How dangerous is it to drive from Vancouver to Calgary by mid december?

Question

I already did the trip Calgary-Vancouver but in October and it was OK but now theres probably gonna be a lot of snow ...consider this:

My car doesnt have winter tires
I have some experience driving in snow but not that much and not for that long of a trip
My car is a Pontiac Sunfire 2003

Thanks!

Answer 1

You could find the drive difficult all season tires would help. Look at the southern route takes about 2 hours longer (Highway3) Drive is about 14 hours in winter road can be closed by slides at any time check drive Bc road report check out the alternate routes like north south okanogan valley in order to go around bad roads. Detours can be hundreds of miles carry small folding shovel and kitty litter for ice in case you have problems. Slow done you will generally need to travel at 10-20kmph slower than your last trip.May want to plan on overnight stop. use DRIVEBC to see road conditions to help with this also tranacanadahighway web site gives road conditions and delays.

Answer 2

You NEED winter tires...



the trouble is that the the roads may be clear and dry on one side of the mountain and on the other it can be a full on blizzard. Very unpredictable.



Having SOME driving experience in snow means you have not experienced things like BLACK ICE that is almost invisible or really heavy snows where you can hardly see beyond your bumper.



Also you need to take appropriate clothing...warm coat, hat , gloves ... it always amazes me to see people traveling in the countryside in winter dressed as though they are in 25c summer weather.



An emergency kit of food, small shovel, candles, first aid kit , jumper cables, matches is also recommended



the drive could be a breeze or your worst nightmare....you never know.

Answer 3

With its considerable parks and somewhat equable weather maintaining conditions gentle throughout the year, Vancouver is a heaven and today, you have the opportunity to discover it with hotelbye . Vancouver is boasts a active national life. One of many places worth visited in Vancouver is Granville Island. After mainly commercial, Granville Island is currently a successful centre of task with a calm and exclusive atmosphere. Musicians and shops have transferred into turned warehouses along side houseboats, cinemas, galleries, and restaurants. The Granville Island Public Market is certainly one of the most used attractions offering good fresh fruit and veggies, seafood, and a good selection of other specialties in addition to ready-to-eat items. Perhaps not really an area, the arts link is linked to residential parts by one path and footbridges to the south, and to the Downtown peninsula (across False Creek) by ferry.

Answer 4

I agree, if you don't have much experience driving in the winter- buy yourself some winter tires. Pay attention to road reports. Slow down if the weather gets bad- always possible in the winter.

Bring your emergency stash- extra clothes/jacket with gloves, candles, flashlight, water, food, shovel, cell phone, etc.

Answer 5

ummm, you need winter tires or chains. sometimes police stop all cars b4 going into snowy mountainous paths to make SURE you got them.