Our next great adventure
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Camping Adventures
Forum Discription: Post your camping adventures here for all to share
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4390
Printed Date: 08 May 2025 at 10:04pm
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Topic: Our next great adventure
Posted By: CARR-POD
Subject: Our next great adventure
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2014 at 10:17am
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Hi folks Pam and I are planning our trip to Vancover Island and I need a little advise. I was wondering if anyone out there knows the flattest route through the Rockys. I remember reading about a book or app for doing this but I can't find this information. We are leaving from a bit north of Toronto, and plan to travel through northern Ontario and then the parries. Not sure if the route would be flatter if we travel into the states from Alberta and then head west. Any thoughts or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Ed ------------- Trees love to toss and sway; they make such happy noises. (Emily Carr) Pam and Ed 2011 R177 |
Replies:
Posted By: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2014 at 5:52pm
If you stay in Ont. go to North Bay then take #11 up across Ont. At Hearst make sure your full of gas, nothing between. Hearst and Long Lac except trees, moose and bears. It is much flatter than #17 but you don't have the scenery of the Great Lakes. As for the rockies.. I don't think there is a flat spot..  We went that way with a tent and 3 kids.. came back State side for different view. Make sure to stop at Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump south of Calgary and Drumheller .. Fantastic. Good Luck and safe travels.------------- Ron & Shirley 2020 Tacoma 2012 177 rpod |
Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2014 at 6:34pm
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If you are looking for the flattest way to get across, and are not concerned about adding some extra time, then once you get to Calgary turn south on Hwy 2. At Fort MacLeod turn west on Hwy 3, and then right before you get to Creston turn south again on Hwy 95. Cross over the border and stay on it until you get to I-90, then head west. Turn north at Seattle and head on up on I-5.
I grew up in Spokane and spent summers touring all around BC and Alberta and know that area well. That route is by far the flattest you will find to get across the mountains, but as you can tell it is not necessarily the quickest. ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: The Hawk
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2014 at 8:47pm
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My thoughts are you must go through the states at least one way. It is much more enjoyable and lots to see, plus your fuel costs will be cut in half. Dont forget to stop at Badlands, and Mount Rushmore and if you got a little bit of extra time head to Yellowstone park!! I love my country Canada but the trip through the northern u.s. is awesome to do.... Try mapping it on the Google map and you will see the distances will be the same or close to the same... Have a great one. ------------- Doug and Caroline Hawkins A 178 F.R.O.G. POD (Fully Relying On God) Driving a 2009Hyundai Santa Fe Living in Caledonia, Ontario Canada |
Posted By: CARR-POD
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 5:47am
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Thanks Doug and/or Carol I like your idea about doing both routes. We want to see as much as possible on this trip so taking both routes should add to the overall expierance. Thanks to all who responded. Ed ------------- Trees love to toss and sway; they make such happy noises. (Emily Carr) Pam and Ed 2011 R177 |
Posted By: R & R-Pod
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2014 at 11:05pm
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Don't miss the TransCanada between Calgary and Vancouver. I have made this trip dozens of times to camp & visit family and it is still spectacular. When I first started pulling a trailer in the 80's I pulled a 1972 18' full sized trailer (heavy) with an '87 Plymouth Voyager over the mountains to the coast several times. Slow, but never had an issue. Your Pod will not be a problem if you're not in a rush. ------------- Tom&Judy 2014 178 R&R-Pod 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Posted By: Bred Flink
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2014 at 12:19am
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Ive been making the trip from the prairies to Vancouver Island all my life. I've pulled sailboats, driven truck campers and made at least 50 car trips. The drive from Calgary to Vancouver on the transcanada hwy is spectacular and not to be missed. Calgary and the prairies are at 3,000+ ft elevation, the trip from Calgary to sea level is net downhill. You will burn less gas going west than east. I suggest making the return trip via the northern US states, as the incline to the continental divide is more gradual. Idaho is worth the trip and Montana has many wonderful lakes and attractions. HWY 3 via southern Alberta is also a good option. Keep in mind that this corridor is extremely windy. sports teams in southern Alberta are usually called the Hurricanes. My favorite drive is the Canadian Rocky Mountains. An Rpod is the right trailer for this trip, allowing you to stop and take in the sights and the spectacle. If you want more detail, let me know. We're driving over the Rockies to Vanc Isle March 21. Will stop in Golden and the Shuswap. If this is your one and only trip over the Rockies, I would also suggest a detour through Vernon and Kelowna, which will add about 45 minutes to over-all driving time. Kalamalka Lake will make your jaw drop. ------------- Sailing and camping Western Canada and US-NW |