I've done both and definitely prefer the BC/ORE/WAS/CAL route. I've taken two separate routes that follow that general path: Calgary through Lethbridge down to Great Falls and then over through Spokane and to Seattle. Then south through Portland/Eugene/Salem all the way through California on the No. 5 Interstate. The benefit of this route is you can hop over to the 101 that runs along the coast which is one of the best drives around. I've also stayed in Canada all the way to Abbotsford and then south through Seattle on the No. 5. Both are great trips... you can make better time heading into the US first, but the drive through BC is more scenic (although driving along 84 in Oregon is pretty nice).
On the way back, I would switch it up and go through NEV/UTAH/MON. Head up Interstate 15 (I assume you'll make it to LA) through Vegas and towards St. George, Utah. If you have time, plan on hitting Zion National Park just north of St. George. Well worth it. Head north on the 15 through Salt Lake and up into Idaho. If you have time, you can hit up Yellowstone in Wyoming before following the 15 to the border.
This is assuming you're doing a round trip.
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