Travels in Canada July 2011

  


Travels in Canada

  

We booked through the Camping and Caravan Club having talked to Joanne -one of the reps at the NEC in Feb, very helpful and efficient service.

Our travels commenced on June 30 with a reasonably short trip from from Shropshire to Manchester Airport where we stayed at a hotel.

1 July 2011

At early o'clock the next day we dropped our car off at the parking and caught the bus to terminal 1.

There the fun commenced, we checked in easily enough but then everyone had to check their bags at a different place, the staff were about as much use as a chocolate fire-guard, but apparently all bags were being checked manually due to IT problems!!

Once this was done we had to go outside and join a long queue to go through security as now they have a fast track where you can pay extra to the greedy robbing airport to go quicker!! No way!

Eventually we got through including the new fangled x-ray cubicles! The security staff were actually pretty efficient and friendly.

After breakfast we eventually made our way to the gate to board Thomas Cook flight to Vancouver. Last time we flew to Canada we went with Air Canada, no problem plenty of leg room and reasonable service. We have also flown Thomas Cook to the Caribbean, and had a good flight with plenty of legroom.

Not this time, the bean counters have obviously been at work and reduced the legroom to the barely tolerable ( I am tall) and served food that can only be described as mediocre by airline standards-who redefined mediocre!

The male steward in peasant class had a right attitude-probably had bad hair day or something but the rest of the crew were fine, He appeared to find passengers an imposition, as demonstrated by his tardiness when asked for a cloth because I had spilt hot coffee on myself, it was fortunate it was not a child because by the time he deigned to come back with some paper towels a child would have been seriously scalded.

Still the flight left on time and 9 hours later we arrived in Vancouver, there was a long wait for immigration due to a large number of flights arriving but the Canadians are much friendlier than the  US immigration guys.

We actually waited a much shorter time than we expected because we were sent to go through the Canadian citizens side as they attempted to reduce the length of the queues.

Bags were fetched quite quickly, amazingly they were literally together, and we got a taxi to our hotel in down town Vancouver.

Had a huge room on the 17^th floor, with two king size beds, so we had a sleep for a while then set off down to the harbour side. It was Canada day so everyone was out having fun in the glorious sun. We had a long walk, a meal and a drink then tiredness won so we had to retire!

There were fireworks and all sorts of entertainment that night, so we were told!

2 July 2011

Next day up early and had a (huge) breakfast in the hotel, then grabbed a taxi to Cruise Canada RV place which is in Delta -a suburb of Vancouver. It took about 50 minutes in the cab, cost $60.

We then went through the briefing and were shown around the camper. Then set off, fortunately the company gave us a map showing how to get to the supermarket and onto the main highway.

First stop a gas station where it took $100 worth.! (Still not full!) Gas is about 90p a litre and the van likes it (10-15mpg!). Next stop a supermarket where we soon found out that the cost of food is much higher than at home and everything seems to come in big packs-fine for a family but there is only 2 of us!

You cannot buy alcohol in the supermarkets, but have to go to a liquor store, there was one nearby where we found there is no cheap booze like UK or France, so we bought some Canadian beer!

Then we set off for our first stop Burnaby Caribou RV park on the outskirts of Vancouver. About 45 minutes drive from the RV depot. Hookups, water and sewerage are on all pitches, the site also has a heated pool jacuzzi, shop and sun terrace plus two hours free internet access in 24 hours.

We stopped there 2 nights, it is lovely site close to a huge park but near the bus and sky train services to down town. You can buy an all day ticket for all public transport for $9 at reception.

The staff-like all the Canadians we have met are incredibly friendly and helpful.



Vancouver



We have been to Vancouver before so chilled out for the rest of the day and spent the next day walking miles in Burnaby park. It was about 30 degrees.

Vancouver is lovely place well worth a visit and has loads to see and do.

About the camper-its a Ford V8, 25' long 8' wide. Sleeps 5 with a fixed bed at the rear, over cab bed and a dinette with armchair. It is comfortable and has loads of storage. No double glazing or blinds, just thick curtains and fly screens on all windows except the cab. There is a big curtain to close off the cab at night.

There is roof air con unit (very good) and cab air-con when driving. Also very efficient water and internal heaters which only run on propane surprisingly.

Being American it is automatic,with overdrive,cruise etc. Steering is a bit light and suspension pretty firm-but it is a heavy thing.

It has a big fridge and freezer which runs on propane from on-board tank or mains Ac. There was also a convection micro wave which worked very well once we realised that the temperature was in Fahrenheit and not centigrade, over 2 hours to cook a Frozen Lasagne!!! Electrics are mains, 12 VDC from internal battery and solar panel. Bigger vans have an on-board generator -ours does not.

We soon learned to wrap pots pans etc. in towels or tea towels to reduce rattles.

You get a good selection of crockery,cutlery and pots, etc. as well as bedding and towels, if you request the personal and cooking packs.

4 July 2011

Next day we set off in glorious sun to Whistler about 120kms of amazing scenery, on good roads. Passing lakes mountains etc. Being Sunday it was quiet.

We parked in one of the big car parks with places for RVs -not like UK! Paid $5 , so far the only place we have paid!

Whistler is very modern famous for skiing as well as walking etc. in summer. It has cable cars and a variety of ski lifts. Kids were going up to the high snow fields to snow board.

It is a very clean and modern place with lots of designer shops. Had a nice day there in the sunshine. At the end of the day we headed out of town to one of the RV parks and booked in for the night. As you can see from the pics a lovely setting.

Spotted up the road from campsite

5 July 2011

We were undecided, but in the end decided to move on. It was amazing how the scenery changed as the miles passed by. To begin with the mountains and forests continued but just outside Kamloops it begin to change. We stopped at a view point which overlooked a lake, leading into a hydro electric plant and watched a train as it wound it's way around the edge of the lake.

The lakes were Joffre and Duffey, both fabulous, Joffre still had snow in the woods despite the temperature!

The terrain was still mountainous but much less forested, almost barren in parts.

We stopped at a little town called Lillooet for gas, it appeared to be an Indian town (called first nation in Canada) but again very friendly folk.

Next stop was Cache Creek, on the junction of highways 99 and 1 (Trans Canada) This was a real small town, it seemed to consist of numerous motels (some of which would not look out of place in a 60's film) a couple of gas stations and restaurants and a shop. We bought some foodstuffs there and carried on toward Kamloops.

By the time we got to Kamloops it was getting late, and we realised we were on the wrong road for the camp-ground we had aimed for, but we saw a sign for Knutsford RV park so went there! ( No its not in Cheshire!)

It looked a bit iffy at first, reception was a log cabin but there were lots of outfits there. The lad on reception was very laid back and gave us a pitch, it was actually a nice setting, in a valley surrounded by trees and quiet.

The loos were in a portakbin which was tatty but clean, but the main block was small but smart. Most folks seem to use the showers in their very large outfits anyway.

Again Wi fi access was free.

6 July 2011

After a peaceful night we headed into Kamloops as just down from the site was a large shopping centre. We went into Wal-Mart which was very big but surprisingly has no deli, bakery or butchers-not like Asda! We ended up buying some frozen food, which is no problem as there is a big freezer compartment in the RV.

Gas stations are far apart, but they do warn how far it is to next one, they all seem to have shops and restaurants, which are reasonably priced. The meals are big, and they keep topping up your coffee! One of them sold alcohol as well, although wine is an exorbitant price, cheapest we saw was $11 a bottle before tax.

Then continued up highway 1 towards Clearwater. Again lovely scenery and wide good roads.

We consulted our guidebook which revealed several camp grounds in Clearwater, we decided on a KOA site as we had a discount voucher! We booked in for 2 nights.

It was a lovely site, nice pitch under the trees with picnic table, fire pit and full hookups. Also a heated pool and restaurant. After setting up, we had a good walk followed by a refreshing swim and a sunbathe. Later that night we had a thunderstorm, not surprising as it had been very hot.

7 July 2011

The next day dawned cooler and cloudy,but we set off into Wells Gray national park, famous for its waterfalls, including the Helmken Falls which are the tallest in BC, as water levels were high spectacular was an understatement. Mossies were a problem round the falls and in most places.

By early afternoon it started to rain, we were heading up to Clearwater lake on a road which was not too good and visibility became poor, so we pulled into a parking area and had lunch-very easy in the RV! Then turned around and headed back to the camp-site.

By the time we returned it had eased, so we set up and walked up the road to a bakery where we had coffees and superb cakes and ended up chatting to some fellow brits who are touring in a car and using B & B.

Once the rain eased, we went for a walk around the town (not for long as its small) then ended up in the local pub where we had a beer or two and watched the La Tour de France on their big screen-it was raining there too!

Bit of a deja vue moment-as we normally take our caravan to France in July!!

Then back to the van for tea catching up on e-mails and to bed!

9 July 2011

The next day was cool still with rain on and off, we were heading for Blue River where we had been told was a good place to go on a river trip to see wildlife.

When we got to the place it was tipping down, but Jane spoke to some folks (brits!) who had just come off the trip who said it was worthwhile and that they supplied blankets so you didn't get too wet!

We booked in paid and got our life jackets a waterproof coat but no blankets. The boat then took off at a fair lick into Mud Lake. We stopped by the shore to where they switched off the main engine and used an electric motor, yes there were bears in the woods. (Doing what bears do!).

We watched that one then moved on to an island where there was another big bear,we actually got very close to it and got some good photos, we also saw 2 eagles which are huge!

Then back to the dock for a coffee and warm up by their stove. The trip was good fun, the guides very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, they also gave us some free postcards which have been sent to friends!!

After this trip we carried on stopping at Valemount, another small town. The site we stayed on was managed by an English guy married to a German lady, they were charming and we spent a fair time chatting to them, they were “snow birds” living in a big fifth wheel outfit and going to Mexico via Arizona for the winter.

The camp-site was lovely, an alpine setting, but you could not see much due to the cloud. We managed a walk without getting too soaked before bed!

The next day dawned wet again so we decided to move on, we popped into town for some essentials then headed off to Mount Robson park. The recession has been felt as there were several closed shops up for sale.



As you can see we had some rain!



09 July 2011

Mount Robson is the highest peak in Canada but it was shy hiding in cloud! Apparently not unusual! After a look around the visitor centre, a walk and lunch we carried on.

Next stop was Jasper-now in Alberta so we put our clocks onto mountain time (I hr. ahead!)

The first stop after the border is the park boundary where you have to purchase a pass. Luckily we were given a pass at the RV centre which someone had left, valid till next year, we were waved through as it is in the windscreen! We will pass it on too- saved a bit!

Jasper is a small town within the national park, but has 3 very large camp-sites, being a weekend 2 of them were full, but we managed to get into one near Athabasca falls, Wabasco, about 25 km out. Lovely site in the woods but no facilities other than electric hookups, and loos.

10 July 2011

Next day was a bit brighter, so we set off to Athabasca falls, followed by the lake, again fabulous despite showers, but it got sunny mid morning!

After the visit we headed back into Jasper, its population quadruples in summer. Lots of restaurants and souvenir shops etc. Prior to heading into town we had booked into another site called Wapiti, which was only a few clicks outside town. We ended up having a pitch on the winter site which is like a glorified car park.


Small and large vans!





A Small RV from Texas!



However that said we were out in the open with spectacular views of the mountains and the Athabasca river river running below and behind the outfit, some way below and behind it has to be said but near enough to be heard. It also ended up a beautiful evening, so we were able to have a good walk along the riverbank before dinner.

In Jasper we had a good walk around, saw the carving of a totem pole which was being made to replace one which had rotted and was due to be erected on 16 July, bought some souvenirs and popped into a bar for a cold one.

There was a band playing country music, pretty good and a nice atmosphere. One slight problem it had decided to start raining whilst we were in the bar and we had left our coats in the RV, at least it was warm.

11 July 2011

The day started bright and relatively clear so we decided to go up the cable car to the top of Whistler Mountain, which gave a fantastic panorama and we actually managed to see Mount Robson. It was a few degrees colder up there and you could walk a further kilometre up a very steep path to the summit but we managed to resist the temptation, particularly as it was quite windy.

On descending the mountain we headed out to Maligne lake via Maligne canyon. We stopped at a view point which gave views over the mountains, only to find that there was a young bear rooting around in the gutter in the car park and managed to get some very good photo's of it.(Using zoom lens!)

Real Bear



Toy Bear!



Then it was on to the Maligne Canyon, which was a 20 minute circuit walk, starting off down steps for some considerable distance, but as per usual what goes down must come up and on the other side, although it appeared a shorter route it was up a dirt track.

On arriving at Maligne Lake, which was very beautiful, although we had driven through a hail storm on the way, the clouds were gathering and we decided against a 90 minute boat trip at $60 each .It took you to an island and back and we were sure it would not be able to compete with the river safari to see the bears, a few days previously.

The road to the lake has signs warning of Caribou but they were all shy!!

We did manage to get a picture of a mule deer at the side of the road as well.

13 July 2011

After a peaceful night, up about 9 ish, had breakfast and carried on. The road continued to climb with even more spectacular, higher peaks and ice fields.

We stopped at Bow Summit which is the highest point of the Parkway. A brief uphill stroll took us to the stunning views of Peyto Lake, most amazing turquoise water from the glacier which feeds it, apparently this is due to the rock flour which is created by the glaciers as they grind the rock away whilst they are moving.

We then continued down a bit toward Lake Louise where we stopped at the village for lunch and very good coffee, then continued to the camp-site which is on the way to the lake and about 1km from the village.

As we were booking in, we noticed a Furry Marmot sitting on a rock, they sit up like Meerkats! Jane got out of the van and took some lovely photos with the zoom lens there were actually 2, the lady on reception said they seem to like posing!

This is another park site but has electric hookups and showers, large but again a beautiful setting on the Bow River. The tent site is over a large bridge which you can reach after booking in, It is surrounded by an electric fence, even the Texas Gate (cattle grid to you and me) is electrified in order to keep the bears at bay no such luxury for us RV's. (Meals in a can?)



Patent Van Leveller!



As it was fairly early we set up the van, then had a long walk along the river back into the village , which has a few shops and cafés, then strolled back. After a sit in the sun, it rained then had a thunderstorm, followed by gentle rain, sun and less gentle rain, although the sun is making a valiant attempt to appear as I am writing this at 19:30. The intention is to make it to the showers before the rain and bear o'clock.

There are resident grizzly bears here and the camp-site is on their route, we have no wish for a close up bear encounter! The park people advise not to walk about singly after dark! (gives the bears more choice)

14 July 2011

We had decided to stay 2 nights here so after breakfast set off on the short drive to Lake Louise, it was a nice day so we were able to enjoy the beautiful settings and took a leisurely walk to the end of the lake and back, taking a couple of hours, followed by lunch in the café at the huge hotel there.(Lake Louise Château).

When we left the car parks were full, so visiting early was a wise move. We then decided to head towards Banff but it decided to rain heavily so we pulled off highway 1 onto the old highway 1 (Now 1A) which is very scenic and goes through Yoho National Park, it was a wise decision as we were heading into sunshine again!

Despite numerous warning signs the wildlife were being elusive again! Eventually we arrived back at Lake Louise village where we stopped for afternoon coffees then returned to the site for a quiet but cold night!

Lake Louise site is lovely but it is near to the railway and the trains do like to sound their horns! All night we wondered if it was to warn any wild life which may have wandered onto the line.

About midday we got to the Columbia Ice field and parked at the visitor centre, it was now warm and sunny. On our way we had passed a 28km continuous chain of mountains known as the “Endless Chain” everywhere are lakes and rivers!



Colombia Icefield from Visitor Centre



In the car park were a load of immaculate vintage cars including several Jaguars, that were on a rally from Montana to Calgary, although the cars were from all over the USA.



Original Icefield Bus



In the visitor centre we decided to go on the ice fields tour so booked tickets and were allocated 1.45. We had some lunch then passed the time talking to some Australians on a coach tour-the lady (from North Queensland) had never seen snow before!

At 1.45 we boarded a coach which took us a couple of miles up to the snow-coach start, where we boarded the snow-coach. As you can see from the pictures they are massive!

Top speed 12mph but very low geared and powerful. Only 23 have been made and one of them is used by the US army in Antarctica. This took us down a very steep slope, through a pool and up onto the glacier, where you dismount and have about half an hour to take pictures.

We were lucky, as that morning they had thunder storms and very low cloud, the sun was out and it was stunning. The glacier is the Athabasca which goes up into the mountains as part of a huge ice field. The biggest mountains are Athabasca and Dromedary.

You can taste the water in the many streams running on the ice, beautifully cold and pure. This is the source of the Athebasca river which had been by both of our camp-sites in Jasper.

After that amazing experience, we carried on stopping at numerous spots for photos. Every corner you turn leads to another spectacular view.

About 4pm we saw a sign for a camp-site so we pulled in. It was a Park Site, with basic facilities, the loo blocks were earth closets but they did have a concrete floor, water and waste disposal. Each pitch has a fire pit and picnic table, all set in little clearings.

You filled in your details on an envelope enclosed payment and put it in a steel box! Then attached a tear off strip to a post on the pitch! There was a volunteer host on one of the pitches who could assist, a ranger did drive around later checking!

What a setting though, on the Bow River with footpaths leading to the lakeside, with huge mountains either side! It was warm enough to sit out till about 9pm, with mossie coils keeping the inevitable at bay! Managed to get a picture of a ground squirrel (chipmunk) who came visiting, they are cute but move really fast!

15 July 2011

Next day was sunnier and warmer so we set off towards the town of Golden which is back in BC and near the Yoho Park. Golden was not up to much so we carried along the valley to Radium Hot Springs where there are several RV parks.

We booked into Radium Valley Vacation Resort, very posh! Each pitch had decking a little wooden gazebo and a gas BBQ as well as full hook up! There was also an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, gym, TV rooms and free wifi. They also had holiday homes and pitches that you can buy on a time share basis.

Our neighbours(who arrived just before us) came and introduced themselves and we spent a pleasant time with them, they were from Manitoba and had a big RV towing a Jeep! They had actually gone to Florida to buy the RV as it was much cheaper, it was a 96 model 40' (diesel 10mpg) but immaculate.

It was hot (30degrees) till quite late so after a BBQ we checked out the neighbourhood, seeing a deer and 2 fawns walking around the houses under construction, opposite our pitch, unfortunately we didn't have the camera to hand, so yet again the animals beat us.

16 July 2011

Next day was very warm so we planned a lazy day, once the laundry was done. Our neighbours kindly dropped us off in the village (about a mile uphill!) as they were going out, so we had a pleasant leisurely lunch in one of the few restaurants there, did a bit of shopping and set off back. Coming back into the park we managed to photograph a deer which was munching plants in a building plot!

At about 19:30 we decided to go for a swim and a lounge in the hot tub. Very refreshing, then returned to the RV for another barbecue as we had bought some steak whilst in the town/village.

That night there was a thunderstorm but not until late but very little rain.

The only beaver we saw!

17 July 2011

Day dawned warm and sunny, we got up and bid farewell to our friends from Manitoba, who were heading for Calgary, not long after we headed off up route 93 through Kootenay, again it is gorgeous but vast swathes of the trees have been killed by pine beetle, a massive problem in North America.



Spotted in Kootenay-broken down Land Rover!



Eventually we arrived back on Highway 1 heading to Banff, where we got into Tunnel Mountain Village 2 camp ground. It is big with a superb setting, surrounded by mountains. There is a bus to town which stops on the site as well as a couple of shops and a restaurant at the end of the site, which we may try.

The locals are very friendly (marmots), there are loads and they are not bothered by the campers! I saw one lady with 6 around her but she was feeding them peanuts despite this practise being discouraged! They all disappeared as it cooled off so perhaps they like the sun!



Welcome to Banff-got any food?





Close up!





Banff Campground(Tunnel Mountain)What a beautiful setting! We woke up to this!





Banff Town




Two extremes of canadian RVs!!!



There are bears and wolves in the park according to the warning signs! However there were also warning signs all the way from Radium Hot Springs to Banff about all sorts of wild animals, to be fare we did spot one deer as we went by, so we wont be holding our breath!

18 July 2011

Had a thunderstorm in the night, not bad, plus the ever present hooting trains! After breakfast we drove down into Banff and managed to get a space in RV parking area.

Banff is a pretty town full of designer shops and restaurants. So it was a walk around and a bit of retail therapy! Slight problem to begin with in getting cash from an ATM in a shop, but once we found a bank the card was accepted by their machine  without a problem.

Lunch was a buffalo burger in the Grizzly Grill, very tasty and filling, reasonably priced and good service.

After lunch some more walking and sightseeing and a visit to Safeway for some essentials. Driving back to the camp-site we saw a large deer sitting down under a tree on the front lawn of a house, it didn't appear the least bit bothered by all the traffic. Then back to the camp site for a bit of a sit in the sun, although it got cloudier and windy-another storm later? Yes there was a bit of one but it cleared later.

19 July 2011

We decided to move on so after breakfast moved off and went to Lake Minnewanka (pronounced “wonka)!!! This was very nice and a pleasant walk was had. After a coffee we moved on to Canmore which we had been told was nice.

The outskirts were all shops/hotels etc, but we had decided to look at a couple of camp-sites, the first was on the outskirts of town and did not look too bad, but we headed out to Bow Creek site, this was a bare self service site which backed on to the Trans Canada Highway so although nice, we decided to go back to the first.

This is Spring Creek Resort, where we enquired and were allocated a pitch which was at the far end, on getting there , it was very tight for the van and a bit tatty, so we went back and asked for a better one, they said it would be extra (nearly $40 a night-and no free showers!) so we asked for a refund which we got.

We then tried the municipal site which although nice is right by the highway and so noisy so we decided to head towards Calgary.

Later in the afternoon we got to the outskirts of Calgary and booked into the Calgary West Camp-site. This is a big site, on a hill overlooking the city. It has a pool, good facilities and was $30 a night, so our last nights will be here! Wi fi is also free and available to guests in a room above the reception.

The site has a bus which goes into town and back for a reasonable price. It was warm and sunny when we arrived so we had a good walk around this big site. About 6pm we could see very impressive clouds building up over Calgary and rain, lightning et!

Good photo opportunity, and about 7 we got it-torrential rain,hail, lightening and thunder which cleared after about 45 minutes!

We noticed that in the shop on the site they had several bags with a notice above saying please help yourself, this was obviously food stuff that people who were due to give their RV's back have left her for those who are to follow, not sure what they do with fresh food stuff but will cross that bridge when we come to it.

20 July 2011

Got up at a reasonable hour and decided to go to the heritage park in Calgary, a nice warm and sunny day. Trusty satnav took us to the park, about 30 minutes away.

Great place, it covers Canada from early times to the start of the second world war. Lots of transplanted buildings, real steam railway, and staff acting the part. Very interesting and informative day, and the weather was great all day! Left at 5 pm when it closed-straight into the rush hour traffic so it took a while to get back to the park. The evening was spent enjoying the sun!

21 July 2011

Last day, boo! Had a lie in as we knew Friday would be a long day. After breakfast we fired up the van and drove a few kms to nea1rby shopping mall where there was a vehicle wash, a few dollars in the machine and the RV was given a good jet wash to remove 2000kms worth of bugs and dust! ( Although the rain had helped!)

Back to the site for a lazy day , a walk then packing the gear and cleaning the RV inside.

22 July 2011

Got up reasonably early breakfast and prepared for off. Jane got chatting to the couple opposite who were pleased to take some of the food and other bits we had left, apparently they had moved their pick-up and caravan ready for relatives from the UK to use!

Then set off for Cruise Canada,after emptying the waste tanks. Again the satnav took us to the depot, about 45 minutes away. Painless handover and a taxi to the airport.

We were a bit early for check in but Calgary airport is quite pleasant, with comfy seats coffee shops etc., it was fairly quiet too.

Checked in and waited for the flight. By this time it had started to rain really heavily, with lightning risk so we ended up with a 2 hour delay as they suspended ground operations for a while.

Flight was not full so we managed to get 3 seats between the 2 of us which gave us a bit more room and we managed to get some sleep.

23 July 2011

Arrived home about 1230 as we stopped for breakfast, M6 was heaving being start of the school holidays!!

Would we go again, yes next trip will probably be to Vancouver Island, which is as big as England, then to East Canada to see that side of the country.( Possibly not in one holiday though!) Great country, really nice people and good fun!!

Hope you enjoyed our story, needless to say we took a lot more photos. Our advice is if you are considering the trip go for it!

Dave and Jane