas stations/hotels/stores until at least mid April).
A couple of suggestions...
One might be to fly to Vancouver, and build a trip around Vancouver, Whistler (though there may not be much snow at village level by then) and Vancouver Island. That eliminates dealing with most winter driving conditions.
Another would be to fly to Vancouver, spend 3-5 days there, then fly to Calgary and spend 4-5 days in Banff/Lake Louise.
One further note is that most schools have spring holiday here through at least the first week of April. It's a very popular time for ski holidays, so if you intend to stay in Banff/Lake Louise/Canmore, you need to book promptly. With five people, you're most likely going to need a suite or two rooms, or a flexible set up in a B&B. (Regulations generally limit hotels to 4 people per standard room, regardless of age).
