Hello
I am preparing a trip in West North America.
I would start in Vancouver, take the ferry in Port Hardy till Bella Coola, then go till William lake. Is that route gravel or asphalt ?
Then I would like to go From Jasper till Canmore. First from William Lake I get 2 ways. Or I go straight by the road 5, or I make a big tour, Mackenzie, Grande Prairie and Hinton. Is the scenery beautiful along that big tour, or is it hills and fields ?
From Jasper till Canmore I get 2 roads, the 93 and the 73. The 73 seems gravel road. Is one really more beautiful than the other ? Is it intersting to cycle both ? Does a bus make the junction, Jasper till Canmore, for the way back, if I do both ?
I see on the map a lot of rest areas along the roads. Does someone already use them to camp for a night ? I did that a lot in East Canada.
And I think to do the trip in June and July, would I meet a lot of flies mosquitoes and tic bugs in June ? And would it be crowdy in July in Banff ?
Thank's Pierre
I live in Duncan B.C. so i can comment on your ferry ride to Bella Coola. your ride out of Bella Coola will start with asphalt then quickly turn to gravel. The gravel road goes as far as the the little yellow man on google maps allows. If that makes sense. 50% is gravel.
I would suggest taking the ferry from Port Hardy To Prince Rupert ( Daytime sailing ). The sailing is long but beautiful. Then make your way towards Mount Robson via Prince George. Then work your way down from Jasper to Banff. It will be very busy in Banff During our summer months along with many bugs.
If you are flying out of Vancouver and you have time, i would cycle out of Banff then head south to Cranbrook. Then get on the #3 ( Crowsnest Hwy ) heading to Hope then eventually Vancouver. Its a great ride. I have done it.
There is not much towards the towns of Mackenzie, Grand Prairie and Hinton.
As for your other questions, i don't have enough knowledge to reply.
Hope this works for you. Whatever you decide to do,i wish you a safe trip and great tailwinds.
Curtis
Hello
thanks Curtis.
Well it seems I can't avoid bugs, apart coming in September. But then I would be short in time. I suppose I would have snow in October.
And to avoid the crowd, I may better do the oposite way, following first in June the road 3 which you recommand, then going to Banff, and then go Bella Coola or Prince Rupert. In Fact I am thinking to keep Prince Rupert for an other trip way to Alaska.
Please do you think it would be possible to do that way during May and June ? I am retired, so I get time and I can do it when it is convenient.
Regards Pierre
In 2014 I cycled Jasper to almost Banff, turned onto Rt 93 over Vermillion Pass and not to Radium Hot Springs continued south along Adventure Cycling Assc Great Parks North Route to Missoula, Mt. All on paced serfice. Some roads and towns quite busy in July. Bugs not an issue. Camped at Natiknal/Provincial/Private campsites. Private usually cheaper. Must use proper bear safety prep and food storage. My trip on road with plenty of climbing.
OK thank's Joe, good news about bugs.
Pierre