Vancouver to Whitehorse via Vancouver Island?

[Lexx]

Mods I'm re-posting this over here. I forgot we have a Canada forum.

Getting a very late start in planning this year for our summer trip. I'm thinking of taking our 34 ft fifth wheel from Vancouver, B.C. over to Victoria on Vancouver Island via the B.C. Ferries from Tsawassen to Nanaimo.

From there we'd head north via route 19A on the east side of the island, stopping along the way as we make our way up to Campbell River.

From Campbell River we'd continue on 19 all the way up to Port Hardy, where we'd board another ferry to Prince Rupert. This is the one ferry fare that gives me pause as the fare schedule shows it will be approx $1400 for our family of 5 and the truck/trailer. Ugh! But hey, it's an adventure right?

From Prince Rupert we'd head to the interior of B.C. via highway 16 to Kitwanga. From there it's on the Yukon, where we connect with highway 1 up to Whitehorse.

We start back south along a more interior B.C. route via highway 97 to Fort Nelson, then down to Dawson Creek.

From there it's southwest on highway 97 to Prince George, 100 Mile House. We eventually hit highway 1 on the way back to Vancouver.

Here's a website with the first part of our journey:
https://www.canadream.com/trip-planner/itineraries/british-columbia/vancouver-to-whitehorse/

So has anyone done this trip? Is it even possible? I'm worried most about driving up Vancouver island. I remember going to Tofino from Nanaimo and how some of the turns were quite sharp. I'm not sure a truck pulling a 34 ft trailer would have made those turns. I don't recall height restrictions but there may have been some.

Recommendations?

Thanks.

[robatthelake]

There is also a Ferry that sails from Bellingham to Alaska!

[Sinterior]

Hi,

listen to sue.t

She knows the North better than anyone I know and lives there.

[SideHillSoup]

We booked a sailing on the New Ferry from Port Hardy to Bella Coola ( The Northern Sea Wolf) for the end of June.
We now have a truck and camper ( sold the 35’ 5th Wheel) and that Truck / Camper total length is 24’. That sailing from Port Hardy to Bella Coola cost us $827.00, one way.
Last year we did Prince Rupert / Hadia Gwaii ( round trip) with the same truck and camper and that ferry ride (s) cost us $800 total for both rides, plus an extra $110 for the cabin on the return night sailing, ferry travel is not cheap, but the scenery is to die for.
Also longer rigs including trucks with longer trailers / 5th wheels have to be backed on the ferry going between Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert, not sure about the ferry from Port Hardy to Rupert.
Saying all that it is still worth the cost in my way of thinking.
Soup.

[BFL13]

"Getting a very late start in planning this year for our summer trip. I'm thinking of taking our 34 ft fifth wheel from Vancouver, B.C. over to Victoria on Vancouver Island via the B.C. Ferries from Tsawassen to Nanaimo"

Victoria is south of Nanaimo. Not clear what you want to do.

IMO the Island north of Campbell River is not worth the bother. BTDT. You would still see what is worth seeing by crossing to Victoria first, then up to Campbell River and return to Nanaimo and go over to the Mainland to carry on from there. Save all that ferry money too.

1st of July is a holiday, be a big RV turnout that weekend. Suggest getting a reservation ASAP somewhere for that.

[sue_t]

The north end of the Cassiar is still narrow but is okay to drive. Just stay alert of oncoming traffic because RVers and semitrucks often drive down the middle. We also drive slower than the speed limit to have more time to deal with others in the middle of the highway.

This photo is from 2017. The rest of the trip is at http://yukonsights.ca/20170908_BoyaLk-Whitehorse.html

[sue_t]

Do check in on the cost of the ferry crossings with a rig that long. When we lived on Vancouver Island and ferried to the Lower Mainland with our 25' fifth wheel it cost nearly $300 per crossing. When we took the ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert we were travelling with a very short fifth wheel and it cost more than the fuel would have cost driving the Hwy 97 route in 2007. You also cannot stay in your fifth wheel to eat and cannot run propane for the whole time on the ferry.

You can see more of that trip on my website at http://yukonsights.ca/2007SeptemberMain.html
See more of the Cassiar Hwy at http://yukonsights.ca/CassiarHwy.html

The routes are fine for rigs your size. However, the ferries will be expensive. We didn't take a second trip from the Island to Prince Rupert due to the cost. It was much cheaper to drive and can be done in three days.

Fuel wasn't even an issue but we still carried extra fuel just in case. The only time we used it was when travelling in winter with a motorhome, have never used it with our fifth wheel travels.

[SideHillSoup]

There are a lot of links for locating “stuff” on Hwy 37 & 37-A, this is one of them.

A good link for Hwy 37
Soup

[SideHillSoup]

I never had any issues finding fuel on any of our trips up north. However like I said, I always fill the top 1/2 of my fuel tank and stop every 3 hrs no matter what for fuel. Fuel is available everywhere and Propane is easier to find up here than in the States ( my experience)
Fuel stops on Hwy 37 north would be Kitwanga, The Meziadin Junction General Store, Stewart, Bell II, Dease Lake, the Jct of Hwy 37 and Yukon 1 just west of Watson Lake.
On my first trip up to Whitehorse pulling my 35 ft 5th wheel I did take a 5 gal fuel jug. Lucky I had it as I gave a guy the 5 gals of diesel I had because he drove by every fuel stop on the Hwy... I only have carry two 1 gal cans now, one for the generator and one for my chainsaw.
A couple of campgrounds to checkout and that we liked were.
BC Provincial Campground ( B.C. Parks 😞

Lakelse near Terrace huge sites and lots of trees cover.

Meziadin Lake
Close to the jct of Hwy 37 & Hwy 37-A that leads into Stewart / Hyder Alaska. Wife camped here way before it was a Provincial Park, just after the road was punched through from Stewart to Meziadin.
When you travel back out from Stewart, and you Bear Glacier is infront and to the right of the vehicle look way up the mountain on the left hand side of the Hwy. You can still see what’s left of the original road that connected Stewart to the outside world. That’s the road my wife and her family used to get to Meziadin Lake or anywhere else back then. The reason the road was why up there, is because Bear Glacier went right across the valley and was that high up the mountain.

Kinaskan Lake
100 kms south of Dease Lake

Boya Lake , 150 kms north of Dease Lake

I highly recommend bug spray and a fishing license for yourself, anyone under 16 years of age doesn’t require one. You can get that license on line.
BC Fresh water finishing licence the regs are can be found on that page as well.
Carry a few rods and some light tackle, fresh water Fishing up north is spectacular. Your little guys will love it.

Enjoy your trip.
Soup.

[Sgeorge]

Can't help on anything except the Vancouver Island part of your trip. Although we are in the early stage of planning a trip to Alaska via the Alcan Hwy. We spent three weeks this past Summer on the Island and feel in love with the place. I second the suggestion to take the Wash State ferry from Anacortes to Sidney. It was one of the highlights of our trip as the ferry passes through the San Juan Islands, quite close at times, simply a gorgeous trip. We measured right at 50' and the price was $241.00, well worth the scenery going over. The drive up the island is not fast but easy with some great views.

[MDKMDK]

Lexx wrote:
Thanks for all the info Soup!

I'm seriously considering having an auxillary fuel tank installed. I figure a 50-60 gal tank will be good insurance. I've been there done that, making the mistake of not topping off. With an aux tank it's just simpler since we don't fit into all the fuel stations (low canopies are common).

Do I have to worry about gravel roads and/or lots of road debris?

I have some big Duraflap mudguards on the rear of my dually. Do I need any extra protection like a hitch mounted rock guard?

I'm going to assume my truck and trailer will get filthy. What are the best places to give my beastie a good wash?

SideHillSoup wrote:

Lexx wrote:
Love your truck/camper combo. I'd be all over that if we didn't have triplet 7 yr olds in tow lol.

Thanks for the tip about contacting BC Ferries. Excellent idea.

Have you done the run from Prince Rupert on up to Whitehorse? How are the roads during the summer?

Hmmm.....Haida Gwaii is also on my bucket list.

SideHillSoup wrote:
You should check into reservations with BC Ferries ( phone them) about the Port Hardy run up to Prince Rupert. Before you call BC Ferries get the exact measurement of you rigs total length when hooked together, you will need that. You are also over height, not to worry, as they don’t charge you for over height, they just need to know so that when you arrive there is a spot of the ferry where you will fit in height as well as length.
If you don’t have a reservation you will be on standby. At with your rig length you may miss a couple of sailings, or days.
I did Hadia Gwaii last summer from Rupert with reservations so we had no issue, however there were rigs waiting on standby who didn’t get on. Most people want the day time sailing however I think during the summer the South to North sailings are all during the day. However on the ferry run I was on they have night and day sailings, and the night time are not as full as the day time ( on the route I was on anyways) summer time is prime time so don’t waste time call BC Ferries quick like.
Enjoy the ride.
My truck and camper are on the right of the picture

Soup.
PM me is you would like more info

My wife was raised in Stewart BC ( next door to Hyder Alaska) plus Uncle lived in Whitehorse after he help build the Alaska Hwy during WWII ( he was a Canuck)
Yes I have driven both routes north to Whitehorse other than. With Alaska Marine Hwy. The last trip to Whitehorse was with my 35 ft 5th Wheel, no issues what so ever, besides Bison Caribou, Moose and bears on the hwy. However, watch for pot holes and frost heaves, take your time if you see uneven pavement in front of you. Also if you see vehicles lined up behind you, and it is safe roads I front of you, slow down and put on your right signal light showing faster drivers it is safe to pass you.
Traveling up north is a whole different life than anything down south.
Make sure you have food, drink and supplies for a couple days dry camping. Always fill the top 1/2 of your fuel tank. Meaning when you get close to 1/2 tank of fuel, fill up. As a rule in the mountains I never travel more than 3 hrs with out stopping for fuel etc... Hwy 37 fuel stops are farther apart that down south, so if you see one fill up and ask what’s there to see around here. It’s amazing the info that you can get while talking with the people in theses small out of the way fuel stops.
Lots of great stops long Hwy 37/ 37-A .... you need at least a 4 days if not a week for that section of Hwy... unless your in a hurry.
Soup.

There may be sections of road that are under construction and could be gravel, or in some places we saw in 2016, dirt and mud. There will usually be pilot vehicles to escort you through the work zones but don't try to keep up with their pickup trucks if you don't feel comfortable doing so. After quitting time you may be your own pilot car. We were a few times. Go slow 4 way flashers on for safety.
Why not just carry a couple of 5 gallon diesel cans? I might carry one with me which would give me an extra 60 miles of travel. 2 Would give you almost 100 miles which would be a good cushion.
I wouldn't bother with extra stone protection, just slow down and your current setup will work fine.
Car wash? Pray for rain. :B

[Lexx]

Thanks for all the info Soup!

I'm seriously considering having an auxillary fuel tank installed. I figure a 50-60 gal tank will be good insurance. I've been there done that, making the mistake of not topping off. With an aux tank it's just simpler since we don't fit into all the fuel stations (low canopies are common).

Do I have to worry about gravel roads and/or lots of road debris?

I have some big Duraflap mudguards on the rear of my dually. Do I need any extra protection like a hitch mounted rock guard?

I'm going to assume my truck and trailer will get filthy. What are the best places to give my beastie a good wash?

SideHillSoup wrote:

Lexx wrote:
Love your truck/camper combo. I'd be all over that if we didn't have triplet 7 yr olds in tow lol.

Thanks for the tip about contacting BC Ferries. Excellent idea.

Have you done the run from Prince Rupert on up to Whitehorse? How are the roads during the summer?

Hmmm.....Haida Gwaii is also on my bucket list.

SideHillSoup wrote:
You should check into reservations with BC Ferries ( phone them) about the Port Hardy run up to Prince Rupert. Before you call BC Ferries get the exact measurement of you rigs total length when hooked together, you will need that. You are also over height, not to worry, as they don’t charge you for over height, they just need to know so that when you arrive there is a spot of the ferry where you will fit in height as well as length.
If you don’t have a reservation you will be on standby. At with your rig length you may miss a couple of sailings, or days.
I did Hadia Gwaii last summer from Rupert with reservations so we had no issue, however there were rigs waiting on standby who didn’t get on. Most people want the day time sailing however I think during the summer the South to North sailings are all during the day. However on the ferry run I was on they have night and day sailings, and the night time are not as full as the day time ( on the route I was on anyways) summer time is prime time so don’t waste time call BC Ferries quick like.
Enjoy the ride.
My truck and camper are on the right of the picture

Soup.
PM me is you would like more info

My wife was raised in Stewart BC ( next door to Hyder Alaska) plus Uncle lived in Whitehorse after he help build the Alaska Hwy during WWII ( he was a Canuck)
Yes I have driven both routes north to Whitehorse other than. With Alaska Marine Hwy. The last trip to Whitehorse was with my 35 ft 5th Wheel, no issues what so ever, besides Bison Caribou, Moose and bears on the hwy. However, watch for pot holes and frost heaves, take your time if you see uneven pavement in front of you. Also if you see vehicles lined up behind you, and it is safe roads I front of you, slow down and put on your right signal light showing faster drivers it is safe to pass you.
Traveling up north is a whole different life than anything down south.
Make sure you have food, drink and supplies for a couple days dry camping. Always fill the top 1/2 of your fuel tank. Meaning when you get close to 1/2 tank of fuel, fill up. As a rule in the mountains I never travel more than 3 hrs with out stopping for fuel etc... Hwy 37 fuel stops are farther apart that down south, so if you see one fill up and ask what’s there to see around here. It’s amazing the info that you can get while talking with the people in theses small out of the way fuel stops.
Lots of great stops long Hwy 37/ 37-A .... you need at least a 4 days if not a week for that section of Hwy... unless your in a hurry.
Soup.

[SideHillSoup]

Lexx wrote:
Love your truck/camper combo. I'd be all over that if we didn't have triplet 7 yr olds in tow lol.

Thanks for the tip about contacting BC Ferries. Excellent idea.

Have you done the run from Prince Rupert on up to Whitehorse? How are the roads during the summer?

Hmmm.....Haida Gwaii is also on my bucket list.

SideHillSoup wrote:
You should check into reservations with BC Ferries ( phone them) about the Port Hardy run up to Prince Rupert. Before you call BC Ferries get the exact measurement of you rigs total length when hooked together, you will need that. You are also over height, not to worry, as they don’t charge you for over height, they just need to know so that when you arrive there is a spot of the ferry where you will fit in height as well as length.
If you don’t have a reservation you will be on standby. At with your rig length you may miss a couple of sailings, or days.
I did Hadia Gwaii last summer from Rupert with reservations so we had no issue, however there were rigs waiting on standby who didn’t get on. Most people want the day time sailing however I think during the summer the South to North sailings are all during the day. However on the ferry run I was on they have night and day sailings, and the night time are not as full as the day time ( on the route I was on anyways) summer time is prime time so don’t waste time call BC Ferries quick like.
Enjoy the ride.
My truck and camper are on the right of the picture

Soup.
PM me is you would like more info

My wife was raised in Stewart BC ( next door to Hyder Alaska) plus Uncle lived in Whitehorse after he help build the Alaska Hwy during WWII ( he was a Canuck)
Yes I have driven both routes north to Whitehorse other than. With Alaska Marine Hwy. The last trip to Whitehorse was with my 35 ft 5th Wheel, no issues what so ever, besides Bison Caribou, Moose and bears on the hwy. However, watch for pot holes and frost heaves, take your time if you see uneven pavement in front of you. Also if you see vehicles lined up behind you, and it is safe roads I front of you, slow down and put on your right signal light showing faster drivers it is safe to pass you.
Traveling up north is a whole different life than anything down south.
Make sure you have food, drink and supplies for a couple days dry camping. Always fill the top 1/2 of your fuel tank. Meaning when you get close to 1/2 tank of fuel, fill up. As a rule in the mountains I never travel more than 3 hrs with out stopping for fuel etc... Hwy 37 fuel stops are farther apart that down south, so if you see one fill up and ask what’s there to see around here. It’s amazing the info that you can get while talking with the people in theses small out of the way fuel stops.
Lots of great stops long Hwy 37/ 37-A .... you need at least a 4 days if not a week for that section of Hwy... unless your in a hurry.
Soup.

[Lexx]

romore wrote:
I suggest 19A to Campbell River, it is much more scenic than the newer highway but be prepared to stop and enjoy the views. You also might want to consider Washington State ferries from Anacortes to Sidney, I believe it is somewhat cheaper than the BC route and is a beautiful trip through the gulf islands.

Excellent tip. Thank you!

[romore]

I suggest 19A to Campbell River, it is much more scenic than the newer highway but be prepared to stop and enjoy the views. You also might want to consider Washington State ferries from Anacortes to Sidney, I believe it is somewhat cheaper than the BC route and is a beautiful trip through the gulf islands.