Calgary-Vancouver-Calgary at Easter + Coquihalla bypass

[Erebus]

I'm going to be driving from Calgary to Vancouver for Easter, then returning after the weekend. If anyone has anything that needs transporting in either direction, just PM me and we can figure it out.

On a different question ... the Coquihalla bypass ... anyone want to venture a guess whether it is passable?

[docsavage]

It is highly unlikely the bypass is open (high altitude), but the toll booths have been demolished so you don't need to bypass anymore.

James

[Erebus]

It is highly unlikely the bypass is open (high altitude)

I know it is a different climate, but I have to chuckle at the "high altitude". The pass it at 4000', my house in Calgary is at 3500'.

The reason I asked is that I'm pondering sleeping there, so it doesn't really need to be open so much as there be an accessible spot.

[marsgal42]

The Coquihalla bypass may be doable for Victoria Day. I wouldn't bet on it for Easter, even with Easter as late as it is this year.

...laura

[Golf Cart]

It is highly unlikely the bypass is open (high altitude)

I know it is a different climate, but I have to chuckle at the "high altitude". The pass it at 4000', my house in Calgary is at 3500'.

The reason I asked is that I'm pondering sleeping there, so it doesn't really need to be open so much as there be an accessible spot.

Erebus,

Try this webcam link. Its the Coq right around where you want to stop over night.

http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/p ... w/161.html

Oya, I had to chuckle at the altitude thing, but try tootling around at sea level for a spell, then take a long run at the hill to the summit. And dont forget to swallow on the way down this side.

[docsavage]

Well it is high altitude relative to the rest of the road to Vancouver. I was just suggesting that there would be lots of snow off the highway so getting a quiet spot away from the road is difficult. If you wanted to take the Fraser Canyon, there is a very nice spot to stop just south of Ashcroft. You turn up the Venables Valley Road. I go up to the top and there is a little trail off to the side and some flattish spots to park. The view is out over the Thompson Valley. The Fraser Canyon is more likely to offer exploration off the highway at this time of year. You could get there from Merritt which is a nice drive to Spences Bridge. Those routes beat the Coq for scenery but take a bit more time.

James

Who used to live in the highest (altitude wise that is) town east of the Rockies.

[TardisDeli]

Hey Fred, Snow everywhere, we had a recent snow fall a week or so ago, down to 500 feet, so all the back roads are bad, this sunshine makes it worse as now it warms up the surface in the day which drips down the snow pilies on the side of the road and then freezes into the ground. Even Delicat had to give up 2 weeks ago above Chilliwack (he rescued a big pickup truck).

Yesterday the TardisDeli drove into the Silver Skagit Road (dead South of Hope, and only got to 900 feet altitude on wide flat sunny road before needing to turn back (we helped tow out a huge redneck pickup truck that did get totally stuck). Even the caterpillar plowing the road gave up, It's not the depth its the icy underneath. This area is the same climate zone as coquihalla as it is past the coastal area.

Stick to main roads. When even cigarette & beer powered pickup trucks need rescue by JDM's ya know it aint good. When the roads are bad the big trucks take the Fraser Canyon. Traffic on am730 or am1130 radio are excellent traffic reports, they also are on the internet, www.am730traffic.com or www.news1130.com. The highways cams http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/p ... index.html

In fact, we may need to change our campspot this weekend, so we might just meet you up the Fraser Canyon or the coquihalla or okanagon (David Delicat's desire), as we can't go far off-road so may as well go somewhere new.

We will keep in touch with you. Are you leaving town on Thursday at noon, or??

Who else lives along the Highway 1 in case Fred Erebus needs to stop off?

Christine.

[Green1]

there are several spots you could camp at the east end of the bypass without going through far enough for it to get nasty, probably still do-able. (though I'd recommend continuing via highway and not via the bypass)

[Erebus]

The highways cams http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/p ... index.html

Shoulda thot of that one myself, I even have the site bookmarked. The Cok road itself looks fine, but certainly snowbanks.

Are you leaving town on Thursday at noon, or??

Who else lives along the Highway 1 in case Fred Erebus needs to stop off?

Yup, leaving Thurs noonish, straight from work. Last year we left at 3:30, had leisurely dinner in Canmore and spent the night in Revelstoke. So leaving 3 hours earlier, and skipping a 2 hour dinner, should be able to get to Kamloops for sleeping.

For accommodations, any flat spot works. My cell will be on, so I should be reachable Thursday and Fri. I won't have to make the Hwy 1 vs Coquihalla decision until Kamloops, which I'm guessing will be Friday morning.