jsl said:
We're heading up next Wednesday. First stop: Leavenworth Wa. Now, Jim (says) has finally mapped out our route, but hasn't really chosen any places to camp....and I really hate sleeping along the road. We have most of our spots chosen for the USA, but Canada is something uncharted. We'll be going through the Western provinces that border Washington, Idaho and Montana. Gotta visit Lambly Lake for sure.
So, any suggestions?
Sue
Hello Sue and Jim,
I am so glad to learn that you will be touring through Western Canada. Please do not sleep on the road! Been there, done that, and don't recommend it.
It sounds like you have your itinerary set and are more interested in campground selection. Here are some suggestions for you (I tried but couldn't stick to supplying the campground suggestions that you are seeking. Well, actually, I strayed considerably but I just couldn't help but mention some of Canada's jewels):
-Vancouver Island: it is probably getting close to 10 years since I last took a holiday trailer on the ferry to the island. It was a pretty pricey ferry trip back then, but it is still wonderful to do and I highly recommend going to the island. Victoria is a picturesque and lovely place to visit (and [sigh] dream of never leaving). Bouchart Gardens is a beautiful (not to mention highly romantic
) place to visit. Some visitors take all day to tour through the gardens while others may only take a couple of hours. Tofino gets mixed reviews - some love the white sandy beach while others aren't overly impressed (especially after the long and very slow 'n winding drive to get there). I personally haven't made it Tofino, so I can't say. Campbell River draws many a fishing enthusiast, but unfortunately I found the locals were outright unpleasant to the tourists. I have since heard of improvements in this area as tourism is very important to their economy - I sure hope that is the case. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is north of Nanaimo and is quite a nice campground but the walking trails aren't extensive.
-Vancouver: if you feel like venturing into the city, consider taking in Stanley Park (day park) and Granville Island (shopping/markets)
-Okanagan/Shuswap: it has been some years since I have been to these areas so I can't recommend a particular campground, but I can tell you that this is an enjoyable area to go to.
-Kootenays: Moyie Lake Provincial Park is a nice campground to stay at for a night or two but some people feel there isn't a lot to do in the way of tourism. Personally, I enjoy staying there for the nicely treed sites and kayaking on the lake - yes, there are a few lakeside campsites but not many. You mentioned making a stop at Leavenworth so I'll just mention that Kimberley has a similar German flair as Leavenworth but on a smaller scale - from what I've been told (I haven't been to Leavenworth myself so I am relying on others assessment of it).
-Banff, Alberta: visiting the majestic Canadian Rockies is a must do. Tunnel Mountain Village 1 Campground is my personal favourite place to camp (this is a non-serviced campground with shower facilities but if you want water/power there are other campgrounds near Banff to choose from - but be forewarned they are closer to your open RV parking lot style of campsites). I personally like the Village 1 Campground because it has the most shade/privacy. These campgrounds are very close to the town of Banff itself (within walking distance if you prefer). There is plenty to see and do in/near Banff. It is well worth spending extra time at Banff.
-Jasper, Alberta: Whistlers National Park Campground is my personal preference when camping near Jasper. Jasper itself is an easy day drive from Banff with stunning views along the way. The town of Jasper is smaller than Banff and offers a slower and more relaxed pace. Enjoy height defying activities? Jasper Glacier Skywalk is a newly added attraction. I haven't seen it as yet (and likely will never tackle it as my legs start trembling at the idea of being waaaayyyy up off the ground) but based on the advertising I've seen the view ought to be spectacular.
Note: National park pass charges apply to both Banff and Jasper (available daily or annually). On weekends the campgrounds in Banff and Jasper often fill up, so reservations may be required depending on the timing of your visit.
-Does a little bit of good ole Alberta cowboy culture appeal to you? If so, you may want to check out the Calgary Stampede running from July 4 to 13. Tickets for the featured rodeo events should be purchased in advance (warning: I'm not sure how feasible this is as many of the rodeo events often sell out early). There are several campgrounds around Calgary but I am not able to recommend any as I haven't visited them myself. Also, Spruce Meadows (near Calgary) showcases world class equestrian events (primarily jumping and dressage). They host the Pan American event from July 10-13 - so it's possible to take in the Calgary Stampede and Spruce Meadows at the same time. Ordinarily I don't mix the Stampede/Spruce Meadows with camping, but I mention these two events in case they interest you.
Travel advisories: recently parts of southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba have experienced extensive flooding. Travel is not recommended in these areas at this time.
I hope this has been of some help to you and that you enjoy your visit to Canada. If I can help you out any further, feel free to send me a PM.
PS: much to the chagrin of this Canadian who winces when hearing the Canadian eh, I will give you a hint: there is a knack to the placement and pacing of the Canadian 'eh' . . . If it becomes catchy, PLEASE don't spread it into the USA (it is bad enough to endure it in Canada).
Also, to my fellow Canadians on the forum - HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!! . . . . and please
no it isn't Happy Canada Day eh!
