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827 12 AVE SW, Calgary, Canada
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Calgary Tower
Hot Chocolate! Mmm, Mmm Good!
Cheese Buns
End of the Ice Age, the arrival of the Bow river.
Hi All, I'm thinking of going to Vancouver in early May 2009 and wondered if it is possible to fly into Calgary and then drive acrooss to Vancouver. Is this possible, how long should I allow for the trip and what are the best places to visit along the way?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Richard
Not only is it possible, but it will probably be the highlight of your entire trip!!
Calgary is an easy drive of one hour from the Rocky Mountains. Once you are in the mountains, only the constraints of time will determine how long you will visit. Banff National Park is a big and very scenic area, you could spend several days, even weeks (!!) just touring and sightseeing. The town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise are both worthwhile visiting (and staying in).
Travelling in early May through the mountains means that the weather will still be uncertain - it could be warm and almost summer-like, or it could be quite cold even to the point of snow (or even both extremes - hot and cold - over a few days!!).
From Lake Louise drive west through Yoho National Park (more scenic spots) to Golden, B.C., then on to Revelstoke.
I would recommend driving to the Okanagan (Kelowna) from Revelstoke rather than the more northerly route through Kamloops. Kelowna is on the northern end of the wine growing region in the Okanagan - and is located on the lake of the same name (Okanagan) which stretches in a north-south direction for approximately 100 kilometers. It's a pretty spot, in early May the fruit trees in the orchards should be blooming.
From Kelowna the Coquihalla Connector and the Coquihalla highway should get you to Vancouver within about 5 hours.
When visiting Canmore, you absolutely must hike and bike. Great hikes in the general area include the Lake O'Hara circuit, Fairview Mt., Wilcox Pass, Chinaman's Peak and Sentinel Pass. For biking, check out the Canmore Nordic Center (ran into a huge bear there) and the Goat Creek Trail. Lake O'Hara was pretty cool!
Although the Bow river isn’t very wide, it does contain islands. Two of the most popular are St. Georges Island, which is the home for the zoo, and Prince’s Island, which is conveniently located downtown. Almost every weekend during the summer, some event will be taking place on or near Prince’s Island. At noon during the summer it’s a popular spot for office workers from the nearby downtown core to go for a walk. On weekend’s, the pathways channel feet, blades, and wheels beside and across the island.
Address: 3rd Street West at the Bow River, Near the Eau Claire Market.
Albertan’s are justifiably proud of the beef produced in the province. And while you’d be correct in assuming that there are plenty of great steak and hamburger restaurants, it might surprise you to learn that Chinese restaurants have also gotten into the act.
Ginger beef, marinated beef deep-fried in batter and coated with a sweet and sour sauce. No it’s not authentic Chinese cooking but it is based on a northern Chinese (Schezwan) dish that is much drier and less sweet than the restaurant version. While it’s been a staple for local restaurants for decades, it surprised me to learn when some friends moved away that they couldn’t find any restaurants that served ginger beef. Even today, it is difficult, although not impossible, to find Alberta-style ginger beef outside the province.
For a quick taste, order some at a food court. Great with lemon chicken and fried rice, it’s also commonly combined with steamed vegetables and rice.
You definately need a rucksack, for the extra clothing you should take with you when hiking... Be prepared for all weathers! Even when you start from Calgary under clear blue skies, things might be different in the rockies, and when ur hiking in higher altitudes, weather changes quickly! sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen... the sun can be extremely rough on your skin in the high altitude of the rockies!
A some what hidden and lesser known gem of a drive near Calgary in Kananaskis country is Powderface Trail. This is a true back country road for much of it's length and can be subject to poor condition if it has been raining. The trail is only open from Mid June to mid October and contains many scenic vistas of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Beautiful scenic meadows and access to many lesser known hiking trails also provide quick access for the person that wants to get away from the city.
I passed very very few cars both times I have gone through the area.
Directions:
Two ways, either hwy #1 west of Calgary approximatley 40 mins take the sibbald creek exit and follow the signs or hwy 8 or hwy 22x west from the south end of Calgary to Bragg Creek then hwy 66 all the way out to the Elbow valley Campground the trail starts on the opposite side of the campground.
additions to this trip:
Hamlet of Bragg Creek : Cute artsy little town about half way to the trail.
Elbow Falls: gorgeous picnic area and scenery off hwy 66 20 mins west of Bragg creek
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