PNW to CICO-10 via Canada

We are planning on going to Necedah from Washington, mostly through Canada. We will be heading up Highway 5 to Jasper NP to spread my parents’ ashes on their anniversary. They met for the first time there in 1936; and they were heading off to the same college that fall. Talk about fate. From Jasper we will drop down the Icefields Highway to Banff NP and then pick up Highway 1 heading east.
Is there anyone out there with experience on this route (either direction) who might have any must-do or must-stay suggestions? Or, for that matter, must-not suggestions? Also, can’t make up our minds about dropping back into the States from Manitoba into North Dakota or go on to Ontario and drop into Minnesota. Any thoughts on which way might be better?
Thanks, all.

 

So many options...
Here is a site on the border of North Dakota & Canada...

http://www.peacegarden.com/

http://binged.it/1cwKxjD

It would really depend on how much time you have? Taking Hwy 2 across Minnesota is a pretty drive but takes much longer than by interstate. Are you trying to stay off interstates?

 

The Ice fields highway is a beautiful drive with magnificent views. We did the trip from Jasper to Banff in late May and the lakes were still partially frozen and the Snow was still on the mid level peaks. Take your time and use your review mirrors as the view behind is as great as the view in front so i would allow a whole day to drive stop and enjoy the scenery

Make sure you take the tour on the snow buses its amazing to be standing on ice 1,000 foot thick that has been there for thousands of years.

Take a trip up the cable car to Whistler mounting in Jasper the views are great and the colors of the lakes amazing. Make sure you have panoramic on your camera.

There is a beautiful spot near pyramid Mountain with a lake at the base which made a wonderful reflective view for a great photograph that is displayed on my wall at home

Just be prepared for the Gas prices you may want to bring your own from the States

 

Thanks for the input, Barry & Annie. Wow, you guys did some traveling. We hope to be somewhat leisurely about it. Not so many deadlines any more.

And Mr. Ed, thanks for the Peace Garden info on the border into N.D. That makes it tempting, but the land of a thousand lakes is also tempting. As you said, too many choices.

Whatever we choose I am sure we will love.