Driving from Calgary to Vancouver

[bluck]

Thinking of making this journey either tomorrow or on Tuesday. I'm thinking of leaving at around 5 a.m. Heard the trip is about 11 hours ish? Any tips or things I should watch out for? (Other than RCMP)

Cheers.

[Huntingwhale]

Last time I drove it was exactly 1000km and ~11hrs. Any reason your not just flying? 1hr flight >>>> full day of driving and it works out to being less then what I would spend on gas.

[bluck]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

Last time I drove it was exactly 1000km and ~11hrs. Any reason your not just flying? 1hr flight >>>> full day of driving and it works out to being less then what I would spend on gas.

Figured gas would cost about $160 for the trip, flights are $400 + each for two people so it's just a lot cheaper to drive

[calumniate]

You work for the mayor and you've never driven to Vancouver? What are you some implant from Ontario or something? :-) Enjoy, take your time. It's a great ride

[Ahuch]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

Last time I drove it was exactly 1000km and ~11hrs. Any reason your not just flying? 1hr flight >>>> full day of driving and it works out to being less then what I would spend on gas.

Maybe if you drive a hummer

Flying to Vancouver is way overpriced.

[bluck]

Originally Posted by calumniate

You work for the mayor and you've never driven to Vancouver? What are you some implant from Ontario or something? :-) Enjoy, take your time. It's a great ride

Haha I think it's Bunk who works for the Mayor isn't it? Thanks though looking forward to the scenery. My Mac's USB ports don't work and my phone has no music on it due to a fresh install... Figured Soundcloud would be limited due to network... gonna be a silent peaceful drive. First World Problems

[bluck]

Originally Posted by Ahuch

Maybe if you drive a hummer

Flying to Vancouver is way overpriced.

Yea plus if you think about it, If you have an 8 a.m. flight I would be up at around 5:30 or 6, spend money on cab, get to the airport, check in blah blah, and be in Van by 9:15 + Baggage times and car rental.. so all in all I'd say like 4 hours? Might as well drive the extra 7 and save some $

[DownhillGoat]

Yeah 11 hours is about right. Only part that slows you down is the single lane near Kamloops -> Golden.

[nik-]

$200 dollars is worth the 8 hours you save IMO. Wasting an entire day getting there sucks.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by nik-

$200 dollars is worth the 8 hours you save IMO. Wasting an entire day getting there sucks.

$800 + $rental car - $200 in gas more than a $200 savings. And you're not going to save 8 hours if you factor in getting to the airport, waiting at the airport, time to rent a car, etc.

Not saying I wouldn't fly, but it's not a horrible drive and I can see the reasons for not flying.

[dammage79]

I love the drive. Sometimes you just need to stop and smell the roses, Flights are grest if youre doing business or cutting it short to get to an event, but a great road trip is well, great!

[Arya Stark]

I drive to Vancouver because I love the scenery. The drive is part of the fun for me.

[bluck]

Just went to Westjet to check out flights, I know it would be cheaper if I booked in advance but the cheapest for return that I can find is $498.25 X2 = $1000 - $200 for gas = 800 in Savings without factoring cab + car rental rates. Seems worth it to me

[nik-]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

$800 + $rental car - $200 in gas more than a $200 savings. And you're not going to save 8 hours if you factor in getting to the airport, waiting at the airport, time to rent a car, etc.

Not saying I wouldn't fly, but it's not a horrible drive and I can see the reasons for not flying.

$800 for a rental car? How long is he staying?

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by nik-

$800 for a rental car? How long is he staying?

$800 for two plane tickets plus $whatever the rental car is worth. I don't know how long he's staying which is why I didn't put a value in there.

I probably could have made that more clear.

[nik-]

ahh I see. Well it's still worth it to me to gain back two days of your trip ... differing opinions I guess.

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by calumniate

You work for the mayor and you've never driven to Vancouver? What are you some implant from Ontario or something? :-) Enjoy, take your time. It's a great ride

[combustiblefuel]

Right after Merit that's when you will see a #### load of Red unmarked RCMP cars.

[calumniate]

Originally Posted by Regulator75

Bunk, bluck.. Same difference:-) Fine, I'll put my bag on head!

[station]

Watch for idiots on the road. Shouldn't be too bad on a Monday but it's always busy in the summer. Much of the highway between Field and Kamloops is single lane and some people take stupid risks. I always go with idea of being patient and not trying to be on a schedule.

If you're not in a hurry a nice rest spot is Cascade Ponds just before Banff. Also just before Field and maybe 15 mins off the the highway is Takakkaw Falls which is the third highest waterfall in canada at over 1200 feet. Well worth a few minute detour.

Just drive through Golden. Seriously.

Avoid all Tim Hortons unless you like crazy line ups.

Revelstoke is pretty cool if you get off the highway. A good place for coffee / brunch is the Modern Bakeshop.

Half way point is Salmon Arm (my childhood home town). When you get down town venture off the highway one block and stop for lunch at the Shuswap Pie Company.

There are good sandy beaches at Sicamous and Canoe if you need a swim.

Make sure you have enough gas to get through the Rogers Pass and the Coquihalla. There are pretty long stretches with no stations.

Try to avoid hitting suburban metro Vancoiver at rush hour. If it looks like you might then it might be better to stop somewhere nice and wait it out.

Haha I think I should write a travel blog.