British Columbia/Alberta Trip

[Truvelo]

I've come back from Western Canada where I've managed to grab some pictures when the weather co-operated. As in previous trips I've made to North America recently I stick to twisty mountain roads rather than clinch freeways.

Route 3 east of Osoyoos. Click on image to enlarge.


Route 3 near Rock Creek. This to me is a classic Rockies scene with rugged hills dotted with pine trees and the hairpin bends as the road snakes its way up the hill. No amount of 500ft wide freeway and 5-level stacks can compete with this. Click on image to enlarge.


Trans Canada Route 1 west of Banff with 4-laning in progress. Quite what the bridge is for is unclear as there doesn't seem to be an existing one.


Route 1 again and the weather was like this all the time with low cloud spoiling the view although on this occasion it makes the rock more dramatic.

[agentsteel53]

the bridge is an animal overcrossing.  they fence off the highway and build bridges regularly, hoping to reduce the frequency of animal/vehicle interactions.

[xonhulu]

That is some stunningly beautiful scenery.  I've got to get back to western Canada on a trip soon.

[hm insulators]

Gorgeous pictures, James! I've always wanted to go to Canada.

[Truvelo]

Here's some more pictures. By the way Jim, I half expected to see you at the Albuquerque show last weekend.

This runaway lane looks dodgy to me. What happens if an out of control vehicle needs to use the runaway lane when there's oncoming traffic?


Creston, BC is an example of many towns on route 3. The main street is full of fast food joints and gas stations. You pay through the nose for gas in these places. If you have enough gas left it's best to wait until you cross into Alberta where it's cheaper.


A much quieter part of route 3. Out of the towns the traffic disappears and you're able to boot it without getting stuck being a procession of slow traffic.


The divided highway will not end in 2km when the widening works in the distance are finished.