2 weeks off- good road trip from vancouver?

[coaxial]

I suddenly have 2 weeks off from work, where would be a good delica road trip from vancouver? Something like this ? http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&hl=en&ge ... 8&z=6&om=0

[Green1]

2 weeks.... you could get to the east coast and back if you wanted... (though it'd be tight, I prefer to take a week down there)

[coaxial]

To the east coast and back in January I was thinking would take a full month. Partially because I turn a 10 minute drive into an hour drive if there are fun things to photograph along the way or mud around to let me use that fun 4x4 lever next to my gearshift :)

[docsavage]

Since you are doing this in the winter, there is only one side road I would recommend. I didn't want to mess up your map, but from Williams Lake there is a road called the West Fraser Road which takes you to Quesnel on the other side of the Fraser from the highway. It is all paved except for about 10 km and provides a much more relaxed and I feel scenic drive from Williams Lake to Quesnel. I use this road over Hwy 97 all the time. To get on it, turn left just past the Husky (has a big Canada flag) onto Mackenzie Ave. Follow Mackenzie Ave all the way through town (if you are hungry stop at the Gecko Tree on Mackenzie, bright yellow can't miss it, great food and tell them James sent you). The road will lead towards an industrial area where West Fraser Plywood is and a Tolko and West Fraser Sawmill. There is a turning lane onto Soda Creek road. Soda Creek roads winds precipitously along a steep valley and train tracks. Eventually it crosses the tracks then turns to gravel as you start the descent to the Fraser River. You will cross Rudy Johnson bridge at the bottom of the hill, then climb out of the valley. A few km up the hill the road fork and take the right fork to Quesnel on West Fraser Road. There may be a chance to see some California Bighrons on this route..

If it were summer, there are backroads galore, but most would not be well maintained if at all.

James

[coaxial]

interesting.. from the looks of satellite photos I could take that road all the way from Clint. I'll have to get the backroads mapbook that covers that area, I only have the SW BC one.

I have to decide where I'm going fast as the two weeks is upon me and I will likely be leaving friday or sooner. I might just go to the island.. I've never been to port hardy, tofino, etc.

or I wonder how long this would take
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&hl=en&ge ... 4&z=7&om=0

[patty]

in the summer i left from work on the thursday and got up to bella coola and back threw the city to my house by sunday night. it was good shit
the road up to bella coola would be horrifying in the winter ( i had to get some one else to drive the cliff hanging part...geuss i got some hight issues)anyways i want to do the trip you got laid out there this commin up summer, but i couldnt find how much the ferry would be.the drop down to the town of bella coola is apparently the fastest drop of altidude on a government road in all of north america.
If you do end up doing that trip i suggest you come in to bella around the same time the ferry is arriving, locals didnt seem to like outsiders when i was there,we drove 6 hours from williams lake to get there and only spent 20 min there and decided we should take off.
Real pretty

[kb&2dogs]

Keep in mind that the ferry from Port Hardy to points north only goes once a week in the Winter, appears to be Wednesday afternoon according to the BC Ferries website, so if you are coming to the island and going back via northern route, you have to plan that. Happy Trails!

[docsavage]

You can take the back roads all the way from Clinton, I'm not sure whether they are plowed or not is the real issue. Also, in winter, there are few travellers on most of the roads, and cell coverage is not available if something should happen.

Going from Bella Coola to Port Hardy will require a stopover in Bella Bella to meet the Prince Rupert Ferry. The route you chose depends on what you want to do on the trip. If you want to ski, then Highway 16 provides more opportunity with hills in 108 Mile, Quesnel, Smithers and Terrace. If you are just touring either route is nice. I would be inclined to take Hwy 16 to Rupert in the winter as the road will be better and there are more options for fuel, food, lodging, etc.

James

[rdub]

Bella Coola is fantastic ,and hopefully my pics make onto the site to prove it,my son and I went to my brothers cabin in the fall ,The Hill so it be named,is a little scetchy but low gear holds nice on the way down,it is the most beautifull ecosystem in B.C to me ,very full of wonder ,Ihope the pics make it.

[BCDelica]

Alright Bella Coola pictures, yeah! Locals are friendly, just a bit shy at first. Myself I'm second generation Norwegian, with both of my parents parents settled, in Canada, in the valley. I was in grade 1 when we moved out and we have no more direct family in the valley, just plenty of family friends. There's a road with our surname in Hagensborg. Took my son there this August, after the Caribou WVO install.

Mmmm, Delica meet idea??

[BCDelica]

Whoops, forgot to down size the picture; I'll fix that!!

That's cabin looks great, If we won the lottery we would pick one up in a second.

[rdub]

Sorry couldn't resist

[jrman]

Love the photos guys. The more the merrier! I have to live vicariously some how till I get some damn holidays!

[coaxial]

Wow it looks really nice there.. I think I'm going to save that trip for the summer. I am going to go to the island on monday and explore until I am bored. Coombs for sure to visit ccautos for a few things... sooke to visit friends, tofino as i've never been, port hardy as I've never been up north. Should be good times, whish me luck :)

[ghmorris]

If this works right....

We live in Central Ontario about three hours from Toronto. Heading out with my very significant other the middle of March (before Easter) out to see my dear old Mum in Sidney for her 90th. Hopefully, pick up a Delica from Coombs/5 star that week, then drive back on the Canadian route north of Superior arriving home about the middle of April.

Been about five years since our last vacation, so this should be fun. Last time I did the full Canadian route by road was '66. Been on the train in 1970, plus once through the northern US, but not the same.

Now we just have to make the details fit the idea!

George