Across Canada: British Columbia Recap

By Deanna on June 23, 2013 • ( 0 )

Start: Vancouver, BC

End: Lake Louise, AB

Total Distance: 848km

This is a summary of my route across BC in short form for those planning a similar trip. Please click the day’s title for that day’s blog entry – or just have a look at the trip notes.

Day 1: Horseshoe Bay – Brackendale

Day 2: Brackendale – Nairn Falls

Notes: Nairn Falls provincial campground has no showers; but a lovely trail to a swimming lake and the town of Pemberton, and another trail to the waterfalls.

Day 3: Nairn Falls – Cottonwood Recreation Site

Notes: Long, hard climb today that will make all climbs to come seem easy. Carry a lot of water today and consider a water filter. Stop and walk 5 min into Lower Joffre Lakes – spectacular view. About 5 Free Recreation campgrounds once you pass Duffy Lake, no showers – but Cottonwood backs onto the Cayoosh River for washing.

Day 4: Cottonwood – Marble Canyon

Notes: Some scary 13% downhills. Pass through the town of Lillooet – all services are 1km off the main route, uphill – but you will not find any other restaurants or anything without this detour. There is a free BCHydro Campground at Seton Lake, just before town. There are no shower at Marble Canyon, but you can swim in the lake.

Day 5: Marble Canyon – Steelhead Provincial Park

Notes: Easy riding today – except for the strong cross-winds that tend to pick up around 4pm. First appearance of showers at Steelhead Provincial Park.

Day 6: Steelhead – Kamloops

Notes: Entering Kamloops, there is a bike route off the highway and bikes are not allowed on the TCH for this stretch. Come down a steep hill into the town of Kamloops. The closest campground to the center is across the Red Bridge and your first right – Silver Sage Campground – showers.

Day 7: Kamloops – Salmon Arm

Notes: You do not need to go back up that steep hill to the Trans Canada – just follow Victoria street out. Salmon River Rv Park & Motel does not advertise tenting, but they let me set up my tent in the grass. There is wifi & showers.

Day 8: Salmon Arm – Revelstoke

Notes: Sicamous is a nice place to stop for lunch. Samesun Hostel in Revelstoke was a cheap indoor place to stay.

Day 9: Revelstoke – Camper’s Haven

Notes: Going through Glacier National Park – make sure campgrounds are open for the summer if you want to avoid a 130km day. One scary tunnel coming down from Roger’s Pass – make sure your lights are ON. Camper’s Haven is in Donald, BC. The motel was just a bed in a room of an Atco trailer, and a separate, shared bathroom & kitchen. After a long day, it was great … looked like a good tenting option too.

Day 10: Camper’s – Golden

Notes: Dreamcatcher Hostel was incredible – note check-in isn’t open 12-3pm.

Day 11: Golden – Lake Louise

Notes: HI Hostel in Lake Louise is pricey at about $45/night – but Lake Louise is well worth the visit. Leave your bike at the hostel and hike up to the Lake and farther to Lake Agnes – nice half day round trip hike with lunch at the Lake Agnes Tea House.

Questions about this route? Contact me: