In the previous edition of the Travel-Mor Trailer Sales Ottawa RV Blog, we covered Part 1 of the Big Western Canada RV Road Trip. If you haven’t read that, we suggest you start with Part One and come back here for part two.
Where did we leave off? Why, Jasper, of course!
In the previous installment, we got you as far as Banff and Lake Louise in the stunning Canadian Rockies. Today we’ll continue that journey from Jasper, making our way through western Alberta and into beautiful British Columbia.
How much time are you spending out here?
How much time have you got?!
Really, it’s all up to you. You could spend several days at each of these destinations, or as little as an RV overnight. Just depends on how long you can stay out west and when you need start making your way back east to be at home in Ottawa or elsewhere.
Once you’re done in Banff or Lake Louise, it’s not a long drive up in your RV or trailer up to Jasper – but it’s a beautiful one. Plan for about four hours. Or make it a longer, leisurely drive with stops for scenery and relaxation. The drive takes you through Banff and Yoho national parks, continuing through the Rocky Mountains past several mammoth peaks before arriving into Jasper.
Home of Jasper National Park, this is a spectacular area for hiking, kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, golf, wildlife viewing, and much more. The photo ops here are great, really on par with Banff and Lake Louise. You’ve also got spa and dining options that are practically limitless.
Even in mountainous areas like these, you’ve got plenty of options for RV parks. Just be sure to plan ahead, reserve well in advance for peak times, and scope out your route and local activities for maximum comfort and enjoyment.
From Jasper to Mount Robson, then into BC for Kamloops & the Okanagan
After leaving Jasper, you’re in your RV and heading in the direction of beautiful British Columbia. Your first stop in BC can be Mount Robson Provincial Park, where, along with Wells Gray park, you can experience some of finest outdoor life in all of western Canada. It’s a vast wilderness of old growth inland rainforest and snow-capped mountains, glaciers and amazing scenery. Unlike some of the world-famous sites like Banff and Jasper, however, you’ll encounter far fewer crowds around these parts. Wildlife viewing around Mount Robson & Wells Gray is second to none, while outdoor activities such as kayaking, rafting and cross-country skiing are also a feature.
From Mount Robson area it’s about a four-hour drive down to Kamloops, and another two hours on to Kelowna and the Okanagan valley. These areas offer superb scenery along with golf, wineries, dining and recreation options galore. Again, the only limits here are your time-frame and budget. It’s a part of BC and Canada that’s so amazing, many have chose to move here for work or retirement. Spend a day or two or more with your RV here, and find out why!
Vancouver, Victoria & Vancouver Island
From the Okanagan, it’s about four more hours to reach the Vancouver area. Plan ahead and avoid arriving into Vancouver at rush hour, as local traffic is notorious for its challenges. You may want to park your RV and use public transportation to get around the city. With its rich multiculturalism and urban sophistication, Vancouver is truly a world-class city. Name the cuisine and you’ll be able to find it – with Chinese, sushi and seafood being among the most famous culinary offerings. The SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus will get you around town to many of the sights, including Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island, UBC & the Museum of Anthropology, False Creek, Spanish Banks, Kitsilano, English Bay and much more. Vancouver has some of the finest shopping, spa, dining and urban recreation options in all of North America, so plan accordingly and spent 2-3 days here – even if your primary goal of going out west was to see spectacular nature (as a city, Vancouver offers that too, with stunning views and picture-postcard atmosphere).
The provincial capital and British heritage city of Victoria is just across the strait from Vancouver, and there is no land connecting it with the mainland. It’s all part of Vancouver Island, and to get there you’ll need to take a ferry. A bit of planning can make this a fairly simple and straightforward journey with your RV or trailer. Ferries run from multiple mainland ports to Nanaimo, Victoria and other Vancouver Island destinations. The fabulous Butchart Gardens are a must-see, just outside of Victoria proper. The city is quaint with English architecture and a breathtaking waterfront (highlighted by the provincial legislature building and the Fairmont Empress hotel). It’s a little quieter here than in Vancouver, but the dining and recreation can be just as good. How far up the island you want to go again will be determined by time and budget. Tofino and the west coast offer stunning, rugged coastal scenery, and RV options here are available. You’ve come this far, after all, so make sure you see and experience the beautiful Pacific Ocean!
Planning and Preparation for Your Big Road Trip
Heading out on a big RV adventure? Looking to stick a little closer to home? Not sure where you want to go or how you want to get there? You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent an RV or trailer, or need service for your vehicle before heading out onto the open road, we’re here to help. At Travel-Mor Trailer Sales in Ottawa, our staff love helping clients with a vast array of RV needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
