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Conference kaosws::canada

Title:True North Strong & Free
Notice:Introduction in Note 535, For Sale/Wanted in 524
Moderator:POLAR::RICHARDSON
Created:Fri Jun 19 1987
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1040
Total number of notes:13668

139.0. "From Calgary to Vancouver" by SUOSW3::HUBER (Bernd Huber Stuttgart, West-Germany) Wed Dec 07 1988 02:18

From 21th February to 10th March I will make a trip with three friends from
Calgary to Vancouver.
I have some questions and perhaps you can give me some answers or any other
advice.

- What's the weather like during this time?
- Should we rent a 4WD?
- Is it possible to visit a game of the NHL in Calgary or Vancouver or in
  another town on the way to Vancouver?
- Should we take highway #1 or #3? (Winter conditions on the roads?)
- Can you recommend a place for downhill skiing and is it possible to lend any
  equipment there?
- Near Banff there are some hotsprings. Are the outdoor pools open in winter?
- Are there any hotel which you can recommend? I know Best Western, are they
  also in Canada?
- Where can we see a sled dog race?

These are only some of our questions. Perhaps you can help us, that would be
great.
Many greetings from Germany to Canada

Bernd
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
139.1There are no Brass Monkeys in ALTA in the WinterTRCO01::RBOUCHERNothing human is of serious concern...PlatoThu Dec 08 1988 10:0253
>- What's the weather like during this time?
    Very cool in Calgary (-5 to -20 c), unless of course there is a chinook. 
    Then the temperature can reach 15 degrees (c). In any case, dress warmly
    in calgary. Vancoucer can be cool but at least no snow.
    
>- Should we rent a 4WD?  
    You really don't need it if you stay on the main highways. If you can
    get one for no extra charge then go for it. I've travelled the Rockies
    in the dead of winter in minus 40 weather in a 1969 Ford (rust bucket)
    LTD wagon and survived.

>- Is it possible to visit a game of the NHL in Calgary or Vancouver or in
  another town on the way to Vancouver? 
Anything is possible with money.
    
>- Should we take highway #1 or #3? (Winter conditions on the roads?)
    I don't recall these numbers. Usually the TransCanada Highway is the 
    best route.
        
>- Can you recommend a place for downhill skiing and is it possible to lend any
>  equipment there?
All major hills will rent equipment. I like Lake Louise & Banff. Rentals
    costs about $20-35. Ski tow is about $20-30.
    
>    - Near Banff there are some hotsprings. Are the outdoor pools 
>    open in winter?
Some are. Depends on the hotels. 

>        - Are there any hotel which you can recommend? I know Best
>    Western, are they also in Canada?
    Best Western is in Canada. Call BW for a list in Alberta & BC. One place
    I can recommend in YOHO National Park is Emerald Lake Lodge near
    Field BC. It's absolutely gorgeous. It's also quiet (not a tourist
    trap), great food, beautifull rooms, etc... its a five star lodge.
    Close to all major winter activities. It might be a bit expensive
    (like all hotels during the peak season). Book early. price is about
    $100-175 a night. I spent my honeymoon there.
    
>    - Where can we see a sled dog race?
    I don't know, but again Emerald lake lodge has dog sled rides for about
    $25 per person. The government tourist offices can help you.

These are only some of our questions. Perhaps you can help us, that would be
great.
Many greetings from Germany to Canada

    I suggest you write the Alberta & British Columbia Tourist offices.
    They would probably have offices in Germany. Once you have arrived,
    there are dozens of tourist offices that can answer your questions.
    My preference would be to spend more time in the Rockies and/or
    Vancouver. Calgary (well um, not offend any Calgarians) is a bit
    blaze.
    
139.2Have fun in the Rockies!CGOA01::HARROPare ya sure this'll work?Thu Dec 08 1988 15:3712
    The TranCanada Highway is in fact Highway #1 and yes it is the best
    route.
    
    In Banff there are two natural Hotsprings.  One of them closes but
    the Upper Hotsprings stays open year round.  There is nothing better
    for your soul (or your muscles) than relaxing in the Hotsprings
    after skiing (When it gets cold you get frost on your hair but you'll
    be warm in water that is normally +37 c.
    
    I used to live in Calagry and I it has some great museums if you're
    into that.
    
139.3Vancouver is the place!CLOSUS::HOEmiracles begins with prayer...Fri Dec 09 1988 12:0911
Winter driving in the Rockies; no need for 4WD if you stay on the
highways but be sure to carry chains, extra food and warm
clothing.

Some one mentioned Chinook winds, when the Chinook blows, it can
vary the temperature by 5�C warmer. You will see one of the most
beautiful parts of the Canadian west on this trip.

cal who's_hooked_on_the_Rockies

BTW Vancouiver is a great town; it's my home town.
139.4VancouverTRCO01::SANDHUInterglactic GargleblasterWed Dec 14 1988 11:275
    Hey, somebody from Vancouver! I thought I was the only one here
    in T.O. I heading home tonight as a matter of fact.
    
    Is our traveller friend staying in Vancouver itself? I could suggest
    a lot of fine places in Vancouver to sight-see.
139.5VancouverSUOSW3::HUBERBernd Huber Stuttgart, West-GermanyThu Dec 15 1988 02:158

   re 4.: Yes we are staying for three days and it would be
          very good, if you can give us some suggestions about
          Vancouver.
          

    
139.6And then there's the train, which takes about 24 hoursCOVERT::COVERTJohn R. CovertSat Dec 24 1988 17:5411
If you're in a hurry, 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, is no longer the best way.

Right after Kamloops, the new Coquihalla Highway, 5 (old 5 is now 5A) cuts
right across the top of the Coquihalla Pass.

I made it from Jasper to Vancouver in about 8 hours, plus a stop for lunch.

Banff is about 50 km further than Jasper (though you wouldn't believe it by
looking at a map).

/john